Around Village Hall
Commercial shoot. NBC Universal is tenatively scheduled to film a commercial in Cornwall-on-Hudson on May 21. The network wouldn’t release details surrounding the shoot, but Mayor Brendan Coyne said potential filming areas include Donahue Memorial Park, the Yacht Club, and Route 218.
Life preserver. At Donahue Memorial Park, where the Dock Hill Creek empties into the Hudson River, there stands a post with a hook reserved for a life preserver. Unfortunately the life jacket has been missing for several years. Coyne has tasked Police Chief Steve Dixon and DPW Superintendent David Halvorsen with obtaining a new life preserver and cabinet to secure the life-saving device.
New radios. Steven Calamari, assistant chief for Storm King Engine Company, submitted two quotes, to the Board of Trustees, for two new portable radios for the brush trucks, a radio replacement for the assistant chief’s car, and a base radio at the fire station. The estimated cost for all the equipment is $3,165. The radios will match those used by the Water Department and Department of Public Works, making for easier communication between the three departments.
Open house. Calamari reported pedestrian traffic was low for the fire company’s open house at the end of April. Two residents stopped in to pick up applications to become volunteers. The open house was in conjunction with a state-wide recruitment weekend. The fire company held one two years ago, but Mayor Brendan Coyne suggested making it an annual event, so people get used to the idea.
Fund raiser. Volunteers with the fire company will be serving local beer from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, at the Newburgh Brewery, located at 88 Colden St., Newburgh. All tips will be donated to the engine company.
Crossing guard. On Monday, the village board will approve the hiring of a new crossing guard, on a per diem basis. Richard Peters has been used as a back-up crossing guard on Hudson Street in front of Cornwall-on-Hudson Elementary School. He is a former crossing guard and worked in the Buildings and Grounds department for the Cornwall Central School District for 30 years.
Grant. Chief Steven Dixon applied for a $2,800 grant, through the governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, to be used for both traffic enforcement and a new radar unit.
Road closures. Water valve replacement forced the closure of multiple roadways on Wednesday – Hudson Street from the Cornwall Public Library to 2 Alices Coffee Lounge was shut down, as was First and Second Streets. Residents and businesses were notified prior to the road closures.
Sewer rates. Earlier this year the board approved a point system, changing how residents are charged for capital improvements. The point system was developed in order to charge property owners fairly for capital improvements. With bills going out in February, Coyne is now realizing some kinks need to be worked out of the system. Apartment complexes are being charged at a rate comparable to a single family home, which traditionally has three to four bedrooms. The Curie Road and Academy Avenue Apartments only have one or two bedrooms. The board will discuss further a point system based on number of apartments. Another rate will need to be devised for the elementary school, as well as vacant property on which construction is not a possibility.
A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday to obtain public input on the creation of a temporary loading zone in front of Cumberland Farms. The loading zone would allow delivery trucks to park out front, temporarily, rather than having to back up into the property. Deliveries are made in the pre-dawn hours and the beeping of the trucks backing up has disturbed neighboring residents.
Glendening property. Susan Glendening’ s property on River Road is split between CR-1 and SR zones. She would like a zoning change to convert the CR-1 to the SR zone in order to create a museum on the property. Glendening’s attorney mailed a letter requesting a referral to the Planning Board, but the Board of Trustees said doing so is premature. No specific proposal was submitted and the Planning Board isn’t a legislative body. Deputy Mayor Mark Edsall said referrals are made to the Planning Board for comment on something that’s proposed for legislation. The board said it will discuss further the impacts of re-zoning the property before making a recommendation to the Planning Board.
Fitness program. Sportsplex will be conducting a fitness program from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 at Donahue Memorial Park. About 50 people are expected to be in attendance. Coyne said he would suggest the participants meet at the fitness center and carpool to the riverfront.
Summer recreation. On Monday, the board will re-appoint Jennifer Pryne and Kathleen Hand as directors of the summer recreation program, allowing the two to start interviews for camp counselors. The village will be raising the rate from $110 to $125 as the program came in just under budget last year. There is a possibility the program will be expanded to allow kindergarteners and seventh graders. Registration will be held on May 31 and June 9. Camp begins July 7 and ends Aug. 15.