Noise nuisances

We read in your July 20-26, 2017 edition about the recent discussion at the Tusten Town Board meeting regarding noise complaints from the “Mysterylanders” event held at the Landers’ campground. We certainly empathize with the citizens of Narrowsburg.

We, the undersigned, live in Milanville, PA and have been dealing with the Landers’ organization for years regarding the noise that emanates from their Skinner’s Falls Campground across the river from us. Under the Town of Cochecton Law, Chapter 240 Article 5 (240-27) Supplemental Regulation, Recreational Vehicles, Campgrounds, and RV Parks clearly states in section 14: “No noxious or offensive activities or nuisances shall be permitted within any campground or RV park. Such nuisances shall include, but not be limited to excessive noise... which would cause impacts beyond the property line. [Emphasis the authors’.] Responsibility for meeting such requirements shall extend to occupants of campground or RV park campsites, as well as owners and operators.”

We feel that we are frequently subjected to violations of this law at all times of the day and night.

It is clearly stated in Landers’ promotional materials that fireworks are illegal in New York State. Still, they continue to allow their campers to shoot off all sorts of fireworks, including professional skyrockets.

We recommend to the towns of Tusten and Cochecton that they work with the National Park Service (NPS), as it, too, has responsibility for maintaining a “natural soundscape” in the river valley. NPS ordinance 4.9 Soundscape Management (http://www.nps.gov/policy/mp/policies.html#_Toc157232745) says, in part: “The Service will restore to the natural condition wherever possible those park soundscapes that have become degraded by unnatural sounds (noise), and will protect natural soundscapes from unacceptable impacts.”

We are willing to work with Landers and any other organization, town or township to resolve this situation for the benefit and protection of the Delaware River Valley. We are fortunate to live in a nationally designated and protected Wild and Scenic River area and desire to maintain it for residents and visitors alike, as well as for the wealth of wildlife that make it their home, such as the bald eagles that nest in the valley.

Katherine Glasson
Randy Harris
Bex Harvey
John Higgins
Jay Hostetler
Robert Montagnese
Paul Plumadore
Armand Prati
JJ Snyder
Jim Tindell
Lori Zambarano

Milanville, PA

We need something better than fear

I just don’t get it. Ever since Trump has come to office people are fearful. We fear for the loss of our health care, we’re fearful about immigration, fearful about our right to vote, fearful about our jobs, the environment, etc. It seems that the only thing this administration has done so far is to continue to instill more fear into all our lives.

I believe that President Trump believes he is some sort of “populist.” So I must ask what kind of populist ignores the pleas from the majority of his people pleading with their representatives to save the Affordable Care Act. Doesn’t he get how important health care is to all of us?

There is no exception to the “us.” My friend Bee, after years of living with Hepatitis C, was finally able to get treatment because of the ACA. For years I watch her crippled by her disease. There is a lot of damage left, due to the lack of care. My own mother, when her company closed, retired too early to be covered by Medicare and was left without medical insurance. When asked what her medical plan was, her response was “I have a ‘don’t get sick policy.’” Unfortunately, that lack of care also left irreparable damage.

Senator McCain (I wish him the best and a very speedy recovery) just had very expensive surgery. The cost would bankrupt most of us if we did not have insurance. I think the citizens of this country deserve to have the same kind of coverage our senators have. After all, illness and disease does not discriminate. We’re all equal subjects. We’ve got to have a better message than fear.

Lisa Bauer

Narrowsburg, NY and Key West, FL