SAMPLE LETTER ONE:
New York State Department of State
Public Notice – F-2018-0060
Date of Issuance – March 14, 2018
I’m writing to express my opposition to Amtrak’s proposal F-2018-0060 which will add gates and fences along the railroad right-of-way in Germantown. In my experience, the right-of-way can be safely used by town residents for fishing and other recreation. I also think that when Amtrak makes changes like this along the river, they should work with the community instead of just telling us what they are going to do. I agree with the Town Supervisor and Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson that we need public hearings and more time for comments. The Hudson River is important to everyone in town, and like most people, I want to keep it open.
SAMPLE LETTER TWO:
New York State Department of State
Public Notice – F-2018-0060
Date of Issuance – March 14, 2018
I believe that public information provided by Amtrak to date is completely inadequate. I also believe that fifteen days is simply not enough time to capture everyone’s concerns regarding the recent Amtrak proposal to restrict access to the treasured waterfronts of the Hudson River. Finally, I believe there are different consequences for each fence/gate in each community and they should be evaluated separately. Therefore, I request that public information meetings be held in each municipality where gate and/or fence installations are proposed. Rail representatives should provide each community with the specific details of all proposed gates and or fences and provide data to justify each project individually. Only upon the conclusion of the final community meeting, should a 30-day comment period begin. This would ensure that everyone is able to understand what is proposed and express their concerns.