Log in Subscribe

Claryville deals with ‘Blue Hole' situation

Isabel Braverman - Staff Writer
Posted 8/6/20

TOWN OF NEVERSINK - The Claryville swimming hole on the Neversink River has long been a summer respite for locals to take a dip. But now the popular swimming spot is swarming with people, who leave …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Claryville deals with ‘Blue Hole' situation

Posted

TOWN OF NEVERSINK - The Claryville swimming hole on the Neversink River has long been a summer respite for locals to take a dip. But now the popular swimming spot is swarming with people, who leave behind their trash and park haphazardly.

Locals are speaking out and asking town and state governments to step in and provide solutions, similar to what was done at Blue Hole, a popular tourist destination on the Rondout Creek in the Town of Denning.

In 2016 the town instituted parking regulations and tow-away zones to try to control the number of people going to Blue Hole (and leaving behind their garbage).

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection pitched in to clean up litter.

Visitors must now obtain a permit from the DEC to visit Blue Hole on weekends. The permit is free and you can apply online.

These are some of the measures that locals are asking, and the Town of Neversink will consider a resolution to ban parking on County Road 19 near the swimming hole at their town board meeting on Wednesday evening.

Claryville residents David White and Jenny Lee have seen firsthand the amount of trash being left behind and the number of cars parked on the side of the road.

They became de facto spokespeople and Lee started a survey to poll local residents if they believe the spot should be temporarily shutdown until a long-term solution may be implemented.

Of the 78 responses so far, 68 people said yes and 10 people said no. Lee will present the survey findings to the Town of Neversink.

One resident who voted yes, Anne Marie Kremer of Claryville, said, “The natural environment is being rapidly degraded and with no short term regulation of the number of visitors, control of human waste and garbage there is no other remedy until proper controls can be put in place.”

Lee and White said in addition to trash people are defecating in the woods, which could cause problems by running into the water. They suggest that the DEC provide a porta-potty and bear-proof dumpster.

They are also concerned that people are not wearing masks or social distancing, which is required in New York State.

The swimming hole was previously owned by 4H and is now owned by the DEC.

Town of Neversink Supervisor Chris Mathews said the town is making progress in addressing some of the issues at the spot, and will likely install porta-potties and signage in English and Spanish asking people to carry out what they carry in.

“It's state property and it's a state issue, the town board doesn't really have any authority,” Mathews said. “We are looking to be the conduit that would help establish communication with the state and the county and see if we could get something done.”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here