Two Mayoral Candidates Weigh In on Dock

Two of the four candidates vying to be Hudson's next mayor submitted comments to the Planning Board about Colarusso's application for a conditional use permit for its dock operations. Joe Ferris shared his letter with supporters on Tuesday night, soon after the public hearing ended. Peter Spear published his letter on Instagram yesterday. 

Gossips shares them both here--Ferris's first; then Spear's.

Dear Chair Joyner,

My name is Joseph Ferris and I live in the Fifth Ward. I'm writing because I believe our city's waterfront is at a crossroads. The waterfront is one of Hudson's greatest assets and should be a place for all who live here and visit to enjoy.

That is why I urge the Planning Board to issue a conditional use permit that makes clear what Colarusso can and cannot do.

These conditions must be in accordance with the existing waterfront development plans and ensure that truck and dock volume do not violate the more than two dozen zoning code ordinances that apply to their operations.

At the heart of these conditions is the need for a cap on truck traffic and barge operation. A permit without an annual truck trip safeguard cap is a non-starter. Without a cap, Colarusso truck volume will continue to surge. They have consistently refused to accept annual limits and refused to provide truck volume data to the Planning Board for years.

The time is now for this board to say enough is enough.

At the Planning Board's March meeting, an initial presentation was made about plans for Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, a green space whose southern edge will border the Colarusso property. This goes along with the park planned at the old Furgary Fishing Village.

As Hudson re-envisions our waterfront, connects it to the rest of the city, and provides our community with spectacular green space, it would be unimaginable to provide the dock owner (Colarusso now, and a new owner should the dock be sold) a blank check.

If the Planning Board approves a conditional use permit with strong conditions, you will help to ensure that the waterfront remains open to all. It will be a vibrant waterfront that will be truly public for generations to come.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this critical issue. I hope this Planning Board will take into consideration the worries of your neighbors and do what is best for all of Hudson.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Ferris