PUBLIC DISCUSSION
-- Norene Coller, Chair of the Clinton CAC and instrumental in designing and writing the Water Amendment Law, gave a deep felt thank you to the Town Board. She also expressed some concerns about administration of the law and stated the belief that education will be a key element in the Amendment's success.
-- Joel Tyner, local County Legislator, also thanked the Board for passing the Water Amendment. He then talked briefly about the meeting on November 18th about the proposed Local Bucks program. And he stated the belief that there are ways to save money in the County budget other than cutting the Human Rights Commission.

submitted by Blanche Rubin

TOWN OF CLINTON SEEKS CANDIDATES

The Town Board of the Town of Clinton is looking for Clinton residents to fill vacancies on various Boards and Committees, including the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), the Board of Assessment Review (BAR), The Conservation Advisory Committee (CAC), and the Recreation Committee.

If interested, please send a letter of interest by November 19, 2008 to Supervisor Jeff Burns, Town of Clinton, PO Box 208, Clinton Corners, NY 12514 or by email to townsupervisor@townofclinton.com.

Interviews will follow and appointments will be made at the 2009 Organizational Meeting in January. If you have questions or need more information, contact Carol Mackin, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to Noon at 266-5721 ext. 130.

CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (CAC) MEETING REPORT
OCTOBER 16, 2008

1. The CAC considered two referrals from the Planning Board including a site plan submitted by the Clinton Alliance Church on Centre Road, which includes a new office structure and a proposed recreation pavilion near the existing parking lot across the road from the church. The site plan has already been approved by the Planning Board, so the CAC's input was limited to a suggestion that the recreational facilities be made available to Clinton residents. The other referral was a subdivision proposed for 72 Bowman's Glen Lane. The CAC will submit comments to the Planning Board concerning this project.

2. The CAC has funds remaining in its annual budget and is considering ways to use these funds. It will explore the feasibility of installing recycling containers in town buildings and at town parks. In addition, the CAC may sponsor a lightbulb exchange where residents can receive one or more free fluorescent bulbs if they turn in a conventional bulb. Finally, it will purchase a sign to be placed at Town Hall during garbage pickup notifying residents how and where to dispose of hazardous and toxic waste.

3. The CAC has upgraded its webpage, which is located on the town website under the heading of "Environmental - CAC." The webpage contains the CAC meeting minutes, announcements and articles concerning environmental and conservation topics, and updates concerning planning and zoning issues of interest to town residents.

4. The CAC discussed the proposed relocation of the Ruskey Lane Schoolhouse and the Schultzville Mason Hall to the Town Hall site for use as town facilities. The discussion included plans to landscape the site and NYSERDA's involvement with the project.

5. The wetlands/watercourses protection zoning amendment will be brought up for final vote by the Town Board at its November meeting.

submitted by Paul Thomas

COMMUNICATIONS/SUPERVISOR'S COMMENTS
-- Town Fire Department budgets are not developed by the Town Board, but their taxes are included in the Town's tax bills. If there are any concerns, they should be discussed with the Fire Commissioner in your district. The East Clinton Fire District will hold its Budget Hearing at the Fire House in Clinton Corners on October 21st at 7 PM. The West Clinton Fire District will hold a Public Hearing on its budget at the West Clinton Station #1 on Hollow Road, October 21st at 7 PM.
-- The following dates were announced:
October 23 -- Town Board 2009 Budget Workshop, Town Hall at 7 PM
November 6 -- Public Hearing on proposed budget, Town Hall at 7 PM
November 8 -- Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Poughkeepsie
November 11 -- Town Board will adopt the 2009 budget at the regular Town Board meeting

REPORTS
-- Planning Board: the church pavilion on Centre Road, just south of Town Hall, has received final approval.
-- Zoning Board: issues surrounding the property of Ernest Klopping, on Ruskey Lane, will again be on the agenda Thursday, October 23. This will be a Public Hearing.

OLD BUSINESS
-- The Board's vote on the proposed water amendment was postponed to the November meeting because of the absence of Boardmember Frank Venezia.
-- The Request for Bids for the Highway Department's garage foam insulation was canceled in order to allow more time for research.

NEW BUSINESS
-- All of the following items were approved: the CSEA contract; bond reduction for the Crimson Hill Road development; opening of Request for Bids for highway materials for 2009.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION
-- There was no public discussion.

submitted by Blanche Rubin

PLANNING BOARD MEETING REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2, 2008

PUBLIC HEARING:

Neumann/Heist (Special Permit)
256 E. Meadowbrook Lane
SBL: 6367-00-944370
The applicants were seeking site plan approval and a special permit to convert an existing garage into a guest house. The required area variances were previously granted by the ZBA with the conditions that the septic system be upgraded to conform with current codes and that a buffer of shrubs be maintained between the building and the road. After the public hearing, the Board issued a negative declaration under SEQRA, approved the applicants' site plan, and granted their request for a special permit.

APPLICATIONS:

Kondor/Wild (Lot Line Adjustment)
87 and 102 Allen Road
SBL: 6466-00-650210
6466-00-600240
6466-00-630240
The applicants were seeking a lot line adjustment to create one five acre lot and one six acre lot out of two parcels totaling about 60 acres. The adjustment was intended to effectuate the terms of the will of the parcels' late owner, who made bequests of property to her three children. The applicants' representative stated that the property had barns and outbuildings, but was not a working farm. He was not aware of future plans to subdivide the larger parcels. One of the new parcels will be non-conforming, in that it will exceed the maximum number of permitted accessory buildings. Thus the Board discussed whether variances would be needed. The Board concluded that the new parcel will be non-conforming to the same extent as the existing parcel, so variances are not needed. The Board granted conditional approval of the lot line adjustment which will be finalized upon the submission of certain information by the applicants.

Omega Institute
150 Lake Drive
Omega presented a list of engineering changes to its plan for a new wastewater treatment facility, which is pending final approval by the Board. These will be reviewed by the Town engineer. Omega is waiting for final DEC approval before it can proceed with construction of the facility. However, Omega also proposed to begin building the foundation so that this work can be completed before winter. The Board discussed this request, and noted that the Town engineer recommended that it be granted. Accordingly, the Board amended its November 2007 resolution granting conditional approval to the project to allow the construction of the foundation (but not the remainder of the structure) to proceed.

submitted by Paul Thomas

CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (CAC) MEETING REPORT
AUGUST 21, 2008

1. The communications portion of the meeting included a discussion of the Public Hearing on the proposed water protection zoning amendment that occurred on August 12. Several CAC members attended the Hearing. Public response to the proposed amendment seemed to be generally favorable. An additional Hearing and meeting with Town boards on the amendment will be held on September 4 at 7:00 PM.

2. CAC members’ terms will change from one year to two years beginning in 2009.

3. A CAC member has been working on a new Web page that will be linked to the town's Web Site. The CAC Web page will contain meeting minutes, members’ names, event listings, conservation information, and other items.

4. An education/outreach program for children entitled “Birds and Bugs – Oh My” is being proposed for Fall at the Clinton Community Library. The tentative date is October 4. The event will be similar to one held last year.

5. Members discussed additional outreach activities in conjunction with the Town, such as organizing a battery recycling program. A few members are exploring different possibilities for outreach.

6. Chairperson Norene Coller presented the rough draft of a chapter on natural resources that will become part of Clinton's new Comprehensive Plan. She requested that all members review the chapter and give comments to her.

7. The second of three events celebrating Clinton's farms and open space will be held on September 20. The final event will be held on October 11.

submitted by Laura Austrian

This special meeting of the Town Board was for a Public Hearing on proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2008, amending the Town's Zoning Law concerning Freshwater Wetlands, Watercourses, Lakes, Ponds, and Floodplains. Attendance at the Hearing was high, with 60-75 people filling the room.

Thirteen Clinton community members spoke during the meeting. Seven spoke in support of the measure, two spoke against it, and four raised technical questions. Those that spoke against it questioned the validity of the scientific claims underpinning the measure, were concerned with the cost of enacting and enforcing it, and were concerned that the map that documented wetlands had only become publicly available that day. A suggestion was made that the law be reviewed by "outside" third-party experts.

Those who spoke in favor of the measure noted that the measure is not a ban, but rather a permit system, which will allow for flexibility where needed. They noted that water is Clinton's most precious resource, and that Clinton's water has the highest quality in Dutchess County. They noted that what each community member did or didn't do with respect to protecting water resources affects all of us. Two scientists who are also Clinton community members stated that there is a vast body of scientific literature, from peer reviewed journals, that supports the science underpinning the measure. Technical questions pertained to whether the law would retroactively affect recent building and zoning permits and variances, and a concern about the lack of specificity and definition in the measure. Questions were also raised about the impact on watercourses from sanding and salting roads and driveways, as well as the clearing and spraying that is normally conducted along power line rights-of-way.

The Planning Board has requested a special meeting with the Town Board and Town attorney to discuss their concerns regarding the law, which are mostly administrative in nature. Their request will be honored.

submitted by Blanche Rubin and Bronwyn Bevan

TOWN BOARD MEETING REPORT
AUGUST 12TH, 2008

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
-- All new AED equipment has been installed and at least one member of every Town board and committee has been trained in its use.
-- Town employees brought to the Supervisor's attention an error in the ways in which full-time employees' retirement calculations were being made. This has been corrected.
-- The Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th. Since the Town Board meeting is also scheduled for that night, and the usual meeting space will be in use for the election, the meeting will be held in the Town courtroom.

-- A request has been made for commuters to use the Town Hall parking lot as a commuter parking lot to facilitate car pooling. The Board thinks this might be a good idea and is investigating any
liability issues, which might require posting a sign about parking at your own risk, or some other measure.
-- All property values are scheduled to be reviewed in 2009, the first review since 2002.
-- Solar panels had been installed on the town garage.

OLD BUSINESS
1. Discussion and approval of the new Water Law will be postponed until after the special meeting to be held with the Planning Board in September. Frank Venezia recommended that a representative from the CAC be invited to attend the meeting.
2. The Town Board has recommended that the developers of the Talleur Lane subdivision explore other alternatives to a water treatment facility.

NEW BUSINESS
1. The creation of a position for an AED Coordinator was approved, with Carol-Jean Mackin approved as the new Coordinator.
2. The CAC requested an increase in members' terms of service to two year staggered terms, which is in keeping with the term lengths in other towns. This was approved.
3-12. All other items under New Business were approved.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Several supporters and opponents of the new proposed electrician licensing law spoke.
An update on the tree grinding operation on Horseshoe Lane was discussed. Although the ZBA has issued a stop work order and a fine was issued against the Ferrandi property, the grinding has continued nevertheless. It was noted that Ag and Markets said that tree stump grinding is not agricultural business, which would imply that it might be industrial business, for which no permit has been issued.

submitted by Blanche Rubin and Bronwyn Bevan

PLANNING BOARD MEETING REPORT
AUGUST 5, 2008

Randy and Christine Prentice (Variance Recommendation)
1563 Centre Road
The applicants are seeking an area variance allowing them to install a 15' by 25' above ground pool within a side yard setback on their property. The Board discussed whether the pool could be moved to another location on the property in order to avoid the need for a variance. The applicants stated that for aesthetic reasons, they did not want to change the proposed site. The Board noted that while a variance in this case would not result in a detriment to the surrounding area, there did exist a feasible alternative to a variance. Accordingly, they forwarded the application to the ZBA with a neutral recommendation.

Neumann/Heist (Special Permit)
256 E. Meadowbrook Lane
SBL: 6367-00-944370
The applicants are seeking to convert an existing garage into a guest house and need a special permit. The Board considered the application and determined that a long-form EAF will be required because the property is in the ridgeline district. There may be a building code issue regarding whether the second floor of the existing building can be used for a bedroom -- the applicants will need to address this with the Building Department. In addition, the applicants will need to consult their engineer concerning whether their existing septic system has sufficient capacity. If not, they will have to indicate the layout of a new or expanded septic system on their plan. The Board set a public hearing for September 2 on this application.

Novak Subdivision (Preliminary Approval)
312 Browning Road
SBL: 6366-00-871602 and 6366-00-808600
The applicant is seeking to subdivide an 18 acre parcel into four lots. A Public Hearing was held in July. The Board considered additional written comments from the Town Engineer and Planning Consultant, both of whom stated that preliminary approval could be granted with certain conditions. The Board noted that the applicant will need Preliminary Approval to obtain Board of Health approval for the wells and septic systems. Proposed Lot 4 of the subdivision contains wetlands and the septic system will be in close proximity to them. The Planning Board will need to consider the BOH's findings with respect to whether a septic system can be safely installed on the lot. The subdivision will include a 50 foot non-disturbance area around its perimeter which will be maintained by restrictive covenants. The Board considered and issued a negative declaration under SEQRA and granted Preliminary Approval with conditions, which included addressing the Town Engineer's comments on the plan, approval by the Town's consultants of the restrictive covenants creating the non-disturbance area, and BOH approval of the septic and well sites.

McKenna/Mid-Hudson Renovations (Lot Line Adjustment)
533 and 543 Browning Road
The applicants are seeking a lot line adjustment. The Board concluded that because the parcels are in a Critical Environmental Area (CEA), a long form Environmental Assessment Form is needed. The applicants will need to resubmit their plan, but the Board voted to waive a Public Hearing on this application. When the necessary submissions have been made, the Board will consider the application for final approval.

submitted by Paul Thomas

CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (CAC) MEETING REPORT
JULY 17, 2008

1. The public comment portion of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by Jen Rubbo, a director of the Fallkill Watershed Group. Ms. Rubbo’s role is to educate the public about the Fallkill Creek, which is a major tributary of the Hudson River. Part of the Creek's watershed is located in Clinton. Fallkill Watershed Creek Week will run from Monday, August 4 to Sunday, August 10 and will feature a variety of educational and outreach events. The following link contains more information about the events that are planned: http://www.clearwater.org/news/creekweek08.html

2. Newcomer packets have been assembled by a CAC member for distribution to new residents. Flyers advertising the packets, including their contents and pickup locations, will be posted at prominent spots in the area (e.g., Schultzville General Store, Stewart's, etc.).

3. Solar panels have been installed at Town Hall. An educational component to accompany them is being developed.
4. CAC Chairperson Norene Coller submitted a grant to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program to conduct a biodiversity study within the Town. Such a study would complement the Town's efforts to preserve open space and protect farmland.

5. A celebration of Clinton's farms was held on June 28th. Norene Coller reported that the event attracted scores of interested residents. Additional farm tours will be offered on September 20th and October 11th.

6. Norene Coller and Town Councilman Frank Venezia reported on the sewage treatment plant workshop on June 25th. Town Board members will vote in an upcoming meeting on whether to approve the creation of a central wastewater treatment facility, which would be managed by Dutchess County, at a proposed 14-house development on Talleur Lane in Clinton Corners.

7. There will be a Public Hearing on the proposed water protection zoning amendment on August 12th at 6:15 PM, just prior to the regular Town Board meeting. CAC member Paul Thomas has prepared a document with frequently asked questions pertaining to the proposed amendment; this document has been circulated to Town Board members.

Submitted by Laura Austrian

REPORT ON THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
JULY 15, 2008

PUBLIC HEARING:

Novak Subdivision Public Hearing
312 Browning Road
SBL: 6366-00-871602
6366-00-808600
About 8 town residents attended the Hearing. The applicant's engineer presented the basic plan for the four lot subdivision along with some background information. The overall acreage is 18.5 acres and the four lots will range from about 3 to about 5 acres. The public was invited to make comments or ask questions. One resident asked if the flag lot (where the Novak's residence is currently located, behind the proposed subdivision) would be subdivided in the future. The answer was no. There were several questions about the proposed 50 foot "undisturbed" border on 3 sides of the subdivision: would it be a conservation easement, who would determine the restrictions, could they be enforced? It was explained this border would not be a traditional conservation easement but rather a voluntary agreement entered into between the landowners and the Town. It therefore would not be easily enforceable. A member of the CAC questioned if the Planning Board had received the CAC's letter of June 24th with a list of recommendations for the applicant. The answer was affirmative and the recommendations were being incorporated into the plans. A long discussion followed on whether the applicant should be "required" or "encouraged" to abide by the proposed wetlands law, which will necessitate a 50' buffer around all wetland areas of a certain size. The Town Planner maintained that the Board could not require this. The applicant's engineer conceded that if the law is approved one lot would have to be completely eliminated, because the extent of wetland area would not allow sufficient space for a house, driveway, and septic system. He stated that will be dealt with down the road if need be. The Public Hearing was closed.

The next step for this application is review of the SEQRA application and a Planning Board vote on Preliminary Approval. Both of these steps will be on the agenda of the next Planning Board meeting, August 5th. There is still opportunity for public comment, through written form, at any time as this application moves forward.

APPLICATIONS:

Neumann/Heist (Special Permit)
256 East meadowbrook Lane
SBL: 6367-00-944370
The applicants wish to convert an existing structure into a guest cottage. They have already received a variance from the ZBA. There were many missing parts and pieces in their application and the Board therefore postponed consideration. The applicants will try to have a completed application in order to get on the agenda for the next meeting, August 5th.

submitted by Blanche Rubin

VARIANCE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Clinton Alliance Church
1192 Centre Road
SBL: 6468-00-360605
The applicants appeared for a discussion of their revised plans for a 1200 square foot building and a 4200 square foot open-air pavilion, to be built across the road from the existing church. The applicant's engineer explained the current plans and stated that they had satisfied all of the Board's requirements and stipulations, reducing the size of the building in proportion to the lot size and allowing for more open space.

Board members questioned the Church's future plans for expansion and questioned if the buildings might one day be enlarged. They are currently requesting a variance for more square footage than zoning permits and one Board member encouraged the Board to provide that flexibility.

A positive variance recommendation was approved.

APPLICATIONS:

Novak Subdivision
312 Browning Road
SBL: 6366-00-808600
6366-00-871602
The applicant's engineer stated they were looking for Preliminary Approval of the application for a 4-lot subdivision so that a Public Hearing date could be set. Several changes had been made in the plans based on statements by the Board and the CAC: the driveway on Lot 2 will be shortened, the location of the house on Lot 4 was improved so there would be less disturbance to the wetland area and the need for a pump to the septic system was eliminated. The soil tests for septic systems on all 4 lots were satisfactory.

The Board raised concerns about erosion control and the engineer responded they have started planning for that, both during construction and after. A Board member questioned whether the wetland areas should be included in the required conservation easement. There was also discussion of whether a future DEC regulation re: 50 ft. buffers around wetland areas should be required of the developer now. Tentative approval of the driveways has been received from the Highway Department. The sight distances will be included on the final plans.

The Board set the Public Hearing date for July 15th. All residents within 200 feet of the development lots will be notified by mail of the Hearing.

submitted by Blanche Rubin

REMEMBER THE STONE BRIDGE ON HOLLOW ROAD CONTROVERSY? read more here

CLINTON UNITED has just received the following letter from Robert Balkind, Assistant Director of Engineering, Dutchess County Department of Public Works:

Greetings:
I recently read your web page concerning the bridge project. I offer the following information for your edification:
• The article cites County DPW as giving the bridge a 4.7 structural soundness rating. In fact, NYSDOT conducts all bridge inspections and assigns condition ratings in New York State.
• Although accident history contributes to the County’s decision to replace the bridge, other factors also come in to play in the County’s decision. These factors include the current availability of Federal funds to reimburse Dutchess County for the project costs (Federal Aid will provide 90 cents of reimbursement for each dollar spent by the County) and the functional obsolescence of the bridge (the narrow lanes, no shoulders, poor guide rail, poor alignment, etc.)

The County’s intention is to construct a new bridge that will maintain the hamlet’s character and quality while providing a safer and stronger bridge. The County has held a preliminary public information meeting to present alternative design plans to the public. The design report is now being developed and preliminary plans are being prepared which address the public’s input. Once the report and preliminary plans are done, another public information meeting will be held to again present the project to the public. I truly believe that the County’s goal to improve the safety and operation of the bridge and the residents’ goal to maintain the unique character of Clinton Hollow hamlet are not mutually exclusive. Thank you for your consideration.

Robert Balkind, P.E.
Assistant Director of Engineering
Dutchess County DPW – Engineering Division
626 Dutchess Turnpike
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

LATEST AREA NEWS

Time slows down in Clinton crossroads hamlet
This small hamlet in the Town of Clinton has not changed much in the last 100 years, which is what makes it so attractive to residents and visitors.
Poughkeepsie Journal November 19

Dutchess property tax levy to go down 3 percent in 2009
Hoping to cut taxes for Dutchess County residents, Executive William Steinhaus announced today the 2009 budget will bring the property tax levy down to $85.3 million — about 3.2 percent less than the 2008 levy of $88.1 million.
Poughkeepsie Journal October 30

Local housing market extends its losing streak
Home prices that have been on a downward spiral for more than a year in Dutchess County slipped even lower in September. The median price for homes sold in Dutchess was $297,500, Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service reported Monday. That's down 12.5 percent from a year earlier. The average price of $340,758 was down 20.4 percent from a year ago.
Poughkeepsie Journal (Oct. 7)

Pine Plains development proposal is scaled back
Though the Durst Organization reduced its development proposal for the 2,200 acre Carvel site by almost half its original plan, town officials foresee the number of houses being reduced even further before it's approved. The Durst Organization's modified plan calls for 648 new homes to be built on the Carvel site in Pine Plains along with an 18-hole championship golf course.
Poughkeepsie Journal (July 25)

Pleasant Valley plan: Growth should focus on 4 hamlets
A draft plan to preserve the town's rural character by concentrating future growth in four hamlets is drawing mixed reviews. The product of almost two years of meetings by the town's Comprehensive Planning Committee, the plan provides the basis for future changes to zoning and subdivision regulations. . . . The plans calls for preventing overdevelopment of the rural areas of town by increasing minimum new home lot sizes now at one and two acres to up to five acres. To encourage future residential and commercial growth in the hamlets of Pleasant Valley, Washington Hollow and Salt Point, the committee is recommending permitting homes on quarter-acre lots. A fourth "emerging hamlet" is proposed for the south side of Route 44 between Rossway Road and Mill Lane.
Poughkeepsie Journal (July 14)

Carvel developers 'starting from the beginning'
The would-be developers of the Carvel property are working to put "something else on the table" for the town Planning Board to consider.
Kingston Freeman (June 14)

THE DURST/CARVEL PROJECT
For all of the published articles pertaining to this proposed development in Pine Plains and Milan please look here.

House market continues skid
Prices, sales dip in local counties
Sales and prices of homes continued to slide in Dutchess and Ulster counties in April, new reports show. In Dutchess, the average selling price for 129 single-family free-standing homes sold in April was $345,223, down 13.3 percent from a year earlier, Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service reported. It was the lowest monthly average since December 2004.
Poughkeepsie Journal (May 8)

Horse farms are big business
Study: Population, values grow in Dutchess, Ulster
Horses are a major part of life for . . . many people living in the mid-Hudson Valley. Only Saratoga County, with 11,000 head, outpaced Dutchess County in terms of horse population in New York state, according to the most recent New York Equine Survey. Dutchess ranked third in the state, behind Saratoga and Nassau, in horse value. From 2000-05, Dutchess' horse population grew by 35 percent to 9,500. The value of Dutchess' horses also increased by $6.4 million over that period to $132.4 million.
Poughkeepsie Journal (May 4)

Goodbye, St. Andrews. Hello, Edgewood
During a recent Hyde Park town board workshop meeting, Supervisor Pompey Delafield took time to update those in attendance in regard to the proposed large development that is scheduled to be built on a 340-acre plot across from the Culinary Institute of America. Delafield assured those in attendance that the project, formerly dubbed St. Andrews at Historic Hyde Park, is continuing to move forward, albeit at a radically slower pace than before. read more
Hyde Park Townsman (April 24)

ON-BOARD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR CLEARWATER & MYSTIC WHALER
Volunteer crew members are being sought to join on the sloop Clearwater or the schooner Mystic Whaler to live on board a boat for a week and help give kids (and adults) a sense of wonder about the Hudson and the environment. Volunteers are urgently needed for May and June. Communities from NYC, Long Island Sound, and the Hudson River north to Albany are served.
Becoming a volunteer is a great way to learn about sailing and the Hudson while you share your experience with others. You'll be part of an award-winning program and an organization that makes a difference. For more information and an application, call Maija or Brian at 845-454-7673 x115 or x105, or visit this site.

Today's tech, tomorrow's trash
New technology seemingly arrives every day.... But what happens to the TV, monitor, or printer that isn't needed any longer? They shouldn't be thrown out in the trash can, said William Calogero, executive director of the Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency.... how to recycle those gadgets is being brought to the attention of the public. read more
Poughkeepsie Journal (April 22)

Recycling barrels debut in New Paltz
New Paltz GreenWorks placed 31 of the village's and town's new recycling barrels at the outdoor Water Street Market Saturday for public viewing. The barrels each have a different design. Visitors are asked to vote by tossing a poker chip into their favorite.... In May or June, the barrels will be placed at locations throughout town next to garbage cans.
Poughkeepsie Journal (April 21)

State aid cuts Hyde Park schools tax hike programs, jobs can be restored
Hyde Park School District residents will vote May 20 on a budget that is likely to increase spending 5.7 percent and the tax levy 3.7 percent. Hyde Park school district administrators were able to reduce the projected 2008-09 tax levy hike from 6.8 percent after hearing last week that state education aid would increase by 9.5 percent.

In the event of a budget defeat May 20, the board has opted not to hold a second vote. Instead it would adopt a contingency budget -- requiring the board to cut $748,565 in programs and positions and resulting in a 2.2 percent tax levy increase. The board plans to adopt the 2008-09 budget at 7 p.m. April 24 at the district office at 11 Boice Road. The meeting is open to the public.
Poughkeepsie Journal (April 15)

Opposition mounts to Red Hook housing plan
Neighbors are lining up in opposition to a proposed 119-unit condominium project off Norton Road as the town Zoning Board of Appeals works to determine whether it should be considered a multifamily or single-family housing development.
Daily Freeman (March 30)

Perspective critical to conservation
To balance economic, ecological concerns, humans must recognize role in nature
The upcoming quadricentennial anniversary of Henry Hudson's historic voyage offers an excellent opportunity to reflect on how the region has changed since Hudson's time.... The Hudson Valley has been a magnet for growth. While this growth has brought economic benefits, these changes have come at a cost.
Poughkeepsie Journal (March 23)

Hyde Park voters to decide schools spending
Board proposal includes 7.18% increase in tax rate
The Hyde Park School District holds its budget vote from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 at Haviland Middle School.
Poughkeepsie Journal (March 23)

Towns take steps to push conservation of open land
Local towns are taking measures to protect the environment, whether by preserving farmland and wetlands or tapping into solar and wind power for electricity.
Poughkeepsie Journal (March 2)

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