The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Hoosick Town Council Meeting

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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

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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

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Opens Visitation, Expands Visitor Hours

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Beginning Friday, February 11, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), will update its visitation policy for hospital visitors and medical practice patients as well as expand its visiting hours. The change follows a decrease in positive COVID-19 tests and the slow decline in the number of patients hospitalized with COVID.

“We track the state’s and Bennington County’s COVID-19 numbers closely, and the decline in positive COVID-19 cases supports re-opening visitation for our community,” said Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services. “We are happy to provide patients with the direct, in-person family support they need to recover.”

Visiting hours have been expanded to 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

Everyone—including patients, staff, and visitors—are required to wear a mask or face covering, regardless of vaccination status. Those who do not have a medical-grade surgical mask will be provided one. All masks must be worn over the mouth and nose for the entire duration of the visit. Those who do not comply will be asked to leave the premises.

Masks Stay On for Schools, Off for Others

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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

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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

Assistance With PFOA Claim Forms in Petersburgh

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On Friday, March 4, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, March 5, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, Steve Schwarz and his legal team will be at the Petersburgh Town Hall, 65 Main St., to help residents fill out their PFOA claim forms and answer questions. 

Appointments can be scheduled by calling Emma Duggan at 212-558-5677. People without appointments will still be seen, but those with appointments will get first priority. [Read more…] about Assistance With PFOA Claim Forms in Petersburgh

Schodack Planning Board Highlights 

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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

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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