Please find the most up to date notices from the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
As the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson works to help its residents deal with the Coronavirus Disease 2019, Senior citizens may be interested in the Safe Seniors program administered by the Village Police Department. Click on the link: Safe Seniors.
January 14, 2025
Mayor’s Message [Public Safety, “Et Alia” Edition]:
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, visitors, and friends,
Firstly, an apology upfront for what may seem an extended period of absence in the “mayor’s message” communications I do so enjoy sharing with our community. Certainly not a reflection of a lack of matters and issues currently being addressed and resolved. The wheels of progress have continued to grind along unimpeded or obstructed. I simply choose this platform when I sense matters of serious consequence to address – or opportunities to laud our amazing Village employees and volunteer organizations. That said, this will serve as my penultimate written message to you all as mayor of this wonderful Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. My second (and final) term concludes on April 7th and there will be a new elected leader of the Village for us all to rally behind and cheer on continued successes for our elected officials as they continue to lead us into the second quarter of the 21st century. But more on all of that soon.
Let’s begin with several somber reflections. Three days shy of the New Year, the nation lost its 39th president, Jimmy Carter: a native of Plains, Georgia and the leader of the free world during a fairly tumultuous period of our nation’s – and the world’s – history. He led with grace and truly inspired millions upon millions across the globe during his post-presidency efforts with Habitat for Humanity. Village flags have been lowered to half-mast position in keeping with federal guidelines that instruct the observances be held for a full thirty days following a POTUS’s passing. They will briefly be raised back to full-mast position in observance of inauguration day on January 20th and then be re-lowered for the remaining eight days of remembrance in honor of President Carter. I did not *invent this accommodation. It has been announced by a number of state governments and the Speaker of the House of Representatives – to apply to Congress. Please keep President Carter and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
We also lost one of our own beloved elected leaders and community pillars on January 8th. Charles “Rudy” Hahn was a well-respected member of this Village, serving 24 years on our Village Board and as deputy mayor. Difficult to find anyone around these parts who could say a cross word about Mr. Hahn. He built an incredible legacy in Cornwall-on-Hudson – none more so than his children and grandchildren; all deeply embedded in and committed to Cornwall-on-Hudson. Please keep them all in your prayers. Their patriarch made a huge impact in COH.
And also, Thursday, January 16th, Cornwall’s own true American HERO and Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Paul W. Bucha, will be formally laid to rest at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point. Captain Bucha peacefully passed away on July 31, 2024. Thursday’s ceremonies will be replete with full military honors. Please continue to keep his brave wife and Cornwall resident, Cynthia, “Chintz,” Bell-Bucha in your thoughts and prayers.
Now, to serious matters related to PUBLIC SAFETY. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger once perfectly posited that “[g]overnment’s first duty and highest obligation is public safety.” He was spot-on. Nothing – absolutely NOTHING – is as sacrosanct a contract with our community than the one that demands we elected officials do everything within our power and control to keep our communities safe. It’s why this Board compelled our police department to be outfitted with body worn cameras. They assist in keeping the public – and our cops – safe(r). It’s also why some four years ago, we took a hard look at the events in COH that resulted in mass gatherings . It’s no easy (or popular) feat, at times, to pull employees in on holidays, away from their families, and have them staff additional uniformed foot posts or assist in prepositioning heavy equipment and vehicles to provide a greater level of security for crowds of revelers that gather to celebrate. One only has to look at what just occurred in Germany during the Christmas Market attack and the vehicular attack on Bourbon Street that occurred shortly after we celebrated our ball drop in COH. The threat matrix, my FBI background informs, should constantly shift and adjust to blunt the advantage our complacencies provide to terrorists, or those seeking to inflict harm. In Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” he warned of an adversaries’ penchant for acting “like water,” taking the path of least resistance, and always finding the easiest route. Undertaking these “new normal” precautions does not guarantee us 100% safety. But it is a first step in hardening our defenses.
Same necessary defenses the current FBI director warned of on “60 Minutes” on Sunday evening. Speaking of the ominous threats posed by the People’s Republic of China, Director Wray particularly highlighted vulnerabilities within our critical infrastructure grid. And the first vital critical infrastructure sector he mentioned was water treatment facilities – something the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson is responsible for in its role as the lead agency in charge of the Cornwall Water System. In light of this shared intelligence, the Village will seek to begin a comprehensive review of the security template attached to our water treatment plants and reservoirs. It is necessary and timely. Just as we will seek to procure moveable sidewalk bollards to further integrate and increase security posture when we draw large crowds to events. Any resident with additional ideas or concerns in this realm, please come see the mayor to discuss.
Finally, with 83 days left in office, I commit to not limping across the finish line and promise to finish my final days as mayor with the same enthusiasm and commitment to ALL with which I entered on duty. And while I will share more (much more) about the current state of the Village and what lies ahead in my final treatise to the community in March, please know that I have considered the holding of this office to be the honor and the privilege of my lifetime. Thank you.
On behalf of your Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor
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.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rebecca Sheehan October 28, 2024 845.291.2700
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus Issues
Burn Ban Executive Order
Goshen, N.Y. – County Executive Neuhaus today issued Executive Order No. 13 of 2024, declaring a State of Emergency in Orange County which prohibits certain burning activities due to the prolonged dry weather conditions the County and surrounding areas have been experiencing.
“The beautiful, dry weather we’ve been enjoying comes with a consequence,” stated Neuhaus. “Over the past week, there have been numerous brush fires in the region, including in Orange County. These fires endanger the public and our first responders and we must do what we can to mitigate these dangers while conditions remain ripe for fire spread. My Executive Order will help to keep residents and visitors safe.”
COUNTY OF ORANGE
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 13 OF 2024
DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ORANGE COUNTY
DUE TO PROLONGED DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS
AND PROHIBITING CERTAIN BURNING ACTIVITIES
I, Steven M. Neuhaus, County Executive of the County of Orange, State of New York, do hereby declare as an EXECUTIVE ORDER the following:
WHEREAS, the entirety of the County of Orange (hereinafter the “County”) has been experiencing prolonged dry weather conditions over the course of several months, which has resulted in extremely dry vegetation and environmental conditions that are susceptible to fire; and
WHEREAS, said prolonged dry weather has created a real, immediate and continued danger of wildfires and fire-related hazard, and the concomitant perilous effect on the lives and safety of the inhabitants that live in the effected portions of the County, and which require immediate measures to protect the lives, health and safety of the public; and
WHEREAS, local fire officials are reporting elevated fire danger levels that are a direct threat to the lives, health and safety of the residents and visitors in the County; and
WHEREAS, the National Integrated Drought Information System currently lists the County as being “Abnormally Dry” and provides that September 2024 was the 8th driest September on record for Orange County over the past 130 years; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 24 of the Executive Law of the State of New York, the County Executive of Orange County, as its Chief Executive, is authorized to proclaim a local state of emergency within any part or all of the territorial limits of the County of Orange, and in connection therewith the County Executive may promulgate local emergency orders to protect life and property or to bring the emergency situation under control.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Steven M. Neuhaus, as County Executive and Chief Executive of the County of Orange, New York do hereby find the public safety to be imperiled by the present and imminent conditions created by the above-referenced weather conditions and the resulting risk of fire and fire-related hazards to the lives of residents, officials, rescue workers and other in the County of Orange and, consequently, to safeguard the lives, health, safety and property of the public, I do hereby declare a STATE OF EMERGENCY for the entirety of the County of Orange pursuant to, inter alia, New York State Executive Law Sections 24 and 25, beginning at 1:00 p.m. this date, October 28, 2024, and continuing until such time that I declare the State of Emergency is no longer necessary or such declaration expires by law, whichever is first; and
I FURTHER ORDER, that as a result of my Declaration of a State of Emergency and above findings, that for the duration of this Declaration and Order subject to extensions, if necessary, that the following is hereby PROHIBITED within the boundaries of the County of Orange:
All outdoor burning of any material, including, but not limited to, yard waste, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor chimneys and any cooking fires unless such an activity is expressly authorized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The following exceptions shall apply to the above list: (i) outdoor cooking for food exclusively is permitted within a contained gas or charcoal grill; (ii) any firefighting training; and (iii) any burn operations expressly approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Pursuant to New York Executive Law § 24(5), any person who knowingly violates this Executive Order is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and, pursuant to New York Executive Law § 24(3) shall be (1) signed in quadruplicate, (2) published as soon as practicable in a newspaper of general circulation in Orange County and transmitted to the radio and television media for publication and broadcast, and (3) filed within 72 hours or as soon thereafter as practicable in the (i) office of the Clerk of the County Legislature, (ii) office of the County Clerk, (iii) office of the Secretary of State, and (iv) State Office of Emergency Management within the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, either directly and/or through the County of Orange Division of Emergency Management.
ORDERED this 28th day of October, 2024
Hon. Steven M. Neuhaus
County Executive
For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.
To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.
PDF REGARDING BURN BAN
Dear Residents:
In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), I will continue to inform you of additional steps the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson is taking to function and provide services. New York State and Orange County are providing new information daily.
Village Hall Office doors will remain closed until Monday, March 30, 2020, at which time the Village Board will determine whether it is safe to open. We continue to conduct village business.
Please continue to pay bills through the dropbox marked BILLS on the side of Village Hall to limit interaction residents and village employees and thereby safeguard everyone’s health. If you have questions about village business, please contact us at 534-4200 or info@cornwall-on-hudson.org.
Senior citizens may wish to take advantage of Safe Seniors, an assistance program provided by the Village Police Department. See link.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee will hold an information meeting on its draft plan at a date to be announced. See link.
The state has opened a virus testing facility at Anthony Wayne recreation area to serve Orange and Rockland residents. If you have symptoms, you may schedule an appointment to be tested by calling your physician or 888- 364-3065. Please don’t just show up at the site, or any hospital, because facilities are being inundated and the health of workers is being jeopardized.
Please follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control regarding hygiene and isolating. Let’s take care of ourselves, families and neighbors. Let’s be grateful for our health professionals, first responders and all those providing services. Let’s support our local restaurants by ordering takeout.
Working together we will get through this challenging time. Stay healthy!
Brendan G. Coyne, Mayor
I want to thank you all for your patience and cooperation as we cope with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Village Hall Office doors are closed and will continue to remain closed until Friday, April 10, 2020, at which time we’ll determine if it is safe to open. We are staggering hours to provide Village services and conduct Village business.
Please continue to pay bills through the dropbox marked BILLS on the parking lot side of Village Hall to limit interaction between residents and village employees. If you have questions about Village business, please contact us at 534-4200 or info@cornwall-on-hudson.org.
If you’d like to volunteer, the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, right here in the Village at 195 Hudson Street, is always looking for volunteers, now more than ever. To volunteer, check the website: www.regionalfoodbank.net/volunteer/.
Please follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control regarding hygiene and isolating. Let’s take care of ourselves, families and neighbors. In addition to our health professionals and first responders, let’s be grateful for our Village public works, water and clerical employees.
It’s good to see so many people walking, jogging and bicycling. Enjoy Donahue Memorial Park and the Village’s other parks. Let’s continue to support our local restaurants by ordering food to take out.
The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson is a strong community. Let’s help one another get through this challenging time. Stay healthy!
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Village Folks:
So, the Mid-Hudson Region is scheduled to enter Phase 4 as of Tuesday, July 7. Phase 4 includes opening outdoor arts and entertainment to 33% percent capacity, and professional sports without fans. Other venues, such as amusement parks, bowling alleys and movie theaters remain closed.
Independence Day is Saturday, July 4. Due to COVID-19, the Cornwall Independence Day Committee has planned a modest celebration. You can see the schedule of activities, most of which are online, on the Village’s website under Latest News. You can email photos of children’s art, children and their pets, and patriotically decorated home to cidcfourth@gmail.com. Check the committee’s website (www.cornwall4th.org) for details. For safety’s sake, barbecues and gatherings are limited to 25 people.
Village offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in honor of Independence Day. Village Hall doors will re-open Monday, July 6. New York State has required extensive safety plans to re-open and access will be limited. Please be patient as we implement these plans for your safety and the safety of village employees. The drop-box will continue to provide a convenient way to pay bills. You can contact us at 845-534-4200 and info@cornwall-on-hudson.org. Our website is www.cornwall-on-hudson.org.
The first summer concert is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Village Bandstand on the corner of Hudson Street and River Avenue. Please honor social distancing and wear a mask when you can’t.
Enjoy Independence Day and stay healthy!
Brendan G. Coyne