Work could begin in spring
By Michael Turton
Four mayors and 10 years in the making, Cold Spring’s long-awaited Main Street project has moved another step closer to getting underway. The village board met briefly on Dec. 29 to authorize Mayor Dave Merandy to sign an agreement with CHA Consulting, the engineering firm that has assisted the village throughout the project’s protracted planning process.
The agreement authorizes CHA to monitor and inspect works completed as part of the $750,894 initiative. The village will bear $150,179 of the cost, with the balance paid through a federal grant administered by New York State Department of Transportation (DOT).
The bulk of the work will replace the worst of Main Street’s decayed sidewalks between High Street and the pedestrian tunnel. Lighting will also be improved along that portion of the street. New lights will be added atop some poles not currently lit and lower “area lights” will be added to improve lighting along sidewalks. In addition, new curbs and curb cuts that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are planned.
Deputy Mayor Marie Early told The Paper that with the agreement signed by the mayor, a step required by DOT, contractors can now be notified of the opportunity to bid on the project. Companies will be given approximately six weeks to submit proposals. Early said construction should be underway by early spring.
Early pointed out that the project has been divided into two segments: the major improvements to Main Street and upgrades on Furnace Street as well as possible improvements to Mountain Avenue and Fishkill Avenue. The extent to which improvements are undertaken on the two avenues will depend on final project costs, she said.
The Main Street Project was initiated in 2006 during Anthony Phillips’ last term as mayor.
Other business
- At their Dec. 15 meeting, trustees voted to support adoption of Putnam County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. They also voted in favor of Putnam County’s proposal to implement countywide regulation of taxi services.
- Trustees approved the appointment of Sean Conway and Andrea Connor Hudson to the Historic District Review Board and Paul Henderson to the Code Update Committee.
- Earlier this month, the New York State Comptroller announced that the 2016 tax cap for local governments with fiscal years beginning June 1, 2016, which includes Cold Spring, will be 0.12 percent. State law requires that the maximum allowable increase in the levy be limited to 2 percent or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower.
Planning Board
- After the close of a public hearing on Dec. 10, the Cold Spring Planning Board approved the application for
Ella’s Bellas to operate a bakery, cafe and retail space at 15 Main St. - The board is considering an application for reconstruction and a change in use at 69 Main St., the former home of The Paper and Philipstown.info, for Barber and Brew, a combination barber shop and pub. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28.
- The board received confirmation from John Furst, the attorney for the Village of Cold Spring, that Scenic Hudson can proceed with a lot-line adjustment at the Campbell property located on The Boulevard. The 12.7-acre property will be split, with approximately 8 acres becoming part of The Foundry Preserve and the remainder, including the historic Campbell home, sold as a residential lot.
- The board is reviewing a proposal by River Architects of Cold Spring to establish its offices at 178 Main St. The building was formerly the office of A.D. Preusser Realty.
