Basics Nelsonville Denies Permit for Cell Tower Near Cemetery

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June 1, 2018 161 Main St., Cold Spring, n.Y. | highlandscurrent.com
Nelsonville Denies Permit for
Cell Tower Near Cemetery
In 3-2 vote, majority cites the 110-foot, pole-like tower would have
an “adverse visual impact” and conflict
‘adverse visual impact’
with village law that safeguards scenery.
The two members who voted “yes” cited
By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong
the possibility of improved wireless ser-
Ending 10 months of discussion, in- vice and the merits of making a decision
cluding fierce public debate, the Nel- in Nelsonville rather than putting the vil-
sonville Zoning Board of Appeals lage at the mercy of a federal court if the
voted 3-2 on Wednesday (May 30) to deny applicants file a lawsuit.
a special-use permit for a cellphone tower Homeland Towers and Verizon Wireless
overlooking the Cold Spring Cemetery. proposed the tower for a rocky hillside them to be hunted off again just like the
The ZBA members who voted “no” said off Rockledge (Continued on Page 6) Part 4: 1800s,” Rae Wynn-Grant, of the Ameri-
can Museum of Natural History’s Center
Into the Wild
for Biodiversity and Conservation, told
The New York Times. “Except this time
we have climate change to blame.”
Nature is a big, tangled web, so one
small change can have a cascading ef-
fect. Species that once never interacted
come face to face; others never see each
other again. With less snowfall, deer will
By Chip Rowe
find enough food to survive the winter at
If you’re a warbler or hummingbird the expense of smaller animals that de-
spending the winter in Central pend on the same plants. Less snow will
The audience waits at Town Hall on Wednesday night for the Nelsonville ZBA to vote on
America, you figure out when to also mean less runoff and lower streams,
the Rockledge Road cell tower application. Photo by L.S. Armstrong
fly thousands of miles to your summer which could affect fish.
home in the Highlands by watching the Scientists are also now looking at how
Back to Basics position of the sun. global warming is affecting oceans and
The problem is, while the sun’s position inland lakes, and the creatures that live
is reliable, global warming due to carbon in them. The higher level of carbon,
Couple plans bookstore
dioxide (CO) trapped in the atmosphere for example, has made seawater more
2
in Cold Spring has changed when your food arrives. Plants acidic, thinning the shells of oysters and
“green up” and the insect population peaks other animals. The effects can be unpre-
sooner. The clock falls out of sync. dictable. In one study of mussels, one
By Alison Rooney
Climate change is already putting some species relaxed in water high in CO ,
2
Heidi and Michael Bender species at risk. A study published last year while another clamped shut.
are eager to open the doors in Scientific Reports found that nine of 48 Insects love warm weather. It allows
to Split Rock Books on species of songbirds weren’t able to reach them to grow faster, breed more fre-
Main Street in Cold Spring — the their North American breeding grounds quently, become larger and make more
village’s first bookstore since Mer- at the optimal time, because that time eggs. Tick nymphs that used to peak in
ritt Books left in 2008 — but last was constantly shifting. Global warming June are showing up in mid-May. Within
week were waiting on a crucial is moving too fast for them. a couple of decades, it may be early May.
piece of equipment: Shelves. Among animals that hibernate, the Even the fall foliage could be at risk.
Besides the carpenter, they also warmer temperatures fool them into Drought conditions stress trees out, and
had an appointment on Wednesday thinking it’s later in the spring, but dry weather browns their leaves and
(May 30) with the sign painter. when they emerge they find the food sends them to the ground before they
“The hardest part [about the isn’t ready. American black bears, for in- can turn yellow or red and bring green
preparations] has been not being stance, are waking too early, or having to the local economy. Heat also makes
able to work in a bookstore every trouble hibernating in the first place. trees more vulnerable to disease and in-
day,” says Heidi. “We can’t wait to Because of warmer winters and abun- fection, which also causes them to shed
open.” dant food supply, they never get the their leaves before the fall.
They expect that to happen signal to hit the sack. A 2017 study pre- In this, the fourth part of our series on
this month. The couple, who were Heidi and Michael Bender in front of the future dicted that by 2050 black bears could be climate change in the Highlands, we will
married last year in Garrison be- home of Split Rock Books at 97 Main St. awake 15 to 39 more days per year, lead- look more closely at how global warming
fore moving to Cold Spring from Photo by A. Rooney ing to more interaction with humans, will affect the animals, plants and trees
Brooklyn, have no illusions about and more conflicts when food is scarce. that live around us. As temperatures
“Some people love books and have great
the challenges of owning a bookstore in a “My prediction is we will have fewer rise, we’ll say goodbye to some and hello
intentions, but it’s a lot of hard work, nav-
small village, or anywhere. Both are expe- cubs survive the winter, and so many to others, but we don’t get to choose.
igating people and situations,” says Mi-
rienced booksellers. bear conflicts that residents will want (To Page 12)
chael. People (Continued on Page 8)
2 June 1, 2018 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com
5
NEWS BRIEFS
Taconic Outdoor Center to
Five Questions: T T Get Rehab
ina obin
State awards $2.5 million for park
By Michael Turton
project
Tina Tobin has been a volunteer As part of its 2018-19 budget, New York
firefighter for 10 years with North
State will distribute nearly $13 mil-
Highlands Engine Co. No. 1 in Phil-
lion to 10 parks in the Mid-Hudson Valley,
ipstown.
including $2.5 million to rehab the High-
What are the challenges of being a land Lodge at the Taconic Outdoor Edu-
firefighter? cation Center at Fahnestock State Park in
Fires are physically demanding. Climb- Philipstown.
ing a ladder is torture for me; I don’t like Fahnestock will also receive $250,000
heights but I’m able to address my fear. to install a potable water system for the
You also deal with people in bad situa- beach complex and campground, which
tions. I hate seeing people get hurt, but I will be closed this year for construction.
enjoy helping them. Hudson Highlands State Park will receive
$400,000 for energy and sustainability
How do you manage having a
improvements and Bear Mountain will
family and being the company
get $120,000 to enhance the Appalachian
treasurer, a railroad supervisor and
Trail at the Trailside Museum and Zoo.
a Philipstown Ambulance Corps
volunteer?
Putnam County Names
I function much better when my plate is
overflowing. Sometimes it’s a little too full, Seniors of Year
but I get everything done. My kids are used
Tina Tobin Photo by M. Turton
to it and my husband, Chris, was the fire The Putnam County Office for Senior
chief in Cold Spring. We’re all involved. ing with has your back. A proposal in Albany would require Resources has named Donna Ander-
all state laws to refer to firefighters son (below left) of Garrison as one of its
North Highlands has seven female How do you unwind after a serious
instead of firemen. What do you two Seniors of the Year. She was presented
firefighters. What is the dynamic house fire or traffic accident?
think? with the award by County Executive Mary-
between the men and women? We decompress at the station. If it’s
It’s ridiculous. Personally, you can call Ellen Odell in a ceremony on May 23 at the
It’s good. Women are a big part of this really bad, counseling is available. I go
me anything you want. I get the job done Putnam County Golf Course. Mary Bodor
firehouse. No one gets treated differently. home, enjoy my kids, watch TV, play with
just like anybody else. I’m not at all of- of Patterson was the other recipient.
Once you’re in your gear, gender doesn’t my dogs and think of something happy.
fended being called a fireman. Anderson, 77, is a longtime volunteer in
matter — as long as whoever you’re work-
Philipstown, and has been particularly active
pushing for the senior center that is expected
to open this year in the Butterfield redevelop-
ment. A Peekskill native, she moved to Garri-
son with her husband, Paul Anderson, in 1975.
Married for 55 years, they have two children,
Christine and Paul III (both of whom are
nurses) and five grandsons.
When asked her advice about volun-
teering, Anderson said, “Don’t slow down
— stay involved.”
Haldane to Test Traffic
Pattern
Access via Craigside Drive will be
restricted
The Haldane school district plans to ex-
Donna Anderson
periment with a new traffic pattern on
HUDSON RIVER EXPEDITIONS
Join us on the water this
Memorial Day Weekend
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highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current June 1, 2018 3
NEWS BRIEFS (from previous page)
campus in the fall. School and attended Dutchess Community Construction.
The change is the result of discussions College and SUNY Oswego. He worked at According to police,
with the Cold Spring police and fire de- Raymour & Flanigan and was a member of Carter failed sobri-
partments about cars parked in the circle Grace Bible Church in Wappingers Falls. He ety tests and officers
at the center of campus, which has a fire is survived by his parents and five siblings. found several open
lane. School officials said that in two cases A Brooklyn man, Jason Kindopp, 48, containers of alcohol
where the fire department was called to died at Breakneck Ridge, to the north, last as well as marijuana
the school during the morning rush, first July after falling about 30 feet. and drug parapher-
responders were slowed by traffic as par- nalia in his vehicle.
ents and buses dropped off students. Putnam Sheriff Makes He was not carrying
During the pilot program, access to ID but was identified
Arrest in Philipstown
campus via Craigside Drive will be re- through fingerprints.
stricted to teachers, staff and buses. Par- Carter was charged
Suspect allegedly nearly hit officer
ents will enter via the Cedar Street Spur with felony assault,
with car
for drop off and pick up and loop around reckless endanger-
to exit onto Mountain Avenue. Cars will Putnam County Sheriff Robert Langley ment, resisting arrest
no longer be allowed to park in the circle and driving under the Joan and Cornelius Dennis
Jr. arrested
during the day. influence. After post-
an Oklahoma
man on May 15 ing bail, he was re- Dennis, 85, inside the home.
Hiker Dies at Bull Hill after he alleg- leased until his next court date. The couple, who had been married for
edly nearly hit 62 years, are survived by three children
Falls while climbing off trail the officer with Cortlandt Couple Dies and nine grandchildren. A funeral service
his car during a was held May 31 in Ossining.
Ah iker died from Fumes
traffic stop. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, color-
on May
24 at Bull Hill According Apparently left car running in garage less poisonous gas produced by vehicles and
after falling to the Sheriff’s Brant Carter faulty furnaces, among other sources. State
Department, at A C ortlandt couple apparently died of law requires carbon-monoxide detectors to
about 100 feet
about 6:15 p.m. Langley noticed a vehicle carbon-monoxide poisoning on May be installed in all residential dwellings.
during an off-
on the property where he lives in Philip- 23 after leaving their car running in the
trail climb.
stown. As he was speaking with the driver, garage of their home.
Kenny
later identified as Brant D. Carter, 33, of On Saturday, the New York State Police
Steier, 25, of Support Groups
Stillwell, Oklahoma, Carter sped away. were alerted by a neighbor who saw three
LaGrange,
Langley followed in his squad car and days of newspapers outside the Skytop For a full list of area support groups,
was with two
stopped Carter on Route 9 near Appala- Drive residence. Officers discovered the visit: highlandscurrent.com/sg
friends on the
chian Market. He ordered Carter repeat- bodies of Cornelius Dennis, 86, and Joan
Washburn
edly to turn off his ignition but, according
Trail near Cold
Kenny Steier to the Sheriff’s Department, Carter sped
Spring, accord-
ing to the state parks department. They off, nearly striking Langley. John Michael McKee, PhD
After being boxed at the intersection of
were climbing at the old Mount Taurus Greener, Licensed Psychologist
Routes 9 and 403 by traffic and debris from
quarry without equipment when Steier
that day’s severe storm, Carter fled on foot. CPA Cognitive Behavioral
fell about 6 p.m.
After a struggle, during which Langley was Psychotherapy (CBT)
Members of the state park police, the Estate Planning
slightly injured, Carter was arrested, police
Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and & Administration
said.
the Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance
Corps responded. Langley was assisted by members of the Asset Protection 35B Garrison Landing
Steier graduated from Arlington High Garrison Volunteer Fire Co. and passersby, & Management Garrison, N.Y. 10524
including Charlie Polhemus of Polhemus
45 Popham Road
Tax Planning
& Preparation Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583
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4 June 1, 2018 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
In memoriam
Letters to the Editor
* Winner: 33 Thanks to Michael Turton for all the effort
and care he used in writing about my uncle,
Better Newspaper The Current welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and local issues.
Warren Eitner, to make sure that he was re-
Submissions are selected by the editor to provide a variety of opinions and
Contest Awards membered as more than a name inscribed on
voices, and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length. We ask that
a memorial (“Remembering Warren,” May 25).
*New York Press Association, 2013 - 2017 writers remain civil and avoid personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to editor@
I had never heard the stories about who
highlandscurrent.com or mailed to Editor, The Highlands Current, 161 Main St., Cold
NNA* Winner: he was as a person and not just about Spring, NY 10516. The writer’s full name, village or city, and email or phone number
9 Better his last tragic day. The 1949 film Twelve must be included, but only the name and village or city will be published.
O’Clock High and subsequent TV series
Newspaper
by the same name is based on Uncle War-
Proud of students I was very proud of every one of them,
Contest Awards ren’s unit. It is good to remember that
Thirty-five Haldane sixth-grade stu- and proud to be a parent in a school that
these young men all had their own stories,
*National Newspaper Association, 2016 dents, along with Haldane teachers Si- values learning in this way.
families and personal lives which they
Publisher managed to “check at the door” when they mon Dudar and Kim McCollum, on May Danielle Pack McCarthy, Nelsonville
Highlands Current Inc. climbed into those B-17s. 18 hosted a Learning Lunch panel discus- McCarthy is the Town of Philipstown
161 Main St. On Veterans’ Day, I hope people will re- sion to talk about a project called Why I addiction prevention and treatment
Cold Spring NY 10516-2818 member those who were willing to make that am More than Just a Number. coordinator.
291 Main St., Beacon NY 12508 sacrifice but were fortunate enough to sur- In February, each sixth-grader was
paired with a seventh-grader at a school Thanks for support
vive. Many — Warren’s older brother, Walter,
Founder in St. Vincent and the Grenadines during The Beacon High School Parent Teach-
included — refused to talk about their own
Gordon Stewart (1939 - 2014)
a school field visit my family and I made er Student Organization (PTSO) would
experiences, perhaps from survivors’ guilt.
Managing editor On behalf of our family, thank you for help- representing my nonprofit organiza- like to thank the many Beacon area busi-
Chip Rowe tion, Denniston International. Via video nesses who donated food and other items
ing to preserve the memory of everyday peo-
[email protected] chat, the students spoke with each other for our Staff Appreciation Lunch on May
ple who fought and died for freedom.
about what is was like being a student 3. We are grateful for the support we re-
arts/Feature editor Richard Pfarrer,
in the U.S. versus being a student in the ceived from restaurants and retailers to
Alison Rooney Colorado Springs, Colorado
Eastern Caribbean. make the teachers and staff at the high
[email protected]
Thank you for this beautiful remembrance. We know the adolescent brain is ripe for school know they are appreciated for all
senior CorresPondent It brought Warren’s story and his sacrifice — risk-taking. The more positive risk-taking their hard work.
Michael Turton
and the sacrifice of his loved ones — to life. opportunities we give our young people, The following businesses made dona-
rePorters Perfect Memorial Day reading! the less likely they are to seek out risk in tions: Leo’s Italian Restaurant, Brother’s
Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong Peter McFadden, Nelsonville less healthy ways. From start to finish, Trattoria, Antonella’s, Homespun, Suk-
Celia Barbour this project and the teachers who spear- hothai, Yankee Clipper Diner, Laby’s Piz-
Brian PJ Cronin headed it gave the sixth-graders a chance zeria, Robbie’s Deli, Beacon Pantry, Shop
Joe Dizney
to take positive risks: meeting young Rite of Fishkill, Durant’s Party Rental,
Pamela Doan
people from a different culture, present- Dollar Tree, Market 32 by Price Chopper,
Jeff Simms
ing their work in essay and art form, and The Chocolate Studio, Ella’s Bellas, Top-
layout editor speaking as part of a panel, answering pings of Wappingers Falls and Adams Fai-
Kate Vikstrom questions from the superintendent and racre Farms of Wappinger.
other adult guests. Donna Green, Beacon
advertising direCtor
Michele Gedney
For information on advertising:
845-809-5584
[email protected]
highlandscurrent.com/ads
Warren Eitner (not shown) was a crew
member on the B-17 known as Miss
1.MISTAKEN, 2. MUTANTS, 3, ABACUSES, 4. CALENDULA
Patricia, shown here with its distinctive
5. MICROLOAN, 6. UNINFLATED, 7. HEALING
nose art. American Air Museum in Britain
The Highlands Current is a 501c3
nonprofit funded by grants,
advertising and the generous
support of our readers. Thank you.
THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT,
Vol. 7, Issue 22 (ISSN 2475-3785)
is published weekly by
Highlands Current Inc.,
161 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-
2818. Nonprofit postage paid at
Newburgh, NY.
POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to The Highlands Current,
161 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-
2818. Mail delivery $20 per year.
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© Highlands Current Inc. 2018
All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced in any
form, mechanical or electronic, without FLAGS TO REMEMBER — On Memorial Day, local Boy Scouts and their parents and grandparents, as well as members of the
written permission of the publisher.
Philipstown Cemetery Committee, placed flags on the graves of veterans at the Mountain Avenue and Cedar Street cemeteries
Advertisements designed by The High-
in Cold Spring. The Scouts and their leaders are shown near the crypt on Mountain Avenue of Major Gen. William Hopkins Morris
lands Current may not be reproduced in
whole or in part without permission. (right), who commanded brigades at Harper’s Ferry and Gettysburg during the Civil War and was severely wounded at the Battle of
Spotsylvania Court House. Photo provided/National Archives
highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current June 1, 2018 5
Should You Be Able to Deduct Your Taxes?
State and federal A local government would then Rules Committee to “thoroughly vet the
transfer money from its charitable charitable trust option” to help “deter-
government clash over
foundation to its general fund. Local mine the best course of action for Put-
proposal governments or school districts who nam County.”
create foundations could limit how The three-member committee began
By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong much of a taxpayer’s donation quali- to do that on May 14 but after a few
fies for a tax credit. minutes postponed deliberations.
The Empire State’s feud with the
Other states are pursuing similar “This is a really complex issue,” said
Trump Administration over federal
initiatives, but on May 23 the Inter- Neal Sullivan, who chairs the commit-
tax law changes escalated last week
nal Revenue Service dismissed the tee. “The amount of work, on the county
after the IRS denounced state plans to
plans as “efforts to circumvent” fed- side, and the town side, required to put
mitigate the revisions’ effect on those who
eral law. some of these ideas into place would be”
— like more than half of Putnam County
In a preliminary notice, the agency significant. Nonetheless, he said, “if the
taxpayers — itemize on their federal tax
warned taxpayers that only the feder- IRS says we can do it, then we have to
returns.
al government can decide what con- explore it.”
Promoted by President Donald Trump
stitutes a deductible charitable con- The New York State School Boards
and passed by the Republican-controlled
tribution. The IRS promised to soon Association has recommended its mem-
Congress in December, the new law caps,
release a comprehensive opinion. bers take a measured approach.
at $10,000, the amount taxpayers can de-
Firing back the same day, New “We are advising districts that it
duct on their 1040s for paying state and
York Gov. Andrew Cuomo asserted would still be a good idea to proceed
A New York State Association of Counties graph
local taxes.
that “the IRS should not be used as with caution,” said Julie Marlette, the as-
displays the breakdown of taxing in the state, by
Previously, no such ceiling existed. The
a political weapon” and pledged that sociation’s director of governmental re-
jurisdiction.
changes take effect with 2019 tax returns.
state officials “will continue to fight lations. “We always anticipated that the
The average total of itemized deductions
against this economic missile with providing for “relief of the poor, the dis- IRS would weigh in on this. Ultimately,
in New York state, $36,000, is the nation’s
every fiber of our being.” A number of tressed or the underprivileged,” and “com- its interpretation will dictate whether a
highest.
states are joining forces to challenge the bating community deterioration.” federal tax benefit materializes.”
In response, New York State authorized
tax law in court. The issue has drawn attention in Put- The New York State Association of
an alternative: Instead of paying local
In a memo to municipalities this spring, nam County, as well. According to the Counties, of which Odell is president,
taxes per se, taxpayers could donate the
Barbara Van Epps, deputy director of the IRS, more people itemize on their federal noted that “downstate New York is dispro-
money to a charitable foundation estab-
New York Conference of Mayors, observed returns in Putnam than any other coun- portionately impacted by the significant
lished by a local government — including
that the IRS definition of charitable ac- ty in the state. About 51 percent of Put- curtailing of the deductibility of state
school districts and counties. In return,
tivities includes “advancement of educa- nam residents itemize, and 41 percent in and local taxes.” Its executive director,
they would receive a credit for up to 95
tion or science; erection or maintenance Dutchess. The state average is 34 percent. Stephen Acquario, in April called the new
percent of the donation, which they could
of public buildings, monuments or works; On April 19, County Executive MaryEl- federal policy an unprecedented “intru-
claim as a charitable tax write-off on their
lessening the burdens of government”; len Odell asked the county Legislature’s sion into state and local taxation.”
federal return.
Philipstown Democrats
invite you to join us at our
Annual Spring Fundraiser
Sunday, June 10th
3-5pm
Old VFW Hall
at the
34 Kemble Avenue, Cold Spring
Suggested donation: $30/person
RSVP at philipstowndemocrats.org
6 June 1, 2018 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com
Nelsonville Denies Permit for Cell Tower
(from Page 1)
Road. The ZBA denial represents the had to OK the site plans.
second setback for Homeland Towers in Before voting down the special-use per-
Philipstown this year. In February, after mit, the ZBA unanimously rejected two
the Philipstown Zoning Board of Appeals proposed tower designs. The first was for
voted to deny a special-use permit for a a tower disguised as a “monopine” fake fir
tower proposed for a hillside off Route tree and the second for a 120-foot pole.
9 near the intersection with Route 301, Homeland Towers also proposed a two-
Homeland Towers sued. tower configuration; a flagpole; and an
The May 30 meeting, held at Philip- obelisk, but the state parks department
stown Town Hall, drew a standing-room- rejected the latter two. However, it said
only audience. Many carried signs oppos- the a monopine or a pole painted a neutral
ing the Rockledge tower. color would be all right visually.
Members of the Nelsonville Planning ZBA member Peggy Clements said that
Board joined the ZBA on the rostrum but even a single pole still threatens the view.
did not vote. Had the ZBA approved the “Access to views is really very precious,”
tower, the Planning Board would have she said. She voted against the permit.
ZBA member Chris Keeley said he was
unconvinced the tower was needed be-
cause of a crucial gap in coverage, and he
agreed that the Rockledge location “un-
doubtedly has a significant, adverse im-
pact” on its surroundings.
“There’s a lot of reasons” it presents
problems, “not the least of which is that
it’s right on top of the Cold Spring Cem-
etery,” he said. Under the zoning code, the
Before the Nelsonville ZBA meeting, Eliza Matthews and her children, Zade and
Rockledge Road site “clearly is not appro-
Maisie, expressed their opposition to a cell tower proposed for Rockledge Road.
priate,” he added, before voting “no.”
ZBA member Judy Meyer likewise op- Photo by L.S. Armstrong
posed the application. Chairman William
Rice and Member Steve Merando sup-
lot of enemies, but I vote yes.” working from home offices, tradespeople,
ported it.
Rice observed that “everybody has cell emergency responders and others who
“This tower is probably necessary in
phones and iPads, yet there is opposition utilize wireless communication.
this village to give us better service,” Me-
to a cell tower.” He expressed concern Rice also pointed out that when Cold
rando said. “I know I’m going to make a
for stay-at-home parents, professionals Spring Cemetery was created during
the Civil War, a prominent neighbor was
the massive West Point Foundry — with
multiple smokestacks, deforested envi-
rons and noise. “I very much doubt” that
Foundry executives like Robert Parrott,
whose grave is in the cemetery, “would be
offended” by a cell tower, he remarked.
Rice said the village had “an opportu-
nity to mitigate the impact of this cell
tower by selecting a stream-lined, au-
thentic wireless tower, as opposed to the
monopine. Instead of a U.S. court judge
dictating our future, I suggest we seize
the moment,” he said.
Kids Welcome Here!
After the meeting, Robert Gaudioso, the
Homeland Towers attorney, said he and
his colleagues had no comment.
969 MAIN ST.  FISHKILL  [phone]     sdec2020.com “They will go to court,” predicted Todd
Steckler, an attorney for the village.
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highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current June 1, 2018 7
Notes from the Cold Spring Village Board
Highlights from May meetings on any traffic changes.
Burke also reported that his officers an-
By Michael Turton
swered 54 calls for service in April and is-
At the May 22 meeting of the Cold sued 56 parking and 20 traffic tickets. He
Spring Village Board, trustees took urged residents to fill out a “dark house”
no action on a request from the form at the village office before leaving on
Recreation Commission for $5,100 to pur- vacation so that officers know to check on
chase an apparatus to clean up goose drop- those homes while on patrol.
pings at Mayor’s Park. The board discussed Greg Phillips, the superintendent of wa-
other, less expensive solutions, including ter and wastewater, reported that he has
the use of fake coyotes or creating a dog been assured by the Putnam County High-
park to discourage geese from landing. way Department that no pesticides will be
The board approved a request from Lee used as they were last year along Fishkill
Cone to operate a food cart on Fair Street Road, which parallels Foundry Brook, the
near Mayor’s Park. Trustee Lynn Miller source of Cold Spring’s water supply.
abstained, saying the cart would compete The Code Update Committee has com-
with Go-Go Pops, the Main Street shop pleted draft documents evaluating flood
she co-owns with her husband. Cone ini- and steep-slope standards and is in the
tially asked to set up a cart on upper Main process of producing a draft for a ridge-
Street near the pedestrian tunnel. line protection overlay district.
The board approved a flat, $10-per-unit
quarterly increase in the sewer rate, effec-
Visit highlandscurrent.com for news
tive July 1.
updates and latest information.
The board approved a contract with the A pair of Canada geese Photo by James DeMers
Cold Spring Police Benevolent Association
that ends May 31, 2020. Robert Downey Jr., crew chief at the From May 8 …
The village received a grant of $2,500 Highway Department, was given the OK Larry Burke, the officer-in-charge of the
from the John T. Sloper Community Fund to sign a new, four-year agreement to Cold Spring Police Department, briefed
to purchase portable automated external share services with the state Department trustees on meetings he attended with
defibrillators (AED) that can be applied to of Transportation. school officials about traffic control at Hal-
someone undergoing cardiac arrest. Ralph Lauren was given permission to dane School, especially for vehicles entering
The board approved a contract with conduct a fashion shoot on May 31 in the before school from Route 9D. (See Page 2.)
Managed Technologies to provide the vil- village. Merandy complained that communication
lage with telecommunications services. with Haldane on the issue has been poor.
“It seems like the last people to learn
C. E. Paint Supply, Inc. about this is the Village Board of Trust-
&
ees,” he said. “It irritates me to no end.”
Merandy said he was informed of the
Tools • Hardware • Plumbing & Electrical Supplies
proposed changes by Superintendent Di-
ana Bowers in a letter, but that she did
not ask for village input. “It hasn’t been
Monday - Thursday 8 - 5:30
the first time Mrs. Bowers has shown little
Friday & Saturday 8 - 5 respect for my office,” he said, adding that
Tel. [phone]
the Village Board should have the final say
158 Main Street • Cold Spring, NY 10516
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Artful Pruning allows your ornamentals to keep looking good. Cabaret in the Country presents: Simply Streisand
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in natural and restorative gardening.
845.446.7465 Garrison Landing, Garrison, NY (Theatre is adjacent to train station.)

P H
UBLIC EARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the
Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Philipstown on Monday, June 11,
2018, at 7:30 p.m. at the Philipstown Town Hall, 238 Main Street,
Cold Spring, New York, to hear the following appeal:
Leonard & Karen Lindros, 593 Route 9D, Garrison, TM# 81.-1-33.
The applicants are seeking approval to build a new, 24 x 24-foot,
detached garage which requires a variance for a sideyard setback. The
applicant is proposing a setback of 10 feet, where 30 feet is required
under the Town of Philipstown Code Chapter 175 Dimensional Table.
The property is located in the RR Zoning District.
At said hearing all persons will have the right to be heard. Copies of the
application, plat map, and other related materials may be seen in the Offi ce
of the Building Department, 2 Cedar Street, Cold Spring, New York.
Dated 5/25/2018
8 June 1, 2018 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com
Back to Basics
(from Page 1) Summer Reading
spirituality, poetry and graphic novels, time in Paris and Thailand, she took a job
don’t imagine “the constant cleaning of as well as local interests such as farming at Book Culture in Manhattan. She de-
We asked booksellers Heidi and
the bathroom, the red wine spilled over and gardening. There will be books from camped to Auckland, New Zealand, where
Michael Bender to recommend a
books, the kid chewing on a book, the independent presses and “books that get she obtained a master's degree in poetry,
children’s title, a novel and a work of
sweating from lifting things all day.” overshadowed and books you know you while employed at Unity Books there. nonfiction.
Heidi adds, with a laugh: “After all that, deserve more attention,” says Heidi. Upon her return, she worked at the non- Today, by Julie Morstad
if you still love it, and you love the cus- Though thousands of books have al- profit Housing Works bookstore in Soho for
“Beautifully illustrated,
tomers, it’s working for you.” She says her ready arrived, there will be plenty of fine- nearly four years. “Everywhere I worked,
this picture book leads
“endorphin moments” are when she rec- tuning after “we discover what people I’ve learned something different,” she says.
children through all
ommends a book that a customer loves. around here love,” says Michael. They The couple met through mutual friends
the choices they can
The store, which will be located at 97 plan to host storytimes for younger read- at Housing Works, where each of them make in a day. It’s full of
Main St., the former home of The Country ers, book groups for adults and middle worked but not at the same time. On familiar objects and is a
Touch, is named for a trail in Nelsonville: readers (8- to 12-year-olds), and readings. their first date, they discovered they both fun way for parents and
the couple saw parallels between a split Michael, who grew up near New Haven, dreamed of opening their own bookstore. caregivers to engage with their little ones.” 
rock and an open book. They envision the Connecticut, and majored in history at They chose Cold Spring for their joint
Florida, by Lauren Groff
store as “a place to explore and find things Fordham, had his first taste of booksell- venture because, Heidi says, “after being
you didn’t know you wanted.” ing as a clerk at a Barnes & Noble. While in the bookstore business, you get a sense “Filled with the swampy,
The Split Rock stock will include fiction, earning a master’s in library science at of the kind of stores which are comple- humid heat of her home
state and peopled
nonfiction, history, politics, wellness and Long Island University, he worked at Ur- mentary.” They liked the fact that the vil-
with stubborn women,
sus, a rare book dealer in Manhattan, and lage has a thriving Main Street and is eas-
snakes and raw natural
Brooklyn’s Bergen Street Comics, which ily walkable, yet had no bookstore.
life, each one of these
specialized in comics and graphic novels. They hope their timing is right. “There
stories leads you deep
He also was employed at the New York was a time when cheapest and fastest was into the inner lives of its
University library. the motivator for everything,” says Heidi. characters and leaves you wanting more.” 
“I liked sharing the excitement over “But it feels like there’s a growing sense
Rat F**ked: Why Your
books in bookstores, but found the NYU that people want great spaces in their
Vote Doesn’t Count,
job isolating,” he recalls. community and are willing to spend a
by David Daley
He left the library and, after Bergen few extra dollars” to support them. “We’ve
Street Books closed, found a job at Com- had such a positive response.” “A thorough, compelling
look at gerrymandering.
munity Bookstore in Park Slope, which Even before it opens, Split Rock formed
Daley convincingly shows
was founded in 1971. (The original owner a partnership with the Sunset Reading Se-
how smaller elections
still lives over the shop.) ries, whose next event, a reading by Benja-
like state legislatures
“That cemented it,” he says. “I didn’t min Taylor, author of The Hue and Cry at
and governors,
want to do anything else.” Our House, is scheduled for Sunday, June
combined with biased redistricting, can
Heidi, a native of Connecticut and west- 24, at the Chapel Restoration. It will sell affect who ends up controlling Congress
ern Massachusetts, earned a degree in Eng- books at the readings and donate a portion for a decade or more.”
Early arrivals Photo by A. Rooney lish literature from Vassar. After spending of the proceeds to the series and the chapel.

L E R , I . campaign kickoff cocktail party
IMITED DITIONS EALTY NC
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BARBARA SCUCCIMARRA
A centrally located Garrison home for the
commuter to NYC, post offi ce and library.
Preserved land in front of home and
PUTNAM COUNTY LEGISLATOR
privacy to the rear. Three (3) bedrooms,
2 full baths, family room with fi replace
and offi ce. Portion of pond is on property.
A nice fi nd in this residential area.
MLS 4819978 JUNE 6 2018
Cold Spring COMMERCIAL $1.3 Million
A prime 1860’s commercial
The Bird and Bottle Inn
building in prominent village
location. First fl oor is open plan
2000SF raw space to be built
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dio apt. and CAC. The 2000SF
space with 12 foot ceilings and Garrison RSVP: 914.482.8039 or
off street parking in rear makes 6-8pm barbaraforleg.eventbrite.com
for an imaginative venture for
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paid for by Friends of Barbara Scuccimarra
Cold Spring $465,000
A 2-unit multi-family village home
is located in a much desired and
convenient location. Each unit has
2 bedrooms and bath, living room
and eat-in-kitchen. The home is
kept in good condition and close
to all the amenities of village life.
Off-street parking is offered for all
tenants and the home is close to
the commuter rail.
A good investment for the long term visionary. MLS 4710563
Questions? Call Pat: 845.222.5820
LimitedEditionsRealty.com
highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current June 1, 2018 9
Julia Sniffen: 20 Years at Haldane
High school principal,
"Watching the students grow,
formerly a teacher, recounts
seeing them making good
changes decisions, to hopefully be a
positive influence — that’s the
By Alison Rooney
greatest reward."
Julia Sniffen pulls out a framed photo
from a shelf in her office and points You get so proud of your students
to a child. “I called him in recently through the years; you become so involved
and showed it to him and told him he was at stages of the lives; whether they’re get-
in diapers then, now he’s 18 and graduat- ting a job, or have found an incredible BO-
ing,” she says. CES [vocational] program that’s just right
Soon the Connecticut native will be able for them, it’s exciting. You always want to
to say that frequently, as this marks her know how they’re doing. I’ve even seen
20th school year with the Haldane Central a few become teachers here themselves.
School District in Cold Spring. She began When I started, Tom and Joe Virgadamo,
as an elementary school teacher in 1997- Ryan McConville, Kristin Peparo and Mi-
98, (when she was Julia Marchinkowski) chelle Grasso were all still students.
and is now the high school principal.
Did you always want to be a
In a recent conversation, Sniffen reflect-
teacher?
ed on her time at Haldane. Her remarks
There was never a question. When I was
have been condensed.
hired at Haldane as a student teacher for
What has brought you the greatest the third and fourth grade, my mom said,
satisfaction? “I’m so glad I’m not a student anymore”
Watching the students grow, seeing because of all the times I had made her
them making good decisions, to hopefully play school as a kid.
be a positive influence — that’s the great- I also coached varsity girls’ soccer. I took
est reward. My role is, first, to be sure that over Mrs. Battersby’s third-grade class
the school is safe, and then to allow each when she was on maternity leave. Then I
student to find his or her own voice, not to taught fourth grade and also moved into
tell them what their voice should be. Men- other areas, mainly in technology.
tal health is the most important thing, In 2005, when the new high school was
Julia Sniffen Photo by A. Rooney
making kids feel good about who they are. built, my title was (Continued on Page 10)
Mount Saint Mary College
Where would a degree
from the Mount take you?
Join us for a Transfer and
Graduate Admissions Event
Tuesday, June 5 • 10 AM–7 PM
Register today at msmc.edu/TransferEvent
10 June 1, 2018 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com
Julia Sniffen: 20 Years at Haldane
(from Page 9)
sixth. We were constantly juggling the
"Sandy Hook changed my
middle school coordinator. When Brian Alm tary, so we had three principals instead of same classes of kids in different years.
arrived as high school principal, my title two. I was assistant middle school princi- philosophy and theory of safe Our relationship has never not known
changed to assistant principal, elementary/ pal, so I shifted to principal. When [high schools. It used to be all hugs and Haldane. It used to be harder, both of us
middle school. After eight years of being a school principal] Peter Carucci left in here; now it’s easier, because I’m not run-
friendliness. Now we need to be
teacher, I felt a need to learn more. The ad- 2017, Dr. Bowers asked if I could pitch in. ning the middle school faculty room. Jeff is
ministrative piece fit right in with that. I couldn’t have been a high school prin- sure our kids are safe. Mental an awesome teacher — I think I’m allowed
The approach to instruction has cipal five years earlier; I wasn’t ready. But health is a big part of it." to say that! — though I’ve never observed
changed tremendously. When I arrived my own kids are older [William is 13 and him formally, of course! And our kids
there was no internet. Now, teaching kids Caroline, 11] and I don’t have to spend as are so active now that there’s not a lot of
It begins in high school with freshmen
how to be problem-solvers is huge. We’re much time with them as I did earlier, and conversation about Haldane at home. We
having to spend lunch in the cafeteria.
asking them to think more deeply, not I also have had life experiences that can looked at buying a house in Cold Spring
By the time they’re seniors they have all
just skim the surface. There used to be so help me help an 18-year-old. when the kids were younger but realized
kinds of off-campus privileges which don’t
much more memorizing. Now it’s about they would be “The Sniffen Children” and
How have your concerns about require them to be here every period. For
analysis, synthesizing, making connec- needed to weigh that.
security changed? the seniors, we have a panel of our college
tions. Things which used to start in col-
I was here when Columbine happened freshmen come in at the end of their first What are three positives about
lege are woven through all grade levels.
[in 1999]. The world was so different; I year to talk to them. Haldane?
Social media has complicated things. I
didn’t even hear about it until our board This will be my second graduation Our students are spectacular role mod-
believe in human interaction, face to face,
meeting that night. Sandy Hook changed speech. Last year, I had only been in the els. I’m constantly impressed. That’s
so you can see emotions. I try hard not to
my philosophy and theory of safe schools. job for three months, so I called on Bri- coupled by the care and concern of this
go near it, although I also think, as a prin-
It used to be all hugs and friendliness. an and Stephanie [Impellittiere, the for- high school staff for these kids. Finally,
cipal, that you need a presence.
Now we need to be sure our kids are safe. mer Garrison School principal] for help, the community; if I need something I can
What are the benefits of staying at Mental health is a big part of it. The rela- because, for instance, the Garrison kids pick up the phone. The love is deep. So
one school? tionship I’ve had with each of our SROs barely knew me. This year’s speech will be many people have been deeply involved
I’ve worked for three elementary princi- [school resource officers] has given me the the first one that comes directly from me. for so many years. We have people who
pals, five high school principals, four super- perspective of someone trained in a dif- graduated 50 years ago always coming
Where did you meet your
intendents, and many directors of special ferent way that I am, and that’s valuable; back here, with pride.
husband, Jeff?
education. When you don’t need to learn the otherwise we could miss something.
I was teaching third grade. He came to How about three challenges?
culture of the school you can observe and
Does Haldane help prepare its high the door and said, “I’m your sub.” And I Ensuring in a small school that all stu-
learn more easily. Brian and I were the lon-
school students to leave? said, “No, you’re not — I’m here, so I don’t dents have what they need to grow and
gest and closest in terms of being able to de-
It’s a gradual release, almost equivalent need you.” Those were our first words! A learn to be all they can be. The inability for
bate, discuss, process and argue, but when
to what happens between kindergarten year later, we went out to dinner. A couple people to have differences of opinion and
the door opened, we were a team.
and third grade. There are touchpoints of years after we met, we were engaged. to be able to work together to come up with
How did you get the high school job? along the way, like getting released for We kept it under wraps. He was a sub, a consensus. And the fiscal constraints are
Dr. Bowers [Superintendent Diana Bow- 10th period with no supervision, or not then a leave replacement, then he taught different that they used to be. You want to
ers] split the middle school from elemen- needing an adult to get them off the bus. kindergarten, second grade, eventually do everything, but you get stuck.
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Alighiero Boetti Giulio Paolini Arte Povera: From the 11am to 5pm.
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Cold Spring, NY 10516