2012 Village Elections
Village elections will be held on Tuesday, March 20. Voting will take place at Village Hall from Noon until 9:00 pm.
Two Trustee positions, along with the Mayor and the Village Justice are up for re-election. Nominating petitions can be submitted to the Village Clerk between February 7th until February 14th. Village residents who submit petitions with 50 signatures are eligible to run.
Friday, March 9 is the last day individuals may register with the County Board of Elections to be eligible to vote.
Tuesday, March 13 is the last day that the Village Clerk can receive applications for absentee ballots to be mailed to a qualified voter.
Monday, March 19 is the last day for the Village Clerk to receive personal applications for an absentee ballot.
Solar Project
The solar array at the water plant is now fully operational. An overview of the project, including generational graphs of live data can be viewed here.
Structural Review of Village of Greenwich Firehouse
The final report from Highlander Engineering regarding the cost for demolition & removal of the Fire House; stablization of the Community Center and bringing the building up to ADA compliance, was released at the November Board meeting.
At the October Board meeting, the Village accepted the technical report regarding the Firehouse from Highlander Engineering. It's summary is below. The full PDF report can be downloaded here. The Fire Department is in the process of relocating apparatus and offices.
A final report, including demolition costs is expected in time for the November 14th Board meeting.
Executive Summary
This report outlines the results of the structural investigation of The Village of Greenwich Fire House is located at 6 Academy Street in the Village of Greenwich.
Based on the review of this structure and for the reasons detailed in the report it is recommended that the structure be demolished and a new firehouse be constructed. In addition, the following recommendations should be implemented immediately:
- The second floor of the building should no longer be used. Access to this floor will be necessary for further investigation and perform any immediate maintenance or repairs that are required and such access is reasonable and should be permitted;
- The building shall remain heated. Heat loss through the poorly insulated structure promotes melting of snow. Accumulation of snow on the roof may result in accelerated structural damage or instability. Accumulating snow should be removed from the roof;
- The grass area east of the Village Fire Station and west of the parking area between the Town and Village buildings should be barricaded and access restricted except as necessary to finish the investigation and perform the anticipated repairs;
- Access on the west (Bleecker Street) side of the building should also be restricted in a similar manner as described in item 3, above; &
- The Village should find alternate locations for the equipment, apparatus, and files which are being housed in this structure. Given the value and community need of the assets in the building it is recommended that they are stored in a building with the designations given above.
Irene
The FERC engineer that inspected the dam early in the summer returned for a re-inspection and has determined that the dam remains in good shape.
Tuesday, August 30
Due to the significant drop in the Batten Kill, the DEC inspectors have indicated that the dam in Mill Hollow is no longer in danger of imminent collapse. The dam was inspected last month by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. They will be sending the same inspector back for a re-inspection to determine if the dam has suffered any damage from the high water.
Monday, August 29
Due to cracks spotted in the dam in Mill Hollow, the residents have been asked to leave until mid-day Tuesday. State inspectors will not be able to come out until tomorrow at earliest. Spiritual Life Center is available as an overnight shelter.
The Greenwich High School will be available as an emergency shelter. If you need to use it, please call 692-9002 first so it can be opened
During a conference call Friday afternoon, National Grid indicated that if Irene follows the predicated track, chances of power outages are high, and it might take them 'days' to full restore everyone.
National Grid is requesting that those without power contact National Grid at 800-867-5222 or 518-433-3770.
All Village departments are ready to respond should the need arise.
RFP's issued
The Village has issued two Request for Proposals.
One is for a study by a structural engineer regarding the feasibility of stabilizing the building housing our fire department. The RFP can be downloaded here.
The second regards the stabilization and or demolition and removal of a former shirt factory. That RFP can be download here.
Referendum result
Here are the voting results from the referendum for a new firehouse.
Yes = 44
No = 258
Public Referendum on July 26
Voting on the public referendum for a new firehouse will take place on Tuesday, July 26 from Noon to 9:00 pm at Village Hall.
While the current process began two years ago with the review and selection of the architects, the referendum will be the culmination of a twenty five year effort by the Fire Department to achieve a modern, safe working environment.
The language of the question that the public will be voting on is:
Do you authorize the Village of Greenwich to borrow an amount not to exceed $3,359,760.00 for the purpose of constructing a new firehouse on real property located at 184 and 200 Main Street in the Village of Greenwich (the "Firehouse Project"). The Firehouse Project includes the purchase of 200 Main Street, the construction of a new firehouse and minor rehabilitation of the existing building at 200 Main Street.
The proposed project includes the construction of a new building for the apparatus bays, adjacent to the existing former medical office building (200 Main Street) and construction of a dispatch room and connecting space between the proposed building and 200 Main Street. Excepting for minor renovations, 200 Main Street will be used as is for administrative and meeting purposes. By using the existing building as is, two million dollars has been eliminated from the budget.
About 80% of the apparatus bays will be located on 184 Main Street. The option agreement that the YMCA has with the Village is not for the entire property; about one third of the property remains Village property and is where the bulk of the new construction will take place. See illustration.
A number of questions have been raised about locating the proposed fire house elsewhere or pursing consolidation. With 75% of the fire department members Village residents and 70% of the yearly calls located in the Village, locating the department outside the Village limits will result in a delayed response time. Locating the station on Main Street is important for a number of safety reasons. For example, some have suggested locating the station on Washington Street or Abeel Avenue. Doing so would result in responders having to drive down narrow streets, as well as result in the apparatus having to also travel down narrow streets, with increased potential of pedestrian or vehicle accidents.
Neither I nor the Fire Department are in any way opposed to consolidation. However, because the consolidation process can be quite lengthy and would involve the efforts of mutual aid fire departments, without any guarantee of success, I made a decision to go forward with a proposed fire house project first.
We have yet to hear from anyone disputing the need for a new fire house. Everyone truly understands the needs of the fire departnment are not now being met, nor can they be met in the future in the station as currently constructed. The question is the cost, which is certainly understandable. However, we believe that the proposed referendum is the most economically responsible proposal the Village can put forth for the proposed location.
Should the public vote no, that does not mean the end of the goal for a new fire house. It will however close the chapter of locating one at the proposed Main Street location, which could mean a great safety issue and delay in response on other sites. Please bear in mind that the price for a project of this or similar scope will only increase in the future.
The tax payer currently pays .64 per thousand, which at a $100,000.00 assessed value equates to $64.00 per year for fire protection. The new fire station would be an additional $1.07 per thousand, which at $100,000.00 assessed value equates to $107.00 a year.
The new fire station at $1.07 plus the current .64 cents per thousand equals $1.71 per thousand and equates to $171.00 per year on 100,000.00 assessed value for total fire protection taxes.
I urge the registered voters of the Village of Greenwich to vote yes on Tuesday, July 26. Should the referendum pass, I pledge that not only will the Village continue to pursue grants to help offset the construction cost, but that the Board of Trustees will strive to stay within the 2% tax cap.
Mayor David Doonan
Third Public Meeting on the referendum
A third and final public informational meeting on the fire house referendum will be held on Thursday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will place at Village Hall.
Bear Cub sighted in Village
A bear cub was sighted in an Academy Street backyard Sunday evening, July 17. The police were unable to trap it, so until we can confirm that it is no longer in the area, keep a close eye on your children and pets. Garbage should be kept secure and bird feeders emptied.
Date set for Firehouse Referendum
At the end of the year meeting held Tuesday, May 31, the Village Board adopted a resolution setting the date for a referendum seeking permission to build a new fire house. The vote will be held from Noon to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 26.
The polling place will be the Community Center at 6 Academy Street. Voting will take place via paper ballots.
Dates have been set for two public meetings to inform the public of the specifics of the proposed firehouse project. The first meeting will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday June 7, 2011 at 6:00 pm.
The second meeting will be held at Village Hall on Thursday July 7, 2011, at 7:00 pm.
The project cost is $3,531,996.00.
Additional information on the referendum can be found here.
Boil Water Alert
Due to hooking up the new water line across the river, as part of the bridge project, the Village will be going on a boil-water alert beginning at 7:00 am on Thursday, May 19. The alert will last until we have two days of successful tests. We will be using the reverse 911 system to notify residents of the alert, along with when the alert is lifted.
The boil water advisory was lifted Sunday afternoon.
Tentative budget + community garden
On Tuesday, March 22, the Village Board adopted a tentative budget for the upcoming year. The tentative budget, which matches the Governor's goal of a 2% property tax increase can be downloaded here.
If you're interested in taking a plot in our community garden this year, applications are now being taken. More information can be found here.
Firehouse Meeting + Building Demolition
The first of many public meetings devoted to a potential new fire house will be held on Thursday, February 17th. The meeting will be begin at 7:00 pm in the second floor meeting room of the current fire house. It's important that the Village receive as much input from the public as possible prior to a referendum.
Seven Academy Street, the former Christian Science Church, was demolished on Wednesday, February 9th. The front and both sides of the building were buckling outwards when the decision was made. County Code, along with the lawyer representing the remaining local members of the congregation, agreed that the building was in imminent danger of collapse.
Snow Emergency
Wednesday at 11:00 am, the Mayor declared a snow emergency which will be in effect until Thursday at 7:00 pm. Cars parked on side streets, especially those impeding snow plows will be ticketed. Any cars left on the street after 8:00 am on Thursday will be towed at the expense of the owner.
news for February
A new page has been added containing documents relating to the possibility of a new fire house.
The Mayor met in January with the architects for the project and directed them to reduce the budget for the project. The Village expects to release the figure and begin a public review in February.
The next meeting of Greenwich/Easton Community Cares will be on Feburary 10th at 6:00 pm at the Greenwich Free Library. Afterwards a public reception will be held to introduce Maureen Kinsella, the new coordinator for the Youth Center.
Greenwich Community Night
Greenwich Youth Center Fundraiser
at the Glens Falls Civic Center
January 15, 2011 - 7:00 PM
Glens Falls Phantoms vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
$15 Admission
$5.00 donated to the Greenwich Youth Center
Free backpacks to the first 1000 children!
Tickets Available at:
Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Village Cafe & Bakery
One One One Main Street Restaurant & Lounge
For additional information contact Maureen Kinsella at 518-321-5505
December 13th Board Meeting
Updated Information | Meeting Agenda
As part of the monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees on December 13, a special hearing will be held at 7:30 to begin laying out the plans for a new fire house.
With the signing of the lease with the YMCA for a portion of 184 Main Street (the former IGA), acquisition of 200 Main Street is needed to insure enough space for a new firehouse. At the meeting, the Board will be asked to direct the Village Attorney to finalize an option price agreement with Glens Falls Hospital.
We expect to have the final plans and cost for the firehouse from the architect by the end of January. At that point the Village will schedule a number of public meetings devoted to the firehouse, ending in a public referendum to be held in the month of April. Should the public vote yes at the referendum, then the purchase of 200 Main Street will be made. Should the public vote no, no purchase will be made.
While the final firehouse plans won't be available at the meeting on the 13th, the Village will be releasing as much information about the project as we have in hand at that point, including a footprint of the building. The architect, Steve Rowland of Butler, Rowland and Mays will be present at the meeting as well.
Spend Black Friday in Washington County
Update on Rt 372 Bridge project
The low bidder on the project is Reale Construction from Ticonderoga, NY. Typically the contractor must start work within 10 days after the project is awarded. However, since New York State has yet to adopt a budget, the project has not yet been awarded.
A PDF of the most recent drawing can be downloaded here.
Remembering Chris McCormick
Former Mayor Chris McCormick passed away on April 22 following a long illness.
A funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph's Church in Greenwich. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Flynn Bros. Funeral Home at 80 Main St. in Greenwich.
Post Star article
Community Garden Meeting + Youth Center Cleanup
A working Earth Day celebration
Come celebrate Earth Day at the community garden in Mill Hollow. Last week Bill Ellsworth and his son Ben turned the garden over so we're ready to go. Join us at 6:00 on Thursday, April 22 to help mark out the pathways and pick out your plot.
Make sure to wear gloves and sturdy shoes.
Clean up at the Youth Center
Join with community members on Saturday, April 24th, from 10 am - 4 pm to help clean the YOUTH CENTER at Village Hall. Refreshments will be served all day. Call 692-2755 to reserve your spot
Sponsored by GREENWICH EASTON COMMUNITY CARES
Hope to see you there!!
Village Elections
Village Trustees Dorothea Casey and Tim Taylor were re-elected to four year terms on March 16.
Tour of the Batten Kill volunteers meeting
A meeting for those interested in becoming volunteers with the Tour of the Battenkill will be held Upstairs at 111 on Friday, March 19th at 6:30. Race organizers are looking for community members to help with registration, housing, act as race marshals and videographers. Following the meeting, Brown's Brewing of Troy will be launching a signature Amber Ale in honor of the race.
Greenwich Easton Community Cares
The monthly meeting of Greenwich Easton Community Cares will be held on Wednesday, March 24th at 7:00 pm. We will be meeting in the basement room of Village Hall, the future site of the youth center.
Google Fiber for Communities
Yesterday the Village submitted an application to participate in the Google Fiber for Communities program. Google will be selecting one or more communities in the United States "to test ultra-high speed broadband networks (that) will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second".
While being selected will be a long-shot, community members can submit supporting applications here.
Resolution on Economic Development
WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the Village of Greenwich recognizes that the future economic health of our community is dependent upon new businesses moving here. The village can no longer sit back and wait to see who shows up.
THEREFORE;BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village Board, of the Village of Greenwich identifies the following three industries as being central to our future growth; hotels, craft breweries and software developers and directs the Mayor to seek responsible companies in these fields to locate here.
The Village of Greenwich Board of Trustees voted as follows:
Mary Brown: aye
Timothy Taylor: aye
David Doonan: aye
Dorothea Casey: aye
Lyle Hayes: aye
Said Resolution was duly adopted on February 8, 2010.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Village of Greenwich, Washington County, New York.
Diane S. Kelley
Clerk
Dated: 2/9/2010
Rt 372 Bridge Project
A preliminary design of the bridge project over the Batten Kill can be viewed here.
The DOT anticipates putting the project out to bid in the fall, and begin initial construction in the spring of 2010. The DOT is also considering doing work on the railroad bridge at the same time.
New York Main Street Revitalization Grant
A second New York Main Street Revitalization grant was awarded to the Chamber of Commerce and the Village at the end of August. This $200,000 grant can be used for interior and exterior renovations of existing commercial structures in the designated area, a map of which can be viewed here.
It's expected that the money will become available during the spring of 2010. The program will be administered by Marvin & Company, which is located at 160 Broad Street in Schuylerville.
Downtown Revitalization Presentation by Norman Mintz
September 24th, 2009
Sponsored by the Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, September 24 at One One One
5:30 to 7:30
Norman Mintz is an industrial and urban designer who specializes in providing solutions on matters of design, marketing and managment of downtowns, while encouraging community participation in all aspects of the downtown revitalization process. He has worked with over 100 communities around the country, from small village Main Street's to the urban neighborhood shopping strips. Among the New York communities Mr Mintz has worked with are Corning, Manhattan, Hudson and Catskill.
Norman Mintz from Village of Greenwich, NY on Vimeo.
New York HOME Grant
The Village was recently awarded a $400,000 grant from the New York State Division of Housing & Community Renewal. It's expected that the contract from the State will arrive in late fall with funds becoming available in the Spring of 2010.
The program will be administered by Marvin & Company, which is located at 160 Broad Street in Schuylerville.
Applications can be downloaded here.
Program details can be found on the DHCR web site.
As additional information becomes available, it will be posted here.
Gannon Park
On Saturday, August 8th, the Village Park where the skating rink and Little Fenway are located, was renamed to Gannon Park, in honor of long-time residents Kim & Norma Gannon. At the same time, a new playground for young children was opened for use
New sites
Village Facebook Group
Greenwich Easton Community Cares Facebook Group
Greenwich Easton Community Cares web site
Greenwich Easton Community Cares email list
Welcome to Greenwich
The Village of Greenwich is a separate governmental entity from the Town of Greenwich. It is located along the banks of the Batten Kill, and is located within the towns of Greenwich and Easton. The Village maintains it's own Police, Fire, Water & Sewer Departments.
Village Board meetings, unless otherwise noted, are on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Village of Greenwich
6 Academy Street
Greenwich, New York 12834
518.692.2755