On the morning of Wednesday, May 24, the CAC invited the local press and all interested guests aboard a patrolling vessel on the Hudson River operated by Riverkeeper Captain John Lipscomb. The media opportunity served to highlight a 2.5-mile stretch of vulnerable ecological shoreline at risk of further industrial expansion. NYSERDA is in the process of deciding on one or more of 3 ports in the Capitol region to award with a lucrative offshore wind contract this summer.
In addition to major deforestation, ambitions at the Port of Coeymans in both waste collection and offshore wind could, potentially, destroy a part of the new Eagle Recreation area designated from Kingston to Albany including dozens more rare habitats.
The informational tour was narrated by Riverkeeper member, Rebecca Martin along with CAC Chair, Dr. Barbara Heinzen. Invited guests included Times Union writer, Rick Karlin, Times Union photographer, Lori Van Buren, Ravena resident and CAC member, Ashley Redfield, and Ravena resident, Eric Remillard.
The boat tour underscored the importance of Hannacroix Creek and the remaining parcels of land currently owned privately by the Ten Enyk Powell family. It navigated the shoreline from just south of the Port of Coeymans to just shy of the Castleton Bridge and returned within the hour.
Captain Lipscomb and Dr. Heinzen described the potential dangers to the environment and quality of life issues like additional barge and truck traffic, noise and water pollution, and continual deforestation.
Several acres at 47 Bronk Road that abuts the River were destroyed in early 2023 when Port of Coeymans owner, Carver Co, purchased the land.
Since 2006, the Port and allied businesses on the banks of the River have tripled in size from its original 122-acre footprint to at least 665 acres. The area is largely controlled by Carver Co who has been building one of the biggest waste depots in the Northeast. The Coeymans community and the river do not want or need more industrial development.
