More Opportunities to Meet the Mayor

Last night, Mayor Joe Ferris held his fourth town hall meeting, this one for the Fourth Ward, at the Hudson Area Library. The final town hall meeting in this round is for the First Ward and will take place on Monday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m. at The Spark of Hudson, 502 Union Street.

Today, City Hall announced another of Ferris's initiatives to stay in touch with his constituents: Meet the Mayor--open office hours at City Hall. What follows is the press release issued today:

 

The Ferris Administration announces the beginning of the mayor’s open office hours program at City Hall. The Meet the Mayor series will take place the third Thursday of every month at 520 Warren Street from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The open office hours schedule for the initial slate of events is as follows:

• March 19
• April 16
• May 21
• June 18

“City Hall is the people’s seat of government, and these open office hours are a reminder of that fact,” said Mayor Joseph Ferris. “I’m excited to build off the momentum of the first round of town halls with the launch of the Meet the Mayor series. I’m eager to sit down with constituents and neighbors for one-on-one conversations about the issues they are facing and what they would like to see city government do for them. I invite everyone to attend and look forward to the start of this series.”

The open office hours are part of a three-pronged outreach strategy by City Hall. In the coming weeks, the City Hall e-newsletter will be launched. The next round of town halls to be held in May will be announced at the end of March.

For more information about these community outreach efforts, please email Mayoral Aide Tiffany Martin at mayoralaide@cityofhudson.org.

Gossips has been advised that, for the sake of privacy, Ferris will meet with constituents in his office on the second floor. However, he will come downstairs to meet with anyone who cannot manage the stairs to the second floor.

The CCDC Endorses Didi Barrett

At its endorsement meeting tonight, the Columbia County Democratic Committee (CCDC) resoundingly endorsed Didi Barrett over Sam Hodge to be the Democratic candidate to represent the 106th District in the New York State Assembly.

At the beginning of the meeting, Abbie Hodgson, co-chair of the CCDC, announced that the recommendation of the executive committee was to make no endorsement. It was also reported that the state and national committee had voted to endorse Barrett. Speaking for the state and national committee, Mary Murfitt said, "This is about winning, and Didi Barrett has proved time and time again that she is a winner."

When the CCDC voted on whether or not to make an endorsement in the 106th Assembly District, the vote was overwhelmingly in support of making an endorsement. When it came time to vote for Barrett or Hodge, the results, in a weighted vote, were 14,756 for Barrett and 3,733 for Hodge. 

The voters in Assembly District 106 will have the final say in deciding who will be the Democratic candidate for assemblymember. The primary election takes place on June 23.

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Meeting Updates

At 6:00 p.m. today, there is a special meeting of the Common Council to consider a budget amendment to address "emergency repairs." The resolution explaining the nature of the repairs can be found here. Click here for the link to join the meeting remotely. 

The Hudson Development and Planning Agency (HCDPA) meeting, originally scheduled for 6:00 p.m., will begin at 6:15 p.m. Click here for the link to join that meeting remotely.

Some Intel from the School Board Meeting

At its meeting last night, the Hudson City School District Board of Education began its process of crafting a budget for the next school year, 2026-2027. The initial steps involved providing a lot of background information, the most interesting of which Gossips shares here.

The chart below compares the maximum tax levy allowed, arrived at by a complicated formula, and the approved HCDS budget over the past four school years. For 2022-2023 and 2024-2025, the approved budget represented an increase that was significantly below what was allowed. For 2023-2024, there was no increase in the tax levy. For the current school year, 2025-2026, the increase was the maximum allowed: 3.55 percent. For the upcoming school year, 2026-2027, the maximum allowed is 7.33 percent. 

Interim superintendent Brian Bailey hastened to assure all present and watching the livestream that they were not proposing a 7.33 percent increase in the tax levy. How much of an increase there will be has not yet been determined.

Another bit of information of interest is that HCSD currently has close to $3.2 million ($3,186,057) in grant revenue. That is on top of the district's $58.5 million ($58,544,000) budget.

Bailey's presentation on class size, which across the broad averages 20, revealed how many students are enrolled in the Hudson City School District. In the elementary school (PreK through Grade 5), there are 670 students; in junior high (Grades 6 to 8), there are 320 students; in senior high (Grades 9 through 12), there are 484 students. That is a total of 1,474 students. With a budget of more than $61.7 million, that works out to more than $42,000 per student.

The question, which clearly does not have an easy answer, is why, given how much money is being spent, doesn't HCSD achieve better outcomes? 

On a topic different but related to this, there are two seats coming vacant on the school board. The terms of Kjirsten Gustavsen and Michael Zibella expire this year. Anyone interested in running for a seat on the school board can obtain petitions from board clerk Leslie Coons: coonsl@hudsoncsd.org. Signed petitions must be submitted by April 29 at 5:00 p.m.

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Update on the Assembly Race

Last week, the Dutchess County Democratic Committee endorsed incumbent Didi Barrett as the Democratic candidate to represent the 106th District in the NYS Assembly over Sam Hodge. Tomorrow night, Thursday, February 26, the Columbia County Democratic Committee holds its endorsement meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting takes place on Zoom. To register to attend the meeting, click here. 

Yesterday, more the fifty elected officials in Columbia County, not all of whom are Democrats, issued a statement of support for Barrett. The statement, reproduced below, reads:

Didi has been, and continues to be, a staunch advocate for our communities in Columbia County, and has worked hard to deliver critical resources, funding, support, and advice to the municipalities we represent.

Local governments face many challenges, and during her time in office Didi has worked with us to understand and address the important issues affecting our communities. In these unprecedented times, her leadership, accessibility, and track record are vital assets to Columbia County, and we strongly support her re-election to the New York State Assembly.

Among those signing the statement are all five Hudson representatives on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Joe Ferris, Council president Margaret Morris, and four members of the Common Council. Click on the image below to enlarge. The list of those signing on to the statement is organized in alphabetical order by municipality. 

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Update on Those Delinquent Property Taxes

When the process of collecting property taxes that had long gone unpaid began in May 2025, there were 121 properties in arrears on their taxes, and the total amount owed was more than $2.6 million--$2,625,855.82, to be exact. At the Common Council meeting last night, City Treasurer Heather Campbell reported on the progress of the effort to collect the back taxes.

So far, according to Campbell, 115 properties have been "redeemed"--that is, removed from the foreclosure list either by paying the back taxes or by entering into a payment agreement with the City. There are, however, 36 properties still on the list, and those 36 properties owe $2.1 million ($1.4 million in principal and $700,000 in interest). Ten of the 36 properties owe 83 percent of that amount, or $1,743,000; five of the properties owe 64 percent of that amount, or $1,344,000. A list of the properties still on the foreclosure list has not been made public.

Campbell indicated that there were some properties still on the foreclosure list that owe less than $1,000. She said a letter would soon be going out to these property owners warning them that if they do not pay the balance due they will soon incur the cost of a title search, which is the next step in the foreclosure process.

The sale of 98 Paddock Place, which the City took possession of through foreclosure in 2017, is likely to happen in April. In May 2025, $184,853.28 was owed in principal and interest. The amount is likely more now.

Although the City took possession of the house in 2017, the owner continued living there until just a few months ago. At the February 9 meeting of the Common Council Infrastructure and Code Committee meeting, Rob Perry, Superintendent of Public Works, shared pictures of the interior of the house taken recently, after the owner had moved out.

Perry noted that state law prohibits the City from making money on the sale of foreclosed property. Although the City must carry out the sale of the property, it can only keep the amount owed in back taxes and interest. Anything more than that must go to the owner who was foreclosed on. Perry indicated that, for this reason, DPW would not be using City resources to clean out the house to make it more desirable to buyers, because it would not be in the City's interest for them to do so. Any amount beyond the $200,000 or so owed in back taxes would go to the owner who left the house in this state.

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More Ado About Very Little

It would appear that the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition and For the Many have been shopping the story of the very modest amendment being proposed for Hudson's short-term rental law to regional media. Yesterday, there was the report by Nora Michanec in the Times Union. Today, it's a feature on News 10: "Hudson officials considering short term rental law."

At the Common Council meeting tonight, Rebecca Wolff, who back in 2020 when she served on the Council was effectively the author of the current legislation, urged the Council not to change the law but instead to strengthen it. In 2020, before the law was enacted, there were 200 properties operating as short-term rentals in Hudson. Today, there are 67 and perhaps even fewer. This decrease in short-term rentals seems, however, not to have had much effect on Hudson's perceived housing shortage. 

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Much Ado About Very Little

Back in October, Margaret Morris, then a councilmember representing the First Ward, proposed a modest change to Hudson's short-term rental law. 

The law currently allows the owner of a dwelling in Hudson who resides there at least 50 days a year to rent that dwelling as a short-term rental for a maximum of 60 days a year. Responding to requests from property owners interested in renting out their homes when they are away on extended vacations or for work assignments, Morris proposed extending the time owners may rent out their property from 60 days to 120 days. The proposal does not seem unreasonable, but apparently to some it does.

News of this inspired an article by Nora Michanec in today's Times Union: "Hudson wants to change its rules for short-term vacation rentals." The article contains quotes from a spokesperson for the activist group For the Many, which is frequently represented at meetings in Hudson's City Hall.

"Increasing vacation rentals seems like a net negative for Hudson when it's in the throes of a severe housing crisis," said Jenny Kutner, a spokesperson for the Poughkeepsie-based progressive activist group For the Many. "It would exacerbate an already bad situation."

Kutner said the proliferation of vacation rentals "makes prices go up for everyone" across the Hudson Valley while also reducing the amount of available homes on the market. The rentals also circumvent hotels, where workers are often paid more and have more protections, she said.

Presumably, the dwellings that could be rented out 120 days a year if the law were amended are currently being rented out 60 days a year. In the larger scheme of things, it seems the change would have very little impact. 

Still, the proposed amendment is also being used by the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition to support their demand for a vacancy study in Hudson. An email blast went out this afternoon from Quintin Cross claiming that the modest change being proposed "sends the wrong message about whose voices are being prioritized." The following is quoted from that communication:

We need real data about how many units are actually available, how many are being held off the market, and how short-term rentals are impacting the supply. 

Instead of centering renters' calls for transparency and data, the Morris Council Administration is advancing a proposal to expand the number of days properties can be used as short-term vacation rentals--doubling the current limit.

At a time when:

• Rents continue to rise
• Long-term residents are being displaced
• Working families struggle to find stable housing

The priority being moved forward is increasing the profitability of short-term rentals.

A vacancy study would be a good thing. Perhaps it would bring some clarity to what For the Many and HCHC are calling Hudson's "severe housing shortage." A simple search on Zillow reveals that there are still 47 units available at Hudson Depot Lofts and 34 rentals available elsewhere within the city limits. That's 81 units, and those are just the rentals listed on Zillow. At last count, there were only 67 short-term rental units in Hudson.

The Times Union article reports that the Council will be voting on the proposed amendment to the short-term rental law at its meeting tomorrow night, and Cross in his message urges people to show up for the meeting to "raise your voice for real solutions to the housing crisis in Hudson," apparently believing the amendment will be on the agenda. However, it will not be voted on at tomorrow's meeting. It is not on the agenda, and Council president Margaret Morris has advised Gossips that, since it is Council procedure for all proposed legislation and resolutions to come out of a committee, the amendment will be discussed at the Legal Committee meeting scheduled for March 12, and, if the committee decides to move it forward, it will be voted on at the Council's March meeting.

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Meetings and Events in the Week Ahead

The big event in this final week of February is the nor'easter that's expected to begin any time now. But once that's over and done with, there's a lot more happening before February ends and March begins.

• On Tuesday, February 24, at noon, The Olana Partnership presents a webinar titled "The Geography of Color: Frederic Church's Autumn." The webinar, offered in conjunction with Frederic Church 200, presents new research on Autumn, a painting in Olana State Historic Site's collection, and highlights the scholarship of Nicholas Robbins, lecturer in History of Art at University College London and a contributor to the forthcoming publication, Frederic Church: Global Artist. To learn more and to register for the webinar, click here.

• On Tuesday, February 24, the Common Council holds its regular monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. The agenda for the meeting can be found here. The meeting is a hybrid, taking place in person at City Hall and on Teams. Click here for the link to join the meeting remotely.
• Also on Tuesday, February 24, the Hudson City School District Board of Education meets at 6:00 p.m. The meeting, which is described as a "Community Budget Workshop," takes place in the Hudson High School auditorium. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube. 
• On Thursday, February 26, Hudson Community Development and Planning Agency meets at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is a hybrid, taking place in person at City Hall and on Teams. Click here for the link to join the meeting remotely. 
• At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, Mayor Joe Ferris holds a town hall meeting for the Fourth Ward in the Community Room at the Hudson Area Library, 51 North Fifth Street. This is his fourth town hall for this round. The final one, for the First Ward, takes place on Monday, March 2.

• On Friday, February 27, the Historic Preservation Commission meets at 10:00 a.m. The meeting includes two public hearings: one on the proposal to create more occupiable space at 26 Warren Street by adding dormers to the 1810 Federal house; the other on the proposal to demolish the house at 309-311 Union Street and the accessory buildings behind it and build new structures. The meeting is hybrid, taking place in person at City Hall and on Teams. Click here for the link to join the meeting remotely.

26 Warren Street

309-311 Union Street

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As the Storm Approaches

The storm heading our way is being described as a nor'easter and a blockbuster. As we all wait for what we hope is this winter's swan song, City Hall has issued the following announcements.

All Non-Essential City of Hudson Departments and Buildings Closed Monday, February 23rd

Due to anticipated heavy snowfall and dangerous road conditions tonight into tomorrow, all non-essential City of Hudson departments and buildings will be closed on Monday, February 23rd.

NOTE: It was been confirmed that trash pickup will take place tomorrow, February 23, as normally scheduled.

  

City of Hudson Parking and Shoveling Rules for the Upcoming Storm

With a significant amount of snow expected tonight into tomorrow, and in recognition of the State of Emergency declared by Governor Hochul that remains in effect until Tuesday, please prepare for plowing tonight and tomorrow, with snow removal to follow (details of removal to be provided once the snow event ends and needs are assessed).

By 11:59 p.m. tonight, where alternate side parking is normally in effect, all cars are to be parked on the ODD side of the street. Tomorrow, Monday the 23rd, all cars subject to alternate side parking should be parked on the EVEN side of the street by 11:59 p.m.

The storm is expected to end at 5:00 p.m. Monday. Per City of Hudson code, Warren Street sidewalks are to be shoveled by 5:00 a.m. Tuesday and sidewalks on all other streets by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday. Also per City code, please shovel snow to the curb and not into the street.

Candidates Forum Redux

If you missed the Assembly Candidates Forum on Tuesday, featuring Assemblymember Didi Barrett and her challenger, Sam Hodge, the event can now be viewed on YouTube.   

A Preview of the Semiquincentennial Exhibit

The opening reception for Patriots of Hudson in the Revolutionary War, an exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, is less than two weeks away, on Thursday, March 5. As a preview, Gossips reproduces here two panels from the exhibition. The first tells of Samuel Mansfield, one of the Proprietors of Hudson. The second tells of his grandson, Samuel Mansfield Bay. (Click on the images to enlarge. The main text of each panel is transcribed beneath the image.)

Samuel Mansfield

Soldier, Entrepreneur, Hudson Proprietor

Captain Mansfield was an officer in the Connecticut Line as early as 1776 and, there is some evidence that he served with his sister Margaret’s husband, Benedict Arnold, when Arnold participated in capturing Fort Ticonderoga and later while invading Quebec.

On May 10, 1775, Benedict Arnold, with a commission from Massachusetts, and Ethan Allen, leading the Green Mountain Boys, captured Fort Ticonderoga. Though the fort was not strategically important at the time, when the cannons and ammunition were brought by Henry Knox to a promontory on Boston Harbor, this ended the Siege of Boston by the British. The battle also led to the competition between Allen and Arnold that eventually contributed to Arnold’s betrayal of his nascent country.

Benedict’s wife and Charles’s sister, Margaret Mansfield Arnold, died shortly after capture of the fort in June 1775.

On January 1, 1777 Mansfield officially enlisted as a captain in Colonel John Lamb's 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment remaining through November 7, 1778. Mansfield would volunteer one final time during the war, serving as an aide-de-camp to Georgia governor George Walton in the fall of 1779 during the Siege of Savannah.

Mansfield, a Hudson Proprietor, was among the first generation of Hudson merchants, co-owning Green & Mansfield, dealers in dry goods. He married Elizabeth Greene and they had three daughters. He died suddenly traveling on the road between Albany and New York City.

 

Samuel Mansfield Bay

One of Samuel and Elizabeth Mansfield’s daughters, Harriet, married prominent Claverack lawyer, John Bay, with whom she had eight children. . . .

Samuel Mansfield Bay, the son of Harriet and John, went on to become Missouri Attorney General from 1839-1845.

Bay defended Dred Scott in the 1847 Scott vs. Emerson case at the Missouri State Circuit Court level. Dred Scott and his wife Harriet sued for their freedom and that of their two children, claiming that because they had lived for four years in the territory of Wisconsin, in which slavery was illegal, they were free. The case went on to the Supreme Court in 1857. Deciding against Scott, the Court’s decision was a blow to the anti-slavery movement in the country. The Court decreed that slavery was legal in United States territories, black people had no right to citizenship, and that the Missouri Compromise, which declared all territory west of the Missouri free from slavery, was unconstitutional.

The opening reception for the exhibit takes place on Thursday, March 5, at 6:00 p.m., in the Community Room at the Hudson Area Library, 51 North Fifth Street. Registration is required to attend the opening. To register, email brenda.shufelt@hudsonarealibrary.org.

Ear to the Ground

It was announced on imby.com today that the Dutchess County Democratic Committee (DCDC) has endorsed Didi Barrett as its candidate for NYS Assembly, representing the 106th Assembly District. The endorsement was made at a meeting of the DCDC that took place on Thursday, February 19. 

Gossips has learned that something out of the ordinary happened at the DCDC endorsement meeting. One of the things members of political party committees do is carry petitions for candidates, petition signatures being required to get candidates on the ballot. It is a longstanding policy of the DCDC that only the petitions of endorsed candidates are in the packets distributed to members at the end of an endorsement meeting, but it has been reported that Sam Hodge and Evan Menist, who is running for State Senate in District 39 (Hudson is in District 41)--neither of whom were endorsed by the committee--added their petitions to the packets. It was also reported that, owing to their actions, some members of the committee left the meeting with only the petitions of Hodge and Menist and not the petitions of any of the other candidates, including Pat Ryan. The actions of Hodge and Menist have been described as showing "an incredible lack of judgment and ethics."

The Columbia County Democratic Committee is scheduled to hold its endorsement meeting on Thursday, February 26.

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