Letter about Fishkill History

'09 Tea Party is 'disgrace' to Fishkill

I read the story about the original Fishkill Tea Party, circa 1776 in your paper ("Women protested tea prices at Fishkill site," May 26). It was not only a story about the strong women in Fishkill history, it was a story about government regulation, that in today's age would be considered socialist. While the merchant attempted to sell tea over the regulated price, Fishkill women would have none of it. Fast-forward to the Fishkill Tea Party of 2009, hosted by the Fishkill GOP at Dutchess Stadium. At that event, local Republican elected officials complained about the "stimulus," even though they applied for "stimulus" aid!

The Tea Party of 1776 was a historic moment in Fishkill history. The Tea Party of 2009 was a disgrace to that legacy.

The article talked about the New York Packet. Samuel Loudon was the publisher who fled the British in New York City and published his paper here in Fishkill during the Revolutionary War. It was not only the paper of record, he also published the original copies of the New York State Constitution in Fishkill.

What's truly sad is that history was lost. There was a Daughters of the American Revolution monument, identifying the site of Loudon's printing press. That marker was removed and replaced by an apartment complex. Similarly, a DAR monument identifying the Burial Ground of Revolutionary Soldiers, at the Fishkill Supply Depot, was also moved, and a Hess gas station was later built on the site. In Fishkill, development overrides history.

Ozzy Albra

Fishkill

May 12th 2010, Fishkill Town Board Meeting

Development was the hot topic today. There was s public hearing involving maximum building size. A developer representing Magnolia on 9D. Spoke up against it. He also reminded the town. Of his $700,000 donation to the drawdown, on the 12 million Rombout Sewer District. Of importance, is that Fishkill officials. Made a claim that this was a PLA (Project Labor Agreement). The developer never heard of the PLA. This development is on the Blossom Loop accross from Castle Point.

The board then went into Executive Session.

Upon Return, a discussion about the new Highland Valley Trailer Park was discussed. This WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA, and was brought up after the Executive Session, as people leave the meeting and do not return.

http://www.fishkill-ny.gov/pdfs/TownBoardAgendas/2010Agendas/05-12-2010%20%20TB%20Agenda.pdf

This will be a Lot Lease agreement. There will be 110 units at 70-140K each. This property is the Montfort Mine. It adjoins Highland Valley and public access will be off Snow Mountain. Clove Creek is also in the area. This will also add 111 children to Haldane School District.

5/3/2010 Fishkill Town Board Meeting

Board went into Executive Session right after the pledge. It appears that the town may be either working on a settlement, or preparing for trial, regarding a Civil Rights case filed in White Plains in Federal Court.


Executive Sessions are closed to the public.

Up-Comming Fishkill Town Board Meetings

There is a Special Meeting on Monday May 3rd at 3PM. There is no agenda as required by law on the internet.

There is a Regular Meeting on May 12th at 9:30 AM.

http://webmail.aol.com/31509-111/aol-1/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.27564535&folder=Inbox&partId=4&saveAs=Fishkill_Public_Hearing.pdf

This is a law to limit building height.

This is another law passed after development has already happened. I call it a paper law, like Wet Lands, PLA's, Apprentance Program, and others.

This will do nothing to prevent what has already happened.

4/10/2010 Fishkill Town Board Meeting

It appears that the new Fishkill Water District was taken off the agenda. The town passed a 100 years of scouting resolution. Scouts were present and participated in the meeting. Beacon sent a resolution in support of Stony Kill. The Housing Director stated that he is applying for a grant to help seniors with winterization. Call him at town hall for further information. There will be a Dog Show-Off at Doug Phillips Park on May 2nd. The board also reminded the public, that the Recreation Center is available to the public.

http://www.fishkill-ny.gov/Agendas_Minutes.htm

3/31/2010 Fishkill Town Board Meeting

The Public Hearing to start the Fishkill Consolidation Water District was taken off the agenda. This may be on the April 10th agenda.

The Village of Fishkill raised it's water rates. When that happens, Fishkill Town Districts of Blodgett, Beacon Hills and Glenham also go up. As those districts buy their water through the village.

The rate increases are substantial. They use a different formula that I am unfamiliar with so I can't give you hard numbers.

Supervisor Pagones stated this is a 40 year agreement, and that town districts pay 1.5 times over the village rate.

Deputy Supervisor Ferguson was absent and no reason was given. He is a resident of the Beacon Hills District.

Letter Regarding Snow Storm

As a active Fishkill resident. I would like to commend the actions, of the Highway Department. Along with the work of my FD, Slater Chemical. During the recent winter storm. As the power went out on my block. A fire crew, walked in over a foot of snow, at 2 AM. To warn the neighborhood. That a tree, fell onto a utility poll and was blocking access to the main road. After the storm, they came by, and pumped out basements. While at the same time clearing our drainage basins and fire hydrants.

Our Highway Department was also out there, clearing the roads and helping out our fellow residents. This storm occurred less than 3 months. After Supervisor Pagones and Councilpersons, Malvarosa and Ferguson. Cut Highway Department salaries and instituted a “Lag Pay”. This was done, as no elected official took a pay cut. Instead of “Packing It In”. The Highway Department, showed true grit and integrity. Too bad our Town Board. Did not give them time to petition the public, to save their salaries, like the county allowed the Sheriffs to do.

While we have elected officials in Fishkill. Taking credit for what other people do. We need to hold them accountable for their failed planning. For instance, after spending 3.6 million on a new Recreation/Senior Center without a Public Vote. Pagones, Malvarosa and Ferguson failed to include generators in the project. So instead of taking care of our own, we had to ship them to East Fishkill.

Ozzy Albra
Fishkill