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  Mayor’s Message [Village Updates Edition]

  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,

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

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  Mayor’s Message (Important Spring Updates Edition)

  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

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  Mayor’s Message (Village History Edition):

  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

• 

  Mayor’s Message [Village Code Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Responsibilities Edition]

  Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents,

  Tuesday’s winter storm, blessedly, was not as paralyzing as some forecasters had anticipated. Regardless, the greater Cornwall area received upwards of 10.4”. The Village’s Department of Public Works did their per usual job of keeping our roadways clear and ensuring our safety on the roads. These crews deserve a lot of credit. It is a small department and they get the job done.

  Several residents had reached out to me regarding clearance of snow from sidewalks around the Village. Their valid concerns were from a public safety aspect – pedestrians (especially COHES school kids) having to veer off the uncleared sidewalks and into the roadway while on foot.

  I wanted to ensure that everyone is well versed in our Village code regarding snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Per Village code, § 135-8, the duty to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice falls on the respective homeowner or business. This includes any/all sidewalks adjoining such properties and for the “full paved width of such sidewalk.” Now, historically, the Village – as a courtesy – has endeavored to clear all sidewalks as soon as the roadways, parking spaces, and municipal lots have been cleared of snow and ice. It’s a process and takes time. But our policy to courtesy-clear sidewalks as soon as possible around the Village remains in effect.

  However, please note that by code, § 135-9 (time limit for removal), residents and businesses have “24 hours after the end of a snowfall” to clear sidewalks adjoining their property. Also, by code, § 135-11 (removal by Village), the DPW Superintendent can provide notice to a violative property owner and require remediation within four hours. Via code, § 135-12 (cost of removal), property owners could be charged “a bill for the removal of snow,” issued by the Village Clerk.

  Again, please know that under this administration, Village will continue longstanding tradition to assist residents and business owners by helping remove snow from sidewalks. Please be patient with us as we work through the priority matrices. The Village Board simply felt it imperative to better educate all of us – myself included, as I had to research – as to Village’s responsibilities.

  On behalf of your Village Board,

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

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  Mayor’s Message [Village Elections Edition]:

  Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents,
  
  Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19, 2024 is the Village’s Election Day held inside the Edward C. Moulton, Jr. Boardroom at Village Hall, 325 Hudson Street. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and we do not anticipate any lines. So please stop by and do your civic duty.
  
  Voting in America is not just a sacred right – it’s our solemn duty. We need to exercise the annual “muscle memory” and be an example to our youth that voting is a precious responsibility. This includes when there exist no contested races on a particular ballot. There are two trustee positions on the board that are scheduled to be filled this election cycle. The Cornwall Local published a Q&A for both candidates if you are unfamiliar with those running. In a Village of 3,000 residents and with 2,100 registered voters, let’s avoid the ignominy of having lower turnout – with similar conditions in 2014 – when only 89 of us turned out to pull the lever.
  Make sure you pass the word along to friends and neighbors and get out the vote tomorrow.
  
  On behalf of your Village Board,
  
  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
  Mayor

• 

  Mayor’s Message [Mr. Kenneth W. Cashman Village Tribute Edition]

  Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, et al,

  This tough to share. Below the LTE I shared to The Cornwall Local re: Mr. Cashman’s passing:

  The phone rang and I dreaded the forthcoming news. Mary Jane Pitt, editor of The Cornwall Local (now News of The Highlands), had promised me an update on the precarious medical condition of 83-year-old Kenneth W. Cashman. Word here had spread rather quickly early last Wednesday that he had fallen ill and with the help of his family was receiving critical care in Middletown. The dreaded news confirmed by MJP, whose voice cracked as she relayed it, that he had passed, shook me to my core. So many now impacted who had the honor and privilege of knowing Mr. Cashman. Conversations with local elected officials and fellow members of American Legion Post 353 ensued. Ken Cashman, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, was a longtime member of our Cornwall Post. The sober conversations and remembrances that followed centered around this description of the Monroe resident: He was humble and kind.

  So just how, pray tell, does a resident of a neighboring community become so synonymous with Cornwall? In fact, if one had to characterize Mr. Cashman, it would be thusly – he was and remains quintessentially Cornwall. Across the years of covering our children at their athletic events, the sports journalist wrote poignant and compelling tales of their exploits and never pretended to be objective in his accounts. He was an unrepentant “homer.” Truth be told, Ken Cashman bled Dragon green and white. He never made himself the protagonist in any of his writings and while serving as longtime editor of The Cornwall Local. His self-effacing columns poking fun at himself were presented under the (wink, wink) self-deprecating nom de plume, “Mr. Know-it-all.” He sang beautiful renditions of “God Bless America” at Cornwall events. He shook hands and kissed more babies than any politician around these parts. Not because he sought patronage, but because he truly LOVED our community. And we LOVED him back.

  In 2021, Mr. Cashman sheepishly climbed into the back of a convertible and as he whispered to me, “accepted his fate”; recipient of one of Cornwall’s highest honors -- grand marshal of the annual Fourth of July parade. In 2022, he was awarded “Citizen of the Month” by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. The distinction much more a “lifetime achievement” acknowledgement than casual monthly nod to his community commitment. Whether acting as Sunday School superintendent or chairman of Bicentennial committee, coaching Little League or Pop Warner, Kenneth W. Cashman lived a lifetime of service and he will be desperately missed.

  After we rightly grieve his passing, we, celebrate his life and ensure that his principle of community involvement remain enduring. He certainly set an example for all of us to aspire to emulate. Personally, I will miss his visits to Village Hall to ensure that something he was going to publish was accurate. I’ll miss his wry smile and the twinkle in his eyes as we fiercely debated the appropriateness of the Oxford comma and whether a volleyball serve ace was a “true ace” or not -- if the opposing team touched the ball. Godspeed, Mr. Cashman. You left the world a better place than you found it. You will never be forgotten in your adopted hometown of Cornwall.

  With somber remembrance and on behalf of your Village Board,

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor