We're committed to bringing I-86 across the southern tier, but want to make sure we do it in such a way that it doesn't negatively impact the public by cutting off access. Obviously, though, when exits are eliminated, many people will lose their primary access to the highway. Once the state study gets going, campaigns to save local exits and protect local interests figure to pick up steam. In fact, because there's already dense development centered around many Route 17 interchanges in the county, there's some apprehension over the possibility of losing the interchanges, said John D'Ambrosio, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. In Sullivan County, on the other hand, I-86 is considered a boon, because it's expected to attract development to an area that badly needs it.
Many businesses look for interstate access when searching for a location to build.
The hope is that businesses will look to Sullivan, explained Jacquie Leventoff, president of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. And then there's that enclave of residents and businesses in Parksville, each with its own personal highway access. Memories, a furniture and antique shop, has thrived off highway traffic for 35 years. George Nanakos, owner of the West 17 Diner, figures 90 percent of his customers are westbound travelers. He's afraid business will dry up if he loses roadside access.