|
Village Trustees Respond to Criticism from HVHC for Releasing Code Violation Information at Public Meeting
Comprehensive Plan Special Board preparing resident survey forms
by Michelle Woods
Seemingly upset that the Village Trustees "went public" about the fire violations at the Butterfield Hospital site, its owners, the Hudson Valley Hospital Center subsequently notified some tenants that they would no longer be allowed in the building because the Village had it "declared unsafe."
Mayor Anthony Phillips emphatically reiterated, at the Monthly Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees on March 13, 2007, that "we did not declare it unsafe" but presented the code violations to the owners after an inspection by the Village Fire Inspector, Ralph J. Falloon, as well as to the Board of Trustees at a public meeting, as required. In his monthly report to the Trustees, the Fire Inspector said that most of the violations were small ones, but that it was incumbent on him to make sure that every room was compliant to code even if presently unoccupied in case the space was rented and used. The Mayor said that, despite the new locks, the Fire Department could access the building. In fact, according to the Fire Inspector, the Department has needed to access the building in the last month to answer alarm calls, sometimes multiple calls in 24 hours, because of problems with the alarm system and boiler issues. But the mayor also said that local police and fire marshals, who have substations in the building, can no longer access it. The Butterfield site is due to be sold, and will be put out to public tender at the end of this month.
In the Monthly report of the Water and Sewage Department, Superintendent of Water and Wastewater, Gregory Phillips, indicated that smoke testing in the Village's sewers would take place by the end of the summer. He explained that the testing tests the collection system for inflow and infiltration of precipitation and groundwater to the sanitary sewers and is required by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Superintendent Phillips said that an inventory would be made of the existing water system, by updating a 1974 report. He anticipated that the smoke testing would cost $50,000.
In another water issue, the storm water accumulation at the corner of Craigside Drive and 9D was again discussed, Trustee Phil Heffernan, asking whether the Board should invite a representative from the Board of Education to discuss the issue. Trustee Ed Mancari suggested inviting the Director of Facilities at Haldane School, Wayne Robinson, to talk with the Board, saying "he has some expertise rather than a lay person with some paperwork." It was generally agreed that this might be a start in discussing the issue with the school.
The Comprehensive Plan Special Board, in their monthly report, said they would approve a survey form for residents by April 12th which would herald the "beginning of community input" to the eventual Masterplan. The Board also wants to involve residents in six working groups it will set up. The six sub-groups will be: a survey group; village character, history and historic preservation; economic development; waterfront, open spaces and natural resources; community resources; and government, infrastructure and public services. Residents will be able to sign up at the Special Board's next public workshop on April 12th.
Trustee Seth Gallagher presented applications from the Recreation Committee, some of which promised interesting events for the summer and fall, including an evening of Scottish music and dance on June 16th, presented by the Cold Spring Pipe Band at the pavilion; another weekend Summer Music series of ten concerts, also at the pavilion, to run through July and August; and the Harvest Festival on September 29th, presented by the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce.
Sundry announcements were made, including notification of a Town-wide cleanup April 28th that will be held at the North Highlands Fire House (tires will be accepted and the landfill will be open 7.30am-3.30pm). The Haldane PTA also announced its "Reading is Magic" event on April 13th; the elementary school invites the Philipstown community to come and take part.
The Cold Spring Board Monthly Meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of every month and meets in workshop format most other Tuesdays.
Providing local news, information and opinions from
Philipstown and Putnam Valley, NY
Encompassing the Villages of Cold Spring and Nelsonville,
and the hamlet of Garrison, Putnam County, NY.
This site is a publication of The Putnam County News and Recorder, the source for news and information of the Philipstown
and Putnam Valley area. The PCN&R is 139
years old, published in hard copy every Wednesday, and circulated throughout Putnam
County, NY.
The PCN&R prints LEGAL NOTICES
for: Putnam County, The Town of Philipstown, The Town of Putnam Valley, Village of Cold Spring, Village of
Nelsonville, the Haldane Union Free School District and the Garrison Union Free School
District.
Deadline for printed press releases, advertisements and classifieds is Monday at noon for
Wednesday publication. This site is updated on an as-needed basis with a minimum update
weekly on Thursdays. For further information or to request a subscription to the paper, please
contact us with your name and mailing address at:
(845) 265-2468 PO Box 185, Cold Spring, NY 10516, or e-mail us at editor@pcnr.com
If you see an advertiser on line, tell them! | Click ads below
for larger version
System and Method for Display
Ads have a Patent Pending.
Click Here for More Information
|
