Tusten comprehensive plan survey reveals a taste for the rural

TUSTEN, NY — In the process of updating its comprehensive plan, the Town of Tusten has conducted a town-wide survey and a series of community focus groups that have revealed a strong interest in preserving the area’s rural quality.

Respondents to the survey named Tusten’s small-town atmosphere most frequently as a reason to live there, followed by open space and scenery. Clean water and air and proximity to the Delaware River were also highly ranked.

Areas of dissatisfaction included zoning regulations, which were felt insufficient to protect open space and not well enough enforced to eliminate eyesores. Residents also expressed a desire for more retail shopping opportunities.

The Tusten Comprehensive Planning Committee has been meeting monthly to use the public input data to make recommendations that will result in a draft update of the town’s comprehensive plan, which will be presented for residents’ comments at a public hearing to take place this spring.

Renaissance seminar to coach contestants on presentation

LIBERTY, NY — Sullivan Renaissance will hold a seminar, “How to Present Your Project to the Judges,” at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2 in the CVI Building. The seminar focuses on how Renaissance community projects can best prepare for the judging that will take place on August 10, 11 and 12.

Seminar participants will review the guidelines and criteria for judging, discuss best practices from previous years and receive presentation tips.

Pre-registration is requested. For more information visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org or call 845/295-2445.

Farm bureau promotes bills shielding landowners from liability in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, PA — Deficiencies in current landowner liability law were among the concerns targeted by members at the recent Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s (PFB) 2007 State Legislative Conference. The farm bureau advocates passage of House Bill 13, House Bill 74 and Senate Bill 735, to protect property owners by amending Pennsylvania’s Recreational Use of Land and Water Act of 1965.

Under current law, due to joint and several liability issues, it is possible for property owners to be held financially accountable in a law suit for actions performed by others. The bill would clarify that landowners are not subject to liability for actions caused by a recreational user, regardless of whether the action occurs on their land.

Many farmers will choose to limit or exclude hunters or other outdoors enthusiasts from their property if farmers are not sure of protection from liability. Resulting problems would include deer management issues resulting from a reduction in hunting.

The proposed changes would not prevent the injured party from recovering damages from the individual who caused the injury, according to PFB president Carl T. Shaffer.

Hinchey co-sponsors wide-reaching energy reform bill

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Christopher Shays (R-CT) have reintroduced the Energy for Our Future Act (H.R. 1945), a comprehensive bipartisan energy reform bill that seeks to decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil, protect the environment, build a market for renewable energy and promote energy conservation.

The legislation would save oil by increasing corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for cars and light trucks and closing the SUV tax loophole; encourage the purchase and manufacture of hybrid vehicles; promote the use of public transportation; increase and extend energy-efficiency tax incentives to both businesses and individuals; increase funding for the research and development of biofuels, hydrogen, solar photovoltaic, and wind technologies; save taxpayer dollars by repealing tax breaks for oil companies; and restore state authority with regards to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) siting and setting CAFÉ standards.

Bonacic opposes extension of NYC filtration avoidance

ALBANY, NY — State Senator John Bonacic, along with colleagues Senator James Seward and assembly members Clifford Crouch and Peter Lopez, have announced their opposition to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to allow New York City to avoid filtering water from Catskill reservoirs for another 10 years.

The legislators said, “The EPA, whether they know it or not, is giving the City of New York a 10-year license to be a bully to the people of the Catskills.” They cited, in particular, issues relating to recreational access to DEP-owned lands as problematic, as well as the DEP’s reluctance to create adequate voids in their reservoirs.

Local officials have consistently had to battle the DEP to open up lands New York City acquires for hunting, boating, and hiking.

“I would be concerned that a 10-year grace period from the need to build a plant might prompt a relaxed attitude toward the concerns and needs of communities in the City watershed upstate,” said Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Milford).

Construction aid for libraries in Eldred and Grahamsville

REGION — Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther (D, C – Forestburgh) announced that libraries in Grahamsville and Eldred have been awarded $91,490 and $15,223 respectively in public library construction funds.

The funds will allow for construction of a 23,500-square-foot addition to the Daniel Pierce Library in Grahamsville and for general maintenance of the Sunshine Hall Free Library in Eldred. Gunther said the grant funds are from a one-time allocation of $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided by the New York State Legislature in the 2006-2007 state budget.

More public library construction grant award recipients are expected to be announced in the coming months.