Meetings and Events in the Week Ahead

We're just halfway through October, but suddenly it's starting to feel like damp, drizzly November--a good time to stay warm and dry in front of your computer. Here's what's happening on the meeting front.

• On Monday, October 18, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment resumes its budget workshops. The topic for today: revenues. Click here to join the Zoom meeting. 
• At 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, the Hudson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners holds a special meeting. The purpose of the special meeting has not been publicly announced, but based on the discussion at the board's October 13 meeting, it is believed that the topic will be hiring an interim director for HHA. At last report, there were three potential candidates for that position, one of whom is former Youth Director Nick Zachos. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.  
• Also on Monday, October 18, at 7:00 p.m., the Columbia County Women's Alliance presents a discussion on Zoom entitled "The Changing Face of Justice: Women in Law Enforcement." Participants in the conversation are Mishanda Franklin, Sergeant, Hudson Police Department; Jacqueline Salvatore, Senior Investigator and Director of the Police Employee Assistance Program, New York State Police (retired); and Robin Benziger, Lieutenant Colonel, New York State Police (retired). Email ccwomensalliance@gmail.com to RSVP and get the Zoom link.
• On Tuesday, October 19, the Common Council holds its regular monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. One thing that will be considered at the meeting is an amendment to the zoning law, which melds a law affecting R4 districts proposed in August and Local Law No. 9 of 2017. The purpose of the amendment is to allow Basil Nooks to open a restaurant at 61-63 North Third Street, a building he owns, which has a long history of being an eating and drinking establishment but has been vacant since 2004. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

• On Wednesday, October 20, the Hudson Industrial Development Agency (IDA) holds a special meeting at 1:00 p.m. The meeting is being held to discuss the project proposed by PBF Hudson LLC--the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Pocketbook Factory. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

• At 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, the BEA continues its budget workshops. It is probably safe to predict that the objective of the meeting will be to start trying to close the gap between proposed expenditures and anticipated revenue. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
• Also on Wednesday, October 20, the Zoning Board of Appeals meets at 6:00 p.m. The agenda for the meeting, which includes two public hearings, one of which is for the project proposed for 16-20 North Second Street, involving the demolition of the existing house and eighteen area variances, can be found here. 

Also on the agenda for the ZBA meeting are appeals from the two property owners to continue the use of their properties (90 North Second Street and 543 Warren Street) as short-term rentals after December 7, 2021, deadline imposed by the short-term rental law enacted last year.

• On Thursday, October 21, the Hudson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners holds a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting has not been made public, but, at the board's October 13 meeting, in a discussion of hiring an interim director, board chair Revonda Smith referred to October 21 as "our interview day." Click here to join the Zoom meeting.   
• On Friday, October 22, the Historic Preservation Commission meets at 10:00 a.m. Although an agenda for the meeting is not available, it is likely that the HPC will continue its review of the proposal to replace the windows at 10 South Seventh Street. 

This house was rescued and restored by Frank Faulkner in the mid-1990s. The current owners wish to replace the windows, believed to be the original wood windows, with aluminum clad windows. At the October 8 meeting, members of the HPC agreed to make a field trip to the house to assess the windows and their condition. The link to the Zoom meeting has not yet been published on the City of Hudson website.

• At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 22, the BEA continues its budget workshops. The link to the Zoom meeting has not yet been published.

Update: This meeting of the BEA has been canceled.

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Three New Trees Grow in Hudson

Yesterday was Arbor Day in Hudson, and to mark the day, which they had declared, members of the Conservation Advisory Council, aided by a small army of volunteers, planted three trees in various sites throughout the city. 

The original plan was to plant five trees--one in each ward--but digging hazards were discovered at the first sites chosen in the First Ward and the Third Ward, so the planting of those trees had to be postponed until new sites could be cleared with DigSafeNY. The trees that did get planted were a fringe tree in the 200 block of State Street (Second Ward), a redbud tree at Fifth and Prospect streets (Fourth Ward), and a pin oak at 46 Green Street.

Photo: Carl Bethge

Photo: Dorothy Heyl

Photo: Hilary Hillman

The project was funded by a $1,000 contribution from the Hudson Park Conservancy and $1,898 raised in a GoFundMe Campaign. Lowe's in Greenport contributed soil and mulch, and the shovels and other tools used were provided by Tool Shed Exchange. The City of Hudson Department of Public Works did the advance digging at each site.

The CAC members who planned and carried out the project are (in alphabetical order) Marie Balle, Hilary Hillman, Tom O'Dowd, Rich Volo, and Britt Zuckerman. Assisting with the planting were the following volunteers (in alphabetical order): Carl Bethge, Jeff Binder, Rebecca Borrer, Tom DePietro, Art Frick, Alan Hamilton, Dorothy Heyl, Leslie Hillman, Sydney Jarrard, Don Krapf, Jonathan Lerner, Amy Meadow, Tom McGill, Ed Morris, Suzanne Morris, Alisha Salvatore, and Jackie Salvatore. The dogs of Hudson were represented on the planting team by Sparky and Pony.

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The Importance of Being Resolute

Yesterday, at about 9:00 p.m., the Hudson City Democratic Committee issued this statement on Facebook. 

The Hudson City Democratic Committee wishes to announce their endorsement of all the Democratic Primary winners. Democratic voters have chosen great candidates for the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 2nd.

The Democratic Primary winners are Heather Campbell (city treasurer), Abdus Miah (Second Ward supervisor), Dewan Sarowar and Mohammed Rony (Second Ward aldermen), and Vicky Daskaloudi and Dominic Merante (Fifth Ward aldermen)--many of whom continue to be challenged by the losers in the primary, who remain on the ballot running on the Working Families Party line. 

It is unclear if this statement of endorsement from the HCDC extends to all the Democratic candidates on the ballot, including Gary Purnhagen, a candidate for First Ward alderman who was not challenged in the primary. Purnhagen dropped out of the race in July and then announced two days ago that he was back in. 

Today, Margaret Morris, the write-in candidate for First Ward alderman who rose to the occasion when Purnhagen dropped out, issued this statement:

As you may be aware, Gary Purnhagen withdrew from the race for First Ward Alderman in July.

On October 14th, he announced that he was re-entering the race. Gary's most recent decision does not affect my campaign or my unwavering commitment to serve the residents of the First Ward. My message remains the same: Accountable representation, long-term commitment to the First Ward and to the City of Hudson, and experience in policy making and building collaborative relationships.

Morris has shown a greater commitment to her campaign than Purnhagen has, which augurs a greater commitment to representing the residents of the First Ward on the Common Council.

COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health released its numbers at 12:30 p.m. today. Since 3:00 p.m. yesterday, there have been 4 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases being reported today is 5 fewer than yesterday, from which it can be inferred that, since yesterday 9 county residents have recovered from the virus. There are 15 fewer county residents in mandatory quarantine today than yesterday, but the number hospitalized and in the ICU remains the same. There has not been a death from COVID-19 reported in Columbia County since October 7.

The New York Forward dashboard has not been updated since yesterday.

A year ago today, the CCDOH reported 5 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 610, and the number of active cases was 24. There were 61 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 6 were hospitalized, and 1 was in the ICU. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 at this time last year was 38.

Get Ready for the Election

Rich Volo has published interviews with two of the write-in candidates for alderman on Trixie's List: Margaret Morris in the First Ward, and Amber Harris in the Third Ward. 

• Meet Margaret Morris

• Meet Amber Harris

Another Opinion

This is the front page of today's Register-Star, our local newspaper which operates out of space rented from the Galvan Foundation.

You can read the article online here.

COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health has released its numbers for today. Since yesterday, there have been 12 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases being reported today is 11 fewer than yesterday, from which it can be inferred that, since yesterday, 23 county residents have recovered from the virus. There are 11 fewer county residents in mandatory quarantine today than there were yesterday, but the number hospitalized and in the ICU remains the same. There was not been a death from COVID-19 reported in Columbia County since October 7. 

The New York Forward dashboard is reporting a positivity rate in Columbia County yesterday of 6.1 percent and a seven-day average of 3.1 percent. By comparison, the daily positivity rate for the Capital Region is 3.5 percent and the seven-day average is 3.8 percent.

A year ago today, the CCDOH reported 1 new case of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 605, and the number of active cases was 22. There were 56 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 6 were hospitalized, and 1 was in the ICU. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 at this time last year was 38.

A Ray of Hope on the Fiscal Horizon

The Hudson City School District increased its budget this year by $1.6 million, and things are not looking good for the 2022 budget for the City of Hudson. At the informal meeting of the Common Council this past Tuesday, city treasurer Heather Campbell reported there was a $1.5 million gap between anticipated revenue and requests for funding. Council president Tom DePietro denied this, saying the statement was "not well thought out in terms of data." Granted the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (BEA) has not completed its budget review, and more budget cuts will undoubtedly be made to bring things in line, but with two new expectations for funding--from the Tourism Board and for the housing trust fund--and a possible 137 percent increase in what the City must pay for legal services, things are not looking good for the property owners of Hudson.

The one ray of hope is coming from the county. Yesterday, Matt Murell, chair of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, announced that there might be a decrease in county taxes:

"I am pleased to report that, based on the analysis of our finance team of Treasurer PJ Keeler, Controller Ron Caponera, Finance Committee Chairman Jim Guzzi and myself as Budget Officer, we are currently seeing projections that inform us the 2022 budget will bring with it a tax decrease," said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. . . .

As things currently stand, the tax decrease would result in a county tax rate decrease to county taxpayers, Chairman Murell said, adding that it is important to realize at this time that with two-and-a-half months remaining in this fiscal year, projections are based not only on current trends but also on historical trends. . . .

This morning, Tistrya Houghtling, on behalf of the Democratic Caucus, released the following statement:

On September 8, 2021, the Democratic Caucus urged the Columbia County Board of Supervisors to support a budget that ensures residents get better services without increasing taxes.

"Our families are still struggling financially," said Democratic Minority Leader Tistrya Houghtling. "I'm thrilled that the Chairman has followed our lead and has agreed to no tax increases." At a meeting on October 13, Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell announced his support for no tax increases, and based on current projections, the possibility of a tax decrease. Since 2013, the average tax increase has been 1.1% a year. . . .

The Board of Supervisors will present the final 2022 budget to the public in December with a vote later that month. The budget, approved in 2021, will determine the tax levy for 2022.

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Happening This Weekend

There is a lot happening on the October weekend ahead.

• On Saturday, October 16, the Conservation Advisory Council observes Arbor Day by planting five trees in Hudson--one in each ward. All are invited to come and help plant a tree. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. in Seventh Street Park.

• On 8:00 p.m., Saturday, October 16, Festival Theater Hudson presents its Gala Inaugural Concert at the First Presbyterian Church, 369 Warren Street. The concert features Magyar: concerto for two violins (U.S. premier) and Wagner: Die Walkure, Act I. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

• On Sunday, October 17, from 3:30 to 5:00, is the Walk Across the Mahicantuck for Climate Justice. "People of diverse faiths, including those who are 'spiritual but not religious,' will assemble along Mahicantuck (Hudson River) to raise their collective voice for climate justice as they walk across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge." Groups will gather on each side of the river and walk toward the center of the bridge. When the groups connect in the middle, they will stop for a moment of silence, followed by the sound of drums, tambourines, and bells. Then they will return to their beginning points. For more information about the event, click here.

More News from the Planning Board

Last night's Planning Board meeting lasted for five hours and twenty minutes. That may be a record. During that time, in addition to granting site plan approval to the two apartment buildings proposed for the so-called Depot District, the board accomplished the following:

• After close to an hour of discussion, the members of the Planning Board agreed that they needed legal counsel to proceed with their review of the change of use for 26 Warren Street--from B&B to unstaffed hotel, to be called "The Mariner" and operated as a sister hostelry to The Whaler at 542 Warren Street. The board voted unanimously to request $1,500 in escrow from the owner for that purpose.

• The Planning Board gave site plan approval to Return Brewing at 724 Columbia Street, with two stipulations: that eight designated parking spaces be secured for staff and any outdoor music must end at 8:00 p.m.

• The Planning Board considered the eighteen questions that make up Part 2 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form and made a negative declaration under SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) for the proposed restoration and adaptive reuse of the Pocketbook Factory. It still remains for the Planning Board to approve the project.

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Depot District Update

The Planning Board just gave site plan approval to 75 North Seventh Street and 708 State Street, the two apartment buildings proposed by the Galvan Foundation to be constructed in what Galvan is calling the Depot District. Five members of the Planning Board--Larry Bowne, John Cody, Theresa Joyner, Gene Shetsky, Clark Wieman--voted to approve the project. Laura Margolis voted against it. Stephen Steim, chair of the Planning Board, was absent from the meeting.

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COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health has released its numbers for today. Since yesterday, there have been 13 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases being reported today is 21 more than yesterday, which calls into question the number of active cases reported yesterday. The number of county residents in mandatory quarantine today is 43 more than yesterday, but there is one fewer hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, one remains in the ICU. One week has passed since a death from COVID-19 has been reported in Columbia County.  

The New York Forward dashboard is reporting a positivity rate from Tuesday to Wednesday of 2.4 percent and a seven-day average of 2.9 percent. By comparison, the positivity rate in the Capital Region for the same period was 4.4 percent and the seven-day average was 3.7 percent.

A year ago today, the CCDOH reported 6 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 604, and the number of active cases was 21. There were 61 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 6 were hospitalized, and 1 was in the ICU. On October 14, 2020, the CCDOH reported the 38th death from COVID-19 in Columbia County, the first in 127 days.

And Now This

Gary Purnhagen, who announced in July that he was not running for First Ward alderman but made the decision too late for his name to be removed from the ballot, made it known today that he has changed his mind and is back in the race. Here is the statement he made today:

Back in July, I announced that I would not serve as a First Ward Alderperson due to employment considerations. Those considerations no longer exist, and I am now announcing that I will actively campaign and, if elected, represent you in the Common Council.

When I made that announcement, I urged the citizens of the First Ward to launch a write-in campaign so that we would determine who represents us. I believe at least one person has indeed stepped up. I applaud that person for doing so and urge you to consider all such candidates in November.

Meanwhile, if elected, I re-commit to:

1. Showing up
2. Putting in the time to understand the issues
3. Communicate the issues so that I can better represent you

Things Are Heating Up

Many are of the opinion that campaigns in this country last too long, and the local election in Hudson this year may well prove that months of lead time are not necessary. With just a week and a day to go before early voting begins, two more candidates have declared their write-on candidacy.

In the First Ward, Jeffrey Binder has announced this intention to run a write-in campaign for alderman. Binder bought a house in Hudson last year. His statement of intention reads:

My family and I made Hudson our home because of the welcoming, inclusive energy of its citizens; the vibrancy of a growing community with a deep, layered history; and the exciting diversity of its population. Our family sees ourselves represented in the many colors of Hudson, and I would like to join the Common Council to represent the citizens of Hudson.

As Alderman, I'm eager to continue the exceptional efforts of the community leaders and our mayor, who work tirelessly to provide real opportunities and equitable solutions for the families who have lived here for years, decades, or generations.

Here are some ways in which I will support the Hudson community:

• Housing: Advocate for additional subsidized and workforce housing to serve the needs of all who live and work in Hudson.
• Community spaces: Expand and maintain public and community spaces, from parks and greens spaces to arts organizations and social programs, and foster a sense of community pride and ownership by all citizens.
• Quality of life: Improve quality of life in the city through environmental conservation, an alternative state truck route, vaccination programs that reach all residents, and substance abuse and mental illness solutions beyond incarceration.

Binder's campaign Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/JeffreyBinderAlderman.

Binder is now the third candidate running for the two seats as First Ward alderman against Art Frick, whose name appears on the ballot, and Margaret Morris, who launched her write-in campaign last month. Morris, who stresses accountability, commitment, and experience on her campaign website, has been endorsed by former First Ward alderman Rob Bujan, former Columbia County Democratic Committee chair Keith Kanaga, and current First Ward alderman Jane Trombley.

There is also a new write-in candidate in the Third Ward: Amber Harris. Harris, who is the niece of former mayor Tiffany Martin, is a true daughter of Hudson. The following is the statement she made to launch her campaign:

I am proud and excited to announce that I am running as a write-in candidate for Third Ward Alderwoman. I believe that City government should reflect our community as a whole, and I am genuinely eager to do my part to govern Hudson in a progressive, thoughtful, fiscally responsible manner. I take such pride that we as a city celebrate diversity and embrace inclusivity. We face many obstacles and complicated issues, all of which I view as opportunities for Hudson to evolve in a positive way. I will welcome the privilege to serve you with sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of born and bred locals and newcomers alike.

A woman of color, I grew up in Hudson, raised in a one-parent household, and was lucky to have a very supportive extended family. I hold a BA from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, an MFA from Emerson, and am currently pursuing further degrees in the medical field. As someone on the autism spectrum, I have overcome great obstacles and understand the value of hard work and the benefit of a solid educational foundation. I recognize that I will face a learning curve--as there is for any new, incoming Council member--and I am ready to tackle that challenge. 

Harris is now the third candidate running for the two seats as Third Ward alderman against Ryan Wallace, who is currently serving as Third Ward alderman and whose name appears on the ballot, and Shershah Mizan, who announced his write-in campaign for re-election earlier this week.

COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health has released its numbers for today. Since yesterday, there have been 15 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases being reported today is 4 fewer than yesterday, from which it can be inferred that, since yesterday, 19 county residents have recovered from the virus. There are 7 more county residents in mandatory quarantine today than yesterday, and 2 more are hospitalized. The number of hospitalized that are in the ICU remains the same. There has not been a death from COVID-19 in Columbia County since Thursday, October 7.

The New York Forward dashboard has not been updated since yesterday.

A year ago today, the CCDOH reported 5 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 598, and the number of active cases was 17. There were 58 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 5 were hospitalized, and 1 was in the ICU. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 at this time last year was 37.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

People say that a lot when talking about Hudson, but a press release just received from Chief Ed Moore is another example that proves the truth of the sentiment.

FLEEING MAN DRIVES INTO RIVER

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at about 9:15 p.m., HPD received a call of a domestic dispute at a residence on North 2nd Street. A woman reported that she and her boyfriend had been arguing, and that he was breaking her property. Upon the patrol’s arrival one minute later, the man was seen exiting the house and leaving in his vehicle, a black 2002 Jeep Cherokee. As he sped away, he nearly struck the HPD cruiser, and proceeded to hit two parked cars, doing damage to both.

The patrol pursued the fleeing vehicle to the waterfront. The operator of the Jeep proceeded south on the CSX maintenance road that parallels the railroad tracks. Officer Randy Strattman broke off the pursuit owing to safety concerns as well as the amount of dirt and debris being kicked up by the Jeep. He was joined by a Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputy as they followed south in search of the subject.

The patrols drove south to a turnaround near the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, then came back north to recheck the route. Amtrak was advised to put trains on hold. At 9:28 p.m., the vehicle was located partially submerged in the river, just north of Hallenbeck Road. Evidence at the scene indicated that the Jeep had travelled several hundred yards off the road, through dense vegetation, until it hit a telephone pole and went airborne into the river.

Officers at the scene took Michael K. West, age 29, of Hudson into custody. West complained of back injuries and was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital by the Greenport Rescue Squad.

While at the hospital, West allegedly kicked an attending nurse in the head, causing injury. West has pending charges to include DWI (refusal), Assault, Criminal Mischief, and numerous Vehicle and Traffic Tickets. As of this writing, West has not been arraigned.

“There are a lot of people to credit for the safe resolution of this incident. Our patrols had a one minute response time to the domestic incident, and showed good judgment by breaking off the pursuit when it became too dangerous. I am thankful for the response from the Sheriff’s Department. Not to be overlooked was the professional removal of the vehicle from the river by the towing company Hillsdale Repairs. They handled the job quickly and safely under extremely difficult conditions. Lastly, I want to acknowledge our nurses who are often put at risk while trying to perform their duties. I think we sometimes take their frontline service for granted.” Chief

COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health has released its numbers for today. Since Saturday, October 9, there have been 38 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases being reported today is 12 more than on Saturday, from which it can be inferred that, since Saturday, 26 county residents have recovered from the virus. There are 26 fewer county residents in mandatory quarantine today than on Saturday, but 2 more are hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, one is in the ICU. There has not been a death from COVID-19 in Columbia County since Thursday, October 7.

The New York Forward dashboard is reporting a positivity rate for Columbia County yesterday of 7.8 percent and a seven-day average of 2.9 percent. By comparison, the daily positivity rate for the Capital Region is 5.7 percent and the seven-day average is 3.7 percent.

A year ago today, it was a holiday, and the CCDOH did not report its COVID numbers. On October 11, 2020, the CCDOH reported 3 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 593, and the number of active cases was 13. There were 58 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 4 were hospitalized, and none was in the ICU. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 at this time last year was 37.

Time Stands Still

Over the years, Gossips has reported on a number occasions that the city clock in the tower of the First Presbyterian Church had stopped. The reason is usually that someone has neglected to wind it. The clock needs to be wound every 8 to 10 days, and that job is performed by an employee of the Department of Public Works. At the informal Common Council meeting in September, DPW superintendent Rob Perry described climbing the steep passageway into the tower to wind the clock as "the least enjoyable thing I have ever done" and proffered this invitation, "Anyone who would like to have the job of winding the clock, please see me." 

Although when the city clock stops, the problem is usually readily remedied, the same is not the case for the clock that stands at the corner of Warren and Seventh streets, at the edge of Seventh Street Park. This clock, which was a gift from the Hudson Rotary Club back in 2005 or thereabout, hasn't been running for a while now. Last week, Perry told the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (BEA) that it would cost $6,000 to repair the clock. He also reported that the Rotary Club was taking the position that they bought it and gave it to the City, and it is now the City's responsibility to maintain it. (It should be noted that the Rotary Club logo is on all four faces of the clock, and the words "Hudson Rotary" appear above the clock face on all four sides.) Perry's comment on the situation: "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."

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Galvan's Property Management

An article appeared in The Columbia Paper on Sunday that should be of interest to us here in Hudson, where there is the possibility that the number of apartments managed by the Galvan Foundation may increase by 138 with the construction of two apartment buildings on North Seventh Street: "Subsidized housing faulted by some tenants." 

The building that is the subject of the article, Highpointe Senior Apartments, is in Chatham and came under the management of Galvan in 2014, when Galvan took over Housing Resources of Columbia County and renamed it Galvan Housing Resources. 

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Meetings of Interest in the Week Ahead

In this week, truncated by the Monday holiday, meetings are concentrated in the middle three days.

• On Tuesday, October 12, Hudson Community Development and Planning Agency (HCDPA) meets at noon. HCDPA will very likely be continuing its exploration of turning over parcels owned by the agency, including the lot at the corner of Warren and Front streets, to the Hudson Housing Authority for the possible development of subsidized housing. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.  
• At 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, the Common Council holds a special meeting "to discuss and consider also a resolution related to potential litigation." The nature of the potential litigation has not been revealed, and it is likely much of the meeting will be held in executive session. To join the Zoom meeting, click here.
• At 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, the Common Council holds its informal meeting for the month of October. So far, there is nothing on the agenda except a communication from the Conservation Advisory Council about the solar farm being explored for North Second Street and the mayor's veto message about the "good cause" eviction law, which makes it clear that the only reason for the veto is to allow the Council to make the changes requested by Alderman Rebecca Wolff (First Ward) at the Legal Committee meeting on October 6. There are sure to be other things added to the agenda before the meeting begins. Click here to join the Zoom Meeting.
• On Wednesday, October 13, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (BEA) continues its budget workshops at 2:30 p.m. The topic for the day is nondepartmental expenses. The link to the Zoom meeting has not yet been published.
• Also on Wednesday, October 13, the Hudson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners holds its monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. The board is facing two challenges: finding a new executive director and pursuing its redevelopment plan for HHA properties. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

• On Thursday, October 14, at 2:30 p.m., the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (BEA) discusses the proposed budgets for the cemetery and water and sewer. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
• Also on Thursday, October 14, at Planning Board meets at 6:00 p.m. The agenda for the meeting includes the continuation of public hearings on three proposals: (1) converting 26 Warren Street into a ten-room hotel; (2) establishing a brewery at 726 Columbia Street; (3) restoring and adaptively reusing the Pocketbook Factory. It is possible the Planning Board may also, at this meeting, complete its review and make a decision about 75 North Seventh Street and 708 State Street, the two apartment buildings proposed by the Galvan Foundation. The entire agenda for the meeting can be found here. Click here to join the Zoom meeting. 

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DAR Chapter House Wins Federal Grant

The Times Union reported yesterday that the Robert Jenkins House, home of the Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), has won a $500,000 Save America's Treasures grant from the National Park Service: "Hudson house among 25 chosen for federal grants." 

The house, which stands at 113 Warren Street, was built in 1811 by Robert Jenkins, a son of Seth Jenkins, one of the founders and an original Proprietor of Hudson. It was given to the local chapter of the DAR in 1900 by Mrs. Frances H. R. Hartley, the granddaughter of Robert Jenkins.  

The grant will help fund a $1 million project which, according to the Hendrick Hudson Chapter website, includes replacing the slate roof, repairing the parapets and other masonry, restoring windows and doors, and making the building universally accessible. The grant requires a one-to-one match, and the Hendrick Hudson Chapter has been working on raising its share of the $1 million.

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A Write-In Competition?

On Wednesday, Gossips reported on the race for alderman in the First and Third wards. In both wards, for the two seats on the Common Council, there is only one viable candidate listed on the ballot. Gossips reported at the time that Margaret Morris had launched a write-in campaign in the First Ward. Today, Gossips reported that Shershah Mizan had announced on Friday that he was running a write-in campaign for reelection in the Third Ward. Both candidates who are not running but whose names still appear on the ballot have been replaced. 

Oddly, late this afternoon, with two candidates already declaring their intention to replace the two candidates on the ballot, the Hudson City Democratic Committee posted this on Facebook:

INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR COMMON COUNCIL?

If you live in the First or Third Wards, consider running a write-in campaign for the Common Council in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021!

Hudson Ward Alders sit on the Common Council which has the authority to govern the City, manage its affairs and provide for the protection, security and welfare of the City, its inhabitants and their property. The Common Council has the power to make local laws and ordinances to insure the well-being and good order of the City.

One of the First and one of the Third Ward candidates currently on the ballot will not be able to take office due to recent employment conflicts. It is too late to change the ballots, so if elected, the Council will appoint representatives of its choosing in January when their term begins. However, it's NOT too late to mount a write-in campaign, to give the voters of the First and Third Wards an opportunity to select their own representation.

The Hudson City Democratic Committee encourages registered Democrats in those wards to contact us if you'd like our help promoting your write-in campaign. Please send direct messages by 5PM EST Thursday, October 14th to info@hudsoncitydemocrats.org. Feel free to call Kate Treacy, the Chair of the HCDC, at 917-344-5153 with any questions or to discuss further. We look forward to hearing from interested candidates!

Why is the HCDC making this appeal now, less than two weeks before early voting begins, when absentee ballots have already gone out, and after two candidates--one in the First Ward and one in the Third Ward--have announced their write-in campaigns? It's been known since July that there are two candidates on the ballot--Gary Purnhagen in the First Ward and Calvin Lewis in the Third Ward--who, because of employment, are not viable candidates. Why is the HCDC only now appealing for write-in candidates? Can it be they are not happy with the two write-in candidates who have declared--Margaret Morris in the First Ward and Shershah Mizan in the Third? This seems odd, since one of them, Mizan, is a member of the HCDC.

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Hudson: Craft Beer Destination

In a footnote on page 159 of History of Columbia County, New York (1878), Franklin Ellis reports: 

Brewing was also, and has continued to this day, a successful industry in Hudson. The first brewer here was Benjamin Faulkins, an Englishman, whose establishment was near Titus Morgan's ship-yard. Soon after, there came "David Coope, Brewer of Porter, Ale, and Beer, Brew-House near the Market." Another of the early brewers was Auchmoody, whose establishment was on Cherry alley, between Fourth and Fifth streets.

Through successive ownerships, Benjamin Faulkins' brewery, Hudson's first, established in 1786, eventually became C. H. Evans & Co. in 1878, and so it continued until Prohibition brought about its demise.   

Today, Hudson is fast returning to its glory days of brewing. Hudson Brewing Company, which claims the distinction of being Hudson's first brewery since Prohibition, was founded in 2015. Six years later, three more craft breweries are in various stages of development. Hudson Brewing Company is located down by the waterfront, near Basilica Hudson, in the building now known as The Warehouse. The new breweries will be in what might be called Hudson's "East End." 

Upper Depot Brewing Company, located in the restored Hudson Upper Depot on State Street just above Seventh, a building owned by the Galvan Foundation, after which Galvan has named an entire neighborhood, is expected to open any day now.

In February, Galvan announced that another brewery, Return Brewing, would be opening in the remnant of the Gifford Foundry building at 724 Columbia Street, another building owned by Galvan. It turns out, Return Brewing will only be occupying a portion of that building--the portion right across State Street from Hudson Upper Depot.

The Planning Board began its review of the plans for converting this space into a brewery and restaurant on September 14 and is expected to hold a public hearing on the project on Thursday, October 14. This past Friday, the Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to grant a certificate of appropriateness to the project.

Plans for a third brewery proposed for the building shown below on upper Union Street have been approved by both the Planning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission. 

This brewery is being proposed by the same people who originally intended to establish a brewery at 735 Columbia Street, the former TJ Auto Service Center, but reportedly abandoned the plan because of the extensive remediation that would be required for the adaptive reuse of the former auto garage.

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Another Hat in the Ring

On Wednesday, when Gossips reported on the state of our local elections, there was only one viable candidate running for the two Third Ward alderman seats. That candidate was Ryan Wallace, who was appointed to the seat vacated when Calvin Lewis resigned after taking a job with the Youth Department. Since then, Shershah Mizan, who is currently one of the alderman representing the Third Ward, announced that he is running a write-in campaign for Third Ward alderman. 

Mizan is now in his second term on the Common Council. It is not known why, in the spring, Mizan chose not to seek reelection and has now changed his mind. The announcement of Mizan's write-in campaign boasts:

Shershah has worked tirelessly at community development and job creation for our city and played an essential role in the Stewart's Shop's expansion on Green Street. In addition, Shershah Mizan has helped to significantly increase revenue for the City. Shershah had worked hard to support local youth sports programs, improved public safety and much more.

COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health released its numbers late Saturday afternoon. From Friday to Saturday, there were 6 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases being reported on Saturday was 30 fewer than on Friday, in which it can be inferred that, from Friday to Saturday, 36 county residents have recovered from the virus. Five more county residents were in mandatory quarantine on Saturday than on Friday, and one more was hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, none was in the ICU. There has not been a death from COVID-19 in Columbia County since Thursday, October 7.

The New York Forward dashboard is reporting a positivity rate from Friday to Saturday of 1.8 percent and a seven-day average of 2.9 percent. By comparison, the positivity rate for the same 24-hour period was 3.1 percent and the seven-day average was 3.6 percent.

A year ago today, the CCDOH reported 1 new case of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 586, and the number of active cases was 20. There were 51 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 1 was hospitalized, and 0 were in the ICU. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 at this time last year was 37.