To The Editor,

The US Coast Guard proposes that sites in the Hudson River from Yonkers to Kingston serve as “anchorage grounds,” what have been described as “parking lots” for commercial ships, as reported in last week’s Gazette.  As a river community, Croton is particularly affected by this proposal.

Riverkeeper, the nonprofit environmental watchdog, has expressed concerns about the impact of the anchorage grounds with regards to:  the danger presented by crude oil to the river; “scarring” of the riverbed habitat by anchors and anchor chains; and noise and light pollution.

On the basis of public safety and aesthetics, the Town of Cortlandt has passed a resolution of opposition to the plan and has requested a public hearing on the issue.

Residents still have time to make their voices heard. The federal government is currently taking comments on the anchorage plan at regulations.gov (Docket ID: USCG-2016-0132).  Comments are due September 7, 2016.

Sincerely,

Brian Pugh