Dear Residents, Neighbors and Friends of the Town of Liberty,
There have been concerns regarding the opening of summer camps this year due to the Covid-19 situation. Town of Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber posted the information below which outlines the current status and responsibilities for assessing and resolving regulations and rulings with the camps:
The Town of Thompson is monitoring the summer camp situation closely. Presently Empire State Development “ESD” does not list summer camps as an “Essential Service” and therefore they cannot operate under Gov. Cuomo’s State of Emergency. It should be noted that while operation of summer camps is currently prohibited by the State, construction at summer camps is allowed as an essential service. Summer camps are regulated and permitted by the NYS Department of Health, not the local municipalities. Under NYS law the NYS DOH is the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) and we, local officials, cannot overrule their decisions, regulations or rulings. It is my understanding that there have been social media posts directing concerned citizens to call their Town Supervisors. They might be better served by expressing their concerns additionally to our State representatives and the NYS Health Department since they make the final decision. Should the NYS DOH ultimately decide to allow summer camps to operate, they should do so only with a clear and enforceable plan to protect the campers and staff, our year round and seasonal residents, and protect our limited resources at Catskill Regional Medical Center. The DOH should move with the utmost of caution and make decisions based on medical science, not emotions or political pressure.
The Town of Liberty is also monitoring the situation closely and has been in continual communication with State Representatives, County Officials and Town Supervisors. We will keep you all aprised as developments occur.
Thank you to Bill Rieber for putting this information together.
Be well and stay safe,
Frank DeMayo
Supervisor – Town of Liberty
Supervisor – Town of Liberty
(845) 292-5111