Engineer’s Report: Village Highway Garage Needs Work;
American House Demolition Process Moving Forward
by Deb Alter
An engineering report on the Highway Garage recently received from an independent engineer indicated that it needs significant work. Two proposals were offered, one that involves repairing the old garage (at a cost of about $900,000), and another in which the building would be torn down and a new one built ($1,000,000). Mayor David Borge said that they would be looking for grant money to do this project when the time comes. “The discussion about which option makes the most sense and how the Village should proceed will be on next month’s agenda,” the mayor said.
[private]Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement Officer Mark Surdam has notified the owner of record that the Village is moving forward with the demolition of the American House since the owner has not proven that the building is salvageable and there is a long history of issues with the building which the owner has not resolved, including the payment of back taxes. The Village has taken the first steps in the process: they have applied for an asbestos removal variance from the NYS Department of Labor and, they have asked for bids from “asbestos designers.” So far, they have received one quote.
Surdam reported that code violations were leveling off. Landlords understand and know what they need to do, and when issues are resolved, certificates of compliance are issued. According to Surdam, more landlords and property owners have been cooperating, but many are still unresponsive. He continues to work with Village authorities and the Police Department.
Chief Ashe’s Police report included calls about four suspicious vehicles, five domestic situations, one assault, six larcenies (including one grand larceny involving a stolen car which has since been recovered) and four warrant arrests. There were three sex offenders registered, one new to the area, and two re-registered due to address changes. Because of this, and the mischief that Halloween brings, Chief Ashe said that there will be extra officers on the beat on Halloween.
In Other Business:
• The Annual Report for fiscal year 2014-2015 has been submitted to the State Comptroller’s office.
• The donated police vehicle is still in the body shop being prepped. “Since it is a donation,” explained Police Chief Bob Ashe, “we can really push them to hurry.”
• Despite the recent rain, the water restrictions remain in place until further notice.
• The greenway trail signs are in, Highway Superintendent Niel Stowell has the map indicating where they are to be placed, and will start that project soon.
• The Village continues to work on the Zoning update draft. They will get feedback from code enforcement and the police department, and then it will become public. There is no predetermined timeline for finishing. “We’d rather take the time and get it right.” said Mayor Borge.
• The Village and the Town have been working on a feasibility study to see if there are ways to save money by combining services and/or facilities and equipment.
• There was more discussion about the parking situation at the south end of Railroad Avenue near Carey Avenue. The Board agreed that they will go to the site together before tackling the issue.
• The Mayor reminded everyone that there is a dog leash law in the Village, including the Greenway. Please keep your dog on a leash and be sure to pick up after it.
• Autumn leaf pick-up will happen between October 28 and November 20. Residents are reminded that it is for leaves only; sticks, garden detritus, brush, and things like that clog up the machine and will not be picked up.
• The Board thanked Phil Leonard for his efforts to get the historical marker installed in Wood Park.
• The next Hoosick Rising meeting is Tuesday, November 17 at 6 pm in the Town Offices. Hoosick Rising is not a branch of local government. It has been established in order to coordinate and help the organizations, individuals, and businesses, as well as the Town’s and Village’s, efforts to revitalize the Hoosick Community and to help facilitate projects.
• The HAYC3 Community Bench Project is complete and the painted benches are all around the Village. The Mayor thanked Niel Stowell and the Highway Department crew for their help with the project.
• Everyone had a nice time at the HAYC3 Hoosick Hullabaloo and the Illumination Parade. Mayor Borge said “it is certainly an event that can be built on.”
• The HACA Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch is Saturday, October 24 from 10 am to 12 pm at The First United Presbyterian Church. Everyone is welcome.
• The Halloween Parade is on Friday, October 30 beginning at 6 pm.
• The CiviCure/Brown’s Brewery “Farm to Canvas” art lottery event is on Saturday, October 24. There is no fee to get into Brown’s that night, but lottery tickets, should you wish to buy an original work of art, are $40.
• The next Village Board meeting is at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 10 in the Municipal Building.
Prior to the regular Village Board meeting, a public hearing was held concerning the repeal of Local Law #2 on various stop signs throughout the Second Ward. One person, a resident of the Second Ward, came out to speak in favor of the stop signs and emphasized the it needs to be reinforced. [/private]