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

  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

• 

  Mayor’s Message (Independence Day and Infrastructure Repairs Edition)

  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

• 

  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

• 

  Mayor’s Message - “Get to Know Your Trustees” Edition

  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

• 

  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 - St. Paddy’s Day Edition

  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