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• 

  Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus Issues Burn Ban Executive Order

  For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Rebecca Sheehan
  October 28, 2024                                                 845.291.2700

   

  Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus Issues

  Burn Ban Executive Order

  Goshen, N.Y. – County Executive Neuhaus today issued Executive Order No. 13 of 2024, declaring a State of Emergency in Orange County which prohibits certain burning activities due to the prolonged dry weather conditions the County and surrounding areas have been experiencing.

  “The beautiful, dry weather we’ve been enjoying comes with a consequence,” stated Neuhaus. “Over the past week, there have been numerous brush fires in the region, including in Orange County. These fires endanger the public and our first responders and we must do what we can to mitigate these dangers while conditions remain ripe for fire spread. My Executive Order will help to keep residents and visitors safe.”

  COUNTY OF ORANGE

  EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 13 OF 2024

  DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ORANGE COUNTY

  DUE TO PROLONGED DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS

  AND PROHIBITING CERTAIN BURNING ACTIVITIES

            I, Steven M. Neuhaus, County Executive of the County of Orange, State of New York, do hereby declare as an EXECUTIVE ORDER the following:

           

  WHEREAS, the entirety of the County of Orange (hereinafter the “County”) has been experiencing prolonged dry weather conditions over the course of several months, which has resulted in extremely dry vegetation and environmental conditions that are susceptible to fire; and

  WHEREAS, said prolonged dry weather has created a real, immediate and continued danger of wildfires and fire-related hazard, and the concomitant perilous effect on the lives and safety of the inhabitants that live in the effected portions of the County, and which require immediate measures to protect the lives, health and safety of the public; and

  WHEREAS, local fire officials are reporting elevated fire danger levels that are a direct threat to the lives, health and safety of the residents and visitors in the County; and

  WHEREAS, the National Integrated Drought Information System currently lists the County as being “Abnormally Dry” and provides that September 2024 was the 8^th driest September on record for Orange County over the past 130 years; and 

  WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 24 of the Executive Law of the State of New York, the County Executive of Orange County, as its Chief Executive, is authorized to proclaim a local state of emergency within any part or all of the territorial limits of the County of Orange, and in connection therewith the County Executive may promulgate local emergency orders to protect life and property or to bring the emergency situation under control.

  NOW, THEREFORE, I, Steven M. Neuhaus, as County Executive and Chief Executive of the County of Orange, New York do hereby find the public safety to be imperiled by the present and imminent conditions created by the above-referenced weather conditions and the resulting risk of fire and fire-related hazards to the lives of residents, officials, rescue workers and other in the County of Orange and, consequently, to safeguard the lives, health, safety and property of the public, I do hereby declare a STATE OF EMERGENCY for the entirety of the County of Orange pursuant to, inter alia, New York State Executive Law Sections 24 and 25, beginning at 1:00 p.m. this date, October 28, 2024, and continuing until such time that I declare the State of Emergency is no longer necessary or such declaration expires by law, whichever is first; and

  I FURTHER ORDER, that as a result of my Declaration of a State of Emergency and above findings, that for the duration of this Declaration and Order subject to extensions, if necessary, that the following is hereby PROHIBITED within the boundaries of the County of Orange:

  All outdoor burning of any material, including, but not limited to, yard waste, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor chimneys and any cooking fires unless such an activity is expressly authorized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

  The following exceptions shall apply to the above list: (i) outdoor cooking for food exclusively is permitted within a contained gas or charcoal grill; (ii) any firefighting training; and (iii) any burn operations expressly approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

  Pursuant to New York Executive Law § 24(5), any person who knowingly violates this Executive Order is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

            This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and, pursuant to New York Executive Law § 24(3) shall be (1) signed in quadruplicate, (2) published as soon as practicable in a newspaper of general circulation in Orange County and transmitted to the radio and television media for publication and broadcast, and (3) filed within 72 hours or as soon thereafter as practicable in the (i) office of the Clerk of the County Legislature, (ii) office of the County Clerk, (iii) office of the Secretary of State, and (iv) State Office of Emergency Management within the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, either directly and/or through the County of Orange Division of Emergency Management.

  ORDERED this 28th day of October, 2024

  Hon. Steven M. Neuhaus 

                                         County Executive

  For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or [email protected].

  To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

   

  PDF REGARDING BURN BAN

• 

  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 [Impending Weather Warning Edition]

  January 9, 2023

  Mayor’s Message [Impending Weather Warning Edition]:

  Dear Residents and Friends of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson,

  As the region braces for yet another significant weather event -- one which compounds melting snow, high winds, and yet another hyper-localized rainfall, here are some forecasting and precautionary information provided by the County Executive’s Office and the Orange County Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Management, Alan C. Mack:

  “[T]he Orange County Emergency Management team is closely monitoring the forecast for upcoming Winter Storm Finn. Today’s storm, combined with recent Winter Storm Ember, may be problematic because of wind and potential flooding. The National Weather Service forecast shows temperatures leaving the low twenties up to a high of 52 degrees. At the same time, the wind will slowly ramp up to steady-state 22 MPH with gusts up to the mid-thirties. At 10:00 AM, we’ll have another small round of snow, with no appreciable accumulation. None of these (on their own) are a problem, but starting at 1:00 PM, rain begins to fall around the County until 1:00 PM Wednesday. 7:00 PM Tuesday night thru 7:00 AM Wednesday is the main problem. The rain is forecasted to fall hard and fast with excessive volume. We may receive over two inches of rain between 7:00 PM -7:00 AM. This is a lot of rain on its own, but the snow on the ground will melt with the higher temperatures and the large volume of rain. The snow that fell during Ember had a 7:1 liquid to snow ratio (seven inches of snow equals one inch of water). Based on past experiences, we believe we’re going to see some significant localized flooding.”

  So, as our Village (and Town) crews continue to labor to mitigate flooding within the greater Cornwall area, and in coordination with Cornwall’s Office of Emergency Management Director Kurt Hahn, we are making available a supply of sand bags and sand within the Village at our Municipal Water Building located at 21 Maple Avenue. Any Village OR Town residents seeking to use sandbags to redirect water can stop by and are encouraged to take up to TEN sandbags. You will have to fill them yourself with material and shovels provided. Please take only up to ten bags. Honor System is in effect. You may use our municipal lot to fill bags while securing them and park without obstructing. Please respect the neighborhood while you are doing so. This was the best agreed-upon location that will be open 24/7 and available until material supply runs out.

  For Village residents: To be kept informed, you  may register for the Village’s messaging system by either texting the keyword COH1250 to 99411 or by clicking on the below weblink:

  https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF39E0553EE3

  The guidance from the County is to be taken seriously. Within the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, our stalwart road crews continue to remove snow from the streets and are working to clear any and all obstructed storm drains, ensuring a path for melting snow and impending rainfall. The volume of rain we are expecting – much like the storms of 12/23/2022, 7/9/2023, and 12/17/2023 – will overwhelm our storm drain system. Some of our infrastructure simply cannot handle what the Governor of New York State has referred to as a “1,000-year storm” – the types of storms we are seeing all too frequently of late. We will continue to keep residents updated with any relevant storm-related news or precautions. Please reach out with any needs.

  Mayor’s office number: (845) 534-4200 (x311).

  On behalf of your Village Board,

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor

• 

  Orange County Hazard Mitigation Public Meeting

  Orange County is updating its hazard mitigation plan to ensure continued eligibility for federal grants that help protect our communities. A hazard mitigation plan identifies potential risks, proposes solutions before a disaster strikes, reduces the need for emergency response, supports better decision-making, and promotes data sharing between governments and academic institutions. It also makes the county eligible for FEMA mitigation funding and can be integrated into other local planning efforts.

   

  WE NEED YOUR INPUT!

  We are inviting residents and stakeholders to provide feedback that will help shape the future of our community’s disaster resilience. Your insights are essential in developing a plan that reflects the

  needs and priorities of Orange County.

  The survey will take approximately 15 minutes, and your responses will remain confidential.

   

  SURVEY LINK

  https://forms.office.com/r/cFqEhptvVC?origin=lprLink

  255 Main Street, Goshen, New York 10924

  845-291-4000 I www.orangecountygov.com

• Orange County Transportation Council (OCTC)

  THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL (OCTC)

  is updating its Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and released an online survey to understand the needs and issues facing the County’s residents, businesses, and visitors when they drive, use transit, walk, bike, or move freight and goods.  With over 100 unique responses, we just wanted to say, we heard you!  Now, we would like to know more.  We are seeking public input on concerning highway corridors + possible future transit and bike/ped corridors.

  To take a brief survey about specific corridors and provide your input, visit http://sgiz.mobi/s3/6d48bb415acb.  The survey link will be active through September 30, 2019.

  For more information and to stay involved throughout the 2045 LRTP update process, visit: https://www.orangecountygov.com/1670/LRTP-2045-Update

• 

  Mayor’s Message [Residents with Storm Damage Relief Processes Edition]:

  Dear Residents and Friends of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson,

  Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul traveled to Highland Falls, in order announce New York State’s $3 million commitment to provide flood damage assistance for homeowners.

  Read: “Individual Assistance” -- NOT related to municipal damages and public remediation compensation. Important note -- does not replace Individual Assistance from FEMA, so long as Orange County qualifies, following an anticipated Federal Disaster Declaration from President.

  Homeowners may apply to receive funding to cover the cost of urgent repairs necessary to restore their home to a safe-for-habitation condition. Eligible work may include repair or replacement of electrical and plumbing systems, heating systems and appliances, flooring, drywall, insulation, windows, doors, siding, and roofing. A full listing of qualified repairs will be available on the RUPCO website.

  Grants up to $50,000 will be awarded based on a scope of work approved by the Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation (RDAC). Applicants must be homeowners whose primary residence is located within Orange County, NY and who have family incomes that exist at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income level.

  Eligible homeowners can apply for funding at www.rupco.org or call (845) 713-4568 (x 114) for more information.

  I was supremely proud of the relief efforts and leadership I witnessed on display yesterday in Highland Falls and across the past couple of weeks that saw the Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, pay a visit to Cornwall, as well as our Congressman, Pat Ryan, and other local elected officials, to include NYS Senator James Skoufis, Assemblyman Chris Eachus, and County Legislator Kevin Hines. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Sheriff Paul Arteta have also been “in the trenches,” crisscrossing the county on a daily basis to meet with residents and assess damages. Know that our community has the full attention of our elected leaders.

  Lastly, I want to recognize our incredible municipal employees within the Department of Public Works, Water Department, and COH Police Department. Their selflessness, hard work, and commitment to this community continues to inspire me. Thank you, all.

  On behalf of your Village Board,

  James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

  Mayor