Gets list of local activities
Ever hear anyone say, “Cornwall’s a nice place but there’s nothing to do here”? The Town’s EDAC would disagree with that statement. The EDAC (Economic Development Advisory Council) is working on a list of 100 things to do in Cornwall.
John Alva, the council chairman, addressed the Town Board on Monday night, Nov. 2, and pitched a campaign to promote Cornwall to its residents. The promotion should pump up local businesses.
The EDAC has yet to find 100 things for us to do. But the members are getting close. On Monday night, Mr Alva distributed a list that included the following categories – activities, community, events, outdoors and restaurants.
Board meetings often appear to have themes. On Monday night, the local economy was a recurring topic. The evening started with a public hearing on next year’s budget.
The budget is $6,000 under the tax cap without any reduction in services. It allows for the purchase of a new pick-up truck, a new police car, and a server for Town Hall. Supervisor Richard Randazzo anticipated that the owner of a $200,000 home would pay an extra $29 in taxes.
Speaking from the audience, Doug Land asked the Town to provide a link to future budgets so constituents don’t have to visit Town Hall to pick up a hard copy. Mr. Land observed that employee benefits make up at least 25 percent of the Town’s total spending. He urged the board to look at benefits next year to see if they can be provided at a lower cost.
To do 100 things in their home town, residents may need a place to park. There are two possibilities for new lots (one on Clinton and one on Main Street).
But what will it cost for the owners to make their properties available?
That will be a factor in any board decision.
The chamber’s suggestion for parking is to impose a two-hour limit on cars left on Main Street. The restriction would require new signs and tough enforcement.
Fishing is on the list of outdoor activities. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) hasn’t seen the list, but it would like to remove some of the Moodna Dams to add opportunities for anglers.
The DEC hopes to meet with a representative of the Town.
Tennis is another outdoor activity. I couldn’t find it on the list. But residents should have access to improved courts in the spring. The cost of refurbishing the courts is currently above the grant for the project. But the Town engineer is seeing how the price can be reduced.
A spruced-up Main Street is part of any local stimulus package. The Town will use grant money to purchase a 50-foot flagpole for the circle. The Bridge Street project may be delayed by the DEC, which is opposed to the work taking place after Oct. 1. So residents may have to wait until spring to use the bridge for walking.
Two other bridges are slated for repair – one at the circle and the other near the middle school. Supervisor Randazzo said he hoped the latter project would be scheduled for the summer when school is out.
