Examiner News: Residents of Philipstown, Garrison and the surrounding area were urged last week to voice their concerns about a proposal by the United States Coast Guard to create 10 new anchorage sites with up to 43 commercial barges along the Hudson River from Yonkers to Kingston.

During an informational meeting hosted by the Philipstown Democrats at St. Philips Church in Garrison, two representatives from Riverkeeper and a member from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano’s office brought approximately 50 audience members up to speed on the efforts being taken to try to block the proposal which the Coast Guard has stated was initiated by 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.

“I think it’s important that we don’t strike fear, but it’s important that we do strike concerns,” said Jason Baker of Spano’s office. “Do we want to turn our river into an industrialized waterfront? Are we going to turn this into a major highway for crude oil? We don’t want this to happen. This is a regional problem. It’s important that we really stand up for this.”  Read more.