Cochecton

To the editor:

If the Sullivan Ccounty Democrat covered it, I missed the public comment period on the $19 million Sullivan County International Airport “terminal revitalization.” Googling it, one sees that it is state money and the project includes designing a building with better views of the outdoor Catskills and a nicer lounge for the pilots. This project is presented as a done deal just before the end of the year - with Holt Construction, contractor from Rockland County, getting the job. 

Questions:

Couldn’t a local contractor be found? What does the airport do, who does it serve, and what makes it international? The article mentions hangar leases, which appear to be leased mainly to private aviation enthusiasts?

There’s a homeless problem in this county. I like flying as much as anyone. But at least some of this pile of state money would have been better spent on affordable housing, or assistance to farmers, or families struggling with addiction, elder care. And the Skinners Falls bridge! 

I urge our state and county representatives to look into this.