by Doug La Rocque
For over a year the Town of Hoosick has been involved with complaints by neighbors about both an odor and appearance problems at the Naturae LLC facility on NYS Route 67 in North Hoosick. The Town began legal proceedings to shut the operation down, citing a lack of compliance on the part of the owners. The court action was delayed, however, because of the pandemic.
After the Monday, June 13 meeting, Town Attorney Jonathan Schopf tells The Eastwick Press, a tentative disposition of the case has been reached, but the details cannot be released until that disposition has been approved by Town Court. Mr. Schopf says he and Codes Enforcement Officer Lloyd Moses met onsite with the ownership and their legal representation and were able to hammer out the proposed agreement.
Veterans Exemptions
The Councilors approved Local Law #2, which amended some of the veterans tax exemption criteria. At a recent public hearing, Town Assessor Tony Rice assured all those impacted it was more of a procedural move, and that no one would be losing their exemptions.
100 Years of Cheney
Cheney Library Representative Kay Powers informed the Town that the institution would begin its 100th year celebration in October and urged Town residents to watch for a plethora of event announcements to mark the special occasion.
Speaking of celebrations, the Hoosick Falls Fire Department will be marking its 175th anniversary with a parade and other special events on Sunday, July 3.
Let’s Go for a Swim
It was announced at the meeting that the Town of Hoosick Pool will officially open on June 27 and that the Town’s Summer Camp program is already filled up.
Another recreational aspect for the Town is the basketball court. Councilwoman Jackolyn Houghton has been looking into a lighting upgrade and hopes to have more information shortly. She cited both safety and security concerns as the impetus behind her research.
It Was a Horrible Fire
New Town Historian Rick Ferrannini talked about the State Line Bridge fire of 1885, how it was apparently sparked by a passing train, and eventually claimed the lives of four fighters who battled the flames. It was also announced that the Gooding Farm on NYS Route 22 in Eagle Bridge is being considered for nomination to the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Highway Happenings
Superintendent Paul Hoag reported the two employees working toward obtaining their CDL license have completed the classroom training portion of the program and will soon be involved with the “In the Cab” segment of the training procedure. After review of an accounting error, all eligible CHIPS monies have been claimed and received. There was more discussion on the National Grid Demand Metered Service Notice (actually a warning the Town highway garage could be charged more because of higher kilowatt usage) but that the utility does have inspectors available to help with reducing the excessive power demand. The Council wants to look into accepting that offer.
Other News and Notes
There was discussion about some proposed Zoning Law changes, and in particular offsite signage. This is an ongoing project. It is hoped Town residents who are eligible will start seeing payments as part of the PFOA Class Action suit in July. These payments have been delayed in part because of the number of fraudulent claims submitted. Look for a rough draft of the updated Comprehensive Plan in the fall. There will be an Electronic Recycling Day on July 23 at the Barton Avenue parking lot. No TVs please. Finally, the Town is still seeking a new member for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Contact Town Clerk Holli Cross if interested.