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  Mayor’s Message (Important Spring Updates Edition)

  May 12, 2022

   

  Mayor’s Message (Important Spring Updates Edition):

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

  Apologies for the errors on our Village website and in The Local. Please see below for the important dates related to Summer Playground – our summer recreation program:

  As always, will run for six weeks, July 5 through August 12. 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, and 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 ALL OTHERS will be Sunday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please bring a form of identification that includes home address to register. Also, requirement to bring up-to-date immunization record from children’s health provider. *Registration is not possible without a copy of an updated immunization record. Fee for Cornwall-On-Hudson residents is $250 per child ($550 maximum per family). Non-resident fee: $325 per child. For further information, please call Village Hall at 534-4200.

  Donahue Farm Property Steering/Planning Committee A/Chairwoman Christy Larkin and Trustee Bill Braine remind all of this Saturday’s (May 14^th) Open House at the Village-owned property located at 42 Bayview Avenue. Purpose: Introduce community members to the property’s vast possibilities. Stop by to learn more about DFP, meet with our intrepid volunteers, enjoy some light refreshments, and have your voices heard.

  IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding Village “Airbnb” Policy: On October 18, 2021, the Village Board, in a 5-0 vote, passed a Short-Term Rental Law – closely modeling one that the Town of Cornwall enacted on May 15, 2019. One of my mistakes as mayor, was not doing a better job messaging the law’s existence and important provisions. Here, below, and according to Code Enforcement Officer Carmona, are some tips on what Airbnb’ers need to know in order to remain in compliance with Village guidelines:

  1. Only legal single-family and two-family dwellings may be used as short-term rental properties, are subject to entire dwelling inspections and fees, and must be registered with Village Building Department.
  2. A short-term rental permit is NOT required for one-bedroom rental in owner-occupied dwelling, regardless of number of days room is rented.
  3. No signage or advertisements of the short-term rental allowed on property.
  4. No onsite mobile homes or RVs to be occupied by renters, guests, or owners.
  5. Permits MUST be updated annually or whenever change in occupancy limits.
  6. Please refer to Cornwall-on-Hudson Local Code, Chapter 131 for full details and compliance requirements. Questions: Dial Building Department (845) 534-7656.

  Many thanks for job well done go out to Michael Summerfield and Amy Bandolik – the “engine” behind efforts to bring HGTV to Cornwall for “Home Town Kick Start.” Can think of no more deserving features than Kurt Hahn and Karen Kaiser Sharp. We’re all rooting for them. And, Bridge Street makeover has afforded Town exciting opportunities. Exposure paying off with out-of-state visitors and HGTV fans spotted at Prima Pizza.

  PHOTO ABOVE: Pictured left to right is former Village Mayor Joe Gross, CCMS Sixth-Grader Avery Martin, and Carla Castillo, Chair of the Cornwall Conservation Advisory Council, last Saturday at Donahue Memorial Park during River Keeper’s 11^th Annual Hudson River “River Sweep.” We owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to all the intrepid volunteers who turned out despite the chilly temperatures and soggy conditions. Bravo to all!

  Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe and healthy.

  On behalf of the Village Board,

  Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

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  Mayor’s Message [Donahue Memorial Park Projects Edition]:

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

  Hoping you are all enjoying the warm Spring temperatures and seeing all the blooms on the trees along Hudson Street. Just a couple of items to put on your radar:

  After sixteen years of usage, it was time to replace and refurbish the dock planking and provide our boat dock at Donahue Memorial Park with a bit of tender loving care. See the attached photographs of the newly reinstalled dock. It’s safer and much more aesthetically pleasing. Make sure you thank a Department of Public Works employee when next you see one of them.

  Speaking of the park, the Village Board will vote next Monday at the April business meeting to codify the fee schedule for reservations of Village park properties and facilities. This means that the new pavilion will soon be available to rent for your event. Stay tuned for posted details.

  Finally, today opens Summer Camp registration (9:00 a.m.) through the Town’s new online registration site: cornwall.recdesk.com. You may also take advantage of in-person registration at Rec. Department (located at Munger Cottage). Payment online available via credit card and if in person, options include cash, check, or credit card payment. Contact Laura Kirby of Phyllis Murphy at the Town of Cornwall Rec. Department at (845) 534-2070 with any questions.

   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

• 

  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 - St. Paddy’s Day Edition

  March 17, 2022

   

  Mayor’s Message (St. Paddy’s Day Edition):

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

  Let me begin by wishing everyone a safe and healthy St. Patrick’s Day. With a surname like Gagliano, no doubt of my Sicilian heritage. But, my DNA results acknowledge my 10% Irish ancestry – and with that, I wish all, Sláinte (“Health” in Irish and Scottish Gaelic).

  Would also like to extend congratulations to Deputy Mayor James P. Kane and Trustee Richard Gaillard. Both return to the Village Board after Tuesday’s election: Kane for his seventh 2-year term and Gaillard for his second. Welcome back. Now, let’s get to work.

  SPOTLIGHT: The Village Building Department and its new Code Enforcement Officer, Manny A. Carmona [see attached photo of Manny, along with Planning Board Secretary, Meagan Gschwind]. Manny joins us following retirement from the United States Air Force and the Building Department in Spring Valley (Rockland County), New York. He now works full-time for the Village of Nyack, New York, and part-time for Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. He is husband and father of three boys. His recreational pursuits include dancing, sports, motorcycles, family trips and “get-togethers.”

  Mission of the COH Building Department is to “protect the lives and safety of the residents and visitors of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, while preserving the quality of life, and contributing to economic development.” Manny wishes to remind the community that he is available to answer questions about fire safety, construction projects, property maintenance, and complaints via office phone: (845) 534-7656, Fax: (845) 534-7607, and email address: [email protected].

  REMINDER: Please be patient with our Department of Public Works. This winter has seen temperature fluctuations [freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw] that have done an absolute number on our Village roadways. We are in the process of cleaning up curb debris and cold-patching the most dangerous potholes. Route 218 (Hudson Street) is a State road. While it remains NYS’s responsibility, we do contribute to its continued maintenance. This roadway is scheduled to be repaved this Fall. Promise you – we’re tending to the potholes.

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

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

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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