Connecting people with inspirational power of the Hudson River since 1963.
Hudson River Amtrak Fences
Fighting a proposal to erect fencing at locations along the train tracks that would eliminate public access to the Hudson River in many communities.
Amtrak train crossing
ALERT: Community meetings will take place for public input in early January 2020. See below.
What’s the plan?
In 2018, Amtrak announced its intention to construct 8,200 feet of fencing and locked barriers at locations along the tracks between Rhinecliff and Stuyvesant.
In January 2019, Amtrak withdrew its plan after an outcry from local officials and citizens in a dozen riverfront communities. The New York State Departments of State and Transportation also helped Amtrak reach this decision.
However, the rail carrier intends to reconsider the fencing proposal as part of a comprehensive five-year safety strategy along the entire Empire Corridor — the train line that stretches from Niagara Falls to New York City.
The proposed eight-foot-tall barriers would:
Disconnect communities from their waterfront.
Eliminate public river access at sites long cherished for fishing, boating, swimming and duck hunting.
Mar outstanding river views in many places.
Prevent economic development and tourism opportunities along the river.
Scenic Hudson has commissioned a study — the first in 30 years — to document where people connect with the river for recreation and to recommend additional locations for safe shoreline access.
Your input is critical. Attend one of these community meetings and let us know where and how you use the river and suggest additional sites where access would enhance your enjoyment. You don’t have to live in these communities to participate — you’re welcome to attend any or all meetings.
Castleton-on-Hudson (Rensselaer
County)
Friday, January 3 7-8:30 p.m. Fire Department Community Room 11 Green Ave.
Germantown (Columbia County)
Saturday, January 4 10:30 a.m.-noon Kellner Activity Center 50 Palatine Park Road
Rhinebeck (Dutchess County)
Saturday, January 4 3-4:30 p.m. Town Hall 80 East Market St.
Subscribe to Scenic Hudson’s email list to receive updates and learn about ways you can weigh in on any future proposal.
Success Stories
Hudson River Barge Anchorages
Preserving water quality and habitats, the U.S. Coast Guard abandoned plans for 10 new “parking lots” for vessels carrying hazardous substances. We mobilized thousands of citizens to fight the proposal. 2018
Expanded Crude Oil Operations (Albany)
Decreasing the likelihood of hazardous spills and health threats in local neighborhoods, Global Partners decided not to build new crude oil facilities. We partnered in opposing the expanded operations. 2018
Pilgrim Pipelines (Hudson Valley)
We engaged citizens and communities to oppose this proposal to construct two crude oil pipelines through the valley. The outcry against the project led to its abandonment, halting potential environmental, public health and safety threats. 2017
Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant (Buchanan)
Ending the harm it causes aquatic wildlife and public safety, New York State and plant owner Entergy agreed to close this outdated facility by 2021 — ending our decades-long campaign to shut it down. 2017
Desalination Plant (Haverstraw)
Our six-year campaign to halt construction of an environmentally harmful desalination plant on Haverstraw Bay — site of some of the river’s most important aquatic habitats — ended in victory when plans to build the facility were dropped. 2015
LG Headquarters (Englewood, New Jersey)
In a “win-win” for the environment and the economy, LG Electronics reached an agreement with us and partners to reduce the height of its proposed corporate tower atop the Palisades, preserving magnificent views and keeping jobs in the region. 2015
St. Lawrence Cement Plant (Hudson)
Preserving air quality and iconic views from Olana, NYS rejected plans to erect this 20-building manufacturing complex resulting from our grassroots campaign to stop its construction. 2005
Riverfront Towers (Yonkers)
Securing public riverfront access and preserved downtown Palisades views resulted from a settlement we brokered to stop construction of a wall of 38-story towers along the city’s waterfront. 1989
Sloop Hill (New Windsor)
Preserving a prominently visible river promontory and prime bald eagle habitat, NYS acquired 100 acres slated for a 530-unit condominium. Scenic Hudson played a lead role in securing the land’s protection. 1988
Storm King Mountain (Cornwall)
Conserving the iconic northern gateway to the Hudson Highlands, Con Edison agreed not to build a destructive hydroelectric plant. Scenic Hudson was established to protect the mountain and led the successful 17-year campaign. 1980
