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

by Bea Peterson
The meeting room was crowded with HFCS students and Village residents for the Hoosick Falls Board meeting on Tuesday, September 10. Mayor David Borge announced that grass seed has been planted at the Dougherty’s corner lot. “Hopefully next year it will be a pleasant place to sit and not be just a vacant lot,” he said[private]River Road
Trustee Bob Ryan reported that the work is almost complete and River Road will be opened on Friday, the 13th. This brought a chuckle from the full house. School buses will begin using the road next Monday.
DeCeeft Memorial
Mayor Borge said a recent letter to local newspapers by Bill Gaillard regarding the DeCreeft Memorial on the edge of Wood Park was poignant and heartfelt. He would like to see some kind of marker put up drawing awareness to the site. Town Historian Phil Leonard, who was at the meeting to introduce the Society’s recently completed Walking Tour brochure, said the Historical Society would like to work on the project, and he would like to speak with DeCreeft’s assistant Gary Sussman about an appropriate marker.
The Mayor thanked Leonard for the gift of a new wireless sound system for Wood Park. “That system will make a huge difference,” he said. Leonard said the leftover funds from the Veterans Wall were raised locally and should be used locally. Later in the meeting Trustee Bob Ryan noted that Trustee Kevin O’Malley was not present, but his report stated that the O’Malley family has donated a movable podium to be used with the new microphones. O’Malley reported that, hopefully, the new sound system will be in place in time for Pumpkinpalooza.
Life Line
The Mayor said he had received a letter from the NYS Department of Public Service promoting Life Line and Life Line awareness week. The letter stated there are funds available for low income individuals who live alone to have this valuable safety tool. Deputy Mayor Ric DiDonato said he would put the information on the Village website.
Thank You
The Mayor received a letter from the St. Mary’s Academy third grade class thanking him for repainting the crosswalks they use to reach downtown and their Church. They wrote him a request late last year when they were in the second grade.
Village Treasurer Denise McMahon reported that all departments were on track with their spending at this point in the fiscal year. She said the Annual Report on last year’s budget will be available by September 30. The Mayor noted that an independent audit will be conducted by Paul Haynes to meet the State Auditor’s requirements.
Police Report
Assistant Police Chief Harold McClellan reported on responses by the Department in August: Domestic Disputes-8, Order of Restraint Violated-1, Vandalism to Vehicle-1, Shots Fired Assistance-1, Harassment-8, Family Court-1, Noise Complaint-3, Smoke Alarm Activation-2, Neighbor Dispute-4, Property Retrieval-1, Business Open Door-1, 911 Response-1, Larceny-6, Officer Needs Assistance-2, Missing Person-1, EMS Assistance-1, Burglary in Progress-2, Criminal Mischief-2, DWI Drugs-1, Bar Fight-1, Fight in Progress-1, Criminal Warrant-1, Youths Annoying-1, Unwanted Person-2, Landlord-Tenant Dispute-2, Dog Complaint-3, Found Property-1, Lost Property-1, Bomb Threat-1, Animal Abuse-1, Unattended Death-1, Assault-1, Check Welfare-2.
Water Top Ten
Trustee Ben Patten reported that, at the recent State Fair, the Village water was voted one of the top ten in all New York State cities and towns. “I’m very proud of our water department,” he said.
Trustee Jeremy Driscoll said he is working to follow up on outstanding funds that are owed to the Village Court.
O’Malley’s report also stated that Rensselaer County Chief Planner Linda van der Heide has been invited to meet with the Village Board, Zoning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals to review the Village’s laws for updates. Mayor Borge added that this is a big step and this review needs to be done. Then updates can be made for a usable and flexible zoning plan.
This was of interest to Dan Thompson of Fiske Street who comes to the meetings every month to complain about an illegal apartment in the building across the street from his home that adds additional cars where there is no parking space. He fears that the illegal apartment will be “grandfathered” when the zoning laws are looked into and his problem will never go away. Mayor Borge has assured him they will continue to look into his concerns.
Ralph Wyman of Carey Avenue brought photos of the water drainage problems on his property, similar to those voiced by Deborah Myers the previous month. The Mayor said they are looking at the situation in that area.
DiDonato said few people have attended the last two Revitalization Committee meetings, mostly because of summer commitments. He said the Committee has many ideas to do something to improve empty store fronts, to put signs on Route 7 to direct people into the Village and to talk with some of the new businesses and ask them what drew them here.
Mayor Borge asked Trustee Bob Downing to look at replacing street lights with LED lights. He said they are more expensive but he has heard that over the long term, there is significant savings in using them. Downing said he would check into it.
Hoosick Falls Fire Chief Carlton Coon was not at the meeting so discussion of Lock Boxes for the Village and specifications for a Fire Department Training Area were tabled. A neighbor adjacent to the proposed Training Area was adamant that she did not want any more noise in her neighborhood. “Would you want it in your back yard,” she asked.
She also complained about the railroad and the recent work they had done. “Two weeks ago they mowed down trees and brush and the debris flew into our homes,” she said. Plus, they have not cleaned any of it up.  Mayor Borge said the Village has little success in dealing with the railroad, but he said he would forward her complaint to them.
Motions to appoint Crystalee Quell as part time police officer and to advertise for bids for Hoosic River Greenway culvert work were  approved. Bids for the culvert are due September 27.
Upcoming Events
• Pumpkinpalooza, September 21
• Hathaway’s Drive In Fall Music Jam, September 28, 10 am to 10 pm
• Halloween Parade, 6 pm, October 30[/private]