Controversial Amtrak Fence Plan Withdrawn

A plan that would have seen the construction of fencing that would have blocked access to the Hudson River for local residents has been withdrawn, at least for now.

According to The Daily Freeman, the NY State Department of Transportation along with reps from the railroad jointly agreed to withdraw the application so that it can be revised in conjunction with a five-year plan to improve safety. So what they're basically saying is, they reserve the right to change their minds in the future if they deem peoples safety to be at risk.

The proposed locations in both Dutchess and Columbia counties would have seen some access points untouched but others would have completely and permanently cut residents off from the river. Public outcry over the plan was swift and well organized by members of the local community.

There is a five-year plan in effect to improve safety along the local rail corridors so this topic is done for now but could resurface in the future.