Town taking comments on proposed open space plan

Town Conservation Advisory Council members have scheduled a March 1 public information session to take comments on a proposed open space plan.

The session is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 10 Wamsley Place.

Officials in a press release noted the document is required under the town comprehensive plan.

“The open space plan provides a detailed assessment of the town’s natural resources and ways to encourage their preservation,” officials said.

Council members wrote the plan offers a “guide through the various voluntary land protection and financing options, and providing short-term and long-term recommendations that will contribute to the protection of the environmental and economic health of our community.”

Recommendations in the plan include:

• Establishing a park in West Hurley on 1.8 acres acquired by the West Hurley Fire District from the Onteora school district.

• Creating a connecting trail between the rail trail along U.S. Route 209 and historic district on Main Street in Old Hurley.

• Creating the Grace Macaluso Park on part of a 32-acre conservation area off Walton Lane.

• Protecting views of the Shawangunk Mountains from Wynkoop Road and Hurley Mountain Road.

• Conducting an assessment of historic features in the town for activity by both Native American and early American settlers. Included would be a review of building foundations, roadbeds, quarries and trails.

• Developing programs that encourage land owners along Hurley Mountain to manage properties in a way that conforms with state forestry practices.