Hinchey Holds Key to Public Access

The development of the Partition Street Project on the former Cantine Mill Site overlooking the spectacular waterfall on the Esopus Creek has reached a crucial turning point. The joint owners, Tom Struzzieri, founder of Horseshows in the Sun, Joe Mullen, contractor, and Congressman Maurice Hinchey wish to build a combined hotel and restaurant offering their patrons an exclusive view of this regional attraction.

Congressman Hinchey is a key link in this process. Over the years he has displayed a strong dedication to the public interest in our rural resources. This past year he championed conservation of forests in Idaho and public access to the Hudson River. In the latter effort he succeeded with the leadership of Scenic Hudson in requiring private waterfront developments in Newburgh and Kingston to provide public access to the shore of the Hudson River. Congressman Hinchey has a unique position in this development group. He carries not only the well earned prestige of his office but a record of dedication to meeting public needs for open space. He alone has the vision which could place the Partition Street Project as an outstanding example of sound planning.

In 2001, Congressman Hinchey stood proudly beside a plan showing a park along the Esopus Creek with a new town hall and library fronting Partition Street. While these two uses have been replaced by the hotel/ restaurant complex, there is no reason why the public access portion along the bluff overlooking the extraordinary waterfall and rapids below should not be retained. In fact, such a centrally located scenic overlook will increase the attraction of the hotel/restaurant facility. It would be a win/win situation for all concerned.

Let us hope that Congressman Hinchey, as a prime mover in this enterprise, will make the right decision in behalf of his constituents here at home as well as in Idaho, Newburgh and Kingston.