HVNN.com: Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino is asking the public to voice its concerns over the federal government’s plan to allow commercial barges to anchor at points close to the Westchester coastline.

The Coast Guard is considering putting 10 new anchorage grounds in the Hudson River from Yonkers in Westchester County to Kingston in Ulster County.

Requests from the Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ Tug and Barge Committee, the Hudson River Port Pilot’s Association and the American Waterways Operators for the new anchoring spots spurred the Coast Guard into formulating plans.

Astorino said the plan would create “a giant parking lot” for commercial vessels close to the shore.

“Once again, it appears that the federal government wants to do what it wants, where it wants, when it wants, and that’s just not OK,” he said.

“There needs to be a process to fully vet this proposal in the most transparent manner possible,” Astorino said.  Read more.