July 2, 2021

 

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

 

Happy Independence Day on Sunday, the anniversary of our great nation’s democratic experiment. We should all be proud to be American on this day – and every other day. Keep in mind that while fireworks are postponed until next year, the IDC will still hold some 4^th events, to include the Pet Show on Saturday, and Sunday’s parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. -- as opposed to its usual 5:00 p.m. start. Let celebrate our nation and the long-awaited return to some post-pandemic normalcy together as friends and neighbors.

Reminder that July’s work session and business meeting of the Board of Trustees will be conjoined and held on Monday, July 26^th. Our meeting protocol now includes livestreaming, 24/7 availability, on our YouTube channel (link posted at a future date).

If you happen to walk or drive past Village Hall, you might notice the emplacement of our Village seal on the building’s exterior. Photos attached. Let us know what you think.

One of the long-range items I have asked Jeanne Mahoney, our Village Clerk, to tackle is a review of Cornwall-on-Hudson business meeting agendas and minutes dating back to 1885. Our plan is to identify and compile a comprehensive listing of all Village leaders -- Did you know that before the Village had a mayor, there was a president? We must keep track of our history. It is far too easy to forget it and then it becomes lost to the ages.

Here are a few other historical morsels Jeanne uncovered:

1. The Town used to be referred to as “the Upper Village.”

2. In 1897 – taxes were $1.061 per $100.00 (budget was 0.226 for “ordinary   expenses”, 0.375 for “extraordinary expenses”, and 0.46 for “highway.”

3. Also, in 1897, the Village Board entered into a 3-year contract with Cornwall Electric Lighting & Power Co. for 110 street lamps to be placed along “streets, avenues, squares, and public parks”.  Lamps would be lit from “dusk to dawn except on nights and parts of nights where the moon unobstructed by clouds is of sufficient brightness to render artificial light unnecessary.”

4. April of 1899 – The position of Highway & Water Superintendent was established and Adam Jager was appointed to the position.  Later that same month, Supt. Jager was also “authorized to perform police duty”. 

 

Stay tuned for more COH history soon.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Storm King Fire Engine Company No. 2

P.O. Box 333 233 Hudson Street

Cornwall on Hudson, New York 12520 Telephone: (845) 534-2841 Fax: (845) 534-3428

“100% Volunteer – Serving our Community Since 1868”

Dear Neighbor,

2020 was certainly a year to be forgotten for all of us. The COVID pandemic wreaked havoc on our entire country, state, and community. Through it all our fire company continued to meet the emergency needs of its residents whenever called upon. Alas, there is light at the end of the tunnel. As the COVID vaccine continues to be administered on a daily basis, our community has begun to regain some normalcy as part of our daily lives. With this in mind and as summer approaches we are happy to announce that we will once again host the 70th edition of our Annual Summer Firemen’s Fair July 21^st thru July 24^th this year on the grounds of the Cornwall-on-Hudson Elementary School. This year’s fair promises to be very special in light of what we have all collectively faced this past year.

You will begin to see our advertising signs in the area beginning on or about July 1^st. Set-up will begin Saturday July 17^th with opening night of the fair on the 21^st. The start time on Wed., Thur., and Fri. will be 6pm and closing time each night is 11pm. The final day of the fair, Saturday, will open at 4pm and close at 11pm following our grand fireworks display. We will host area summer camps on Wed. and Thur. between 9am and 1pm. Each night of the fair will include the typical carnival rides, games of chance, food and live music. Break down and clean- up will take place on Sunday July 25^th with carnival ride removal from the grounds continuing for a couple of days thereafter.

While this annual summer event is much anticipated and enjoyed by the vast majority of our community, it can present some minor inconvenience and disturbance to some in our village. Particularly for residents such as you who reside in close proximity to the fair grounds. We do not this lightly and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. With this in mind, we would like to provide you the following contact information should you have any questions or concerns regarding this year’s fair. You may feel free to contact either of us.

Jeff Armitage                                                               Mike Trainor

Event Chairman                                                          Fire Chief

(845) 494-5033                                                             (845) 629-1419

[email protected]                          [email protected]

As Always, we truly appreciate your continued support and understanding during this annual village tradition that has brought many smiles and memories to generations of our residents.

Sincerely,

Jeff Armitage

Jeff Armitage

Fair Committee Chairman

Tonight's Board Meeting will be available through youtube at 7pm tonight

https://youtu.be/HxY-IGHbmH0

June 18, 2021

 

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

Apologies for last week’s radio silence. Was upstate in attendance at annual conference held by the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM). I certainly absorbed a lot of information via technical briefings and presentations, and Lake George was a most stunning location to convene. But, always good to return home to Cornwall-on-Hudson.

Reminder that on this upcoming Monday, June 21st, immediately before the regularly-scheduled business meeting of the Board of Trustees at 7:00 p.m., we will conduct an overdue tribute to the longest-tenured mayor in Village history – Edward C. Moulton, Jr. – by dedicating the Village board room in his honor. Mr. Moulton served COH as mayor for 26 years and was responsible for moving Village Hall into our current facility in 1992.

At Monday’s meeting, the Village Board will also unveil our new state-of-the-art livestream system for remote access to monthly Board meetings. Transparency, ease-in-access are important to us. Here’s YouTube link to view in real time (or go back and watch later) including Moulton dedication ceremony and recognition of Village resident who helped save Dobbs Ferry police officer’s life following stabbing: https://youtu.be/HxY-IGHbmH0

Also, on the Board’s agenda for Monday: Resolution to approve purchase of police body camera system for COHPD officers, announcement of Donahue Farm Steering Committee appointments, Board of Fire Commissioners appointments, MRTA (Marijuana Law) discussion, and Chestnut Street and Mill Street Water Main Replacements update.

Around the Village: Facelift at Village Hall continues – check it out! Sidewalks are being replaced as necessary, within the budget. Selected road re-paving (and pothole repairs) set to commence soonest. Capital Improvement Plan geared towards necessary critical infrastructure repairs under Board consideration and pending an engineer review.

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” -- Anonymous

My very best wishes to all,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

June 4, 2021

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

Was truly humbling and awe-inspiring to take in the crowds along the parade route and witness the gathering at the Veterans’ Triangle during Memorial Day observances last Monday. As President Lincoln so eloquently spoke of while honoring the fallen at Gettysburg – our nation owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who “gave the last full measure of devotion.” God bless them all and rest their souls.

Reminder that on Saturday, June 5^th, Girls on the Run Hudson Valley Chapter will be holding a small 5K Race which commences at 8:45 a.m. and should conclude around 10:00 a.m. The race begins and ends at COH Elementary School. Would be great if some residents could help cheer the runners on and if motorists proceeded with caution in area.

Per Water Superintendent Michael Trainor: Residents can be kept informed by subscribing to the Village’s messaging system. Simply text to 99411 and enter the keyword COH12520. Enrollment affords you emergency alert notifications, as well as other general use information regarding Village services and other matters requiring public dissemination.

The Village Board will be grappling with a myriad of issues this month; to include provisions of the Marijuana Regulation and Treatment Act, our Short-Term Rental Law, standing-up of the Donahue Farm steering committee, training our police in body cam implementation, livestreaming of our Board Meetings, and a Capital Improvement Plan that seeks to tackle necessary infrastructure repairs and upgrades. We plan to be “live” for our June 21^st Business Meeting (instructions forthcoming on how to observe from a provided link on our website and Facebook page. At that same meeting, former Mayor Edward C. Moulton, Jr. will be honored as the Board Room is dedicated in his name.

Heat wave closing in. Will be in the 90’s all weekend. Stay cool and hydrate if outdoors.

Let’s all be our brother’s and sister’s keepers.

My very best wishes to all,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

PRESS RELEASE

Please be aware that there will be a , "Girls on the Run", 5K Road Race Event, taking place this Saturday morning, June 05, 2021, with a start time at 8:45am. The Race will start and end in front of Cornwall-on-Hudson Elementary School, 234 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on­ Hudson, N.Y.

Although there will be a significantly less participants than in past years due to COVID-19, there still will be approximately 100 runners running/ walking mostly on sidewalk areas and in small groupings within the Village.

Please be aware if you're out traveling in the Village as this will cause increased pedestrian traffic on Hudson Street, Homeland Avenue and Cliffside Park areas in the Village.

The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson PD will have extra police officers assisting with vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Have a Good Weekend!! Be Safe & Healthy !!

Chief Steven E. Dixon
Cornwall-on-Hudson PD

The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson is excited to introduce its electronic utility bill (e-Bill) to enable our customers to ‘Go Paperless’. e-Billing will be available to all of our customers beginning May 28, 2021.

The e-Bill is an electronic version of your Village Utility Bill and will be e-mailed directly to registered customers enrolled in our e-Bill program. Customers may sign up for e-Bills using the link on the home page or below.

The benefits of using our e-Bill system are:

• Online Bill Payment - You can also pay your bill online by registering a credit card with the e-bill system or if you choose, you can still pay by mail or in person at the Village Hall. You can also use the Bill Pay service provided by your bank of choice.
• Receive your bill faster to avoid missing due bills. Signing up for paperless billing doesn't change your due date.
• View and access your e-Bill anytime and anywhere. For your convenience, you can review your bills going back 24 months.
• A e-Bill is sent directly and securely to your registered email account. If you ever have problems receiving emails from us, check your spam, bulk or junk folders, and then add [email protected] to your approved senders list. This will mitigate the risk of it getting lost.
• Environmentally friendly – Enrolling in our e-Bill system reduces paper usage and helps to save our trees.

To enroll, customers need to visit the Village website at www.cornwall-on-hudson.org and click on the “Pay My Utility Bill” button on the home page. You then will need to provide your house/building number, your entire account number (ex. 009021-000) and e-mail address. Once enrolled customers may choose to no longer receive paper bills and receive their monthly e-Bill via their registered email address. This will ensure that all of our customers receive their utility bill in a timely and secure manner.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (845) 534-4200 Ext. 312 or email [email protected]. We are excited to be able to provide this new e-Bill opportunity to you and for its successful implementation. 

Harriet Josephine Terry Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony June 10 at 1:30 pm at 24 Idlewild Avenue.

Please RSVP by June 3. Register to attend at: www.akaiotallphaomega.org/upcomingevents

May 21, 2021

 

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

 

Lots to get to – so, let’s get after it:

Our Summer Playground camp enrollment has final registration opportunity tomorrow at Village Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11 a.m. Registration open to ALL – not just Villagers.

As we emerge from the pandemic restrictions, please note adjusted public policy at Village Hall: Fully vaccinated folks not required to mask or socially distance. Not-fully vaccinated folks still required to do both while visiting our space.

After careful consideration, the Village Board approved a resolution during its May business meeting to adopt the following structure for our Donahue Farm steering committee: 9 members who will “interface with specialists, public, and other partners, prepare interim reports for VB/public/other stakeholders, and vote on and present final recommended plan to Board.” Interested parties should contact Trustee Bill Braine, who will provide further guidance/direction at [email protected].

COH History-in-the-making: On Thursday, June 10^th at 1:30 p.m., the Cornwall Historical Society and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will be unveiling a NYS historical marker [see photos] in front of the Cornwall Central School District Office at 24 Idlewild Avenue to honor sorority founder Harriet J. Terry. The office is directly across the street from the building that once housed Cornwall-on-Hudson High School – where Harriet graduated from in 1903. Born and raised in COH, she attended Howard University, a HBCU, where she and fifteen other women founded AKA. Her teaching career spanned 40 years. According to CHS, and paraphrasing her own words, Harriet was the first African-American of the five A-A families residing in COH to graduate from high school. What an incredible legacy and COH is thrilled to have helped to launch such a heroine.

Do something good for someone today and expect nothing in return.

 

My very best wishes to all,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

May 14, 2021

 

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

 

Well, closing out my first month-and-a-half in office and must say – I am truly impressed with how well this Village functions and how much the “neighborly spirit” infuses almost every conversation in regards to solution-seeking.

It truly takes a Village.

My second point is pandemic-related. Have you and your family been vaccinated? Know that there are three safe, effective, and free vaccines available for Village residents -- including a vaccine “pod" (point of dispensing) today at Woodbury Common, and easy appointments elsewhere locally. County Executive Steve Neuhaus recommends Village residents check out the County website for more information: https://www.orangecountygov.com/2038/Vaccine. You can also inquire with your doctor, any local pharmacy, or simply call the State Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-697-4829 to find a way that works best for you—even if your schedule or transportation issues make it difficult. In other good news, the CDC just approved Pfizer vaccine for 12-15-year-old youngsters, and appointments are readily available. Even with the cancellation of Riverfest and July 4th fireworks, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel!

Village Board meets for monthly Business Meeting this next Monday, May 17^th. The agenda is available on our website and will include important items such as police body cams, upcoming meetings livestreamed, Donahue Farm steering committee, and planned dedication of Board Room in honor of Village’s 26^th mayor, Edward C. Moulton, Jr., on June 21^st.

Don’t forget the School Budget vote and BOE elections on Tuesday.

Leaving you with early 1900’s photo of Village Hall (now Pepettini) on River Avenue.

Respectfully, James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano