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  Mayor’s Message [Spring Projects Edition]:

  Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson friends and residents,

  As the weather warms up, you’ll begin to see our Department of Public Works and associated contractors out preparing for the Spring/Summer Seasons. As a reminder: Yard Waste Pick-up begins Monday, April 1, 2024 and Bulk Pickup is scheduled for Monday, April 22, 2024.

  A few ongoing projects that I felt worthy and instructive to share with you. As our Village celebrates its 140-year anniversary in 2025 and our bandstand prepares to celebrate its 140^th-anniversary in August of 2026, please know that the Village will be making some repairs and providing upkeep to the current bandstand (which was a replacement in 1985). The weather has not been kind to the structure and we are committed to refurbishing this cherished facility in time for the opening Tuesday of our Bandstand Concert Series scheduled for May 28, 2024.

  I’ve attached some photos hereon as well. Photos one through three highlight the great work our DPW crews are doing to repair our dock sections at Donahue Memorial Park. Sixteen years of waves and weather put a beating on the old dock. Photo four highlights the work being done at the Pavilion to interconnect a paver walkway with Shore Road, the Pavilion, and our composting toilets -- and provide electricity to the Pavilion. And finally, photos five, six, and seven are of sidewalk work currently ongoing along Curie Road. Homeowners, apartment dwellers, and children walking to the Middle School have patiently awaited this project completion for a number of years. Safety is a primary consideration – but the walkability aesthetics are a bonus.

  These are just a tiny sampling of the early-Spring projects your Village is currently undertaking.  

  On behalf of your Village Board,

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

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  Mayor’s Message (Independence Day and Infrastructure Repairs Edition)

  June 30, 2022

   

  Mayor’s Message (Independence Day and Infrastructure Repairs Edition):

  Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

  Well, as the kids would say – “It’s been about a minute.” Which translated for us Boomers and Gen. X’ers means … It has been ages since my last drafted “mayor’s message.” Please do not interpret that to mean that there is nothing going on. We have been busier, as the saying goes, than a cross-eyed rooster on an anthill.

  You might have noticed the multitude of infrastructure projects underway in the Village. Some have been long-planned, such as the impending full milling and paving by NYS of 218. You’ll see workers retrofitting and pouring concrete for curbs and sidewalks adjacent to crosswalks, according to ADA-compliance standards. Note that we, the Village DPW, took on repaving the stretch of Hudson that isn’t part of 218, from Academy to First Street, last month. And you have probably seen sidewalk projects that we have contracted for repairs and/or replacement along Idlewild Avenue, as well as the length of Second Street from St. Thomas R.C. Church down to Academy.

  Monies spent on critical infrastructure such as transportation byways (of which pedestrian footpaths and vehicular thoroughfares are included) are certainly well worth it. Of course, we cannot replace or “make new again” everything all at one time. But hasn’t precluded us from putting together short-term and long-term plans that “triage” levels of immediacy. Goal here is not to gouge you with taxes – but to be smart about our budget and time/money investments with our department personnel. Believe we have found the appropriate “sweet spot.” In areas where we simply cannot replace sidewalks this season, we have contracted out for concrete-cutting to smooth jagged edges and limit the dangers posed by the asymmetry of broken or lifted concrete.

  We will also continue our “re-foliation” efforts in parks and along streets. You’ll notice some of the plantings last Fall along Hudson Street were strategically placed (not under power lines) and carefully selected for their indigenous, non-invasive, and height-restricted qualities. These trees are not just aesthetically pleasing, they help the environment and contribute to our community’s sustainability and resiliency.

  Here are some photos to highlight the above efforts:

  Water Superintendent Trainor providing me site walk-throughs at the Chestnut and Mill Streets water main and sidewalk projects (both in the Town) today.
  

  Second Street sidewalk replacement (one).
  

   Second Street sidewalk replacement (two).

  

   Hudson Street sidewalk replacement (by Cumberland Farms).
  

   Mountain Road and Hudson Street (218) NYS sidewalk repair.
  

  Church Street and Hudson Street (218) NYS sidewalk repair.

  

   Idlewild (near River Avenue intersection) concrete repair and polishing
  

  Idlewild and Park Street sidewalk replacement.
  

   Hudson Street planting (one).
  

  Hudson Street planting (two).
  

  Great news for those who love Cornwall’s Independence Day celebration. Word on the street is that following the 2020 cancellation due to the pandemic and last year’s streamlined (no fireworks) 2021 version – We’re BACK BIGTIME in 2022! For entire schedule and information about Monday’s events, go to: www.cornwall4th.org

  One last scheduling note: The Cornwall-on-Hudson Special Events Committee advises that due to the threat of rain on Saturday, “A League of Their Own” is being moved up to Friday (tomorrow). Movie begins right after sundown, around 9:30 p.m. at DMP.

  As you can well see – lots going on ‘round these parts. Stay safe and healthy. And, have a wonderful Independence Day weekend. Village Hall will be closed on Monday.

  On behalf of the Village Board,

  Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

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  Mayor’s Message (Public Safety Edition):

  March 28, 2022

   

  Mayor’s Message (Public Safety Edition):

  Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

  On behalf of the Village Board, I could not be prouder to announce that the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department rolled out body-worn cameras this morning. As a career law enforcement professional, it has always been of paramount importance to me to ensure transparency for the constituency we are sworn to protect and serve, as well as guarantee the legal protections of armed public servants who willingly go into harm’s way on behalf of all of us. This was LONG overdue and serves as victory for all.

  

  Pictured is Village Police Department’s lone appointed sergeant, John Peña, modeling the body-worn camera accoutrement on his ballistic vest during the B-Line tour today. If any resident or visitor to the Village has questions regarding our roll-out and usage of said BWCs, please stop into the police department or Village Hall and speak to Chief Steve Dixon or me. Or, simply stop any Village officer on the street and inquire regarding protocols. We are supremely proud of this effort that has taken a full year to effect.

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

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  Mayor’s Message (Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department Edition)

  April 19, 2022

  Mayor’s Message (Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department Edition):

  Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

  In this edition, we would like to highlight our intrepid police department and showcase some members of our force. As recent events in Brooklyn so perfectly highlighted last week, our nation is beyond blessed to have men and women in blue who selflessly run to the sounds of the guns. Our department is located on the backside of Village Hall, 325 Hudson Street, and remains poised to always to “protect and serve.” We are supremely proud of our police department’s rollout of the body-worn camera initiative last month.  

  PHOTO #1: P.O. James Lynch
  

  PHOTO #2: P.O. Theo Dawydko
  

  PHOTO #3: P.O. Stephen Berean
  

  PHOTO #4: Sgt. John Peña
  

  PHOTO #5: P.O. Jonathan Kapczak
  

  PHOTO #6: P.O. Antinori and Chief Dixon (along w/German tourists visiting COHPD HQ).
  

  PHOTO #7 P.O. Thomas Moran
  

  IMPORTANT NOTE: Village Hall just received a limited allotment of COVID-19 rapid test kits. Available on a first-come-first-served basis. Residents may simply stop by Village Hall M-F during normal business hours (8:30AM-4:30PM) and receive two kits.

  Special Thanks to the Water Department last week for working 56 straight hours to mitigate a major water main leak and ensure faulty pipes were repaired and replaced, and to the Department of Public Works for handling multiple clogged storm drains across the Village after a number of heavy rainfalls. 

  On behalf of your Village Board,

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

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  Mayor’s Message (Village History Edition):

  March 10, 2022

  Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

  Noted American novelist and Nobel laureate, William Faulkner, in “Requiem for a Nun” famously penned the line – “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” The quote has been applied in various forms across the literary and political worlds since “Nun” published in 1951 – most recently by then-presidential candidate, Barack Obama, in 2008. History can certainly haunt us, but it also serves to guide and instruct; as in how can we know where we are headed without understanding where we have been? While buildings and properties are inanimate objects, they can also possess a “soul” of sorts.

  And so, as we close in on (hopefully) the end of Winter and look towards Spring, important to share that we will continue to be stalwart caretakers and good stewards of all Village properties. If you happen to detect something overlooked on Village-owned property, please reach out to the mayor’s office: (845) 534-4200 (x311) and let us know. Across the past year, we have spent considerable time and focus on renovations, clean-ups, and cosmetic face-lifts. And while the recent purchase of some 47 acres at the old Donahue Farm property comes with challenges, it also affords us abundant opportunities. Interested in sharing your opinion for its future use? Please visit the Donahue committee’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/donahuefarmCOH/?ref=py_c

  We are also performing some remediation and renovations at several Village facilities. Keep an eye open for some beautification efforts at the old Water Department municipal facility on Maple Avenue when Spring arrives. And look for the daffodils that should soon bloom along Hudson Street (Thank you, Mrs. Barbara Gosda) and provide additional splendor in and around Village Hall at 325 Hudson Street. Speaking of Village Hall …

  (Photo One): Black and White image of how the future Village Hall appeared when it was a Ford car dealership in 1949.

  

   

  (Photo Two): Color image of same building in 1962 when a Mobil gas station was added to the dealership. Check out those gas prices – 28.9 cents and 32.9 cents per gallon.

  

  Building eventually became a bank before the Village took possession during early 90’s.

  REMINDER: Please do not park along Village streets in advance of expected snowfalls.

  On behalf of the Village Board, stay safe and healthy, all.

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

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  Mayor’s Message - Summer Playground Edition

  April 27, 2022

   

  Mayor’s Message (Summer Playground Edition):

  Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

  It’s finally here, we are pleased to announce! Wondering about Village’s Summer Camp and Recreation Program – Summer Playground? See our official press release below.

  The Village of Cornwall-On-Hudson will operate its Summer Recreation Program for six weeks, from July 5 through August 12. The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Cornwall-On-Hudson elementary school, located at 234 Hudson Street. The program is open to children who will enter grades K-7 next autumn. Our program offers games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and special activities.

  Registration will be held on Friday, May 20 for Village residents ONLY from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Edward C. Moulton, Jr. Village Board Room, located at 325 Hudson Street. Registration for both Village and non-Village residents will be on Sunday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in same Village Board Room. Parents and guardians must bring a form of identification which includes their address to register. They also must bring an up-to-date immunization record from their children’s health provider. *Registration is not possible without a copy of an updated immunization record.

  Jenna Park will be returning as the director for the third Summer, after serving as Assistant Director for two years and as a Counselor for three years. Christopher Robinson will serve as the new Assistant Director, following two years as a counselor. Britney Lindenberger is returning as the camp’s Health Director. The program is seeking paid Counselors, with deadline for applications on May 6^th. Counselors must be at least 16 years old and must attend a two-hour training course.

   The fee for Cornwall-On-Hudson residents is $250 per child ($550 maximum per family). The fee for non-village residents is $325 per child. For further information, please call Village Hall at 534-4200.

  On a personal note: One of my favorite rituals every Summer is witnessing the long line of kids marching past Village Hall en route to the Town Pool every day during camp. Huge “thank you” to Supervisor Josh Wojehowski and the Town’s Highway and Buildings and Grounds Departments, Town’s engineering firm, along with the Village’s Water Department, and CJM Plumbing for working so diligently to rectify the consistent leak problem, make the necessary repairs, protect the pond, and keep pool open for our children to enjoy throughout the Summer. It truly was/is a team effort. Well done, all.

  On behalf of the Village Board,

  Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano