PORT JERVIS, NY — Port Jervis residents will be without access to public swimming this summer. Mayor Kelly Decker reported West End Beach will only open for river access for boating this season, and the riverside can be used for picnics, or general enjoyment, but no swimming will be allowed. In addition, West End Beach will be renamed West End Park and Recreation Area.

In a Facebook posting, he explained the city’s reasons for the decision, which will affect many residents. The city is simply not in a position to keep the beach open due to the cost, Decker explained.

He wrote, “None of the council wanted to see the beach closed down.”

A major factor in the decision to close the beach was the insurance company’s note saying a “swim at your own risk” sign wouldn’t be enough to keep it open. “Our insurance company told us that we must put “Prohibited Swimming” signs if there are no lifeguards on duty; thus the name change. It doesn’t mean it can’t ever go back,” Decker said in response to questions from residents at the council meeting on May 26.

Decker said that lifeguard salaries, the cost of the sand that needs to be imported yearly, the ropes in the water that have to be placed and removed, and the cleanup that sometimes takes an entire crew a day made the upkeep costs of keeping the beach open too high. He referred to the city budget, which is tight, and reminded residents that city taxes have stayed the same for eight years, with no increase, and now the impact is catching up.

Kelly said the priorities are: “Programs that need to be sustained as well as salaries and benefits that continue to rise with no aid from the county, state or federal government.”

He explained that unless the city can bring more business and people in to raise more taxes, the beach could be closed for a long time, and added that the White Water Park project and hiking and biking trails in the works will bring in tourist dollars, if realized.

During public comment, landlords spoke to bring attention to a problem with some multi-family buildings and absent landlords who don’t look after their buildings or rein in tenants when complaints arise.

Among them was Ted Kowinsky, who lives near a building on Seward Street with four apartments. He said the landlord has been approached often, but takes no action.

Kowinsky said he and the neighbors, who have formed a 29-person strong neighborhood watch, will “take the next step” unless the landlord comes to the table to negotiate.

He said that the building is full of youngsters day and night who call obscenities from the porches, that there are drugs, and that the kids are a general nuisance, resulting in constant police calls. He said the police and the city have been helpful, but so far there has not been progress with the landlord.

Other landlords again raised questions about the flat sewer fees. Wayne Kidney said it was unfair to landlords who have several units. They are forced to raise rents although their tenants can’t afford the higher costs, he reported.