William J. Kemble is reporting in the Times Union the town of Rhinebeck is asking the state to reject Amtrak's request to erect fences and gates along the railroad tracks at some of the most popular Hudson River access points. At a meeting October 16, the Rhinebeck Town Board approved a resolution allowing the town to send a letter to the state that contends there has been an ongoing effort by Amtrak and the state to keep local residents from accessing the river. The letter cites lost access in the village of Castleton-on-Hudson, as well ongoing attempts to close down access in Stuyvesant and Hyde Park. In addition to Rhinebeck, gate and/or fencing projects are currently proposed for Tivoli, Germantown, Stuyvesant and Stockport. Amtrak parent company National Railroad Passenger has submitted an application for review by the state Department of State, arguing the fence and gate project will prevent train collisions "with either a vehicle or human being" without restricting authorized river access points. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.