Kortright Hears CRC Update, Discusses Highway Trucks

BLOOMVILLE –  Todd Pascarella, executive director of the Catskill Revitalization Council, was present at Monday's Kortright Town Board meeting to update them on the status of the Catskill Scenic Trail and the Delaware and Ulster Rail Ride. Board members also discussed the need for updating the town's highway fleet.

Pascarella provided a brief update, providing board members with a slide presentation of what is going on at the CRC. Also present was Laurie Sanford, the town's representative to the CRC Board of Directors. 

Pascarella explained the DURR is 90 percent of the operations of the CRC. It is the revenue portion and they have been doing a multi-year rebuilding of the rails, with most of the money being spent on that project. The objective is to get the excursion train rides traveling again.

"We have been focusing on a couple of areas," he said. People have been concerned about the condition of the bridges along the rail trail and some have been closed at the Roxbury end of the trail. There is a multi-year plan to replace all 17 of the bridges, beginning with those in the worst condition. They intend to replace the decking on all the bridges over the next eight to 10 years. He said the snowmobile club has also done some spot repairs.

The other major focus is the vehicles using the trail and the concern to get vehicles off the trial. "Soon the snowmobile club will take over the primary maintenance and we are still working to make it known no vehicles should be on the trails. Next spring we will be back working on the trials."

The objective is to make the trails as safe as possible for bikers, hikers and horseback riders.

What is exciting is that the old turntable at Bloomville, where the train was turned around has been discovered. He said they have to quantify it, but sees it as an opportunity for more interaction  on the trail and more informative. He said it is a key piece of infrastructure that everyone thought was gone.

Those who see people using the trail should report it to the police. Gates have been placed along the scenic trail to block vehicles and keys have been handed out for emergency access.

One resident asked about access for horse carts, as some members of a local horse club who no longer ride, but would like to take their carts on the trail. Pascarella gave her his card and said access of those types and special events could be coordinated.

Residents also queried whether Bloomville will ever get a post office back. Supervisor George Haynes said the United States Postal Service has been looking at a couple of areas for a modular post office building, similar to the one at Davenport Center. "We are still back and forth," said Haynes. It is currently waiting on the response from the resident where the USPS has pinpointed it could be located. The other option is behind the town hall. Haynes said he would contact them again to determine if the town will be responsible for the installation of the utilities or if the USPS. The rent offered for the modular to be placed on town property is just $2,100 per year, which likely will not cover the cost to the town. He will also determine if a paved parking lot is needed.

One woman said it was her understanding the town hall was constructed with the idea of located the post office underneath the town hall. However, according to Haynes, it is deemed too expensive for the town for the amount the USPS is willing to pay rent. Some questioned the sincerity of the USPS and allege they are being given "lip service" with no real plan to locate a post office in the hamlet again.

In his report, Mike Cairns, sewer operations manager for LVDV, said he has switched testing companies. Although the new company is more expensive, he believes they are much more accurate and reliable.

Highway Superintendent Bill Burdick asked about getting a generator so the town crew can at least run the garage when the power is out. He said a generator with a welder would cost $6,500 with a $1,000 rebate.

Crews have been busy clearing downed trees and cleaning up from last week's damaging rain/snowstorm.

He also talked about the need to replace trucks with more reliable trucks. He discussed what remains to get the Army trucks on the road along with the purchase of a newer 10-wheeler. He will forego purchase of a trailer to step up the replacement of trucks.

Board members approved $150,000 to purchase a 10-wheeler and another $20,000 to finish what is needed to get the Army trucks on the road. Burdick said the  truck inventory is at the point where a breakdown would be critical. 

He also reported that law enforcement has made arrests in two of the road damage cases. He said road damage by individuals last August and in October resulted in felony charges. Two people have admitted to the damage and are expected to appear in court.

The case of the vandalism at the intersection of Swantak and Brownell Road is still being investigated. The stop sign was stolen  from that intersection just last weekend and he said it will be replaced soon. It is a safety issue.

The town took no action on building permit fees and short term rental regulations are tabled for the time being. The town is considering a fine for those who do not get the required permits and move ahead with construction. Currently, there are no deterrents to constructing without the proper permit. Both will be discussed at the town's organizational meeting on Jan. 1 at 10 a.m.