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Vol 5, October/November 2009
Town of Hillsdale Newsletter
Hillsdale, New York
In This Issue
Philmont Fire District still under negotiation
Hamlet Planning work begins; workshop November 7
Hamlet blog
Winterizing workshop November 21
Preservation Committee news
Hillsdale business owners form group
Barn Dance was a success
New library makes steady progress
Goliath Gallery opening drew 250
Town Board
Art Baer, Town Supervisor
Ann Baldwin
Carmen Barbato
Peter Cipkowski
Augie Sena
HillsdaleTown Hall 

518-325-5073

Monday 8:30-4pm
Tuesday 8:30-5pm
Wed 8:30-3pm
Thurs 8:30-4pm
Friday 8:30-4pm
Sat 10am-1pm
(M-F closed 12-1)
Town Clerk
Julie Kane
325-5073
[email protected]
Hunting and fishing licenses; dog licenses; registrar of births, deaths and marriages

Tuesday 9:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm

Evening hours,  2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 6:30-8:30 pm
Court Clerk
Jan Keefner
325-5073
[email protected]

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8:30-Noon & 1:00-4:00
  Wed 8:30-Noon & 1:00-3:00
Town Justices
Juliette Crill
Russ Immarigeon
Court convenes
Wednesday 6 pm
Town Hall
325-5073
Building Inspector
Glenn Smith
Tuesday, Thursday 12:00-3:00 PM
Town Hall
Inspection tours Mon. Wed. Fri. 12:00-3:00PM and by appointment.
518-325-1702
[email protected]
Zoning Enforcement Officer
Edward Ferratto
  [email protected]
  Monday 8:30-4:00
Tuesday 8:30-1:00
Thursday 8:30-4:00
Town Hall
518-325-5073
Transfer Station

Wednesday 7:30am-12noon
Saturday 7:30am-4:00pm
65 Holm Road
(518) 325-3844
Highway Department
Highway Superintendent
Richard Briggs
Town Garage, Old Town Road
[email protected]
518-325-4744
Tax Collector
Joe Hanselman, Jr.
[email protected]
518-325-5537
Assessor
Pamela Cook
 [email protected]
Friday 8:30-Noon 
Town Hall
518-325-3636
Planning Board
Hank Henward, Chairman
Theresa Kisselbrack, Secretary  
Patti Rohrlich
Charles Gardner, III
Richard Freiman
Ellen Levy
Mark Barbato
Deborah Bowen
meets second Monday of the month at 7:30pm
Town Hall
518-325-7991
  [email protected]
Zoning Board of Appeals
Craig Norton, Chairman
Dean Atwood, Secretary
Juanita O'Rourke
Casey Kuhn
Rocco DeFronzo
Jeffery Sills
meets first Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm
Town Hall
Phone & fax:  Dean Atwood at 518-391-3141
Comprehensive Plan Review Committees
Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, Chair
Tom Carty
[email protected]
325-5260

Green Solutions Group
Janis Smythe
[email protected]
325-4223

Hamlet
David Ruede
[email protected]
718-290-4218

 Housing
Ellen Levy
[email protected]
325-5899

Natural Resources
Gretchen Stevens
[email protected]
325-5925

Preservation
Robina Ward
[email protected]
325-7849

Scenic
Deborah Bowen
[email protected]
325-7248
Board of Assessment
Review
Craig Norton, Chairman
Mary Ann Foote
Frederick Laing
Animal Control
Animal Control Officer
Dan Reed
518-329-1409
cell #518-755-8868
Town Historian
Herb Parmet
[email protected]
Volunteer in Hillsdale

Roe Jan Community Library

Roe Jan Park
Quick Links
Town of Hillsdale

Roeliff Jansen Library

Roeliff Jansen Park

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Taconic Hills School District Calendar

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Greetings!
Summer and autumn activities have slowed down and we are combining the October and November newsletters.

Welcome to Chris Kersten as our new Town Board member effective January 1!  And Peter Cipkowski for a new term!

We are excited about the Hamlet Committee's plans to revitalize the hamlet of Hillsdale and encourage all of you to attend the "Placemaking Workshop" which will be held on Saturday, 8:30am-12:30pm at the Mount Washington House.  It should be very interesting, and we value your input as we plan for the future of the hamlet.  Please read the article below, which gives you food for thought in preparation for Saturday.

Art Baer, Town Supervisor
Town Board:  Ann Baldwin, Carmen Barbato, Peter Cipkowski, Augie Sena

Note:  Some e-mail programs cut off the bottom part of the newsletter and calendar.  Make sure you see a signature from the Town of Hillsdale at the bottom.  If you don't, look for a notice such as "message clipped" and a link to "view the entire message.
Town Board
Philmont Fire Protection District increase still under negotiation

The Town Board held a public hearing on October 20 on the rate increase that the Village of Philmont has proposed for the northwest section of Hillsdale that is covered by the Philmont Fire Department.  Philmont has agreed to reduce their proposed new rate from $.95 per $1,000 of assessed value to $.6365 per $1,000 of assessed value.  The long-standing rate has been $.28 per $1,000. 

The Town Board did ask the neighboring fire companies in Hillsdale, Craryville and Austerlitz/Spencertown if they would cover the Philmont Fire District, but all declined, citing safety concerns due to the distance they would have to travel.

As a point of reference, the Town pays the Hillsdale Fire Compay $.638 per $1,000 for Hillsdale residences in the Hillsdale Fire District, $.4438 to the Craryville Fire Company and $.28 to Austerlitz for covering the Green River area.  The Green River fee is due to be raised as well.  These fees are paid by the residents in their respective fire districts as part of their annual town tax bill.

The Philmont Fire District fee has not been finalized.  Negotiations are still underway between the Hillsdale Town Board and the Village of Philmont.

HillsdaleFireZones
Comprehensive Plan Review Committees


Hamlet Committee:
Work has begun with Hamlet Planner;
Please attend morning workshop November 7

The town has signed the contract with Project for Public Spaces (PPS) to help us create a design and development plan for the Hamlet, and the work has begun.

The first phase, Background Research and Data Collection, is underway.

Work so far:

The Hamlet Committee held a kick-off meeting with PPS in late October,  followed by a tour of the hamlet led by Steve Tiger.  Steve provided much history and insight into many of the Hamlet's treasures.  PPS was extremely impressed with the architecture of the many fine homes and barns that make up the hamlet.  

PPS next conducted one-on-one interviews with hamlet business owners, governmental officials, Planning Board members, the Affordable Housing and Green Solutions Committee chairpersons and hamlet and town residents.  PPS commented on the openness and willingness shown by so many to share their thoughts, concerns and visions for Hillsdale's future.

We need YOU on Saturday!

November 7th is the next big day.  PPS will be hosting a Community Placemaking Workshop at The Mount Washington House.  ALL residents are invited.  This workshop will address both improvements to existing public spaces as well as the placemaking potential in new areas.  (PPS uses the term "placemaking" to describe their place-centered approach to helping citizens improve public spaces and make great communities.")

Participants will visit various important areas in the Hamlet, rate their use and appearance as they currently exist and make recommendations on how to improve the area.  PPS has developed a Place Diagram: What Makes a Place Great? that they use as a tool to spark ideas among workshop participants.  It outlines the major attributes of well-functioning places: Sociability, Uses and Activities, Access and Linkage, and Comfort and Image.

Something to think about:

Some topics for you to think about prior to the workshop include the following:
�    Economic development opportunities and an overall vision for the future of the Hamlet's commercial and civic center;
�    Strategies for attracting and retaining businesses to the Hamlet;
�    Proposed circulation patterns, streets, sidewalks and pedestrian routes;
�    Municipal parking and possible extensions of the street network;
�    Improvements to existing public spaces;
�    Possibly new parks or squares;
�    Opportunities for future residential, affordable housing and/or mixed-use development;
�    Links to future rail-trail;
�    Landscaping for streets and public spaces to support place-making and beautification goals;
�    Types and locations of key amenities such as seating, lighting, public art, and focal points;
�    Way-finding signage;
�    Possible alteration to Hamlet boundaries.

What a wonderful community we live in when, on one hand, people care this much about protecting what makes Hillsdale special and, on the other hand, are realistic enough to know that growth and change will happen regardless. The best way to assure that changes are positive is to have a Design and Development plan in place.  Such planning is important to prevent overdevelopment and at the same time create opportunities for successful businesses that will add to our tax base and serve our residents.

Community involvement is a key component of this process and we encourage everyone to come to this workshop, so please, mark your calendars and come join us on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH AT THE MOUNT WASHINGTON HOUSE.  DOORS WILL OPEN AT 8AM AND WE WILL GET UNDERWAY AT 8:30AM.  Since we will be working outside for a part of the workshop, please dress accordingly.
Hamlet Committee:
A New Hillsdale Hamlet Blog

Now that our Hamlet design and development planner has started working, a lot of things will be happening and we want the residents to have as timely news about the planner's work as possible.

To help with getting the information out, we have started a blog.  This is a way for you to read about what is happening currently and it gives you a way to comment on the work and to make constructive suggestions.

Please visit frequently and give us your thoughts!

The web address is www.hillsdalehamlet.blogspot.com.
Green Solutions Group:
Plans Workshop on Winterizing Your Home November 21

The Green Solutions Group will be launching a series of workshops on all things related to reducing carbon emissions and saving money.

The first of these workshops will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 4 PM at the Hillsdale First Methodist Church at the crossroads of Routes 22 and 23.

Our guest speaker will be Ned Depew, author of "House Inspection: A Homebuyer's/Homeowner's Guide," and frequest guest on WAMC'S VoxPop call in show.  Ned will give a talk on home winterizing and answer questions from the audience.


Green Solutions' Tip of the Month
Check the water heater or go tankless. Keep your water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, saving money and reducing emissions.
Insulating the water heater adds to your savings.  Switching to a tankless water heater is even better, saving 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and $390.
Preservation Committee:
Working with Library and securing Historic District designation from U.S.

The committee is working with Pat Baer, a member of a small group involved in ensuring that the conversion of the Library into the new Town Hall takes advantage of available grant funding for the proper renovation of the building as a landmark in Hillsdale.

After receiving approval from the state as a Historic District, the hamlet requires approval from the federal government.  NY State Historic Preservation officer Bill Krattinger has forwarded the approved application to the Department of the Interior for federal recognition in the National Register of Historic Places.

Approval by the state of Hillsdale's historic district status was featured as a success story at the last meeting of the Preservation League of NY State.  Two years ago, The Preservation League was the organization that gave Hillsdale its first grant to do the survey of our historic buildings and started us on the way to historic district status.

Lex Lalli announced that she will step down from her role as chairman of the committee.  Lex feels that her major goal of achieving Historic District status has been accomplished and it is now time to turn the leadership over to a fellow committee member.  The Committee reluctantly accepted the resignation, thanked Lex for all her intelligent and tireless work and gave her a standing ovation.

The committee unanimously elected Robina Ward as its new chairman. 
Other town news

Hillsdale Business Owners form Business Group

A group of business owners in the town of Hillsdale are banding together to form its own Chamber of Commerce to be named "the Hillsdale Business Alliance (HBA)".  Its purpose is to foster economic development within the town and encourage residents and visitors to shop locally and support local business owners who have a vast array of services to offer to the community.

As a member of the HBA, business owners will be given opportunities  for promotion of their business, including an HBA Website, group advertising, and town events to strengthen our local economy. In development is a business pamphlet/map which will highlight Hillsdale businesses.

The Hillsdale Business Alliance is just forming and is looking to increase its membership. If you are a Hillsdale business owner and are interested in joining or are just curious, please contact: Diane MB LaConte at (518) 325-4475 or email her at
[email protected].  All inquiries and questions are welcomed.  Hillsdale business owners are also encouraged to fill out the HBA survey which will gather information on the needs and interests of Hillsdale businesses.  The survey is available from Ms. LaConte.
Barn Dance

The Friends of the Roe Jan Library were so pleased with the feeling of BarnDance.LibraryTour09good will that prevailed at the dance.  Everyone seemed to be
enjoying themselves whether they were dancing or socializing with friends or trying the delicious cookies made by the Friends' bakers. Visits to the new library across the road brought many "wows' and "ohs". The night visit
was very special.  About $1,000 was raised.  The weather warmed up and soon dancers were taking off layers!
Library Construction Makes Steady Progress

LibraryProgress.11.09

The new building for the Roeliff Jansen Community Library will soon be buttoned up for the winter. The metal roof is being finished, almost all windows are in and doors will be installed soon. The loan of a temporary boiler has been arranged so that the radiant heat in the building can be turned on, allowing the construction crew to comfortably work on the interior through the winter.

During the recent open house tours, visitors were able to check out the floor plan, the views, and some of the green features such as the light shelves.  These shelves, under the windows on the south side of the building, both inside and outside, will reflect more natural light into the building, lessening the need for artificial lighting. The shelves on the outside (see photo) are covered by the same metal as the roof.

It is expected that the building will be completed in April. A bridge loan has just been obtained from Key Bank, which can be converted into a mortgage if necessary but fund raising efforts continue. The library needs $300,000 to cover all costs to finish the library with the basics and an additional $400,000 to cover things such as community room audio equipment, new furniture, the geo thermal system and proper landscaping. For information about contributing contact Meg Wormley at [email protected].
Goliath art gallery opens at old Agway building

The Goliath Institute of Art opened its inaugural art exhibit on Saturday, October 3 at the old Agway building on Anthony Street.

About 250 people attended the opening, both from Hillsdale and from New York, Washington, Boston and Saratoga.  There were even guests from overGoliathGallery.opening.10.09seas, who are helping launch related international centers over the next 2 years in Brussels, Jerusalem, Johannesburg, Beijing and Lima. Jerusalem will be launched this winter.

'Goliath Hillsdale' is a gallery, teaching facility, and subsidized studio space for emerging and mid-career artists and designers.  Two permanent rotating galleries will feature work by local artists, and there will be ongoing art classes for local residents and an artists in residence program, both beginning in January. 

The first art exhibit is the current collaborative work "Forever at War" by painter and Hillsdale resident Benjamin David Tritt, architects Aaron and Haily Tweedie, and designer Albert Sultan, as well as work by Great Barrington photographer Will Wendt and other artists.  The entire event is curated by John Haas.

For more info call John Haas at (347) 683-1727 or go to http://www.goliathgallery.org

OldAgwayBldg
The "Old Agway" building was built in 1850 for the Hillsdale Mercantile Association as a grain mill and depot.  It became a grocery store,
owned by Freeland Pulver in 1869.  Much later it became the Hillsdale Farm Supply (Agway) building and remained that business for many years. Marilyn Herrington is the current owner.
Correction from the November Calendar:
Tuesday, November 17, The History of Catamount Ski Area
7:30 pm, Roe Jan Historical Society Museum, Miles Rd and Rte. 344, Copake Falls
Don Edwards, Executive VP of Catamount.  (calendar erroneously listed the date as Saturday, November 17)


The Town of Hillsdale