Please find the most up to date notices from the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
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
January 14, 2025
Mayor’s Message [Public Safety, “Et Alia” Edition]:
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, visitors, and friends,
Firstly, an apology upfront for what may seem an extended period of absence in the “mayor’s message” communications I do so enjoy sharing with our community. Certainly not a reflection of a lack of matters and issues currently being addressed and resolved. The wheels of progress have continued to grind along unimpeded or obstructed. I simply choose this platform when I sense matters of serious consequence to address – or opportunities to laud our amazing Village employees and volunteer organizations. That said, this will serve as my penultimate written message to you all as mayor of this wonderful Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. My second (and final) term concludes on April 7th and there will be a new elected leader of the Village for us all to rally behind and cheer on continued successes for our elected officials as they continue to lead us into the second quarter of the 21st century. But more on all of that soon.
Let’s begin with several somber reflections. Three days shy of the New Year, the nation lost its 39th president, Jimmy Carter: a native of Plains, Georgia and the leader of the free world during a fairly tumultuous period of our nation’s – and the world’s – history. He led with grace and truly inspired millions upon millions across the globe during his post-presidency efforts with Habitat for Humanity. Village flags have been lowered to half-mast position in keeping with federal guidelines that instruct the observances be held for a full thirty days following a POTUS’s passing. They will briefly be raised back to full-mast position in observance of inauguration day on January 20th and then be re-lowered for the remaining eight days of remembrance in honor of President Carter. I did not *invent this accommodation. It has been announced by a number of state governments and the Speaker of the House of Representatives – to apply to Congress. Please keep President Carter and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
We also lost one of our own beloved elected leaders and community pillars on January 8th. Charles “Rudy” Hahn was a well-respected member of this Village, serving 24 years on our Village Board and as deputy mayor. Difficult to find anyone around these parts who could say a cross word about Mr. Hahn. He built an incredible legacy in Cornwall-on-Hudson – none more so than his children and grandchildren; all deeply embedded in and committed to Cornwall-on-Hudson. Please keep them all in your prayers. Their patriarch made a huge impact in COH.
And also, Thursday, January 16th, Cornwall’s own true American HERO and Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Paul W. Bucha, will be formally laid to rest at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point. Captain Bucha peacefully passed away on July 31, 2024. Thursday’s ceremonies will be replete with full military honors. Please continue to keep his brave wife and Cornwall resident, Cynthia, “Chintz,” Bell-Bucha in your thoughts and prayers.
Now, to serious matters related to PUBLIC SAFETY. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger once perfectly posited that “[g]overnment’s first duty and highest obligation is public safety.” He was spot-on. Nothing – absolutely NOTHING – is as sacrosanct a contract with our community than the one that demands we elected officials do everything within our power and control to keep our communities safe. It’s why this Board compelled our police department to be outfitted with body worn cameras. They assist in keeping the public – and our cops – safe(r). It’s also why some four years ago, we took a hard look at the events in COH that resulted in mass gatherings . It’s no easy (or popular) feat, at times, to pull employees in on holidays, away from their families, and have them staff additional uniformed foot posts or assist in prepositioning heavy equipment and vehicles to provide a greater level of security for crowds of revelers that gather to celebrate. One only has to look at what just occurred in Germany during the Christmas Market attack and the vehicular attack on Bourbon Street that occurred shortly after we celebrated our ball drop in COH. The threat matrix, my FBI background informs, should constantly shift and adjust to blunt the advantage our complacencies provide to terrorists, or those seeking to inflict harm. In Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” he warned of an adversaries’ penchant for acting “like water,” taking the path of least resistance, and always finding the easiest route. Undertaking these “new normal” precautions does not guarantee us 100% safety. But it is a first step in hardening our defenses.
Same necessary defenses the current FBI director warned of on “60 Minutes” on Sunday evening. Speaking of the ominous threats posed by the People’s Republic of China, Director Wray particularly highlighted vulnerabilities within our critical infrastructure grid. And the first vital critical infrastructure sector he mentioned was water treatment facilities – something the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson is responsible for in its role as the lead agency in charge of the Cornwall Water System. In light of this shared intelligence, the Village will seek to begin a comprehensive review of the security template attached to our water treatment plants and reservoirs. It is necessary and timely. Just as we will seek to procure moveable sidewalk bollards to further integrate and increase security posture when we draw large crowds to events. Any resident with additional ideas or concerns in this realm, please come see the mayor to discuss.
Finally, with 83 days left in office, I commit to not limping across the finish line and promise to finish my final days as mayor with the same enthusiasm and commitment to ALL with which I entered on duty. And while I will share more (much more) about the current state of the Village and what lies ahead in my final treatise to the community in March, please know that I have considered the holding of this office to be the honor and the privilege of my lifetime. Thank you.
On behalf of your Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor
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.
Mayor James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
March 28, 2022
Mayor’s Message (Public Safety Edition):
On behalf of the Village Board, I could not be prouder to announce that the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department rolled out body-worn cameras this morning. As a career law enforcement professional, it has always been of paramount importance to me to ensure transparency for the constituency we are sworn to protect and serve, as well as guarantee the legal protections of armed public servants who willingly go into harm’s way on behalf of all of us. This was LONG overdue and serves as victory for all.
Pictured is Village Police Department’s lone appointed sergeant, John Peña, modeling the body-worn camera accoutrement on his ballistic vest during the B-Line tour today. If any resident or visitor to the Village has questions regarding our roll-out and usage of said BWCs, please stop into the police department or Village Hall and speak to Chief Steve Dixon or me. Or, simply stop any Village officer on the street and inquire regarding protocols. We are supremely proud of this effort that has taken a full year to effect.
April 19, 2022
Mayor’s Message (Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department Edition):
In this edition, we would like to highlight our intrepid police department and showcase some members of our force. As recent events in Brooklyn so perfectly highlighted last week, our nation is beyond blessed to have men and women in blue who selflessly run to the sounds of the guns. Our department is located on the backside of Village Hall, 325 Hudson Street, and remains poised to always to “protect and serve.” We are supremely proud of our police department’s rollout of the body-worn camera initiative last month.
PHOTO #1: P.O. James Lynch
PHOTO #2: P.O. Theo Dawydko
PHOTO #3: P.O. Stephen Berean
PHOTO #4: Sgt. John Peña
PHOTO #5: P.O. Jonathan Kapczak
PHOTO #6: P.O. Antinori and Chief Dixon (along w/German tourists visiting COHPD HQ).
PHOTO #7 P.O. Thomas Moran
IMPORTANT NOTE: Village Hall just received a limited allotment of COVID-19 rapid test kits. Available on a first-come-first-served basis. Residents may simply stop by Village Hall M-F during normal business hours (8:30AM-4:30PM) and receive two kits.
Special Thanks to the Water Department last week for working 56 straight hours to mitigate a major water main leak and ensure faulty pipes were repaired and replaced, and to the Department of Public Works for handling multiple clogged storm drains across the Village after a number of heavy rainfalls.
April 27, 2022
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.
March 10, 2022
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.