LONG EDDY - The Hamlet of Long Eddy has received a well needed parking lot for its boat launch down Ferry Street. Courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the lot offers parking for seven vehicles with trailers, as well as regular parking spaces. 

Jay Kelly from Hancock, who was painting the Long Eddy Country Store said, “I think it’s going to be very useful. I see folks bringing their kayaks and canoes down there all the time.”

The locals seem to be happy to see the improvement to their little hamlet, but wish the project had done more. “It’s really great to have the space for the trucks, but what we really needed was a better ramp to get the boats in and out of the water.” The boat launch itself is nothing more than where the end of Ferry Street turns to dirt and meets the water.

The DEC also posted signs reminding folks to take steps to prevent environmental contamination. They remind boaters and fishermen to clean, drain and dry their boats, trailers, fishing gear and other equipment before recreating in New York’s waters to prevent the spread of invasive species.