January 6, 2021

Mayor Coyne’s statement regarding the siege on United States Capitol

I join elected officials of every political stripe, on all levels of government, in condemning the assault on democracy in Washington, D.C., today as Electoral College electors attempted to confirm the election of our next president.

The sight of protesters scaling the walls of the Capitol during this siege is disgraceful and tragic. In a democracy we voice our preferences by voting, not by violence.

I deplore the bloodshed; one person has already died. I pray that those who were injured recover. I have every confidence that our democracy will recover.  

December 31, 2020

Dear Village Folks:

I have to start again by thanking our Department of Public Works for handling difficult weather. Dave Halvorsen and his crew had to leave their families on Christmas Day to clear trees, limbs and debris from our streets and to deal with some flooding. Thanks, guys!

I also want to thank Central Hudson for restoring power in the Village and around the Hudson Valley. Many Village residents were without power on Christmas day.

So, another casualty of the pandemic: The Village’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop – no public gathering to welcome the new year. But the Cornwall-on-Hudson Special Events Committee will create a virtual countdown that will be live-streamed via its Facebook page.

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we dealt with the virus during this difficult year. Condolences to families who lost loved ones. Please continue to stay safe as the vaccines become more available.

On behalf of the Village Board and all Village employees, I wish you health and prosperity in 2021. Happy New Year!

All the best,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

Dear Village Folks:

Let me start off by thanking our Department of Public Works for handling the huge snowstorm Wednesday into Thursday. The guys worked hard to clear our streets and deserve our appreciation.

We held the Village Hanukkah Menorah lighting last Sunday and a good number of people showed up. My thanks to Suzy Yarmus for leading the event. 

Santa will be making his annual visit to the Village on a fire truck tomorrow. You can track his journey on the Storm King Engine Facebook page. SKE will also be collecting food for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley; if you’d like to donate, just leave your donation at the bottom of your driveway.

The fire company has set up a mailbox for Letters to Santa; the mailbox is located in front of the firehouse. Children should include their mailing addresses. They can also hand letters to a firefighter as Santa makes his rounds tomorrow.

The draft 2021-22 Village Budget is posted on our website. The Village Board will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on January 11, 2021.

Take care during the holidays and continue to follow CDC procedures for COVID-19 – wear a mask and social distance. Stay safe.

On behalf of the Village Board and all Village employees, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

All the best,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

December 11, 2020

Dear Village Folks:

Lots of people turned out for the tree lighting last Sunday. Thanks to John and Jackie Gioia for providing some holiday songs. Thanks to the Department of Public Works, Storm King Engine Company #2, the Police Department for their efforts in creating an enjoyable evening. And thanks to Santa for taking time out of his busy schedule to help light the tree.

Unfortunately, the Storm King Engine was unable to have children chat with Santa due to COVID-19. However, the fire company has set up a mailbox for Letters to Santa. Children should include their mailing address. The mailbox is located in front of the firehouse.

The Hanukkah Menorah will be lit at 5:30 p.m. this Sunday, December 13, rain or shine.

The Police Reform Committee will hold its organizational meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday via teleconference. People are welcome; information on joining the meeting will be available via Facebook and the village website. 

FYI - As of Wednesday, December 9, Walden Savings Bank has limited transactions to its drive-thru lanes. Other services are available by appointment. 

Please continue to follow CDC procedures – wear a mask and social distance.

All the best,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

December 4, 2020

 

Dear Village Folks:

 

Well, we could certainly use a little cheer this year. So, I’m pleased to announce that the Village’s very own, John and Jackie Gioia, will lead us in some holiday songs Sunday night, at 6 p.m., Sunday, December 6, as we light the Village tree.

While we can’t have visits with Santa at the firehouse in 2020, due to COVID-19, we’re hoping Santa might be able to find some time to help us the light the tree.

Please wear your masks and practice social distancing.

The event will also be live-streamed on the Village’s Facebook page, thanks to the Cornwall-on-Hudson Special Events Committee.

We’ll see you Sunday night!

All the best,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

November 20, 2020

 

Dear Village Folks:

 

As COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Orange County, the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson needs to continue to safeguard its residents and employees. We recognize the need to have our employees available especially as the snow season approaches.

 

With that in mind, Village Hall will be closed to the public again as of Monday, Nov. 30, at least until Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. We will continue to provide services as usual. The drop box has become a convenient way to pay bills.

Governor Cuomo has stressed that New Yorkers should limit their travel outside the state and there are certain guidelines the Village must follow. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me: 534-4200 x307 or 845-416-8018.

 

I hope in this season of gratitude that we can recognize our many blessings. Stay safe. On behalf of the Village Board and all of our employees, I wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Sincerely,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

Dear Village Folks:

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced new COVID-19 restrictions on bars, restaurants, gyms and residential gatherings in New York State.

Effective Friday, November 13, at 10 p.m., bars, restaurants and gyms/fitness centers, as well as any establishment authorized by the State Liquor Authority, will be required to close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Restaurants will still be allowed to provide curbside, food-only pick-up or delivery after 10 p.m. (no alcohol-to-go).

The Governor also announced that indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences will be limited to no more than 10 people. The limit will be implemented due to the recent prevalence of COVID spread resulting from small indoor gatherings including Halloween parties. These gatherings have become a major cause of cluster activity across the state.

This public health measure brings New York State in line with neighboring states including Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This new rule is also effective at 10 p.m. Friday.

Governor Cuomo said local governments are in charge of enforcement. The Governor took these actions because of the widespread increase in COVID cases across New York State and throughout the country.

Please continue to comply with the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control regarding hygiene, masks and social distancing.

Stay healthy!

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

October 30, 2020

Dear Village Folks:

So, the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson will allow Trick or Treating on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, in this year of the pandemic. We want our children to experience the fun of this cultural tradition. And we want everyone to stay safe.

So, Trick or Treaters must wear face masks – in addition to masks for their costumes. And they must social distance and travel in small numbers, with kids in their circles.

Parents, please instruct your children to be safe, to abide by COVID-19 precautions that have been in effect since March.

There should be minimal car traffic – some village neighborhoods have hundreds of children on our streets. Be aware of the hazards of wet leaves on our streets. As usual, Village Police Chief Steve Dixon will have officers patrolling.

To those handing out the goodies, you have several options:

• Wear a mask yourself as you distribute candy;
• Place candy outside on your porch/stoop or at the end of your driveway;
• Don’t participate this year – everyone will understand your need to be cautious.

As usual, I’ve issued a curfew for Halloween - Trick or Tricking will end at 8 p.m.

Have fun and be safe.

All the best,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

October 23, 2020

Dear Village Folks:

Halloween 2020: Have Fun. Stay Safe.

 

The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson will allow Trick or Treating in this year of the pandemic. We want children to experience the fun of this cultural tradition.

And we want everyone to be safe.

So that means that the Trick or Treaters must wear face masks – in addition to any masks for their costumes. They must social distance and travel in small numbers, with kids in their circles.

Parents must instruct their children to be safe, to abide by precautions that have been in effect for months.

To those handing out the goodies, you have several options:

• Wear a mask yourself as you distribute candy;
• Place candy outside at the end of your driveway or on your stoop;
• Don’t participate this year.

Orange County Health Commissioner has issued a comprehensive advisory on how to safely navigate Halloween.

 

All the best,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

 

October 9, 2020

Dear Village Folks:

Having been dealing with COVID-19 for more than half a year, we need to remember the importance of wearing masks when we’re unable to maintain social distancing of at least six feet.

Mask wearing and social distancing helps stop the spread of COVID-19 and sends a strong message to all you meet that you care about their health.

 

So please continue to comply with wearing masks and social distancing. We want to continue to keep the rate of COVID-19 low.

 

All the best,

Brendan Coyne

Mayor

Cornwall-on-Hudson