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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 presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

  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
• 

  Mayor’s Message [Public Safety, “Et Alia” Edition]:

  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

• 

  Orange County Mitigation Plan

  Orange County Hazard Mitigation Plan – Public Review and Comment Period

   Orange County has released the draft version of its updated Hazard Mitigation Plan for public review and comment. This plan is a critical tool for identifying risks from natural disasters and outlining strategies to reduce their impacts on our community. We encourage residents, businesses, and stakeholders to review the draft plan and provide feedback. Your input is essential to ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

  Draft Plan Access:
  You can access the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4b5cf197b48c4ee0aae54206ea15c66c

   

  Public Comment Period:

  The draft plan will be available for review from December 23rd to January 22nd , 2025.

   

  How to Submit Comments:

  Please share your comments by completing the online feedback form https://arcg.is/19uDmy0  

  Thank you for contributing to Orange County’s efforts to build a safer and more resilient community.

  The draft plan will be available for review from December 23rd to January 22nd , 2025.