Mount Utsayantha - Mt Utsayantha Project Meetings

Mount Utsayantha Project Meetings

March 21, 2005

We had a good meeting last week to touch base on the Mt. Utsayantha project and start making some plans for the Spring, should it actually decide to arrive.

The meeting began at 7 PM with an update on the progress on the observation building, given by contractor Jim Kopp. He indicated that before the winter set in, he and his crew successfully rebuilt the upper observation deck and sealed the building. Working from the top down, the next step would be to start work on the roof and he is still awaiting a call back from the company that manufactures the “Kortright shingles” with prices, etc. After that, windows can be installed and work can begin on the inside of the building.

The conversation turned to a discussion about security, and Helen Budrock said she would follow up with Rick Dearstyne of the NYSDEC regarding the metal shutters they had fabricated for the cabin at the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower. Mayor Waylen Bray thought a better alternative might be metal roll down shutters, and Jim Kopp said he would look into that option. Waylen agreed to follow up on the feasibility of installing a web cam or other security camera this year to deter vandalism as we make more progress on the building and site.

The status of the fire tower was discussed next. It was reported that the only thing needed to finish the fire tower was to secure the window frames in place, and finish painting the middle section of the tower. In addition, the plaques for the steps and landings would need to be ordered and installed. It was agreed that the committee would follow up with Kevin Prior (who was not in attendance) to pick a date in the summer to officially re-open the tower with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, etc.

With regard to the park and trails, Waylen reported that there is a local Eagle Scout (John Winner) that would like to design the primitive camping area on the lower terrace. In addition, the paperwork for the $30,000 parks grant from Senator Bonacic’s office was submitted to the NYS Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservaton and we are awaiting a reply. Those funds would be used to purchase equipment like picnic tables, grills, etc. as well as for some interpretive signage. Joan and Dick Hinman expressed an interest in working on the signage this year.

Helen also agreed to touch base with Dave DeForest with the Catskill Outdoor Education Corps at SUNY Delhi to see about some additional trail work this year. With regard to the planned trail that will terminate at Route 23 and connect to the Catskill Scenic Trail, Waylen indicated he would approach Mr. Shader about an easement through his property.

Finally, Dave Koehn from the Utsayantha Flyers Organization brought up the location of the electric line near one of the launches. Waylen agreed to check with the utility company about undergrounding that power line from its current location up to the top of the mountain, where it would provide power to the observation building.

The meeting concluded at 8:00 PM with the understanding that the committee would meet again in late April or early May. The exact date to be announced.

Keep up the good work!
Helen Budrock

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Any who are interested in helping should contact the mayor by calling his home at 607.652.7978 or Village Hall 607.652.6671.

Mail can be addressed to:
Village of Stamford
Mountaintop
PO Box 68
Stamford, NY 12167