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

Sample Ballot for Tuesday, March 15 Election

 

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

February 25, 2022

 

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

This one is LONG overdue. This morning, Old Man Winter’s stubborn refusal to depart the region in a timely fashion, and on good terms, made me realize how truly blessed we are to have such a dedicated and committed Village Department of Public Works. I pledge to do a better job publicly acknowledging and highlighting our amazing workforce more frequently. Next editions will spotlight the Water Department and the Police Department.

For this DPW, Highway, and Sanitation Departments’ edition, how about these guys?

Photo One: (L-R) Casey Brown, Superintendent Dave Halvorsen, and Andrew Poalla after the Village Hall parking lot was plowed and treated this morning (repeatedly).

Photo Two: They balked at my camera-happy posture after plowing and treating our Village streets since 3:30 a.m., but I corralled them at the DPW Building. From left to right, Andy Stathes, Wayne Yeoman, Tommy Lyons, Pat Conley, and Eric Vandemark.

Photo Three: I asked the DPW to refinish, renovate, refurbish, and bring back to life a more than 100-year-old work session table that is in all likelihood the OLDEST piece of furniture in existence in Village government. Handcrafted in Indianapolis around the turn of the century, it was in sore need of repair and a tiny bit of TLC. These guys nailed it. Expert craftsmen, all. Left to right, Pat Cody, Luis “Sweet Lou” De la Cruz, and Pat Conley. Museum-quality piece now. We know that this table served as the mayor’s “desk” and conveyance for board meetings when it existed at the old Village Hall at 3 River Avenue (currently Pepettini Restaurant) until the early 1990s. It is a Village treasure.

Thank you, Village Department of Public Works. We all truly appreciate your work. 

On behalf of a truly grateful Village Board and community,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

February 16, 2022

 

SPECIAL NOTICE: In Memoriam Charles P. Obremski

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

It with heavy heart that I report to you the passing of the Village’s 24^th mayor, Charles P. Obremski on Monday, February 14, 2022. The following is the family’s posted obituary on the Quigley-Sullivan funeral home site:

Charles P. Obremski was born on September 11, 1946 in Passaic, New Jersey to Charles J. and Anna (Tichansky) Obremski. He died on February 14, 2022 in Newburgh, New York. Charlie is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Howell); his sons: Gregory and Christian (Alexandra); his grandchildren: Anna, John, Elisabeth, and Maria; and by his sister Maryann.

Charlie was a graduate of Boston University and New York University School of Law. He maintained a law practice in Cornwall, New York for nearly 50 years. He was a retired Army Major with the New Jersey National Guard and served as a Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Auxiliary Police Officer. He was also Mayor of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson from 1977-1979. Charlie was a patriot who loved the Constitution and the rights afforded therein. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 18th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Based on new CDC guidelines adopted by NYS, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in the funeral home. Burial will be private. End.

I have directed all four Village flags to be lowered to half-mast position through this weekend. Black mourning bunting supplied by Storm King Engine Company #2 has been applied to two sides of Village Hall to honor our former mayor. Was privileged and honored to meet with Mayor Obremski when the Village hosted a former mayors’ summit in May of last year at Village Hall. The attached photograph is from that event and also depicts former Cornwall-on-Hudson mayor, Edward C. Moulton, Jr. and former Town supervisor and Village trustee, Richard Randazzo, as the three share a laugh.

On behalf of the Village Board, we wish Godspeed to Mayor Obremski and pray his family finds peace, comfort, and solace in his legacy of service to our nation, and this Village, and realizes just how much this somber news has impacted our community.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

January 21, 2022

 

SPECIAL ALERT for IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit Distribution in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York:

Dear Cornwall residents, neighbors, and friends:

On behalf of Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski, and both the Village and Town Boards, we have been designated a COVID-19 rapid test kit P.O.D. (point of distribution) tomorrow morning, Saturday, January 22, 2022, in the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York.

Now, please understand, this allocation of FREE test kits is being made available to ALL Orange County residents. This does NOT serve as a Cornwall-centric only giveaway. We have more than enough kits and will distribute until we run out. But ALL intended recipients MUST enter the queue from 9W and along Shore Road. NO EXCEPTIONS. Exit will be up Dock Hill Road and then through Cornwall-on-Hudson via egress roads.

Details: 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning at Donahue Memorial Park (the Cornwall-on-Hudson riverfront). Two packages (4 total tests) per vehicle – WITH proof of Orange County, NY residence.

Access: You MUST access the P.O.D. from 9W, and along Shore Road to DMP. Follow all the signage and the police and DPW officials’ directions along the route. Please be patient with our volunteers, they are here to serve you and the Orange County community.

Members of both the Village and Town Boards will be there along the route.

Looking forward to seeing anyone who needs test kits.

On behalf of Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski and both community boards,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

December 29, 2021

 

SPECIAL NEW YEAR’s EVE NOTICE

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

Yes, Virginia, there WILL be a 2022 Times Square-like ball drop this year in the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. Village’s Special Events Committee is pleased to announce they are planning both an in-person celebration and livestream viewing option for those who cannot attend or choose not to. Livestream, via YouTube, can be accessed using below link on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2021, beginning around 11pm:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcGsBtKV4CQ

There will be music provided and a hard-stop at 12:30 a.m. to respect our neighbors.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in person or virtually.

On behalf of the Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

IMPORTANT UPDATE Regarding New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s COVID-19-Related Executive Order and How It Impacts Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Municipal Facilities:

Last Friday, Governor Hochul announced that, beginning Monday, all indoor public places – including restaurants, gyms, and offices, must either require people entering to wear a mask or show proof of vaccination. The edict does not permit a policy “mix and match.” The choice is one or the other.

The mandate can be found here:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-major-action-address-winter-surge-and-prevent-business-disruption

With this in mind, and having consulted with other local municipalities as well as reviewed guidance from the CDC and the Orange County Department of Health, all Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson indoor facilities (Village Hall and DPW Building) will require all employees and visitors to wear a mask.

Our community in Cornwall-on-Hudson has done an excellent job in reaching a vaccinated rate of 74% amongst eligible recipients. Those interested in receiving a vaccine and/or booster can take advantage of the point of distribution (pod) locations available in Orange County and identified at below link:

https://www.orangecountygov.com/2038/Vaccine

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus has made clear that the County is not in a position to enforce this mandate. We will simply ask that all visitors to our Village buildings please comply with the request and if unable to do so, we will be happy to meet with you outside of the building to service your needs.

The mandate will remain in effect for one month, at which point the Governor’s Office will reassess and advise.

Appreciate the understanding. Any issues/questions, please reach out to me at (845) 534-4200 (x311).

James A. Gagliano

Mayor

November 23, 2021

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

As we head into the Holiday Season, and on behalf of our Village Board, and all of our staff and employees, I’d like to wish each of you a peaceful and reflective Thanksgiving. There is an old adage that goes: “There is always, always something to be thankful for." We are all supremely blessed to be part of this wonderful Village of COH community.

Couple of quick items:

Reminder that the Village tree-lighting takes place on Sunday, December 5^th at 5:30 p.m. -- the day after the Town’s. The Gioias (John and Jackie) will entertain us with Christmas songs and holiday cheer. We anticipate the annual visit by our special guest visiting from the North Pole. And Storm King Engine Company #2 will serve refreshments at the bandstand – as opposed to the firehouse – this year.

Hanukkah: Hanukkah begins at sundown on November 28^th. Lighting of the first menorah candle will be celebrated at the Village Bandstand starting at 5:30pm on that date.

Lastly, you may notice that the one-sided Village welcome sign on Hudson Street (across from DB Mart) received a special addition this afternoon. Clayton Boone, the “artisan woodcarving craftsman whiz” from Sugar Loaf, NY crafted the original sign, at the behest of former Mayor Brendan Coyne. Today, Mr. Boone installed a wood panel to the backside of the sign that thanks travelers for visiting our beautiful Village and features the waterfront gazebo depicted in the Village seal. I’d like to thank Mr. Coyne, as well as the current Board who approved the addition (with much of the project funded by generous donors), for what I truly believe is a value-added piece of landscape artwork. Please see the attached photographs of the sign, the artist, and DPW Superintendent Dave Halvorsen and the members of DPW who helped with installation – Tom Lyons and Patrick Cody.   

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor