August 20, 2021
Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:
Been a month since I sent a dispatch from 325 Hudson Street. And, while there has been considerable coverage of the Village Board’s doings within the pages of The Cornwall Local and I continue to greatly enjoy the multitude of folks who take me up on my open invitation and stop inside Village Hall to meet face-to-face, it is important that I use this medium to share some important items in the conduct of our Village government.
I made a tough call – but the RIGHT call – to place Village facilities (Village Hall, DPW Building and our Water Treatment Plants) under a 14-day mask mandate on Tuesday. The CDC and the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) released a countywide alert that acknowledged the uptick in hospitalizations related to the Delta variant – and they “strongly urge” and “recommend” indoor masking for “ALL PERSONS” (vaccinated or unvaccinated). This pertains to all Village facilities – for employees and visitors alike.
Would like to acknowledge local elected officials’ support of a DASNY grant that we were just awarded from New York State. While it will take some time for it to wind its way through the bureaucratic process, we will be receiving $50,000.00 in monies directed to our pavilion project at the waterfront in Donahue Memorial Park. Thanks to Supervisor Randazzo, Assemblyman Schmitt, Legislator Kevin Hines, County Executive Neuhaus, and especially NYS Senator Skoufis for their efforts in helping us secure this windfall.
At Monday’s Village Board Meeting (which are all available online through our streaming service), resident Maureen Buckley made an impassioned plea to encourage the Village to reconstitute a “welcome wagon” for Village newcomers. Her enthusiasm truly inspires me. Anyone else interested in participating in the formation of a committee to tackle this effort to welcome newcomers, please email Mrs. Buckley at: MACJLB66@gmail.com.
Mixed emotions here – We will miss Ms. Wynn Klosky, who is stepping down from her position on the Planning Board. We also welcome Mr. Garry Michel, who was appointed by the Village Board to fill her vacancy. We also bid farewell to Building Inspector Bill Horton. Former Code Enforcement Officer Benny Maggio returns next week to help us fill the vacancy until the end of the year. Know someone interested in position? Contact us.
Also, on Monday night, the Village Board approved the official Village seal (finally). Check out the attached image of the seal, replete with image of the gazebo and Hudson River.
Have a safe and healthy weekend, all. I am truly inspired and motivated by all of you.
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano