Bramley Mountain Fire Tower State Variance Approved

September Build Looks Reasonable

DELHI - The Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower have been working for the past few years to resurrect the fire tower, decommissioned in 1970, at the mountain's summit. And construction could finally be in sight.

The group has run into several delays including the Delhi Council voting against signing liability agreements with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection - owners of the mountain property. Although Delaware County agreed to be the municipal entity to take liability responsibility the group still needs a permit from the town. 

Code Enforcement Officer Dale Downin required several variances including handicap access up the tower, an access road, permission for open stairs, and rise and run of stairs. The group had to go through the state to gain required variances. The state approved the variances last week and the group has re-submitted its permit application.

"We are hopeful we can have the tower up before the end of September," said Friends President Anne Roberti, "If we don't manage that, it will have to wait until next year, which would be very disappointing."

This goal might be within the group's grasp. According to Downin, the permit will be issued in the next few days. While there will be some administrative and operational conditions attached, Downin said, "There is nothing that would slow the process down."

Once approved, tower construction can commence. According to Roberti, the tower footers will be installed first which will take a few days and they need to be cured before other work can begin. Then, Roberti said, the tower can be installed, which will take between a week or a week and a half. "Of course, that is somewhat weather dependent too," she added. 

For more information on the group and their initiative visit bramleymountainfiretower.org.