by Bea Peterson
Jeff Buell of Sequence Development sought the approval of the Hoosick Falls Village Board on Tuesday evening October 14, for his planned development of the former Dougherty corner and adjoining Monahan building. He reiterated his plans for the property as he has done previously at various public meetings. He had drawings of the prospective new building, which will include a “21st century general store” and mezzanine on the first level, two apartments on the second floor and a 1,500 square foot loft apartment on the third floor. The roof will have gardens and a greenhouse. The first floor will be opened to the Monahan building to create more retail floor space. That building will also have a kitchen for a catering service.
[private]Buell added that he has been working on this project since March. He said the opportunity to put the corner’s $650,000 Restore NY grant to work has been an enjoyable opportunity. He added that the members of HAYC3, the Mayor and the many people he has met have been tremendous. He concluded by saying that he hopes to begin work this fall, which to him, runs until December 20, with a goal of opening in the spring or within six months.
The Board approved the project and utilized a professional services proposal submitted by consultants B&L for the Village. The Village will be the lead agency for the SEQR process. Buell will put up the $1.3 million for the project with the Village being Sub-Recipient of the $650,000 Grant, which will later go to Buell.
Thieves Caught
Hoosick Falls Police Chief Robert Ashe spoke of two events from his report. One event was a burglary of between $30,000 and $40,000 in cash from a Village apartment.
The second was a case involving an elderly person, who was not home at the time when burglars tried to remove a safe and did take $10,000 to $15,000 in cash, plus jewelry. They left behind a bag containing five guns. The case involved police in Troy, Vermont and Hoosick Falls. The jewelry has been recovered and, the Chief said, those involved are in jail.
Chief Ashe said he has had five individuals from the Town and Village show interest in joining the Department. He said he would like to bring some of those names up for consideration at the November meeting.
Vandalism At The Transfer Station
Four-wheelers have been “trashing the trash” at the Transfer Station causing a great deal of extra work for those who maintain the Station. The Board expressed the possibility of liability should someone be injured there when the Station is closed. The Board will look into installing signs and/or cameras or the possibility of fencing.
Building Inspector Ed Holland reported that he has dealt with complaints and violations during the month. He noted that the Village has no recourse if a violator doesn’t come to Court. He said there are several Planning and Zoning projects going on.
Village Clerk Ann Bornt reported that 1,300 water and sewer bills had been sent out.
Trustee Ben Patten reported that the liner is now being applied to the Rogers Avenue water tank. He said it will take two weeks to cure and then repair work on the tank will continue.
Leaf Pickup
Trustee Bob Ryan said leaf pickup will happen throughout the Village from October 27 to November 19. Ryan wanted to thank Bill Shiland and the Town of Hoosick crew for helping with the paving and hauling of gravel for Center Street. He said the Village and Town crews worked well together.
Two more sidewalks are currently being installed, bringing to six the total for this year.
Trustee Kevin O’Malley said the welcome to the Village signs should be done at the end of this month. He said some mature trees were taken down in Wood Park.
It was noted that haulers have been bringing waste to the Village Waste Water Treatment Plant adding over $20,000 to that department’s revenue.
Mayor David Borge opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and requested a moment of silence for Dr. Marcus Martinez and his family as the doctor undergoes treatment in Boston.
The Mayor thanked the NYS DOT for repairing the crosswalks. He extended his appreciation to Hoosac School for the barn quilt donated to the Village. He said he had visited the Danforth Adult Home and The Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. He added that he was impressed with the staffs and facilities and concluded they were a great asset to the community. He commended Gail Smith and Tom McMartin for recognizing the Korean War Veterans, HAYC3 for a terrific Pumpkinpalooza and the Hoosick Falls Community Band for the wonderful Wednesday evening summer concerts.
He added that the Monolith solar panels are now on the Municipal Building roof awaiting connection by National Grid. Once that is done, the Water and Wastewater Plants and the Municipal Building will all be generating electricity.
The Mayor added that he and Trustee Bob Downing had looked into converting Village vehicles from gasoline to LPG. He said it would have been good for the Police Department but not for the Village vehicles as they don’t travel that many miles. Therefore, the project will not be considered at this time.
HAYC3 Director Aelish Nealon announced a myriad of upcoming events, including the Halloween Parade on October 30 and several other exciting activities that will take place over the next year. Pumpkinpalooza will become a three day event entitled Hoosick Hullabaloo from September 25 through 27.
Kevin Allard expressed concern to the Board that the Hoosick Falls Central School is planning a big expansion project, the Town is working on the pool, which will be very expensive, and whatever projects the Village had in mind could generate increased taxes. He wondered if the three units were working together at all. The Mayor assured him that there has been more discussions between these groups this year than ever before.
Herb Loretan noted the improvements to the back of the building where the former Farrara restaurant was, which adjoins a building he owns. He wondered if some gravel could be put into the right of way behind the buildings to make easier access. Bob Ryan told him he would look into it.
In other business the Board approved:
• the appointment of Sandra Sargood to the Planning Board for a term running from 2014 to 2018;
• the purchase of Utility Software BAS in the amount of $7,440 with a two year 0% interest payment;
• setting dates for Public Hearings on LL#1 of 2014 prohibiting camping on Village owned property and for the review of the FEMA Flood Plain Map;
• a request for renewal of a liquor license by Greg Zora, and
• a request by the Lady Panthers to hold a coin drop in the Village on Saturday, October 18.
Meeting Date Change
The Board approved moving the November meeting to Monday, November 10, at 6 pm because Tuesday is Veterans Day.[/private]