Central Hudson Donates Properties to Walkway Over the Hudson

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation received approval from the New York State Public Service Commission to donate property and easements to Walkway Over the Hudson to facilitate public access to the former railroad bridge from both the east and west sides of the Hudson River.

“We’re pleased to be involved in the transformation of this unique landmark, which will provide another venue to enjoy the beauty of the Hudson Valley,” said Carl E. Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Hudson. “We’re grateful that our request was approved, as this will help Walkway Over the Hudson provide many important benefits to our local communities.”

On the east side of the Hudson River in the City of Poughkeepsie, Central Hudson is donating a 50-ft.-by-50-ft. parcel at the base of a support trestle for the construction and operation of an elevator, and an easement on utility property to serve as a public pathway to the elevator. This will allow access to the elevated Walkway from the Poughkeepsie waterfront area.

On the west side of the Hudson River in the Town of Lloyd, Central Hudson is donating a 1.1-acre parcel to be used as a parking area and visitors’ center. An additional easement comprising 2.2 acres will also be granted to the Town of Lloyd to provide pedestrian access to a rail trail leading to the Walkway, as part of an agreement made with the Town related to a substation site plan approval for that parcel in 1992.

“The Public Service Commission ruled in favor of the donation, as it supports potential economic development and job growth opportunities,” said Meyer. The Public Service Commission also found, through a review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), that the new use of the parcels will not cause adverse environmental impacts; the parcels are not readily marketable and are suitable for donation; and the transfers will have a positive impact for utility customers by reducing utility property taxes.

Central Hudson requested expedited approval for the property donations to allow the project to meet construction schedules and to meet municipal requirements.

“Central Hudson and Walkway Over the Hudson have been working cooperatively to ensure construction deadlines are met while providing protection and safety of nearby utility facilities,” said Meyer.

Fred Schaeffer, Chairman of Walkway Over the Hudson said, “Walkway is extremely grateful to Central Hudson, not only for the land and easement donations, but for Central Hudson's ongoing cooperation to allow access to the bridge over Central Hudson's properties before and during construction of the Walkway. Without Central Hudson's neighborly cooperation, the Walkway would never have gotten off the ground.”

More information on Walkway Over the Hudson can be found at http://Walkway.org.

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