COVID Closes County Building

It was announced this afternoon that the Columbia County Health and Human Services building at 325 Columbia Street will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, October 20, because of possible exposure to a positive COVID case. "Out of an abundance of caution," the building will be closed for the day so that the Facilities Department can conduct a thorough cleaning.

COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health has released its numbers for today. Since yesterday, there have been 18 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases is 7 more than yesterday, from which it can be inferred that, since yesterday, 11 county residents have recovered from the virus. The number of county residents in mandatory quarantine is 19 more than yesterday, and there is 1 more county resident hospitalized and in the ICU. There has not been a death from COVID-19 reported in Columbia County since October 7. 

The New York Forward dashboard is reporting a positivity rate for Columbia County yesterday of 6.5 percent and a seven-day average of 3.2 percent. By comparison, the daily positivity rate for the Capital Region was 5.7 percent and the seven-day average was 3.8 percent. 

A year ago today, the CCDOH reported 5 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 623, and the number of active cases was 32. There were 61 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 10 were hospitalized, and 2 were in the ICU. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 at this time last year was 38.

A Tragic Reminder to Keep Your Dog on a Leash

A reader reported a tragic incident that occurred about an hour ago at the corner of Warren and Front streets, by Kasuri. A silvery white SUV, making a right turn from Front Street onto Warren Street, ran over a black Chihuahua. The vehicle did not stop but instead just sped up Warren Street. Although accompanied by its human, the little dog was not on a leash. The reader who witnessed the tragedy did not get the license plate number of the vehicle that committed the hit and run.

The little dog's human has my deepest sympathy, the driver of the SUV my purest contempt. Please, fellow dog owners, for their safety, keep your dogs tethered to you by a leash except when they are in a safe place like the dog park.

It's Been Confirmed

A rumor Gossips heard last week but was asked by the source not to share has been confirmed by the Register-Star. Jeff Baker, counsel to the Common Council, has resigned: "Baker resigning as assistant city attorney." A reason for Baker's resignation was not given, but it's possible to imagine that Alderman Rebecca Wolff's public rebukes and allegations that Baker was dragging his feet on drafting inclusionary zoning legislation and the Council's disregard of his advice not to proceed so quickly with the "good cause" eviction law may have contributed to the decision. 

Update: New information suggests that disrespect for his legal opinion played little or no part in Baker's decision to resign. There is more information to come. 

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COVID-19 Update

The Columbia County Department of Health has released its numbers for today. Since Saturday, there have been 22 new cases of COVID-19. The number of active cases being reported today is 6 fewer than on Saturday, from which it can be inferred that, since Saturday, 28 county residents have recovered from the virus. There are 95 fewer county residents in mandatory quarantine today than on Saturday, 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 is reporting a positivity rate in Columbia County from Saturday to Sunday of 2.8 percent and a seven-day average of 3.2 percent. By comparison, the positivity rate for the same period in the Capital Region was 3.1 percent and the seven-day average was 3.8 percent. 

A year ago today, the CCDOH reported 3 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases was 618, and the number of active cases was 29. There were 62 county residents in mandatory quarantine, 9 were hospitalized, and 1 was in the ICU. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 at this time last year was 38.

What He Was Talking About

At the informal Common Council meeting last week, Chief Ed Moore reported that in September the Hudson Police Department had been called eighteen times to deal with emotionally disturbed people and announced plans to create a field team "to go out and proactively confront these people and get them help." He told the Council that assembling this field team was in the works. 

While plans are afoot, the calls for the police to deal with such situations continue. Earlier today, the HPD issued this press release about an incident that happened over the weekend at Columbia Memorial Hospital:

Man Assaults Hospital Staff

On Saturday 10/16/21 at 2:42 a.m., HPD received phone reports that a man was causing a disturbance in the emergency room at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Patrols discovered Hyron U. Yi, 50 years old, from Greenport, NY, fighting with hospital security staff. The patrol assisted in getting Yi under control. Officers conducted interviews and identified several nurses who had been injured while trying to restrain Yi. Two nurses sustained injuries after falling; one received bruising to her back, and another received head and wrist contusions. Yi allegedly became combative after staff refused to allow him to smoke a cigarette in the emergency room. Yi sustained a serious injury to his hand after repeatedly punching a solid wall.

Upon release from the hospital, Yi was arrested on two counts of Felony Assault 2nd. He was arraigned in front of Hudson City Court Judge Brian Herman and remanded to the Columbia County jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail/$2,500 bond.

The investigation in continuing.

Election Reminder

Today, October 18, is the last day to apply online for an absentee ballot for the general election on November 2. To do so, click here. Because of the ongoing pandemic, everyone is eligible to vote absentee.

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