Please find the most up to date notices from the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents,
Tuesday’s winter storm, blessedly, was not as paralyzing as some forecasters had anticipated. Regardless, the greater Cornwall area received upwards of 10.4”. The Village’s Department of Public Works did their per usual job of keeping our roadways clear and ensuring our safety on the roads. These crews deserve a lot of credit. It is a small department and they get the job done.
Several residents had reached out to me regarding clearance of snow from sidewalks around the Village. Their valid concerns were from a public safety aspect – pedestrians (especially COHES school kids) having to veer off the uncleared sidewalks and into the roadway while on foot.
I wanted to ensure that everyone is well versed in our Village code regarding snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Per Village code, § 135-8, the duty to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice falls on the respective homeowner or business. This includes any/all sidewalks adjoining such properties and for the “full paved width of such sidewalk.” Now, historically, the Village – as a courtesy – has endeavored to clear all sidewalks as soon as the roadways, parking spaces, and municipal lots have been cleared of snow and ice. It’s a process and takes time. But our policy to courtesy-clear sidewalks as soon as possible around the Village remains in effect.
However, please note that by code, § 135-9 (time limit for removal), residents and businesses have “24 hours after the end of a snowfall” to clear sidewalks adjoining their property. Also, by code, § 135-11 (removal by Village), the DPW Superintendent can provide notice to a violative property owner and require remediation within four hours. Via code, § 135-12 (cost of removal), property owners could be charged “a bill for the removal of snow,” issued by the Village Clerk.
Again, please know that under this administration, Village will continue longstanding tradition to assist residents and business owners by helping remove snow from sidewalks. Please be patient with us as we work through the priority matrices. The Village Board simply felt it imperative to better educate all of us – myself included, as I had to research – as to Village’s responsibilities.
On behalf of your Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor
Dear Residents and Friends of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson,
It has been awhile since I have provided updates via social media and there is a lot to discuss. Firstly, as I round into my final eleven months in office, you need to know the priorities of which I remain hyper-focused. They remain consistent with what I championed during my first mayoral campaign in 2021: public safety, remediation of crumbling infrastructure, and “the little things.”
The attached photographs depict some of “the little things.” Our intrepid DPW crews continue to upgrade and tidy up our parks down at the Riverfront, along Dockhill Road and along the Boulevard. Seeding, top soiling, “freshening up” the dilapidated park signs, and assembling new picnic tables for park users. We also continue to find funding for new sidewalks. After the Curie Road project and several curb replacements (such as COH Elementary School frontage), Monday will begin the replacement of more Hudson Street sidewalks and aprons from 2 Alices to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home. This is a prime walking path and helps to interconnect the Town with our central business district in the Village, and traverses across Village Hall. With the impending Art Walks and other special events, it enhances the walkability of our special village.
Speaking of art, the Village is in the process of initiating a loan agreement with local sculptor Vivien Collens to emplace several of her large sculptures along Hudson Street and in proximity to where the soon-to-be under construction Dockhill Road connector trail will connect the Lower Village with the Donahue Farm Property and the Riverfront. This will be a value-added feature for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. And for those frustrated by the proliferation of potholes, our crews will be out next week as the weather continues to warm and will make the necessary interim repairs. Please keep in mind that 218 and Academy Avenue are NYS roads. We also are heavily engaged with FEMA, USDA, Scenic Hudson, and Central Hudson regarding remediation and repairs related to flood damages from the four major, hyper-localized storms we have suffered since December of 2022. I know this makes no one happy to hear – but it’s a process and unfortunately, often moves at a glacial pace. Please know that your Village is on it. And expect to see some road surfaces repaved THIS season.
Now, to the Bandstand. Erected in 1985 in honor of our Village’s centennial, it has taken some beatings from the elements and use. We determined there was major water damage to the ceiling due to a leak within the enclosed gutter system. We hired contractors (including local resident and expert carpenter Doug Spaulding) to painstakingly disassemble portions and make the repairs. Rest well knowing this remediation will result in decades more of enjoyment by Village residents. Next year, we will celebrate the bandstand’s 40th and our Village’s 140-year anniversary. And speaking of the bandstand, thanks to Eddie Hurley for again expertly booking our annual concert series. First concert is May 28th and will feature a combination of classic pop-rock and country-folk music performed by Frank Rudolph’s Main Street Music Studio “Student Band.” That same evening, the Town Supervisor and I will be co-hosting the monthly meeting of the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages, and Cities at Storm King Lounge & Fare. What a great opportunity for mayors and supervisors across County to see this community rock.
As an aside, on Wednesday, San Miguel Academy held a “boat christening” for their rowing program. Headquartered in Newburgh, SMA performs wonders in inspiring and motivating at-risk children and helping them to succeed in the academic realm while participating in an incredibly successful high school rowing program. I was humbled to be but a small part of the event held at the Riverfront and walked away appreciative that we get to share the gift that is Donahue Memorial Park with an organization that provides so much give-back to our youth.
Can't also forget to send a huge "thank you" shoutout to the Cornwall Conservation Advisory Council for sponsoring and leading last weekend's River Sweep event at the Riverfront. Carla Castillo and Ted Warren do a wonderful job each year "herding cats" and directing the clean-up efforts. GREAT turnout this year. And what clean-up effort in Cornwall or Cornwall-on-Hudson doesn't include the amazing orange-shirted volunteers from the Cornwall Cleanup Crew? We owe all of these volunteers a HUGE debt of gratitude for helping preserve our waterfront and keep it pristine for residents and visitors and future generations alike to enjoy.
Lastly, I, along with two Trustees Braine and Paliotta, will be attending the New York Conference of Mayors annual conference at Lake George for a few days next week. Wonderful opportunity to compare “best practices” with elected colleagues and learn a little bit more about policies and protocols in municipal government from the NYCOM team.
All for now. Thank you all for your interest, involvement, and investment in our community.
March 10, 2022
Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:
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.
January 16, 2025
Mayor’s Message ALERT [Village Flag Protocol Update Edition]:
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, visitors, and friends,
On Wednesday, I posted a “Mayor’s Message” that, in part, addressed my decision to follow the stated protocols of the 119th Congress and the House of Representatives, as well as various state governments, in briefly re-raising Village flags during the thirty-day prescribed mourning period for President Carter. What I felt was a reasonable accommodation decision was arrived at with considerable reflection and introspection – related to how polarized this country currently is and how any/every decision seemingly must be filtered through the partisan political prism of what one’s “tribe” prefers. As your mayor for the past four years, I have never made ANY decision subject to politics or “optics.” What continually guides me is what I feel is right, just, and fair. Fairly liberating not being career politician. Promised our community to only seek two terms.
While many understood and supported this accommodation to honor President Carter -- and yet apply a brief exception to policy by re-raising of Village flags to full-mast position to celebrate uniquely American transfer of power in Republic -- others reacted on social media with apoplexy over my decision. It was MY decision, and I own it. But I’m also the guy with the desk nameplate that reads: “Help Me Get to Yes.” No, it wasn’t the threats I received from obvious partisans incapable of accepting the results of the 2024 election and who literally hate the president-elect. It also wasn’t the vocal minority of opponents, some who retreated to Reddit to gin up a petition, in vain attempt to alter Village policy. We live in a wonderful democratic society and I serve ALL of you – not only the ones who support my positions. Our community deserves an advocate and seeks to have individual voices heard. Yet, may happen, as General Colin Powell so aptly put it, that “[b]eing responsible sometimes means pissing people off.”
As I further researched, I determined exists precedent. President Harry S. Truman passed away on December 26, 1972. He was afforded customary 30-day presidential mourning period replete with U.S. flags ordered to half-mast position. This included inauguration ceremonies for President Richard M. Nixon’s January 20, 1973, swearing in on Capitol Hill [see attendant photograph]. I certainly understand that much of the anger at my original decision is rooted in partisanship. No amount of explaining reasoning behind my decision will assuage rabid ideologues and those who adhere to their orthodoxy that ignores frailties in their “tribe,” while eagerly pointing out faults in their political opponents. As I write this, no less a Trump opponent than Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) just directed California’s state flags to be re-raised in honor of inauguration. However, I direct our Village keeps its flags at half-mast position on Monday, January 20th. Isn’t a victory for partisans. It’s – in my mind – the right thing to do now.
June 30, 2022
Mayor’s Message (Independence Day and Infrastructure Repairs Edition):
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
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19, 2024 is the Village’s Election Day held inside the Edward C. Moulton, Jr. Boardroom at Village Hall, 325 Hudson Street. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and we do not anticipate any lines. So please stop by and do your civic duty. Voting in America is not just a sacred right – it’s our solemn duty. We need to exercise the annual “muscle memory” and be an example to our youth that voting is a precious responsibility. This includes when there exist no contested races on a particular ballot. There are two trustee positions on the board that are scheduled to be filled this election cycle. The Cornwall Local published a Q&A for both candidates if you are unfamiliar with those running. In a Village of 3,000 residents and with 2,100 registered voters, let’s avoid the ignominy of having lower turnout – with similar conditions in 2014 – when only 89 of us turned out to pull the lever. Make sure you pass the word along to friends and neighbors and get out the vote tomorrow. On behalf of your Village Board, James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano Mayor
January 9, 2023
Mayor’s Message [Impending Weather Warning Edition]:
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).