Village of Hoosick Falls Board Meeting – Progress At Dougherty’s Corner

by Bea Peterson
At the Hoosick Falls Village Board meeting on Tuesday, February 8, the Board approved a short term loan of $10,000 to Alex Koks for bank closing costs for construction on the Dougherty lot on the corner of Main and John Streets. The loan money comes from the Village’s small business fund and will be paid back with the Restore NY grant funds once the new building is complete and approved. Mayor Matt Monahan pointed out that Koks has put up several personal properties as collateral for the bank loan.
The Board then passed a Resolution to loan up to $10,000 to small businesses in the Village. That is an increase from the former $3,000 figure.
Extra Apartments
A local resident complained that a building on his street has three apartments in it. The third apartment was added after the 1992 law stating that no new apartments could be added in the Village. Trustee Ann Bornt said she had recently visited two homes that had apartments in them that were not on the Village books. She is working with the Village Attorney to resolve the problem of added apartments and the problem created by rental properties that must be owner occupied. “When the 1992 law was passed,” said Bornt, “no plan was put in place to enforce compliance.” One option is that when a tenant moves out of an undocumented apartment, the apartment will be shut down.
Bornt also noted that the American House has been sold again for $1. “Fines are up to $2,000 on the American House and on the Center Street house,” she added.
Snow And Ice
Louise Ciuk thanked the Board for responding to the issue of ice buildup in her driveway that she brought before the Board last month.
Mayor Monahan thanked the road crews for the great job they have done with all the snow storms. “I’ve had surprisingly few complaints,” he said. He thanked residents for their patience since the road crew has been shorthanded.
In other business the Board:
• Approved a fuel oil bid for 16 cents over cost from Doug’s Oil;
• Approved the request by the Hoosick Falls Country Club to renew its liquor license;
• Approved a service agreement with Milton Cat for six generators;
• Appointed Chuck Prebble to work at the Transfer Station;
• Approved $500 for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and approved the Parade Committee request for use of Wood Park and police assistance.
Upcoming Events
• Grievance Day, the time for individuals to air their Village tax concerns is scheduled for Tuesday, February 15, from 5 to 8 pm.
• Sledding Party on Saturday, February 19, from 1 to 3 pm at the old Waterworks plant near the ball fields, sponsored by the Hoosic River Watershed Association and the Village of Hoosick Falls. It should be fun for the whole family. Bring a decorated sled and win a prize. There will be a special kiddie slide area and sled pulling races. Everyone who attends will receive a 10% discount for dinner at the Olde Firehouse Tavern.
• St. Patrick’s Day parade, Saturday, March 12.
• Village Election Tuesday, March 15.