AMENIA — The Zoning Board of Appeals discussed comments and recommendations for a proposed hiking and biking trail system that is currently going through the site plan approval process at the Planning Board.
Northern Red Oak LLC is proposing to create a hiking and biking trail system on Old Route 22 in Wassaic. The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Monday, Dec. 15, to prepare official comments on the project to be delivered to the Planning Board.
The Northern Red Oak Trails Project was first described to the Planning Board in June. The application was accepted for consideration by the Planning Board in late October.
If approved, the project in Wassaic would create 10 to 12 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails on a 450-acre property formed by combining three separate parcels.
As one of the steps necessary for a decision on the application, the ZBA was asked to submit comments on the application.
General ZBA concerns focused on issues of land ownership, hiker-biker safety and liability, and wildlife encounters. Although there was general agreement that the project is a worthwhile idea, some ZBA members said they would have preferred that the project developers were represented at the meeting to respond to questions.
“I think it’s a great idea, but I am concerned about liability,” ZBA member Craig Meili said, and Alternate member George Bistransin, seated to meet quorum, sought details on ownership and whether the parcels will become tax-exempt when operated by a nonprofit organization.
“Bikers just want to race,” said ZBA chairman Terry Metcalfe, citing his experience with similar trails, echoing concern about safety and trail behavior. He felt that bikers might be dangerous for hikers and joggers. He suggested a solution of creating lanes or imposing a bike speed limit, while acknowledging that enforcement would be difficult.
The significant presence of wildlife on the aptly named Rattlesnake Mountain, including bears, lynx and rattlesnakes, was of ZBA concern, fearing encounters between inexperienced hikers and resident wildlife, as well as the effect of humans on wildlife habitat.
“That’s part of being out in the wild,” reasoned Metcalfe.
“It’s a great idea,” said ZBA member David Menegat, speaking of the project, “but there is no way to make it safe for people. The dangers are inherent, but the benefits outweigh the dangers.”
“People should be aware of the wildlife dangers,” said ZBA member Paula Pelosi, and Meili added that signage at the trail heads could provide safety instruction.
“The developers have taken a lot into consideration in their planning,” Metcalfe said, adding the importance of informing trail users that they are in the wild.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
