Hazel Dellavia of Old Forge brought to the Town of Webb board’s attention her observation that noticeable numbers of cars tend to turn away from the McCauley Mountain entrance on the day its closed during the summer season.
McCauley is closed Tuesdays during that period. The rest of the week it offers scenic chairlift rides to visitors. Dellavia said she is in the McCauley vicinity for extended periods on Tuesdays as she walks her dog.
“If I am there for just a few minutes and I see two to three cars every day, how many cars are coming up there throughout the course of the day and turning around and leaving? That’s a lot of people we might be losing who won’t come back,” she said.
Councilman Risley said he concurs with Dellavia her belief that the town’s destination resources should be available to the greatest degree possible, especially during the busy time.
“[McCauley] is the only summer attraction that is closed one day a week. And I don’t believe it should be,” he said.
Risley said he would like to see McCauley Mountain open full-time during the summer months to effectively accommodate tourists who might only be visiting a day or two.
He and Councilwoman Kate Russell were instrumental in creating and posting new signage this summer in the hamlet of Old Forge to direct visitors to the McCauley chairlift.
The discussion took place at the Town of Webb Board’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct.11.
