Cuts Loom Over Hudson Greenway Orgs

From the Poughkeepsie Journal: “Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, R-Red Hook, is concerned about Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to eliminate the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and Hudson River Valley Greenway Heritage Conservancy.” It’s disheartening how many citizens seem to be against Molinaro’s position, often citing the need to make sacrifices in these hard times, and cut anything not deemed immediately essential. These kneejerk reactions are understandable in uncertain times, but as we enter 2009 and prepare to celebrate the quadricentennial of Henry Hudson’s journey up the river that now bears his name, this is just another example of penny-wise pound-foolish thinking. As Molinaro himself points out today in response to the negative comments, “the Greenway saves us countless dollars. The Greenway fosters shared services, reduced redundancy and coordinated land use, environmental stewardship and economic development decisions.”

The continued resurgence of the many towns and small cities on the river will only benefit from the work of the Hudson Valley Greenway. Keeping the river and its environs safe and attractive for the tourists who bring “economic stimulus” into this region will itself repay this small investment in management many times over. The benefits to the daily lives of current and future residents are immeasurable.