Mid Hudson Times Aug. 16 2017

T IMES NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION FIRST-PLACE AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE, 2016 MID HUDSON Vol. 29, No 33 3 AUGUST 16 - 22, 2017 3 ONE DOLLAR Leadership Academy Viewing the eclipse Page 17 Page 31 SERVING NEWBURGH AND NEW WINDSOR Residents voice concern for Town’s plan for growth By LAUREN BERG Multiple residents have voiced their concerns at the public hearings for new subdivision developments in the Town of Newburgh this past month, some using strong language towards the planning board. At the July 6 planning board public hearing of the Hudson Asset Subdivision, neighboring resident Judith Lobig was particularly concerned about the environmental impact and drainage of the site, asking for an environmental study before a decision was made. Lobig emphasized, however, that she wasn’t against Restoration work begins subdivisions in general: “I just want the Board to know we’re not opposed to subdivision and building, we just want it done responsibly and we want the least impact on us and our way of living,” stated Lobig at the July 6 meeting. Lobig arrived at the August 3 planning board meeting with a petition signed by 68 of the project’s immediate neighbors, urging the board to conduct an environmental impact study before making a decision. The board’s decision on the project was postponed for August 17, due to a missing necessary document. The August 3 meeting also included a public hearing for two subdivisions proposed along New York State Route 300, each of which would turn a one family home into a two-family house for rent. The proposed plans had many locals voicing their concerns, some with strong opinions on the presence of rental homes and subdivisions in the town. “Why are you guys allowing these multiple homes into the town like this?” asked resident Arthur Segfried. “I’m really disgusted with what is going on here…this is not Newburgh anymore. Is there a master plan for the growth Continued on page 4 Democrats vie for 4 open seats on City Council Dolly’s big day Developers to begin rehab of Dutch Reformed Church By SHANTAL RILEY [email protected] Candidates will duke it out next month in a Democratic primary election to decide party nominees for the Newburgh City Council. Six Democrats are running to fill four open seats on the council. Patty Sofokles, Nancy Colas, Ramona Monteverde, Jonathan Jacobson, incumbent Councilwoman Cindy Holmes and incumbent Councilwoman Karen Mejia are all seeking to become the Democratic nominees in September. By SHANTAL RILEY [email protected] Alembic Community Development has been given the green light to move ahead with a plan to rehabilitate the historic Dutch Reformed Church and the former Newburgh City Club on Grand Street. “The properties that we’re talking about are extraordinarily meaningful to the city,” said Alembic co-founder Benjamin Warnke at Newburgh City Hall on Thursday. The two properties are slated to be rehabbed for “community-based use.” Specific uses will be determined through a public review process, Warnke said. “The best way to decide on their future use is to engage the community, and doing that in purposeful way,” he said. Continued on page 3 Lauren Berg Dolly Leibowitz’s 101st birthday was celebrated at Newburgh Town Hall, Monday night, during the Town Board meeting. She was presented by Supervisor Gil Piaquadio with a Certificate of Recognition as an “Outstanding Citizen and Town of Newburgh Resident on her 101st Birthday.” WWW.MIDHUDSONTIMES.COM Ward 1 Mejia faces no Democratic challengers in Ward 1. She has served one term on the city council. “I am seeking reelection because I have passion and vision that Newburgh can write a great story on how economic development can take place in a responsible way, a way that respects the scars of history and learns to create an inclusive, diverse community for all,” Continued on page 2