 Town Board Opens Public Hearing for Comp Plan
The Town of Fishkill is updating its Comprehensive Plan for the first time since 2009! Since the summer of 2021, a committee has been hard at work creating an update to this 2009 plan, and this week the Town Board opened at Public Hearing on the finished document.
The Board heard an overview from Town Planner Liz Axelson of CPL Engineering. Liz told the Town Board about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, detailing the work the committee did to review the 2009 document, create a survey and tabulate hundreds of responses to learn more about the issues which matter to Fishkill residents, and use that data to craft an update to the Comprehensive Plan.
The top issues identified by residents in the survey pertain to traffic, overdevelopment and water/sewer resources. Axelson told the Town Board that the Committee, which comprises more than 15 Town residents and officials, has met over the course of 18 months, held a public information open house, and drafted extensive updates to the plan based on these survey responses.
Axelson said some minor amendments are still being prepared by the Committee, based on a review of language pertaining to compact development and smart design. These principles apply to the development of large parcels, where the Committee intends to call for the preservation of open space by moving parcels closer together without allowing the construction of additional units. Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra said he supports the Committee's decision to refine the language to make its intention clear.
"With something as important as the Comprehensive Plan, it's critical that the document the Town Board adopts reflects the intention of the committee," Supervisor Albra said. "These possible amendments don't change the intention of the document, but they will help make that intention more crystal clear, to serve as a better guide for the Town in the future."
Supervisor Albra said the benefits of compact planning are the preservation of open space and the ability for constructed units to connect to municipal water and sewer services.
"Hypothetically, if you take a 50-acre parcel and zoning permits 1 home per acre, you would be limited to maybe 40 homes or so, after you factor in building a road and any drainage on the parcel," Supervisor Albra said. "But with compact planning, you could instead build those 40 homes on only half of the 50-acre parcel and leave the other 25 acres as protected open space which residents want. Having these units closer together also makes it possible for water and sewer connection, instead of having dozens of private wells and septic systems which can be expensive for homeowners to maintain or repair if there's a problem. Being able to develop in this smart manner in the future will help us protect our aquifer and water resources, whether you have municipal water or your own private well."
At the conclusion of Wednesday's Public Hearing, the Town Board voted to hold the hearing open to the April 19th meeting, meaning residents have another opportunity to comment on the Comprehensive Plan. Information on the plan is available to the public on the Town Website by clicking here.
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World War II Veteran Honored
Tuesday was a proud day in the Town of Fishkill, as the Town unveiled Charles T. Hunt Way! Charles T. Hunt was a Fishkill resident who was tragically killed in action during World War II, leaving behind a wife and four young children.
Last month, the Town Board voted to dedicate the access road to Shepheard Memorial Park in Pvt. Hunt's memory, and this week the sign was installed, with two of his sons, Charles (Tom) and Bill on hand with a photo of their father. Following in his father's footsteps, Tom also served our nation in uniform. This spring, Tom will be honored with a banner as one of Fishkill's Hometown Heroes.
The Town of Fishkill salutes you, Charles T. Hunt, and thanks you for your sacrifice for our nation.
Veterans a Priority
This week's road dedication is another accomplishment for the Town in its commitment to Fishkill veterans.
Since 2020, the Town has secured the dedication of three County roads in memory of three Fishkill veterans killed in Vietnam, erected a statue of Native American leader and Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Nimham, honored Civil War soldier and Medal of Honor Recipient Elijah Briggs, and sent Resolutions to New York State to establish memorial highways for four Fishkill veterans on state roads in the town.
Last year, the Supervisor empaneled a Veterans' Committee, which Councilmen Brian Wrye and John Forman have helped organize. Later this spring, the Town will install its inaugural Hometown Heroes banners, a project undertaken by Councilmember Louise Daniele, with assistance from Councilman Carmine Istvan and Town secretary Greg Totino.
Supervisor Albra encourages all residents with stories of service and sacrifice to contact the Supervisor's Office, as part of his ongoing initiative to chronicle and honor the service of Fishkill Veterans.
Supervisor Albra said that as a veteran himself, he considers the opportunity to recognize and honor our nation's heroes one of the highest honors of his duties as Town Supervisor, and he gave special thanks to his fellow Councilmembers for their support.
"There's nothing that makes me happier as Town Supervisor than to look a veteran in the eye, shake their hand and honor them by recognizing their service," Supervisor Albra said. "I'm very proud of the great work the Town is doing under my administration to support and honor our men and women in uniform, and I want to thank Councilmembers Daniele, Forman, Istvan and Wrye for their dedication to our veterans. We're doing great things and there's still more for us to do, and I'm confident I can count on their continued support for our veterans, past and present."
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Dutchess County Celebrates Solidarity and Inclusion
Dutchess County took time Sunday to celebrate the diversity of the Hudson Valley community with a special Solidarity Event in Poughkeepsie.
The event, called All For One, is organized in partnership with the Dutchess County Interfaith Council, and fell at the start of a week which is holy for billions of Muslims, Christians and Jews around the world.
Above: Senator Rob Rolison (second from right) stands with Dutchess County Human Rights Commissioners Jody Miller, Greg Totino and Dr. Seema Rizvi.
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This year, Sunday April 2 falls during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Sunday was also Palm Sunday, the beginning of the Christian Holy week, which this year also includes the Jewish Passover.
Dozens of community members gathered at the Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie Sunday to celebrate solidarity, including leaders from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities. Notable dignitaries were present, including State Senator Rob Rolison, Wappingers School Board President John Lumia, and Dutchess County Human Rights Commissioners Jody Miller, Dr. Seema Rizvi and Greg Totino.
Commissioner Totino, who also serves as Secretary to Supervisor Albra, delivered brief remarks on behalf of the Town, and said the event was sign of the strong community in Dutchess County.
"I think it was very fitting that this event was held during a holy week for countless Dutchess County residents," Totino said. "The turnout and the support that everyone here showed for others, speaks to how our community thrives through its acceptance and celebration of our humanity in all its forms."
 Renegades Opening Night Tonight!
Friday is Opening Night for the Hudson Valley Renegades at the newly-named Heritage Financial Park. Formerly Dutchess Stadium, the ballpark will host its first game since the Renegades reached a naming rights deal with longtime financial partner Heritage Financial Park.
Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra as well as Town Councilmembers and other dignitaries will be in attendance Friday for a special presentation prior to first pitch, as the Renegades get their season underway here in Fishkill against the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
The Renegades are the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and play their home games at Heritage Financial Park. The Renegades have been entertaining and delighting fans for nearly 30 years with their brand of family-friendly fun and exciting baseball. Tickets are on sale for Renegades home games, and you can learn more by visiting the Renegades website.
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