Please find the most up to date notices from the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
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
May 7, 2021
Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:
I am not going to pretend I have anything totally figured out yet. But I am straightening and bending downward the learning curve. Definitely helps to have such a dedicated Village Hall staff and seasoned Village employees.
Just one important item I’d like to highlight from this past week:
As promised, the “Village Mayors’ Roundtable” took place at Village Hall on Tuesday, May 4th. Blessed to have in attendance all living former mayors. Shared breakfast with our 24th mayor (Charles P. Obremski, 1977-1979), 26th (Edward C. Moulton, Jr., 1981-2007), 27th (Joseph J. Gross, 2007-2011), and its 28th (Brendan G. Coyne, 2011-2021). Was humbled and honored to be able to ask each mayor the greatest challenges of his administration and receive some sage advice on where they felt my immediate and long-term efforts should focus. God bless and keep these honorable public servants.
We have posted a photograph to commemorate the historic assemblage, as well of one of Mayor Moulton in front of his original desk; one he acquired in Poughkeepsie (as he recalls it). Every mayor since has used that desk.
Sadly, our 25th mayor (George R. Dempsey, 1979-1981), 93, passed away in Amherst, MA, on June 22, 2020, from injuries sustained after a fall. A WWII U.S. Navy veteran of the Pacific Theater (enlisting when war broke out at the ripe old age of 17), his New York Times obituary included this attribution: “He even served as mayor of a small village where his family had deep roots.”
Do not want to add anything else for fear of stepping on the somber reflection on the service of Mayor Dempsey. We continue to owe a debt of gratitude to his Greatest Generation. As Memorial Day approaches -- with parade -- let’s reflect on their service and sacrifices.
My best to all – James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
April 21, 2023
Mayor’s Message
To all Cornwall-on-Hudson and Cornwall residents:
It is with profound sadness that I announce on behalf of the Moulton family that the Village’s 26th mayor, Edward C. Moulton Jr., 92, passed away early yesterday morning in Ossining, New York. Mayor Moulton served as the Village’s longest-tenured chief executive between 1981 and 2007. I have been in contact with the family via his son, Curt, and have been advised that a posted obituary is pending and that there will be a funeral service held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cornwall, NY, replete with full U.S. Military honors for the 20-year United States Air Force veteran. Mayor Moulton is predeceased by his beloved wife, Floranne (Terwilliger) Moulton.
The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York will acknowledge Mayor Moulton’s lifetime of dedication and service to our nation and to this community. Flags have been ordered to be lowered to half-mast position in the Village and in the Town of Cornwall. Purple mourning bunting applied to Village Hall. This honoring shall remain in effect until our former mayor’s cremains have been inurned. Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski has directed all Town of Cornwall flags assume the same posture. CCSD Superintendent Terry Dade has ordered the flag at COHES to be lowered until Monday, as well. Mrs. Moulton was a longtime teacher in the Cornwall Central School District.
I will share appropriate memoriam in the Cornwall Local in an attempt to capture what Mayor Moulton has meant to this community since moving here in 1972. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Attached are photos that showcase Village Hall mourning posture, as well as photos that include Mayor Moulton from the May 4, 2021 Village Mayors Round Table, shortly before the Village Board voted to approve naming the Board Room in Mayor Moulton’s honor.
Rest in peace, sir.
On behalf of the Village Board,
Mayor Gagliano
April 23, 2021
So, the dust has finally settled following the election and the resultant April 5th swearings-in of Trustees Carnright and Braine, as well as your new mayor. Firstly, I think I can speak for Dave and Bill both, when I say that the three of us are humbled and honored and exceedingly excited to begin our terms and work on your behalf. We acknowledge our sacred responsibilities.
As your new mayor – the Village’s 29th – I would like to recognize the incredible legacy of service that Mayor Brendan Coyne has gifted our beloved community. His ten years as mayor, as well as years of service to the CCSD School Board, the Independence Day Committee, and Lions Club have left an indelibly positive mark on our Village. Thank you, sir.
I’d be remiss in not acknowledging the incredible coalescing of Village employees that have served to guide and instruct me as I round out my 3rd week in office. Jeanne Mahoney, Dave Halvorsen, Mike Trainor, Steve Dixon, Bill Horton, and your staffs/crew – thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You have helped keep this Village running smoothly, in spite of me.
Follow the Village website for upcoming Village Board meetings and public hearings. Stay tuned for exciting, upcoming news regarding the Donahue Farm property purchase and Memorial Day and Fourth of July event updates. We have a lot to be thankful for this year – no matter the pandemic hurdles.
You know how to reach me. Call me – and I WILL return the call. Stop at Village Hall when you see my Jeep in the parking lot or “gently accost” me around town when you see me out walking my dog or shopping/eating local.
We are all in this together. Enjoy the weekend. Blessings to all.
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
May 12, 2022
Mayor’s Message (Important Spring Updates Edition):
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 14th) 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:
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 11th 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.
Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
January 22, 2021
I want to the commend the RiverFest Committee for taking a positive outlook on this year’s celebration of Hudson River.
At its meeting this past Wednesday, the RiverFest Committee decided to proceed with the intention that RiverFest will happen on June 6, 2021. Chairman Wynn Gold will update the website and FB page in the next few days. The committee will begin accepting vendor applications with the caveat that payments will be returned if the event is cancelled again. The committee will also start booking bands with the same understanding. Ultimately, New York State will decide whether RiverFest can happen.
As I’ve mentioned several times during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley is providing a great service to people in need of food. The Food Bank, located in our Village, is always looking for volunteers. You can reach the Food Bank at 534-5344.
Please support our restaurants. And stay safe!
All the best,
March 19, 2021
So, Cornwall-on-Hudson will have a new administration come April 5. Jim Gagliano will become mayor and Bill Braine will become a trustee. Dave Carnright will continue as trustee. Good luck to the Village Board!
The Village Board will hold its Business Meeting Monday, March 22. The board will set a public hearing for a proposed short-term rentals law for its April 19 Business Meeting. The draft law will be posted on the Village website soon.
Spring arrives Saturday with temperatures around 60. Have a great weekend!