Mayor’s Annual Report for year 2002
by Mayor Clara-Lou Gould

2002 was another year of positive progress for our City of Beacon, and reaffirms our belief in the statement that a positive attitude is the best marketing tool. And for good reason. It works. Positive attitude, of course, comes from community pride--pride in our history, pride in our scenery, pride in our appearance, pride in our wonderful diversity, pride in our city workers and all the volunteers who commit themselves to make this a quality community. The credit for the good things which are happening belongs to the residents of our city, who have the desire to make good things happen. and the willingness to work to make them happen.

A lot of things take a lot longer than we expect them to, or want them to, but persistence and that positive attitude finally pay off. Some highlights of 2002:

Permits and planning for restoration of our dock were finally completed, the bid has been awarded, and the schedule calls for completion by the city’s 90th birthday on May 15. When the dock is complete, in addition to the possibility of some tour boats using it, ferry service will once again be possible and plans are moving ahead to make that happen. Dutchess and Orange Counties and the cities of Beacon and Newburg are working together with DOT and with Congresswoman Sue Kelly since Federal funds are involved.

New York now has a State Watertrail, and Beacon has two sites listed as trail stops, one at Riverfront Park and one at Denning’s Point. This will allow people using the Watertrail to stop at Beacon, and visit our community. As a panelist at the State Quality Community Conference, I pointed out that since the tide is an important factor in small boat travel, boaters would have a chance to visit our Main Street while they wait for the tide to change, and suggested they plan their trips to arrange that. One of our grants is for improvement of the boat launch, and we hope to include boat lockers to encourage trail users to stop and visit.

The application for shorefront stabilization and public access trail on Scenic Hudson’s Beacon Landing was submitted in 2002, and the special use permit was approved at the first Council meeting of 2003. The project will be financed by a State Grant. Artist George Trakus and others came to the Council meeting with a model of the plan which includes an ADA compliant fishing area.

Funding was received to create a walkway from the dock to Beckman Street to the Wolcott Avenue intersection, to give residents and visitors an opportunity for a safer access to Beacon Landing, to the Dia: Beacon entrance, and to connect the dock area to the Wolcott Avenue sidewalks. It is our hope that it will be completed by the city’s birthday, May 15, and in time for Dia’s opening a few days later. It will also benefit commuters who walk to the train station from Wolcott Avenue, and provide a very scenic view of the Highlands from the bridge.

The State’s Wolcott Avenue sidewalk from the Beekman Street intersection to the Newburg Beacon Bridge entrance was completed a good part of the distance, and will be finished this year. If you haven’t noticed the attractive use of stamped, colored macadam to give the appearance of brick, be sure to do so. It won’t heave as bricks do, and the road sand and salt doesn’t affect it.

New York State Parks did more work at Denning’s Point to make it more attractive for trail users.

The Hudson River Estuary Trail continued through planning stages. Because of shore front stabilization it will cost more than the $1 million Central Hudson is committed to pay in lieu of a fine for emissions, but we are all committed to ensure that the riverfront trail stays along the river, and additional grants are being sought to make up the difference. The trail will connect to Beacon Landing on the north, and to Denning’s Point and the Madam Brett Trail on the south, which then connects to our Fishkill Creek Trails. When all are completed, we will have a loop which also connects to Main Street, our urban trail.

At the mountain end, the Gateway to Mount Beacon permits are in place, and work will begin on the parking area for those interested in the challenging climb from there. Also planned is the stairway which will allow an easier climb for people to get up far enough to enjoy a view. The Mount Beacon Incline Society signed an agreement to be caretakers of the park, and the ultimate dream is to have a return of the Incline, to have the Mountain accessible to everyone.

Revitalization of Main Street continued. You may remember that last year our Building Inspector reported that in the previous 10 years $6,995,473 had been invested in our Main Street. That investment continues. The Yankee Clipper diner has been sold and renovations have begun. Several buildings in the center of Main Street have been renovated, one planning an Italian restaurant which will open in the spring. Many of the buildings on the West End are in the process of restoration, including the old Tompkins Hose Firehouse, now owned by Architectural Glass which plans to include glass blowing demonstrations. Several galleries have opened, and a Polish deli and bakery. Most of the new businesses opened without the attention of a formal ribbon cutting (which helps to let people know you’re there) It’s important to note that when any business opens in a formerly empty building, whether it be one of the 17 galleries I’m told are now part of Beacon’s business community, whether it be offices or retail, those businesses create the need for other business such as food stores, bakeries, etc. It’s also important that we patronize the local businesses whenever we can. They have a great variety of products available as well as friendly service, and if there is a price difference from the large chains it might be neutralized by the time and gas saved by not going out of town.

An important part of Main Street revitalization is that the apartments above the ground floor businesses add to our affordable housing stock.

The Beacon Artists Community Association was formed, and in December had their first Second Saturday celebration. They plan to have this each month with stores, galleries and restaurants participating, to call attention to the attractions on Main Street and Fountain Square.

Nortrax, who are now running the John Deere business, had a ribbon cutting for their expansion. They are moving their management offices to Beacon from Connecticut.

A number of city property sales were completed during 2002 for a total of $575,000. That revenue is certainly a positive thing, and the sales put those properties back on the tax rolls.

In 2002 over 80 new building permits were issued for single family homes. New senior citizen housing is scheduled for the Tuck Tape complex. Meadow Ridge began its rental units on Matteawan Road, and future plans are for senior rentals there as well, in addition to 60 units of senior rentals being considered for the nearby St. Francis property. If Beacon seniors choose to move to those complexes, their houses will be available for others, to help keep the diversity we all value, including diversity of age and income.

We received $781,941 in grants from various sources to continue community improvements. We appreciate the information we receive about the grants from the various federal and state sources, so we can apply for all possible help. Part of that willingness to help us is due to our committed efforts to use the funding as quickly as possible in the appropriate way and our willingness to collaborate with other communities and organizations whenever possible.

We also received $291,040 in Community Development funds.

Reconstruction of roads continued. One road which has been “in process” for years is 9D, which will finally move forward. It will be done by the State and paid for primarily by federal and state funds, with the city’s share expected to be about 5%. It’s been a complicated process, including critical drainage, and in some areas, sewer lines. The curve at the intersection of Wolcott and Howland will be adjusted somewhat. I know we all look forward to its completion. Design should be finished by this fall, and it can then go to bid.

Once again Tioronda Garden Club was the city’s beautification committee, and we thank them for their excellent job at keeping Main Street, city entrances, and our Municipal Center attractive with plantings and holiday decorations. They have another plan for 2003, a Patriots’ Garden at the intersection of Cannon Street and Verplanck Avenue, and we look forward to working with them on that. They are considering making it a Butterfly Garden, with plants which attract butterflies.

We were designated a Tree City again. I was aware of the value of trees in providing protection which lowers heating and air conditioning bills, and in converting harmful carbon monoxide fumes to beneficial oxygen. I was surprised to see that a recent study indicates that trees also reduce the crime rate, by exerting a calming influence.

Some legislation passed during the year:

Streets were renumbered and in some cases named or renamed to facilitate 911 response.

Two new police officer positions were created by unanimous vote.

Our Comprehensive Plan, which the Council has been reviewing and updating since the early 1990’s, was adjusted with zoning changes in the business districts and in some residential areas, after extended public hearings. (Still in the review process is clustering and steep slopes, important concerns in the outer limits of the city.)

Bed and Breakfast regulations were modified to allow an owner to live on the same parcel, not necessarily in the same house.

The Whitestone Hotel changed from an SRO to 12 one bedroom apartments. A Drought Emergency Plan was approved (the changes a few months can bring!)

Alternate members were created for the Zoning Board to ensure a quorum.

Skateboards were prohibited on Main Street.

The State Retirement incentive was adopted, and two long time, valued employees took advantage of the opportunity.

Ground Floor residency on Main Street was allowed to be extended up to two years.

The Fire Department formed a committee to draw up specifications for needed equipment.

The post of Harbor Manager was created.

A Study of the Police Department administration was completed.

A Water Leaks study was completed.

Permit parking was instituted to cover situations needing that solution.

The Human Relations Commission began its outreach efforts.

The public relations part of the Mayor’s responsibility was a busy schedule in 2002. A check of the calendar indicates 175 plus meetings attended, not counting the City Council meetings which would add another 48 or so, and the occasional attendance at other city meetings, such as the Planning Board. There were meetings of State and County organizations, meetings at which I’m asked to be a speaker or panelist--about 15 of those-- visits to our schools, and visits from school students, visits from city residents, from people exploring possibilities of doing business in our city, etc. etc. Representing the city at various official functions is part of it. There were also 16 marriages witnessed during the year. This is a fairly typical number. In checking past reports I found that I had added up the numbers in 1994. There were one or two fewer meetings and instead of being asked to speak 15 times it was 5, but other than that it was pretty much the same breakdown. It’s one of the duties this Mayor enjoys most.

To repeat, 2002 was a year of positive progress, of completing some projects and laying the foundation for the future. We thank our city employees and all our volunteer boards and commissions for their commitment and dedication to making our city a better place to live and work, a quality community. And we thank our residents, the community, for understanding how important it is that they be part of the process.

When we all work together we make the good things happen.

Here’s to a great 2003.

 

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