Rally at the River

If you're planning to go to the riverfront rally in Germantown tomorrow, Sunday, April 22, to demonstrate your opposition to Amtrak's plan to install fences and gates that will impede access to the river, here's some information you need to know.

Because parking at Ernest R. Lasher Memorial Park, the site of the rally, is limited, people are asked to park at Palatine Park on Palatine Park Road off Route 9G. A free shuttle will transport attendees from Palatine Park to Lasher Park on the riverfront. The rally begins at noon; the first scheduled shuttle departure from Palatine Park will be at 11:30 a.m.  There will be a handicapped drop-off area at Lasher Park. Access will be provided to the boat launch during the rally, but boaters are encouraged to find alternate launch sites.

The following speakers will be participating in the event:

• Germantown supervisor Robert Beaury--"I don't believe Amtrak's proposal for Germantown is consistent with the NYS Coastal Management Program and should be stopped in its tracks."
• Assembly member Didi Barrett--"Our communities along the Hudson River have every right to expect public meetings to hear firsthand why Amtrak feels these barriers are needed and to share their perspectives and concerns about their threatened river access."
• State senator Kathy Marchione--"Amtrak's proposal would severely limit local access to the Hudson River and would undo years of tradition that allowed for regular access to this critical waterway, as well as affecting the area's scenic beauty."
• Jen Crawford, chair of the Germantown Waterfront Advisory Committee--"This proposal is not consistent with our town's goals, and it is not consistent with the state's Coastal Management Program."
• Former Germantown supervisor George Sharpe--"The main point I want to share Sunday is safety to and from the river. . . . Actually the fences and gates will hinder safety."
• Jennifer Benson, outreach coordinator for Riverkeeper--"For decades, these communities have enjoyed access to the Hudson River and held annual cleanups and restoration projects. They deserve a full opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that affect local quality of life."
• Jeff Anzevino, director of land use advocacy for Scenic Hudson--"Hungering for river access, people found places between the railroad and the river to enjoy boating, fishing, windsurfing, and iceboating. Amtrak's proposed gates and fences could prevent these activities and be inconsistent with the state policies that protect public access and prioritize water-dependent recreational uses."

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