Hearing on Port Jervis Train Track Crossing Cancelled
A Feb. 14 public hearing on creating a Metro North train track crossing in Riverside Park in Port Jervis has been cancelled, says Valerie Maginsky, executive director of Port Jervis Community Development Agency.
“Before receiving support from Metro North and NYS DOT, additional design, safety, and financial information is needed,” Maginsky said.
The possibility of a safe and legal train track crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists in Riverside Park has been discussed in Port Jervis for years, with visions ranging from a ground level crossing to a bridge with an elevator. Currently crossing is considered trespassing, making the tracks a boundary between the park and downtown, although people do cross the tracks. Physical obstacles are minimal.
“Currently blocked by simple metal farm gates, which are easily gone around, this crossing is actually a private crossing with emergency access to Port Jervis first responders,” said Maginsky, speaking at a recent Common Council presentation. “For special events, railroad personnel would open and oversee pedestrian crossings. Otherwise, walking across the tracks is a safety hazard and is actually considered to be trespassing.”
When the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative was awarded to Port Jervis last year, an at grade railroad crossing with three possible configurations, costing up to $635,000, was among 13 projects proposed to New York State for funding, Maginsky said. State officials have not yet determined which projects can go forward.
Second Ward Councilwoman Maria Mann, who has the Gun Lady shop on Front St., noted the value to businesses of additional parking access, among other benefits
The hearing was to be held by the New York State Department of Transportation in Port Jervis Council Chambers with NYS DOT Administrative Law Judge Dustin B. Howard presiding, Maginsky said. Testimony was to be provided by Mayor Dominic Cicalese, Assistant Department of Public Works Director Wayne Addy and Peter Melewski, project engineer. Metro North railroad personnel and NYS DOT staff were also scheduled to testify.
Norfolk Southern had the option of participating but deferred to Metro North. The public had been invited to provide public comments, speaking for up to three minutes each or submitting written comments. No new hearing date has been scheduled.
Maginsky provided photo simulations of each of the three options considered for the rail crossing.
“In all options, a gate is provided for occasional vehicular access—maintenance, emergencies and special events,” she said. “Otherwise, the gate is locked, as it is now.”
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