MAMAKATING — The Mamakating Local Development Corporation (MLDC) recently debuted their addition to Mamakating’s trails: “TravelStorysGPS.”

The MLDC exists as a separate entity from the town to help enhance the town’s economy while preserving the goal of eco-tourism. The MLDC has been working on many exciting projects for Mamakating this summer including the revamped farmers market that occurs every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Town Hall and the Catskill Food Hub.

“TravelStorysGPS” is a free downloadable app available for Apple and Android that allows users to give themselves a self-guided tour through the available trails. Kelly Teacher, a new member of the MLDC who was appointed in April, gave the presentation on the new app and its connection to Mamakating. The MLDC has agreed to sponsor this project with help from the Bashakill Area Association, providing nature information for the app. Teacher explained that there are seven trails in Mamakating, and the MLDC has completed the first trail named “The MEEC Trail.” The first trail incorporates the Mamakating Environmental Education Center.
Teacher played a demonstration of the app for everyone at the most recent regular town board meeting, and this is also available on the TravelStorysGPS website and app.

Teacher explained that there are ten GPS points on the first trail, and the app explains what users will see, history about the trail and information about plants and animals that may be in the area. Another benefit to the app is that once users download it, they do not need cell service or Wi-Fi to access the trail.

Deputy Supervisor Eileen Rogers asked about how to access the app. Teacher responded that the app is available in the app store. Once it is downloaded, users can search “Mamakating” or they can put their location on, and the app will search nearby trails. Users can also visit www.travelstorys.com, and they can put their cell phone number in the home page to download the app onto their phone.

Teacher said that the MLDC is hoping to have the second trail in Mamakating completed by the end of the month with the goal of completing all seven trails.

Marijuana discussion
After the presentation, Town Supervisor Janet Lybolt announced that Mamakating has the option to “opt out” of New York State allowing for cannabis smoking establishments within the town.

The public hearing for the “Opt-Out of Allowing On-Site Cannabis Consumption Establishments” Local Law is set for July 20, 2021, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall and via Zoom. This law will not affect establishments that sell cannabis or similar products within the town, only the ability to smoke it on site, Lybolt said.
After the hearing, if the board votes to “opt-out,” the local law will go up for a public vote that will take place on the ballot on November 2, 2021 (Election Day).

The law is available for anyone to read on the town’s website or at the Clerk’s office in town hall.