November 3, 2022

 

Mayor’s Message (Critical Infrastructure and Orange County I.D.A. Edition):

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

This probably serves as the most important message, to date, I have shared with you as the mayor. As our Village department heads can attest, I acknowledge a long-held leader axiom which directs: “Bad news comes to me immediately and good news can wait until Monday morning.” I share immediate news regarding Cornwall’s aging critical infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security identifies sixteen sectors as “critical infrastructure.” Two of them – 1) Water and Wastewater Systems and 2) Dams Sector within the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson and Town of Cornwall require some immediate attention. Let me outline concerns and remediation plans one by one:

Firstly, please review the three attached photos of pipes that deliver water to greater Cornwall customers. Photo one depicts a failed section of 10” water main recently replaced under Hudson Street. The pipe is cast iron and was installed in 1895. Note the fissure. Twenty-five percent of our 52 miles of Cornwall water piping is 1895 vintage.

Photo two depicts failed section of 1927-installed 2” piping riddled with holes and replaced along Chestnut Street.

And finally, photo three, which highlights sediment and sludge built up within a section of 2” piping laid in1955. Should this not concern all of us?

So, what to do about it? Well, the Village Board of Trustees recently approved an expenditure of funds to have our engineers draft a comprehensive plan to include recommendations related to immediate and future required maintenance, an assessment of necessary capital improvements, and suggested funding sources. It will serve as a priority roadmap to ensure timely and necessary repairs and upgrades BEFORE we endure yet another failure of mains and connective piping. This places us in a proactive – rather than a reactive or defensive – posture. It also includes our dams. Cornwall is supplied water through two primary sources (five reservoirs and a well field) that have allowed us to avoid, of recent, having to draw water from the New York Aqueduct.

Yet, the reservoirs have to remain drawn-down to lower levels because of the aging, decrepit, failing dams that support them. This is not hyperbole when I advise that in some places (Ex: Sphagnum Reservoir), the dam is supported by plywood and 2x4 “reinforcements.” This is wholly unacceptable. Yet, repairs to that dam could cost upwards of a million and a half dollars. No easy fix and nothing cheap about necessary repairs.

And finally, regarding our wastewater (sewer) system – speaking of Cornwall-on-Hudson – the “mapping” of our sewers consists of photocopied, spiral-bound notebook paper with hand drawn lines connecting manhole covers. Not exactly 21^st century technology. We have also noted several sections within the Village where sewage backups have become more frequent. How are we tackling this issue? Firstly, there are some immediate needs to install “benches” within a number of manholes in order to better direct water flow and

ensure enough velocity for sewage movement. I will ask the Village Board to support emergency contingency funding (we have a budget line) for this effort. Longer-term plans will include gaining Board support to include, in the soon-to-be compiled 2023-2024 budget, a similar engineers-conducted sewer project (akin to the ongoing water system evaluation), which should include mapping that is more recent than some ninety years.

Final-final note on our wastewater/sewer system: As I toured the “pleasant” environs of popped, problematic manhole covers this past week, the “aromatic splendors” were somewhat exacerbated by VISIBLE clogs attributed to baby wipes. Friends and neighbors, PLEASE, ignore the hype – there does not currently exist a “flushable wipe.” Help your neighbors avoid a backup of sewage into their home because you chose to flush baby wipes, Clorox wipes, Lysol wipes, baby diapers, or a giraffe. Enough said.

The issues and remedies outlined above are all time-consuming and costly. Costs should be borne out over time and intelligently triaged. As I committed when I ran for this position, I will ensure we are actively engaged on these issues. And I will make certain we are exploring available funding sources – beyond tax dollars – wherever/whenever available.

Okay, that completes the “bad news” upfront.

Now, some good news. Bill Fioravanti, the CEO of Orange County’s Industrial Development Agency, has graciously agreed to make a short presentation (similar to the one he recently delivered at the October meeting of the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages, and Cities) that will help demystify the processes and rubric that is applied to IDA decisions regarding tax abatements. This may help bust some of the myths about the IDA’s dealings and residents will be able to view, via our livestream, the presentation when delivered at 7:00pm at the Village Board business meeting on Monday, November 21, 2022. Following the presentation, there will be a short Q&A between Mr. Fioravanti and the Village Board. Make certain to catch this in person or view online. Note: Currently, there are no Cornwall or COH matters for consideration before the IDA.

Lastly, I am thrilled to announce that, yet again, the Town and Village have made a commitment to work together, this time in relation to our observances of Winterfest and the Holiday Season – to include our two Christmas Tree lightings. Only details I can share now are the date: Sunday, December 4, 2022 and the volunteer committees participating: Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, the Cornwall Youth Committee, Main Street Committee, Storm King Engine 2 and Highland Engine Company1. Stay tuned for exciting developments and details soon shared by Supervisor Wojehowski and yours truly.        

On behalf of your Village Board,

Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

August 26, 2022

 

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

One of the things I am supremely proud of as an elected leader is fact that our Village Board and the Cornwall Town Council seek to find ways to better collaborate and jointly improve our greater Cornwall community. That said, Town Supervisor Wojehowski asked me to share this conjoined NY Forward grant application effort with Village residents.

NY Forward is a new State-funded program that provides support for the revitalization of New York State’s smaller and more rural communities in order to reinvigorate local and regional economies by creating vibrant downtown destinations, all while preserving the unique characteristics of each individual community. What an honorable pursuit!

Via this NYS program, we have the unique opportunity to secure up to a $4.25 Million grant to be split equally between the Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. As part of our continued, joint effort to serve our community’s diverse needs, we know how critical it is to include you – our community stakeholders -- in this process.

The more input we receive from the community, the better we can craft efforts designed to make greater Cornwall the most desirous place to live, work and raise our families. Although we will be prioritizing those initiatives that are most important to our community, we will seek to ensure that ALL submitted offered ideas are fairly evaluated and considered. Even if ideas do not meet NY Forward’s requirements, we will be sure to appraise the shared feedback as part of our ongoing community development efforts.

The following survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete, dependent upon the amount of ideas and feedback you elect to provide. Please respond to these survey questions with 1-2 sentences where possible.

Link to Survey:

https://culturedesign.typeform.com/NYForward

Thank you, in advance, for your participation and feedback! Have a great weekend, all.

On behalf of the Village Board,

Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

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

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

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

April 27, 2022

 

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

Spring has sprung in the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. If any doubt existed, the daffodils blooming along Hudson Street, thanks to former Deputy Mayor Barbara Gosda and her intrepid team of COH cultivators, should expel any potential doubts.

For this edition of the Mayor’s Message, how about a little acknowledgement of our four trustees? Elected to two-year terms, these four public servants – I can assure you – ain’t here for the money. I could not be any more humbled and privileged to receive their counsel across a host of issues affecting our Village. It’s a good feeling at every gathering to know I won’t be the smartest man in any room these four share with me. Here’s a few “fast facts” about each of our electeds, along with photograph in their “natural habitats”:

Deputy Mayor James “Jim” Kane

Jim Kane was just re-elected to his seventh term on the Village Board. As our longest-tenured trustee and a practicing attorney, he brings a wealth of legal knowledge to the Board and is still serving in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Jim is a profligate DIY’er (do-itself-yourselfer) and enjoys mixed success with home projects.

Trustee David Carnright

Trustee Dave Carnright is ubiquitous around these parts. Retired from Central Hudson and a Cornwall Lifer, he continues to serve our community by driving a bus that safely gets our kids from home to school. One of the founding members of Cornwall Youth Football, Dave serves on more volunteer committees than can be chronicled on one page. Just consider this – If it’s “a day that ends in y,” consider Dave to be in attendance at a meeting that betters our community.

Trustee Richard “Rich” Gaillard

Rich was just re-elected to his second term on the Village Board and brings valuable business acumen to our august body. Known for his costume “flair,” Rich’s modish wardrobe is the envy of every fashion-conscious gentlemen. He also brings practicality and a common-sense approach to deliberations.

Trustee William “Bill” Braine

Bill was elected to his first-term as a Village Trustee in March of 2021 and has assumed the responsibilities of the Board’s interface with the Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department and as its liaison to the Donahue Farm Property Steering/Planning Committee. Blessed with a wry wit and possessing a keen eye, another of Bill’s gifts is the ability to cut through the “noise” and sense “blind spots.”

  

We are all truly blessed that these four serve on our behalf.

Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

April 19, 2022

 

Mayor’s Message (Donahue Memorial Park Canadian Geese Mitigation Edition):

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

Apologies for double messages today, but wanted to alert residents and visitors to Donahue Memorial Park to an ongoing Village project. Last year, we received a number of complaints regarding the plentiful amount of Canadian Geese fecal matter at the park. It could certainly be a health hazard to those who sit or lie in the grass, as well as a safety hazard posed to those who slip on the feces. After reaching out to the USDA Wildlife Services Division, was advised of their efforts to capture and either harvest (donated to food banks) or relocation provision. When we publicly announced we were exploring this means, a number of residents requested we attempt other, more humane options. Several offered to donate mitigation devices that included latex, faux-predator (with-lifelike tails) geese deterrents. Two generous donors – Rick and Barbara Gioia and Tom Dicarrado provided some to Village at no cost. We thank them for their generosity.

The faux-predators will be emplaced around DMP. Will routinely rotate them to different positions during scheduled mowings of the park. Fingers crossed they serve as a solution. So, advise family and friends NOT to call Animal Control over our “foxes” and coyotes.” We expect, with good reason, to get some chuckles over this – but know we are exhausting all humane methods in order to find a way to coexist with our local wildlife.

On behalf of your Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

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

April 4, 2022

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

Almost ten months ago, the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson closed on the 47-acre Donahue Farm Property (DFP) making us its proud owners. In the ensuing months, a steering/planning committee was carefully selected and appointed by the Village Board – whose purpose was to protect every conceivable equity, ensuring the property would be protected and could be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike in perpetuity. The historical significance of the charming farm plot is certainly not insignificant. The farm’s namesake – the venerable Dr. M.J. Donahue -- was a local veterinarian and honorably served as the Village’s 23^rd mayor.

The DFP steering/planning committee has been working diligently to reimagine the property. They have formed a successful partnership with Scenic Hudson and the merger serves to ensure we remain responsible, protective stewards of the land. This past weekend, committee volunteers tackled one of the final cleanup efforts, leaving only the “Ice House” structure to be completed. In the above photos, you can see Mary Donahue, Trustee Bill Braine, Acting Committee Chair Christy Larkin, Dan Poindexter, and Dave Work in between their hauling, sorting, and pitching efforts. Without selfless folks such as these five, not much gets done in a community. On behalf of all of us – thank you and thanks to the entire committee for their wiliness to serve all of us.

Finally, you can view some pretty incredible drone footage (captured by Bill Braine) of the property and our volunteers this weekend at the following link:

Donahue Farm Cleanup No2 4/2/22 - YouTube    

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.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor