Livsey: storm repair work continues

repair
(Photo by MJ Pitt) - The Town of Highlands isn’t the only municipality still working to make repairs after the devastating July 9 floods here. Behind Town Hall for the last month or so, ATech Concrete has worked on behalf of the Village of Highland Falls to rebuild about 300 feet of rock walls that line Highland Brook. Mayor Joe D’Onofrio said he is pleased with the work and that it is part of storm-related FEMA approved work.

Gave short update at Monday’s board meeting

At Monday’s Town Board meeting several community updates were provided and actions taken. 

Supervisor Bob Livsey, for instance, noted that “six  months post-storm” not all road work has been completed, and said that’s partially due to different requirements  set by FEMA, which the town is counting on for reimbursement of much of the work. He said Canterbury Rd., Firefighters Memorial Drive and Forest Hill Rd. are complete; Mine Dock will be done once a new culvert is put in place; and the town is waiting for proposals for work on Locust Lane, Mine Rd., Laurel Way and Dry Creek Rd.

“We talk to FEMA every single week,” the supervisor said, as they work to move the repairs along. He added that they are still also working to have a mold issue at Town Hall remediated after the storm.

Among other matters:

— Police Chief Frank Basile said in November his officers responded to 18 motor vehicle accidents and 118 calls for service; investigated three cases which resulted in two arrests; and made 63 car stops with 25 traffic tickets written. Basile also noted that he’d like to purchase three vehicles in 2024, with funds in reserve accounts, insurance money and with a transfer of unused money from the department’s ‘personal services’ budget line. The board responded positively to his request; Basile said he will start looking for vehicles which may be available early in the new year. 

— Supervisor Livsey read a letter town-outside-village residents received about a non-emergency “drinking water standard violation”. He said the staff at the village’s Water Plant (from which the town purchases water) is working with the Department of Health to address the issue.

— Livsey also read a letter from the Church of the Holy Innocents looking for donations to help with some $600,000 in storm-related damages. Those wishing to make donations can send them to the church at PO Box 116, Highland Falls, NY 10928. The letter noted that the church is much-used by the community, as an election polling location, senior activities center, a food pantry, and for community and senior events.

— The board okayed a new member of the Environmental Advisory Committee, Roxanne Bartolone. Deputy Supervisor Rich Sullivan thanked committee members for all they do for the community, using no town monies.

— Councilman Joe DeWitt said leaf collection work is still in progress in Fort Montgomery. He also thanked all those who “brought joy to the community” with the Holiday Hop.

— Supervisor Livsey reminded community emergency service workers, and highway/roads and grounds workers of a luncheon for them at the American Legion Hall Sunday at noon.