For 13 years, Deepak Kumar’s gas station has been a convenient stop off exit 111 in Rock Hill, serving locals and commuters along New York State Route 17.

It’s helped the Kumar family, as well.

“I sent three kids to college. They all graduated, and that’s what helped me do this," Kumar said. "This was our main source of income at that time.”

But since he bought the station in 2008, talk of changes to Route 17 has made it difficult for Kumar to consider upgrading his business.

What You Need To Know

  • State DOT is seeking public comment on a preliminary study on NY-17's exits in Sullivan County

  • Community members are concerned what the effects of closing or modifying exits could bring

  • It could be years before any exit is altered, depending on the final outcome of the study and public comment

“Now again, they’re talking about closing this thing, and that’s why this project went on hold," he said. "We can’t do anything.”

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) recently asked for public input on its study of the entire NY-17 corridor in Sullivan and Orange counties. This includes the potential for exits to be modified or removed.

Although plans are still in the discussion phase, Kumar says he’s worried about the potential for changes.

“If they close this exit, it's right off the highway, there’s no way of coming in," Kumar said. "And it's going to tremendously affect the business.”

In the preliminary study, Exit 111 would be among the exits in Sullivan County slated for closure or modification.

The DOT says these possible changes are being looked into to help accommodate transportation demands along the Route 17 corridor.

A DOT spokesperson said the study is in the public comment period on the draft report.

People can still comment and give their opinions through the DOT website. But it could be years before any exit is impacted, if at all. That depends on the outcomes of the study.

Since buying this business, Kumar says he’s remained in contact with DOT about the importance of this exit for his business. And he hasn’t been afraid to express his concerns.

“In the last 13 years, I’ve probably spoken with them numerous times, asking the same question," Kumar said. "And they were saying the same thing, 'cause they were not sure.”

There is no timeline on when the study will be finalized, since an environmental review is required through the federal Highway Administration.

But Kumar hopes that his gas station will remain a stop along the way.