Thursday April 25, 2024 
Town of North Greenbush News
Supervisor Bott would like to wish everyone a happy December as we enter this wonderful holiday season. Congratulations to our police department on the reaccreditation from the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
This could not have happened without the work by our department and we are proud to announce Lt. Gregory Croll, our accreditation manager, received the John Kimball O’Neil Certificate of Achievement for his work to receive this important accreditation. Lt. Croll had recently announced his retirement after receiving the reaccreditation and the board wishes him well and thanks him for his dedication to our town. We are happy to announce the promotion of North Greenbush Police Officer Matthew Peasley to Sergeant.
With the recent announcement of Mike Miner’s upcoming retirement, the board is happy to announce the appointment of Eric Cioffi as the new Building Inspector as of January 16, 2023. The board approved an attorney retainer agreement for labor attorney services for a new two year period. The board will hold its organizational meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6:15 pm, followed by a public hearing to consider the proposed amendment to the Quackenderry Commons PDD at 6:45 pm, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 pm.
The old recreation building at the town beach is down and work is underway for a new building that will serve as a great addition to our summer camp program. Finally, thank you to all who participated in the annual Christmas Parade organized by the Town Youth Committee chaired by Councilwoman Merola.
Supervisor Bott thanked Deputy Town Supervisor Kelly Hoffman for her work on the Starry Night Memorial Christmas Tree event. These were wonderful town traditions and we thank all who came to celebrate.
As the year comes to an end, we wish you the very happiest of holidays and good health in 2023.
Seasons greetings from Supervisor Bott, Deputy Supervisor Hoffman, Councilwoman Merola and Councilman Gordon.
Councilman Jack Rogers Reports to the Town of North Greenbush
The Town Board appointed a new Police Sergeant. Congratulations on your promotion. The North Greenbush Police Chief updated the board about the department being reaccredited for the next five years.
The Town Board also approved a new building inspector who will start in January. Welcome to North Greenbush.
A resolution approved the retainer for legal firm of Roemer, Wallens, Gold and
Mineaux. This is in regards to labor matters.
A public hearing will be held on January 12th at 6:45 to consider a proposed amendment to the Quackenderry Common PPD local law for the Bloomingrove Properties Associates, LLC
Application.
The Town Organizational meeting will be held on January 12, 2023 at 6:15pm.
I provided a brief update on the Open Space Committee and the Natural Resource Inventory.
Check out the town website for information, announcements, and town board meeting minutes at townofng.com or contact me at jrogers@nullnorthgreenbush.org. I also post information on my Facebook page Councilman Jack Rogers. You can attend meetings in person or live stream at https://townhallstreams.com/towns/northgreenbush. Get involved and informed about what is happening in the Town of North Greenbush.
Next Town Meetings are scheduled for:
•Planning Board 12/19/22 at 6:30PM
•Zoning Board 1/11/23 at 6:30PM
•Town Board 1/12/23 at 7:00PM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Councilman Jack Rogers
Valley Falls Awards Contract for Brownfield Opportunity Area Nomination Study to Bergmann Associates
Valley Falls took a significant step toward its vision of turning the burned-out Old Thompson Mill factory site into a public asset that will reinvigorate the Historic Village. At its November board meeting, the Village awarded a contract to Bergmann Associates to prepare a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Nomination to present to the NYS Department of State (DOS). The consultant work scope includes public outreach to determine how to leverage the Village’s National Historic Register status and the future cleanup of the mill site for the benefit of its residents. If accepted, this nomination will make the Village eligible for additional funding to clean up and repurpose the mill site for a public park on the Hoosic River near the Route 67 bridge.
“Cleaning up the burned-out mill and turning it into a riverside park for our residents to enjoy is a long-standing priority for the Village,” said Mayor Jay Overocker. “Becoming a designated Brownfield Opportunity Area will open up more pathways to getting that done.” The project is funded by a $125,000 BOA Nomination Preparation grant awarded to the Village by the NYS DOS, which is being matched by Village funds to complete the study. Bergmann Associates has conducted many similar planning processes, particularly in small villages with old mill sites, including conversions to public open space. Bergmann’s municipal planning and design services emphasize urban revitalization, waterfront design and brownfield redevelopment.
Thompson Mill operated in Valley Falls from the late 1800s until 1992. The mill changed hands to owners who scavenged the property and let it fall into disrepair. The mill was condemned in 2009 after a major fire destroyed much of the remaining structure. Rensselaer County foreclosed in 2018 and transferred ownership to the Village. Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Assessments have been completed on the property, with additional assessment work which requires building demolition still needed.
Kristina Younger
Defreestville FD December Update
Merry Christmas! The Defreestville Fire Department hopes you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season during this busy time of year.
November certainly kept us busy with four structure fires and one vehicle fire among the 45 total calls for service. The DFD thanks all the members for responding to these and every call.
Regarding our members, we congratulate outgoing Chief William Burkhart for his outstanding service to the residents of North Greenbush and members of the Defreestville Fire Department. Chief Burkhart ably guided our department, including through a pandemic that formally commenced two months after his tenure began. Chief Burkhart is an outstanding example of dedication to the fire service and we thank him for his leadership.
At our December meeting, the membership voted in our next Chief, Shane Clute. Incoming Chief Clute has been a long time member of the DFD, including tenures as Assistant Chief, and will continue the tradition of excellent fire service leadership. We extend our highest congratulations to incoming Chief Clute!
With the advent of Advent, many people will be out getting Christmas trees. According to various reports even though 75% of Americans now have an artificial tree, approximately 30 million natural trees are still sold every year! As with any plant, natural Christmas trees can pose a serious fire hazard if not properly cared for.
In fact, the NFPA states one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. They’ve issued several recommendations for preventing a fire including: placing the tree at least three feet away from any heat source (like fireplaces and lamps) and watering it daily; using lights listed by a qualified testing laboratory (like UL); and always turning off lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
As always, if volunteering is something you’ve considered, please message us through our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/defreestvillefd
Happy December!
Rensselaer County Legislature Adopts 2023 Budget with Fifth Tax Consecutive Cut
The Rensselaer County Legislature recently adopted the 2023 County Budget by a vote of 16-2 l. The budget cuts county property taxes by 1%. The Legislature held public hearings and several reviews of the $379.6M spending plan before the final vote.
“The budget continues the progress of the Reimagine Rensselaer initiative that includes the new fire training center in North Greenbush, the new senior center in Troy, and the move to the new offices in East Greenbush. A fifth consecutive property tax cut is also welcoming news for all of us, especially as the cost of living continues to rise”, Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman- North Greenbush
“This budget looks towards the future of our county and addresses the challenging financial issues that local governments will continue to face. We are prepared to boldly move this county forward and address challenges while continuing to protect taxpayers and residents. Smart spending and wise investments will keep us on solid ground and spur more investment in Rensselaer County”, Vice Chair Bob Loveridge- East Schodack
“I was thrilled to support the continued investments in improving our roads and purchasing new vehicles and equipment for our hard working highway department, all while continuing to lower taxes”, Majority Leader Ken Herrington- Brunswick
“As residents pay more for fuel, heating oil, and groceries, it is refreshing that our County taxpayers will not have to pay more in property taxes. This solid budget will maintain and improve services, and is great news for county residents”, Chair of Finance Rob Bayly- Poestenkill.
“I am pleased to support this budget that cuts taxes. It is gratifying to know that the growth in East Greenbush is critical to the success of the County’s finances. New development projects in East Greenbush and North Greenbush and throughout the county all impact the fiscal strength of our County, and that is good news for everyone”, Legislator Tom Grant- East Greenbush
Highway of Heroes: Signage Designating “Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway” Unveiled
Rensselaer, NY – Signage designating “Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway” was officially unveiled during a special ceremony held in Rensselaer County. The signage was established via bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I-Halfmoon) and Senator-Elect Jake Ashby (R,C,I-Castleton) to honor the courage of Rensselaer County Purple Heart heroes. The sign was unveiled at the American Legion Melvin Roads Post 1231, located at 200 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, New York.
The bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill S.6562/Assembly Bill A.7923A (sponsored by Senator Jordan and Senator-Elect Ashby, respectively) renames State Route 43, beginning at the border of Massachusetts just east of Stephentown and ends at the intersection with 1-90 in North Greenbush, as the “Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway” identified via the newly installed signage. The measure passed both houses of the State Legislature during the 2022 session with strong, bipartisan support and was signed into State law by Governor Kathy Hochul on August 12, 2022.
Each of the four towns along Route 43 passed resolutions becoming Purple Heart Towns and the new State law will enhance the honor and respect that Rensselaer County and New York State show to Purple Heart Veterans, as well as those killed in action.
The Purple Heart is the oldest, and among the most venerated, military decorations awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. Military. The Purple Heart decoration was established in 1932 for members of America’s armed forces that made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our nation. A recent estimate indicated that there are almost 3,000 living Purple Heart recipients in New York State. Since the Purple Heart’s establishment in 1932, numerous towns and localities have designated themselves as Purple Heart locations, signifying that their community honors and understands the sacrifices that these courageous heroes made on behalf of our country.
“Our Purple Heart heroes are the embodiment of courage, selfless service, patriotism, and sacrifice. My bipartisan legislation recognizes their valor by designating State Route 43 starting at the border of Massachusetts east of Stephentown, ending at the intersection with 1-90 in North Greenbush, as the ‘Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway.’ I’m pleased that this measure establishing a ‘Highway of Heroes’ was signed into State law. God bless our Purple Heart heroes and all who wear America’s uniform, defend the nation, and protect our freedoms,” Senator Jordan said.
“Rensselaer County has vowed to never forget the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families, and county residents have answered the call to service since the founding of our great nation. Those who have earned the Purple Heart have been wounded or injured during that service, and the Purple Heart Highway will recognize that service and commitment to protecting our freedom and security,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
“It is imperative that our country never forget the steadfast service and sacrifice Purple Heart recipients and their families made on our behalf and this important legislation will ensure we keep these heroes’ memories alive,” said Senator-Elect Jake Ashby (R, C – Castleton). “I would like to thank Senator Jordan for spearheading this important legislation, and likewise thank my colleagues in the State Senate and Assembly who offered their unanimous support for this legislation.”
Within Senator Jordan’s 43rd District, all 60 towns, villages, and cities are now Purple Heart Communities, and all four counties – Saratoga, Rensselaer, Washington, and Columbia – passed local resolutions to become Purple Heart Counties. Furthermore, out of the 62 counties in New York State, more than 40 are now Purple Heart Communities and several more have the designation pending. Other areas throughout the state, including universities, buildings, trails, and highways, have been renamed with the Purple Heart designation.
Attention Dog Owners in the Town of Schodack
Debra L. Curtis, the Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents that under New York State law, all dogs are required to be licensed by four months of age.
To obtain a new license, a copy of the current Rabies Certificate (must be valid for more than 60 days prior to licensing) and proof that the animal has been altered must be provided. The cost for a spayed/neutered dog is $7.00 and an unspayed/unneutered dog is $15.00. One tag is issued for the lifetime of the license; however, in the event of loss, can be replaced at a cost of $3.00.
A renewal letter will be sent, on a yearly basis, based upon the anniversary of the license. If you have any questions please contact the Schodack Town Clerk’s office at (518) 477-7590, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
From the Desk of Janice Hannigan Kerwin, North Greenbush Town Clerk
We are collecting new or homemade scarves, hats, gloves and mittens to give to those in need this winter. Please stop by the North Greenbush Town Hall located @ 2 Douglas Street Wynantskill, New York and place your donations on our Christmas Giving Tree located in the Town Clerk’s Office.
The closest entrance for the Town Clerk’s office when dropping off your donation would be the entrance by the Gazebo in our back parking lot. Please help us keep someone a little warmer this winter by donating to our Christmas tree.
If you should have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call my office @ 518-283-4306, Monday – Friday, 8-4 and we would be happy to assist you in any way that we can.