WAWARSING – Let's straighten up a bit — we may have some company coming soon.

In an effort to explore all options at his disposal to try and revitalize Wawarsing's sagged economy, Town Supervisor Ed Jennings reached out to New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Hilary Clinton in a letter this week (reprinted below), inviting them to come to the town and get a look at the state of affairs.

Now mid-November, it's been nearly a year that Jennings has been working as the town's supervisor.

"It's been frustrating," said Supervisor Jennings on Wednesday regarding his efforts to revitalize the town amid a national economy which sinks ever deeper into mire. "Money, of course, is tight, and it's been difficult." In light of that, Jennings decided to look to our representatives in Washington D.C. for aid and insight.

"I was just thinking about our problems here," said Supervisor Jennings of what prompted him to send the letter. "The elections are now over; people can get back to work. I just thought I wanted to lay out what our situation is here, at least what I think that it is, and I wanted to extend an invitation to both of them to come here and look firsthand and see what we're doing, and what projects we need to do, and if they can give us any assistance."

As to what kind of assistance he was hoping the senators could provide, Jennings pointed out the dilapidated conditions of several of the town's infrastructural utilities, such as the Napanoch Water system and the Kerhonkson Water and Sewer systems.

"We've had about $9 million invested in [Napanoch Water], and the water's terrible," said Jennings. "It's not even drinkable most times. It's really bad." He also noted the out-dated, wooden pipes which make up the Kerhonkson Water system are prone to breakage and failure at any time. The senators, he said, could possibly assist with federal funding to try and improve the quality of life for residents who utilize these systems.

Jennings also said that the town's switching from a Revolving Loan Fund to a Local Development Corporation (LDC) is part of a local effort to stimulate the local economy, and can also offer opportunities for the senators' assistance.

"Any input they can give on that, maybe some funding they can give us to get it off the ground," he said of the LDC. "We've got those empty factory buildings down there [the now-defunct Schrade and Hydro facilities], and we've got to do something to try and fill them. If not fill them, then at least get some other industry in here. We're looking to get this town back on track again."

When asked whether he believed that the town's problems were too big for Wawarsing to solve on its own, he replied, "Financially, they are. We don't have the money to go out and handle a lot of the things we need here."

Of course, despite Wawarsing's bleak financial outlook, there are some bright spots on the horizon. One such spot is the impending arrival of a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter to the Napanoch Valley Mall property on Route 209. Jennings said that the retailer could act as a catalyst for further growth in the area when and if it should arrive in the community.

"I think it's going to be very helpful," said Jennings. "I know that there are some businesses that don't feel that way, but I do. I really think it's going to help us.

"First of all, I think it's going to stimulate growth. I think you'll find some other businesses that will start up, perhaps not in Napanoch, but Napanoch seems to be a prime target. But even in Ellenville, maybe we'll fill some of the stores.

"You keep the people here instead of letting them go to Middletown and Newburgh and Kingston, and wherever," said Jennings.

"We can do it," said Jennings of revitalizing Wawarsing. "We've just got to find the right button to push, that's all."

* * * Open letter to Senators Schumer and Clinton

Dear Senators Schumer and Clinton:

As you well know, the economy in the country has deteriorated to a point of historic proportions and sadly it continues to decline to this day. Here in the Town of Wawarsing, it's even worse than the national figures. During the past two years, our small community has been devastated by the evaporation of over 1,000 jobs when our only two factories closed. The first thunder bolt struck when Imperial Schrade, a100-year-old manufacturer of pocketknives, was forced to close its doors, putting over 500 people out of work. The next lightning strike flashed through the valley when Hydro Aluminum, another large employer, shut down. Manufacturing in the Town of Wawarsing was suddenly reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. And the ripple effect rumbles on, painfully hurting the local business community as well. We've lost a lumberyard, deli, auto parts store, fitness center, appliance and catalog store, and several restaurants including a Burger King and Pizza Hut, to name a few. Over twenty business failures can be directly attributed to our sagging economy. Silent factory buildings, empty storefronts, and an avalanche of house-for-sale signs are springing up throughout the township, standing as a shining testament to our weakened economy.

And if that's not bleak enough, our decaying infrastructure is suffering as well. The hamlets of Napanoch and Kerhonkson's Water and Sewer systems are plagued by malfunctions and over-capacity. The Town has spent over $9 million on the Napanoch water system for just 200 users, and the quality of the water is totally unacceptable to most residents. The brownish color is not only unfit for human consumption, it's also impossible to launder clothing for fear of discoloring garments. Napanoch Sewer, which includes Eastern Correctional Facility, has exceeded its capacity, thereby eliminating any future development. Kerhonkson Water and Sewer are also in the same deteriorated condition. Many water lines in Kerhonkson are antique wooden pipes and subject to numerous failures, and approximately eighty-five percent of the water meters are in disrepair, costing the town thousands and thousands of dollars. Kerhonkson Sewer has also reached and exceeded capacity. A proposed 180-unit condo is on hold until a decision to upgrade is made guaranteeing sufficient volume.

No jobs means a shrinking tax base, and Social Services is expected to dramatically increase more than it already has. Inactivity of our young people will undoubtedly result in an escalation in the crime rate and higher drug use.

We desperately need help! I realize the weak economy and the malfunctioning and outdated sewer and water systems did not happen overnight; it's taken years, and to effect a repair will also take time. As much as we would like to, we cannot do it alone; I'm afraid the tax burden on our residents, especially senior citizens, would be insurmountable. I'm extending an invitation to you to come to the Town of Wawarsing, at your earliest convenience, of course, and see firsthand the extent of our problems. In an attempt to help ourselves, we are in the process of forming a "Local Development Corporation" that hopefully will attract businesses and industry to occupy our empty factory buildings and put our people back to work.

Our situation is not unique; the economic climate throughout the state is not good, and I'm sure high taxes in New York State has a lot to do with it. But, regardless of the reasons, we must do something before we completely fall apart. Too many good and decent people live here to let that happen.

Sincerely,
Edward Jennings, Supervisor
Town of Wawarsing

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