Rail Trail, Riverwalk move ahead

By Manor Ink Staff

Livingston Manor, NY – The Town of Rockland is proceeding on two exciting recreational and beautification projects.

At a meeting on Nov. 20 of the advisory O&W Rail Trail Committee, Supervisor Rob Eggleton and consultant Russell Budd reported that the preliminary design for the trail connecting the existing Parksville segment to the Manor is well underway, and that two of the easements needed for the extension of the trail along Pleasant Street have been obtained.

Positive conversations have been ongoing with other landowners where easements or land grants may be needed, including with Bon Yagi, developer of the proposed sake brewery and related businesses, who is supportive of the plans.

Sullivan County Director of Planning Heather Jacksy attended the meeting and reported that the county’s priorities for the Rail Trail next year are the construction of a bridge over the Neversink River which would result in a 14-mile continuous path, and working with the town on the Parksville-Manor extension.

The committee plans to hold a public information session on the Rail Trail project in February, perhaps on the day of Manor Rotary’s annual Ice Carnival.

An updated conceptual drawing was also unveiled for the Riverwalk along the Willowemoc, a significant attraction for visitors and residents. The town awaits a decision on its application for a NY Forward grant to support the project. Here, too, conversations are underway with landowners and businesses along the north side of Main Street that would be impacted by the walkway.