LONG EDDY, NY — The proposed expanded fishing access at Long Eddy is moving forward, according to sources familiar with the project. But, it will almost certainly not include parking spaces for cars with drift boat trailers. And there may be no parking at all in the parcel in question.

Members of the community have spoken loudly against the creation of a “parking lot on the river.” But there seems to be consensus that a majority of the public would like to see the parcel used to expand the river access and allow local people to enjoy the riverside spot and be able to fish from the shore.

On December 9, Heather Jacksy from the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management (DPEM) sent an email to interested parties explaining that the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) had closed on the purchase of the parcel. The closing had been stalled as the owner worked through the process of securing clear title to the land.

Jacksy wrote, “Overall, we’ve received strong support for using this property to improve the existing access. This support has come from comments made at a Fremont Town Board meeting, at four subsequent public workshops held in the hamlet in October and November, and via mail, email and conversations with community residents.

“While there is not unanimity, there does appear to be general agreement that the river access parcel [should] be open to the public; not include parking for drift boats and trailers; include a circular drive to improve access for emergency vehicles and drift boat trailers, facilitate loading and unloading, and alleviate congestion on the Town roads; incorporate a standpipe for the fire department to facilitate water withdrawal and safeguard equipment, and allow for training; provide cleared access to the banks of the river for fishing, along with seating and/or picnic tables for quiet enjoyment of the river view; and be landscaped to screen any development from the river and adjoining/nearby properties.”

Regarding parking at the facility, she said the options being explored included no parking at all, two spots only for people with disabilities, or the two disability spots plus perhaps 10 additional spots taking between 10% and 20% of the property.

As had been planned, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has secured funding to purchase the property from DHC. If it does, DEC would make the improvements and manage the property in conjunction with the National Park Service.

The email said, “The DEC would submit a draft site plan design for review with the community and other stakeholders. This plan would include the two accessible parking spaces and also provide the 10 spaces under the ‘limited parking’ scenario above. However, the DEC has noted the 10 spaces need not be developed on site if they could be provided in the hamlet within easy walking distance of the property.”

The Long Eddy Fire Department has also requested that it have the opportunity to purchase the property from DHC, and implement a plan that would not require any parking spaces.

Sue Currier, the executive director of DHC, said she is pleased with the way the project is progressing and believes the end product will be welcomed to the community by most residents.

Jacksy wrote, “Four years ago we began a river revitalization plan to help our county derive more economic benefit from our natural resources, and to improve the quality of life for our residents. In the initial meetings, hundreds of people came together to identify six priority areas. As we get closer to an improved access in Long Eddy, we are pleased that this plan has proven to be not just a plan on the shelf, but has engaged a community and is coming to fruition.”