Letters To The Editor 06.15.23

North Greenbush needs a push notification system

The events (water pressure, smoke, etc.) demonstrate the need for a push notification for North Greenbush. I have mentioned this at previous town meetings. Many towns and even small organizations like schools have push notifications via email or text message that residents or members can sign up to receive. The water / public safety alert “By Order of the Fire Marshal, the Town of North Greenbush is MANDATING that all residents PLEASE turn off their lawn sprinklers…” first appeared on the town website, town camp facebook page, and the electronic sign at town hall.

How many people routinely visit the town website or the facebook page. Roughly only 1/3 of the town typically drives past the town hall on a daily basis and the sign was off around 9:30 pm when I drove by it the other night. The message should have been communicated by these means, but also other means. A method that pushes it out to people via email and/or text message is necessary.

A quick internet search suggests that push notification systems are $1,000 – $5,000 depending on size and features or about $0.50 per person in town. Communication methods have changed and misinformation has arisen. Towns in the 21st century need to utilize new technologies. North Greenbush needs to invest in methods of communicating with the residents that is pushed to them. We need the system before there is a major issue and need to communicate both quickly and consistently with residents.

Michael Myer, North Greenbush