The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Hoosick

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Supervisor Surdam Begins 5th Term

By Steve Bradley

The newly elected and re-elected Hoosick Town Officials gathered for their swearing in Wednesday morning, January 1, at the Town Offices in the Armory. Speaking with The Eastwick Press following the ceremony, Town Supervisor Mark Surdam said one of the Town’s biggest priorities this coming year will be to get construction started on the repurposed $925,000 SAM grant for improvements at the recreational areas that include the skating rink and swimming pool. The Town Board voted earlier in 2019 not to invest in refrigeration equipment for the skating rink, believing it to be too expensive to operate.

Supervisor Mark Surdam (right), Councilmembers Eric Sheffer (center) and Jackolyn Houghton (left) are sworn into office on New Year’s Day by Town Justice Harold McClellan, while Town Clerk Holli Cross holds the bible. Judge McClellan was sworn in separately. Photo by Steve Bradley.

Supervisor Surdam said the Town needs to get that project launched soon, or there would be a danger that the grant could be withdrawn.

Town roads are also a big issue. Hoosick completed a study on its roads in 2019, and formulating a plan for road improvement based on the findings of that study is a top priority for the Town and for Highway Superintendent Bill Shiland.  The most immediate road priority is rebuilding Bovie Hill Road, which is closed about midway because of a major sinkhole which developed in November.