The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Member Exclusive

Responding to Emergencies Class Invites Local Volunteers

By

Submitted by Berlin Central School Communications

“The younger generation is the future of the Fire and EMS Service, and without classes like Responding to Emergencies putting an interest out there, the numbers would continue to dwindle,” said Stephentown Fire Chief David Corlew.

In 2019 Berlin Middle High School Health and Physical Education teacher Ms. Sandra Honsinger piloted an elective course at BMHS called Responding to Emergencies.

“We need more community members who are First Aid, CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) certified.” said Ms. Honsinger back in 2019. “I wanted to marry the interests and create relationships between the students and the emergency responding volunteers in our community. [Read more…] about Responding to Emergencies Class Invites Local Volunteers

Brunswick Town Council Looks to Extend Multi-Family Housing Moratorium

By

May Not Need Six More Months

by Doug La Rocque

It was a year ago when many Town residents and the Brunswick Planning Board expressed their concern to the Town Council about the number of two-family dwellings and apartment buildings proposed for construction. Some of these proposed sites were in areas where Town code allowed for such development, but perhaps did not conform with the tenure of the neighborhood. In response, the Town Council enacted a six-month moratorium on such development while they looked into amending the Codes. The first six months passed and last August it was extended for another six months. At the Council’s Thursday, February 10 meeting, a local law to extend the moratorium another six months was introduced, however Town Supervisor Phil Herrington stated those working on the revisions were nearly complete and did not anticipate needing the full extension. Once finished, the code changes must go to a public hearing before the full Board can consider adopting the revisions. [Read more…] about Brunswick Town Council Looks to Extend Multi-Family Housing Moratorium

Grafton Town Council Meeting

By

Two Resolutions Passed

by Chris Tergliafera

At the February 14 regular meeting of the Grafton Town Council, two resolutions were passed. The first was to schedule a public information meeting to discuss the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s (RPA) proposal to place an entrance and parking area on Foster Road. The meeting will take place on February 28, in lieu of the Town’s monthly workshop meeting, and will be held at the old Grafton Elementary School, 13 Babcock Lake Road.  [Read more…] about Grafton Town Council Meeting

Hoosick Town Council Meeting

By

ARPA Money Decisions Put On Hold

by Doug La Rocque

The Hoosick Town Council came into the Monday, February 14 meeting expecting to “pull the trigger” on their plans for the use of the first installment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, slightly more than $173,000, but ended up tabling the measure until another time for several reasons. Chief amongst them was the fact that Councilman Bill Hanselman was unable to attend the meeting, and the Councilors wanted his input. [Read more…] about Hoosick Town Council Meeting

High School Wrestling

By

Section 2 Qualifier Highlights

During the recent Section 2 Wrestling State Qualifier Tournament three local schools performed exceptionally well. Tamarac had several wrestlers place at the event, including Trevor Bishop who finished in first place, winning the Section 2 Championship. Also placing were Torin Bishop in second place, Ty Roadcap in fourth place, Austin Fitzpatrick in sixth place and Brice Retell also with a sixth place finish. Both Trevor and Torin Bishop will be competing at the NYS tournament on February 25 – 26 at the MVP Arena. Tamarac also won the Sportsmanship award and Jim Sheefler won JV Coach of the Year. [Read more…] about High School Wrestling

Masks Stay On for Schools, Off for Others

By

by Doug La Rocque

Speaking at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 9, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she would let the mask mandate on businesses expire as planned on Thursday, February 10. These businesses could, if they wish, continue to require masks if that is what they are more comfortable with. She said she would extend the mask mandate for schools, shelters, jails, nursing homes, childcare centers and public transportation for now.

In her announcement, the Governor said she would re-evaluate masks in schools in March, when she has a chance to look at the metrics of COVID-19 (infection rates are now down 93% since the start of the year) and develop “some clear guidance” for schools as to how to deal with COVID-19 situations when the masks do come off. She also stated she “feels compelled” to continue to protect the most vulnerable of our population as an explanation as to why the mask mandate will continue in senior related facilities, child care centers and because of the “closeness” of people in mass transportation. [Read more…] about Masks Stay On for Schools, Off for Others

Hoosick Falls Trustees Meeting

By

Parking, Cops and Cats Center Stage at Trustees Meeting

by Doug La Rocque

In October of last year, the Hoosick Falls Village Board passed a local law amending the parking rules in the Village, and in particular at the Church Street parking lot. Twelve spaces close to the Tri-State Federal Credit Union became 2-hour parking, while others were limited to all day but not overnight, with the rest dedicated as 24-hour spots. The Board has been getting feedback since that this may have had unintended consequences, especially when snow emergencies are called. A number of possible solutions were bandied about but the Trustees were not ready to act on any particular solution at the Tuesday, February 8 meeting.  [Read more…] about Hoosick Falls Trustees Meeting

Schodack Planning Board Highlights 

By

by Denise Wright

The Schodack Planning Board was busy at their February 7 meeting. The Board approved a positive Zoning Board recommendation for a variance for a garage on a property on Maple Hill Road. 

Schodack Golf’s 12-lot proposed subdivision on Schuurman Road was discussed, and had their negative declaration was approved under SEQRA. The highlight of the conversation focused on water for the project. The first element was the potential 900’ extension of the water district. The second was the drainage on some of the proposed lots. The presenter discussed the possibility of dry wells and footing drains being installed on the lots. Vegetation on the lots and swales being impacted were concerns. [Read more…] about Schodack Planning Board Highlights 

Brunswick Planning Board Meeting

By

Dish Wireless Proposal Ready to Move Forward

by Doug La Rocque

It was a small agenda and a very quick meeting for the Brunswick Planning Board on Thursday, February 3.

First up was a proposal by Dish Wireless to add an antenna array to an existing cell tower located at 809 Hoosick Road. At a previous meeting, the Board expressed concern over [Read more…] about Brunswick Planning Board Meeting