Please find the most up to date notices from the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
April 23, 2021
Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:
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 7, 2021
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
June 18, 2021
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,
April 30, 2021
So many exciting things going on in the Village to tell you about. It truly makes coming to work every day -- less work -- and much more a blessing.
We are moving forward on Donahue Farm purchase. New York State Supreme Court approved the purchase -- required when involved party is a 501(c)(3). The Attorney for the Village is currently reviewing all relevant documents and beginning the process to close; hopefully within two weeks.
On Tuesday, May 4th, I will host a “Village Mayors’ Roundtable” attended by all living former mayors. In attendance will be the Village’s 25th mayor (C. Obremski, 1979-1981), 26th (E. Moulton, 1981-2007), 27th (J. Gross, 2007-2011), and its 28th (B. Coyne, 2011-2021). Entirely too much “living history,” subject-matter-expertise, and invaluable knowledge about our wonderful Village, its origins, and the best path forward for me to miss this opportunity. I promise a photograph to memorialize the roundtable and will share with all.
Please know that the Village Board is engaged in an examination of all the facts related to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) set in place by the New York State legislature and enacted by the governor on March 31st. We are closely reviewing the summary of provisions and guidance provided by Orange County District Attorney’s Office and will deliberate over what Village may endeavor to opt out of, as permitted by law.
Don’t forget about the Donahue Memorial Park cleanup – the 10th annual Riverkeeper Riversweep event Saturday morning, May 1st, between 9:00am and 12:00pm. You may find more information, along with required pandemic precautions at [email protected].
We all remain in this together. Enjoy the weekend. Blessings to all.
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
Dear Residents and Friends of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson,
It has been awhile since I have provided updates via social media and there is a lot to discuss. Firstly, as I round into my final eleven months in office, you need to know the priorities of which I remain hyper-focused. They remain consistent with what I championed during my first mayoral campaign in 2021: public safety, remediation of crumbling infrastructure, and “the little things.”
The attached photographs depict some of “the little things.” Our intrepid DPW crews continue to upgrade and tidy up our parks down at the Riverfront, along Dockhill Road and along the Boulevard. Seeding, top soiling, “freshening up” the dilapidated park signs, and assembling new picnic tables for park users. We also continue to find funding for new sidewalks. After the Curie Road project and several curb replacements (such as COH Elementary School frontage), Monday will begin the replacement of more Hudson Street sidewalks and aprons from 2 Alices to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home. This is a prime walking path and helps to interconnect the Town with our central business district in the Village, and traverses across Village Hall. With the impending Art Walks and other special events, it enhances the walkability of our special village.
Speaking of art, the Village is in the process of initiating a loan agreement with local sculptor Vivien Collens to emplace several of her large sculptures along Hudson Street and in proximity to where the soon-to-be under construction Dockhill Road connector trail will connect the Lower Village with the Donahue Farm Property and the Riverfront. This will be a value-added feature for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. And for those frustrated by the proliferation of potholes, our crews will be out next week as the weather continues to warm and will make the necessary interim repairs. Please keep in mind that 218 and Academy Avenue are NYS roads. We also are heavily engaged with FEMA, USDA, Scenic Hudson, and Central Hudson regarding remediation and repairs related to flood damages from the four major, hyper-localized storms we have suffered since December of 2022. I know this makes no one happy to hear – but it’s a process and unfortunately, often moves at a glacial pace. Please know that your Village is on it. And expect to see some road surfaces repaved THIS season.
Now, to the Bandstand. Erected in 1985 in honor of our Village’s centennial, it has taken some beatings from the elements and use. We determined there was major water damage to the ceiling due to a leak within the enclosed gutter system. We hired contractors (including local resident and expert carpenter Doug Spaulding) to painstakingly disassemble portions and make the repairs. Rest well knowing this remediation will result in decades more of enjoyment by Village residents. Next year, we will celebrate the bandstand’s 40th and our Village’s 140-year anniversary. And speaking of the bandstand, thanks to Eddie Hurley for again expertly booking our annual concert series. First concert is May 28th and will feature a combination of classic pop-rock and country-folk music performed by Frank Rudolph’s Main Street Music Studio “Student Band.” That same evening, the Town Supervisor and I will be co-hosting the monthly meeting of the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages, and Cities at Storm King Lounge & Fare. What a great opportunity for mayors and supervisors across County to see this community rock.
As an aside, on Wednesday, San Miguel Academy held a “boat christening” for their rowing program. Headquartered in Newburgh, SMA performs wonders in inspiring and motivating at-risk children and helping them to succeed in the academic realm while participating in an incredibly successful high school rowing program. I was humbled to be but a small part of the event held at the Riverfront and walked away appreciative that we get to share the gift that is Donahue Memorial Park with an organization that provides so much give-back to our youth.
Can't also forget to send a huge "thank you" shoutout to the Cornwall Conservation Advisory Council for sponsoring and leading last weekend's River Sweep event at the Riverfront. Carla Castillo and Ted Warren do a wonderful job each year "herding cats" and directing the clean-up efforts. GREAT turnout this year. And what clean-up effort in Cornwall or Cornwall-on-Hudson doesn't include the amazing orange-shirted volunteers from the Cornwall Cleanup Crew? We owe all of these volunteers a HUGE debt of gratitude for helping preserve our waterfront and keep it pristine for residents and visitors and future generations alike to enjoy.
Lastly, I, along with two Trustees Braine and Paliotta, will be attending the New York Conference of Mayors annual conference at Lake George for a few days next week. Wonderful opportunity to compare “best practices” with elected colleagues and learn a little bit more about policies and protocols in municipal government from the NYCOM team.
All for now. Thank you all for your interest, involvement, and investment in our community.
On behalf of your Village Board,
Mayor