Budget hearing set for April 9; village sells small plots
By Michael Turton
♦ The Cold Spring Village Board will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2019-20 budget at Village Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, before its meeting. The draft calls for total spending of just over $2.3 million from the general fund, which supports the majority of village operations. The proposed $1.68 million tax levy represents a 2.7 percent increase, the maximum allowed under the state tax cap. (For various reasons, municipalities can exceed the 2 percent basic cap. The budgets for water and sewer are separate and funded through user fees.) The new budget must be sent to the state by month’s end and will likely receive final approval by the board at its April 23 meeting.
♦ The board approved the sale of a small strip of village-owned property at the front of 126 Main St., formerly Carolyn’s Flowers, as well as a strip at 124 Main St., outside the former Silver Spoon Restaurant, which is being converted into a nine-room hotel. In addition, trustees approved the waiver of three required off-street parking spaces for the latter project, following a recommendation by the Planning Board.
♦ Juhee Lee-Hartford of River Architects shared plans for a proposed cafe at 15 Main St. The building, which includes a rear apartment, poses numerous challenges, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, potential flooding and parking. The owner also has asked to purchase a small piece of village-owned property that abuts the sidewalk. No action was taken, and Lee-Hartford will return with revised design details.
♦ The village approved a plan to bill the county-owned Philipstown Friendship Center at the Butterfield redevelopment project for six water and 3.5 sewer rents based on its number of sinks and restrooms.
♦ TH Remodeling and Renovations of New Windsor was awarded an $18,000 contract to repair the Village Hall roof.
♦ Former Trustee Bruce Campbell will again be hired a part-time laborer to work at village parks.
♦ Approval of the application form for use of Dockside Park was again tabled pending final comments from village attorney John Furst.
