Tusten board still addressing flood issues

By JANET NOBLE

NARROWSBURG, NY — The Tusten town board addressed several issues related to the June 28 flooding at the town meeting on Monday, August 14. The building department reported that they have sent letters out advising residents that all fuel tanks must now be securely anchored to prevent any problems if and when the river rises again.

The highway department reported that, with the paving of 4th and 2nd Avenues in the flats, all flood-damaged roads have been repaired.

A resident living in the flats said there has been an alarming increase in the number of mosquitoes there. She remarked that the silt left behind when the river water subsided is thoroughly mosquito-ridden. Anyone trying to clean up the silt is attacked by swarms of the pests and horribly bitten, she said, and on the playground, children and pets are covered with welts. She has tried calling several authorities for advice and help, including the Sullivan County Department of Health, but to no avail. Others present remarked that the problem is not confined to the flats, asserting that there is a massive increase in mosquitoes in the Upper Delaware Valley. Supervisor Ben Johnson said the situation would be looked into.

Under other business, a plan to purchase trash receptacles for Main Street was amended. Because shop owners reported that the problem mostly involves the clearing of cigarette butts, the board will pay $530 for the purchase of five smoking urns for Main Street.

Ed Boyer, vice-chair of Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB), gave a report to the board. The UDSB consists of representatives from New York towns along Route 97; its aim is to maintain the character of the Upper Delaware Valley and improve the economy of the area. As they operate on a yearly budget of about $20,000, they rely heavily on volunteer efforts and on funds that come usually in the form of matching grants and contributions from towns located along the river. The UDSB is responsible for the signs that have been posted at intervals along Route 97 and is planning a visitors center. The board agreed to contribute $1,000 to the organization.