William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman the state of New York has extended until May 1 the deadline for public comments on Amtrak’s plan to block the use of access roads near the train tracks on the east side of the Hudson River. Amtrak’s plan calls for keeping all existing authorized access points in Dutchess and Columbia counties, but blocking other roads traditionally used by fishing enthusiasts to access the river. “This project will deter a train [collision] with either a vehicle or human being and promote the well being of the general public by restricting pedestrian and vehicular traffic along the Amtrak right-of-way,” the company said in a written statement. The proposal calls for fences and/or gates along sections of the tracks in Rhinecliff, Rhinebeck, Tivoli, Germantown, Stockport and Stuyvesant. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, Rhinebeck Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia and Tivoli Mayor Joel Griffith have all expressed concerns about the Amtrak plan. In Columbia County, several popular fishing locations would be blocked by the fencing, including those in Germantown and Stuyvesant. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.