Your Award-Winning News Source for the Upper Delaware River Valley Region Since 1975
Vol. 42 No. 26
Q
JUNE 30 - JULY 6, 2016
Q
www.riverreporter.com
Q
$1.50
Pattern for Progress Port Jervis report By ANYA TIKKA
P
CURRENTS
INSERT
ORT JERVIS, NY — At the June 27 Common Council meeting, Mayor Kelly Decker reported on the Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress report on the city, which says among other things, “The City has turned the corner.” Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress describes itself on its website as “a not-for-profit policy, planning, advocacy and research organization whose mission is to promote regional, balanced and sustainable solutions that enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley.” Among the positives in the report are Port Jervis architecture and infrastructure, transportation and accessibility, the city’s revitalization plan, waterfront park space, ability to walk from home to various destinations, its surroundings of natural beauty, the cleanliness of the town and the anchoring around the mall. The report also said profitability is good in Port Jervis. “Businesses actually do well in Port Jervis; they stay in business,” Decker reported. Among the recommendations were to expand public programming and hospitality options, hiking and biking trails, and marketing for outdoors retailing, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and restaurants. Decker explained, “They say we need more restaurants, less fast food.” Issues that need addressing are parking, perceived concerns for safety while walking around at night and unoccupied store fronts.
There’s also a need to brand the image of the city, and the suggestion put forward was, “There’s no place like Port.” The council members several times discussed the idea of further developing Port Jervis as a tourist destination. Members said businesses could be brought to the area centered on the hospitality industry, and that can bring Port Jervis much needed tax dollars and boost its economic and historical significance in Orange County. On another matter, council member Robert Ritchie reported that the Pike Plaza Mall project is moving forward, and that five persons are close to signing to move in. “I think you are going to start see things moving; this is very encouraging for Port Jervis,” he added. Another theme that often comes up in the meetings is the ongoing quest by the city and the police force to combat the drug problem. Ritchie said seven people were arrested in a June 17 police operation for marijuana possession and packing materials. “Port Jervis police is working hard to clean up the mess. If you see something say something. It will help a great deal. Prescription pill drop-offs started this weekend, too.” A drug drop-off collection container has been installed in City Hall, where drugs are accepted with no questions asked. He encouraged residents to bring all kinds of prescription drugs, including those for pets and expired prescriptions.
TRR photo by Fritz Mayer
Mountain laurel is in bloom on County Road 23 in the Town of Tusten.
The season of mountain laurel By FRITZ MAYER
R
EGION — The sides of the roads are filled with pink and white blooms as mountain laurel is blooming in the shade of the forests that cover the hills here. Mountain laurel is the state flower of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and its range runs from southern Maine to northern Florida. According to the U.S. Forest Service, this native American plant is poisonous to some animals. The service says, “The mountain laurel’s leaves, buds, flowers and fruits are poisonous and may be lethal to livestock and humans.
However, white-tailed deer, eastern cottontails, black bear, and ruffed grouse are known to utilize this species especially as winter forage or during years of food shortages.” Wikipedia also says the flower has an unusual way of spreading its pollen. “As the flower grows, the filaments of its stamens are bent and brought into tension. When an insect lands on the flower, the tension is released, catapulting the pollen forcefully onto the insect. Experiments have shown the flower capable of flinging its pollen up to 15 cm.”
SPANNING 2 STATES, 4 COUNTIES, AND A RIVER THAT UNITES US
Jazz piano at The Cooperage Grammy® nominee Fred Hersch plays for benefit
17