LONG EDDY — Despite deeply split opinions in the community, plans to expand the Delaware River access in Long Eddy via the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are moving ahead.

On Wednesday, Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) Executive Director Sue Currier confirmed that negotiations with the Long Eddy Fire Department to acquire the expanded access site had ended.

“We heard from the fire department this morning that they weren't interested in proceeding,” she said.

Attempts by the Democrat to obtain comment from fire department representatives were unsuccessful.

The DHC acquired a riverfront parcel along Ferry Street earlier this month, originally with the intention of reselling it to the DEC as part of a Sullivan County Division of Planning-spurred enhancement of public accesses throughout the Delaware River corridor.

But earlier public meetings about the idea had generated intense controversy in Long Eddy and the Town of Fremont, with some neighbors of the existing Ferry Street access point decrying plans for a parking area, concerned it would invite more traffic and trouble.

Even the local dental equipment factory, whose parking lot sometimes ends up being used by fishermen with driftboat trailers, warned of a potential lawsuit should the plans proceed.

DHC, DEC, and county Planning officials convened several public meetings to gauge sentiment, realizing subsequently that a parking lot at the riverside parcel was a particular sticking point.

The Long Eddy Fire Department expressed interest in acquiring the parcel from the DHC - a move supported by many at the public meetings - but that came with a host of conditions from the Conservancy to ensure public access in perpetuity. (Though whether that influenced the FD's decision not to pursue a purchase could not be definitively confirmed at press time.)

The DEC already has funds set aside to buy the property for appraised value, which could be higher or lower than the approximately $62,000 the DHC bought it for.

While the two entities work out that deal, the DEC is also expected to create its own plan for the site, which Region 3 Natural Resources Supervisor Bill Rudge previously told the Democrat will include at least one handicapped-accessible parking spot.

An email from the county Planning Division indicates up to 10 parking spaces are under consideration, but Rudge promised that public input will be solicited and taken into consideration as plans progress.

In the meantime, the DHC press release says the plan will likely include a circular drive to facilitate loading and unloading of boats along with emergency vehicle access; a standpipe for the fire department's water needs; cleared access to the riverbank for fishing, picnicking and views; and landscaping designed to screen the access from neighboring properties.

“We are very grateful to the Open Space Institute and for all of the donors who contributed to make the Long Eddy River Access a vibrant, accessible, and economically beneficial space for the community,” said Currier in the press release. “As we transition into the next phase of this project, we look forward to continuing to engage with the community in development of the site.”

“With stirring, scenic views from either bank, this section of the Delaware River is an amazing natural resource that now will be more accessible to fishermen, kayakers, boaters and others,” said Christopher Mahoney, head of OSI's Land Grants Program. “This project exemplifies OSI's decades-long commitment to improving public access. OSI congratulates the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for their hard work and determination in protecting the property.”

“Congratulations to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy on conserving this property on the Delaware River that will help people access this outstanding resource,” said Martin Brand, DEC Regional Director. “We look forward to working with the Conservancy, the community of Long Eddy and a variety of stakeholders to increase public access to the river and enhance the public's enjoyment of the outdoors while helping the local economy, all which are a main focus of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative.”