UpperDelaware.com - The Visioning Initiative

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For years the Upper Delaware River Valley has remained relatively untouched by the rapid development of the neighboring metropolitan areas. Now, sandwiched between two of the fastest-growing counties in the area – Orange in New York State and Pike in Pennsylvania – it is experiencing the pressures of an unprecedented surge of growth. If those who live here wish to preserve and nurture the quality of life that is the heritage of the river valley, we must act now to channel these currents of change in a constructive and positive manner.

This is a site for such people to congregate. Here you will find news, resources, organizing tools, and conversation. Welcome.

Meetings & Events

Letters, Polls & Actions
Challenge of Growth

News Alerts

Aug. 24: Washington, DC

Nov. 8: Shohola and Lackawaxen Townships, PA

Meetings and Events | Letters, Polls and Actions | News Alerts

Challenge of Growth
A poll to determine how serious people think the challenges of accelerated growth are to the river valley, and the degree to which they are willing to participate in meeting those challenges.
1 On a scale from 1 to 5: 1=trivial; 5=seismic How intensive do you expect the changes caused by rapid development to be in the river valley over the next few years? 1 2 3 4 5
2 Of the areas listed below, which do you think are the three most important to preserving the quality of life in the river valley? Conserve open spaces and protect farmland Encourage family-sustaining jobs Preserve our rural character Maintain private property rights Support businesses consistent with our rural character Educate local officials and citizens on ’safe’ planning Encourage village revitalization Have means to act on urgent local issues (e.g. power lines, casinos etc.) Encourage long-term stewardship of the land based on science Citizens partnering with and support town planning boards and officials
3 What would you be willing to do to help steer the course of the coming changes? Vote Attend meetings Join action groups Send emails Make phone calls Run for office Write letters to the editor Start a company

Meetings and Events | Letters, Polls and Actions | News Alerts

November 8, 2007
SHOHOLA AND LACKAWAXEN TOWNSHIPS, PA — A variety of toxic materials have been unearthed at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT's) former Shohola Stockpile #6. Surrounding wetlands and Shohola Creek, adjacent to the site, are feared to be affected. Click here for more information.

August 24, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC — Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer have introduced new legislation that would probably prevent construction of the NYRI power line. Click here for more information. fritzmayer@riverreporter.com

August 9, 2007
PIKE AND WAYNE COUNTIES, PA — A master plan for recreation has been proposed for Wayne and Pike counties, and funding has been made available by the state. Click here for more information.

BETHEL, NY — Bethel residents continue to protest restrictions to access to Toronto Reservoir by Woodstone Lake Estates. Click here for more information.

July 12, 2007
LACKAWAXEN AND SHOHOLA TOWNSHIPS — Lackawaxen and Shohola townships are working on a joint multi=municipal plan together. Click here for more information.

April 5, 2007
UPPER DELAWARE VALLEY — Almost all members of the public who spoke at two public hearings regarding a new plan for managing releases to the Delaware River expressed opposition to the plan. The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) sponsored the meetings at the Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center in Hawley, PA on March 27. The subject was the Flexible Flow Management Plan (FFMP) proposed by the DRBC, which may go into effect on May 31. Click here for more information.

March 29, 2007
BETHEL, NY — BETHEL, NY The developers of The Chapin Estate, the gated community of million-dollar homes surrounding the Toronto Reservoir, are pressing ahead to develop another community of upscale homes in the same neighborhood. At a meeting of the Bethel planning board on March 13, the board accepted as complete the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) from the developers. The board's acceptance, however, does not mean it has signed off on the DEIS. The board must still study the document and perform a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Click here for more information. 845/252-7414

March 22, 2007
PIKE COUNTY, PA — Pike County conservation staff can now initiate proceedings in enforcing Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control (ESPC) or the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program (NPDES) without the prior permission of the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for each case. Click here for more information.

HOTLINE: Do you know of any recent land purchases, development proposals, zoning requests, or other events related to planning that you think should be listed here? Click here to contact us or call us at 845/252-7414.

Meetings and Events | Letters, Polls and Actions | News Alerts