Village Notices

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Please find the most up to date notices from the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.

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Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson residents:

Have heard questions arise regarding the recently-poured 30' x 50' concrete pad tucked against the railroad tracks and nestled alongside the stream at the bottom of Dock Hill Road and within the confines of Donahue Memorial Park.

This pad serves as first phase of a pavilion project approved by the Village Board and supported via partial funding secured through a Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) grant award in 2021.

The pavilion kit should arrive before Fall and the plan is the have installed before end of this construction season. Once erected, it will serve as a covered gathering space replete with picnic tables to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. It helps mitigate visits during inclement weather and will also be available for scheduled, Board-approved family, group, and community events. The attached photograph depicts view of pavilion, once constructed.

Important note: not one pine tree or lilac bush were harmed in this securing of designated space and we feel this will enhance the utility and opportunities at beautiful Donahue Memorial Park while safeguarding our native flora and fauna.

On behalf of the Village Board,

James A. "Jimmy" Gagliano

Mayor

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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

NOTICE: Last night’s heavy rainstorms washed out portions of the CSX railway yet again. Coupled with the current forecast for more precipitation, CSX contractors have reoccupied Donahue Memorial Park (DMP) in order to repair washed-out tracks. This means more personnel, heavy equipment and material to be returned to the riverfront.

DMP WILL reopen to the general public on schedule today at Noon. Please – all visitors, I request that you fully respect the roped-off and barricaded construction areas and avoid the work crews that will be toiling around the clock to restore train service as soon as possible.

Thank you for understanding.

Mayor Gagliano  

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Mayor’s Message

[Donahue Memorial Park Reopening Plan Edition]:

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

Effective Friday, July 14, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.:

Donahue Memorial Park (DMP) – known as “the Riverfront” – will be REOPENED to general public tomorrow, Friday, July 14, 2023 at NOON. Please note that there exist some cordoned-off parking sections north of Dock Hill Road intersection with Shore Road, due to damage from CSX’s repair operations as park was utilized as a staging area for equipment and material. Respect these barricades. We are working to get this area repaired after the season and will coordinate with CSX to ensure they handle cost. There are also a number of pieces of heavy equipment that belong to CSX and its contractors. Please avoid these as well. Our Village’s Department of Public Works employees worked diligently throughout the day today to clean up debris and leftover material from this past week’s emergency work and ensure we could reopen.

I would also like to extend my appreciation to the vast majority of folks who understood the inconvenience and helped speed this process along by respecting the closure on Wednesday. The Village Board fully recognizes how important to our community the park is. And we recognize how critical the summer season is to the small businesses who survive on July and August tourism. Thank you again to all those who worked with me and cooperated to see this through.

Know that many members of our community are still reeling from the aftereffects of Sunday’s storm. I have been amazed at the resiliency, positive spirit, and grim humor exhibited by so many whose homes and properties were impacted. This Board is committed to working relentlessly to see that we do everything within our powers to help make folks whole again.

Questions/Problems/Issues – come see me at Village Hall.

On behalf of your Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

Closed Until Further Notice

Mayor’s Message
[Donahue Memorial Park Closure Edition]:
Dear Residents and Friends of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson,
Effective IMMEDIATELY:
Donahue Memorial Park (DMP) – known locally as “the Riverfront” – is CLOSED to the general public until further notice. Storm damages to the railway has resulted in CSX bringing in contractors and material to repair the tracks to as far south as West Point. DMP is the closest possible staging area for personnel, equipment, and material. I have been at the riverfront multiple times since Sunday evening. It is at its most perilous at the moment – due to a multitude of heavy equipment (excavators and dump trucks) deployed to make railway repairs.
 
I was working with CSX to ensure that this wouldn’t impact next weekend, as we have kayak companies and rowing associations that depend on weekend usage. They were hoping for quick repairs. While I understand public frustrations and am empathetic – public safety is paramount. Cornwall-on-Hudson police have been instructed to advise those unaware of this notice and on foot to CLEAR the park. Vehicles that drive around the posted CLOSED signage will be cited.
 
Businesses and summer recreational companies have property at the waterfront and may need to check on damages. I will allow this so long as your travel to and from DMP is conducted slowly and safely. But there will be NO launches from the waterfront of ANY watercraft until this order is rescinded. I will personally notify every impacted entity. Any questions/issues, you may contact this mayor at (845) 534-4200 (x311) or my personal cell: (845) 913-5745.
As soon as conditions on the ground change, I will IMMEDIATELY notice a change of order. Thank you for your understanding and compliance with this public safety order.
 
On behalf of your Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor

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Mayor’s Message
[Storm Damage Reports Edition]:
Dear Residents and Friends of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson,
Sunday evening’s storm brought plenty of devastation and destruction to the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson and greater Cornwall community. Across the past two days, Supervisor Wojehowski and I have been actively engaged with elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels in an effort to secure as much recompense for our storm-damaged municipal infrastructure and residential properties alike. These things take time – but make no mistake – this is JOB ONE for us. Everyone should take photographs and recordings of the damages your properties sustained. Make a record of EVEYTHING. Our Office of Emergency Management Director Kurt Hahn, provided following information for chronicling individual damages:
Orange County is working with NYS to conduct preliminary damage assessments at this time. While not FEMA-related, you may report damage to your home or damage to infrastructure in your area directly by using the following RESIDENT DAMAGE SURVEY FORM link:
Also, you may dial 311 for assistance. But, due to high call volume, your information may be taken and you will receive call back after call volume lessens. This opportunity is available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., daily, for the near future.
For more information on the disaster process, Orange County OEM encourages you to visit:
It goes without saying, but I’ll say it again – a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the first responders from COHPD, SKE2, DPW, and our Water Department for dropping everything, leaving their homes and families, and answering the bell during emergency (yet again). I’ve also been struck by the resiliency and neighborly spirit of our community across the past few days. Everything from assisting neighbors pump basements and remove yard debris to housing displaced soldiers and cadets who couldn’t make it back to West Point due to road closures and collapses.
I remain humbled by your selflessness and concern for others. We’ll get through this together.
On behalf of your Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor

Mayor’s Message

[Busy Week of Updates and Village Clerk Retirement Edition]:

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

Lots going on this week. Our newly-appointed, part-time Village Treasurer, Ms. Gabrielle Ferrier begins her employment with the Village on Monday (today) and tomorrow (Tuesday) the County will host the Democratic Primary Election at Village Hall, 325 Hudson Street, between hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Only registered Democrats are allowed to vote in this election.

On Wednesday, the Village will host the second Local Planning Committee meeting – between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. -- as part of the NY Forward grant process. Residents are encouraged to attend (there is also an opportunity to view the livestream link to be posted on our website and Facebook page). We are moving into the project submittals period. Check out www.cornwallnyf.com for announcements, information, and answers to all of your questions.

Thursday, the Orange County Clerk’s Office will send its Mobile DMV unit to Village Hall parking lot. Hours of operation: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then, following quick lunch break, again from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to get enhanced driver’s licenses and handle a myriad of other matters right here in Village Hall’s municipal parking lot.

Finally – it is with deepest regrets that I announce that Village Clerk Jeanne Mahoney’s final day at Village Hall is this Friday. She served this community, along with numerous editions of Village Boards, and four mayors humbly, honorably and with distinction. We will host an Open House on Friday between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Stop by to pay a water bill, procure a waterfront parking permit, grouse at the mayor, and most importantly – wish Jeanne well after her 29 years as a loyal Village employee. She will be missed. Effective Monday, July 3, 2023: Deputy Village Clerk Doris Wickiser will assume the interim Village Clerk duties and Secretary to the Planning Board Meagan Gschwind will rotate up into the interim Deputy Village Clerk role. As always, Clerk Suzy Yarmus will be the glue that binds the front office together.  

On behalf of your Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

May 30, 2023

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

Please see the attendant photo attachments that highlight our 2023 Bandstand Concert series schedule (that begins tonight at 6:30 p.m.), the upcoming Movies on the Hudson event (Top Gun Maverick) scheduled for this Friday evening at the riverfront, beginning with a musical set from The Gioias at 6:30 p.m., and finally, top off your weekend with culmination of 2023 RiverFest at Donahue Memorial Park on Sunday, June 4th, between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Hope to see you at one, two, or all of three of these quintessentially Cornwall-on-Hudson events.

On behalf of your Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor

May 12, 2023

 

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

It’s Friday night – make it your own personal “date night” with the return of our “Movies on the Hudson” at Donahue Memorial Park. All the fun begins at 6:00 p.m. when "First Round" takes to the stage to play some of your favorite car-cruising music. Then once the sun sets, sit back and enjoy the original “Fast and Furious” movie from 2001. Weather forecast is absolutely PERFECT. What a way to spend an evening along the majestic Hudson River. I’ll be there to welcome all! Please don’t use that as a solid reason not to attend.

We also “cut the ribbon” this morning at our new composting toilets facility and they will remain open well past dusk tonight to conveniently service all of our band/movie attendees!

On behalf of your Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

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Dear Residents and Friends of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson,
This, why I do so enjoy the discoveries by the Village’s Records Management Clerk, Barbara Pflughaupt. How about this gem – a posted WANTED decree from the Village Board of Trustees seeking information leading to the arrest and conviction of the trespassing rapscallion(s) behind the after-hours “destroying [of] books, plugging locks and [commission of] other depredations” at the old Cornwall-on-Hudson Library, all during the Roaring Twenties? Absolute GOLD.
One can only wonder what those “depredations” were -- left as ambiguous vagaries by then Village Clerk Fred B. King and noticed on behalf of the Village Board on August 1, 1925.
We’ve located no subsequent posting of the successful apprehension(s) by COHPD within our 1925 records. So, the 2023 Village Board encourages all residents to keep their eyes peeled. If you see something, say something. Let’s locate and bring to justice these vandals – all of whom must be aged around 120 years old now. Justice delayed is justice denied.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek and on behalf of your Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor