Debby Mayer is reporting for The Columbia Paper the Amtrak proposal to install fences and gates along its right of way at the Hudson River, between Stuyvesant and Rhinecliff, has been slowed as a result of public opposition to the project. The railroad cited safety concerns as the reason for installing the barrier, but Germantown and other communities that border the river were concerned the project would block access for recreation, fishing, and fire protection and rescue. A public comment period began in March and ended May 1. A meeting on the issue, organized by U.S. Rep. John Faso, took place on April 24, with representatives of Amtrak, the state Department of State, state Department of Transportation, along with state and local officials. As a result of that meeting, Amtrak agreed to hold informational meetings with each affected municipality to explain their fencing plan in detail and to hear from various riverfront stakeholders. Those meetings have yet to be scheduled. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.