Kathleen E Foley for Mayor of Cold Spring

Eliza, Tweeps, Cathryn and I officially took office at noon today. We will be sworn in, along with Joe, Tuesday at 7 in Village Hall. Hope you can join us. Masks up, please! (And yes, that’s a welcome mat!)

When you're in the woods, do you wonder about the walls you see? This looks like an amazing online talk.

Have you ever wondered about the many stone walls that are found throughout the Northeast? Here is your chance to learn more about them! On Wed. January 12th at 7 pm, Susan Allport will share with us a presentation on her book, "Sermons in Stone." Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4fw34sxc

Putnam Historian
Putnam County Tourism Teaching the Hudson Valley Hudson Valley Magazine
Photo by Jack Amick, Flickr, Creative Commons

This Saturday! See you at the dock!

Tweeps, Eliza and I have said thank you to so many people for everything they did to help us during the campaign. The person I haven't thanked enough is my husband, John Hedlund.

This man. He often has more faith and confidence in me than I have in myself. Over twenty-eight years, he has had my back, always. Always encouraged me, always been a true partner in our life together. He's always made space for me to follow my bliss. Campaigns are hard on families. The work is constant. It's stressful. It's a strain on everyone when one partner is away so much and the other is picking up a huge amount of slack in household and parenting responsibilities. John never hesitated, no matter how tired he got, no matter how complex the logistics. He made sure we all get fed, the kids got to soccer, cleats were the right size, etc. And he was always at the ready to schlep stuff for events, press a skirt at the last minute, or be social when he really, really would have preferred to be on the couch with the New York Times.

Putting oneself forward as a candidate opens one to criticism and attack. It's hard for a partner to watch. It takes incredible restraint to stand down and stay silent. John is solid that way, and he was my rock through the worst moments. He gives me courage to lean into the wind. But even better, he was my joy through the amazing moments, which were far more abundant than the challenges.

And on top of all that, John makes a mean potato galette. I'm happy to be spending another Thanksgiving with this guy. Happiest of days to you all and your families. Everyone in the Foley/Hedlund house is grateful to be part of Cold Spring with you.

Tuesday 11/23. Zoom link below.

The agenda for tomorrow night's Village Board meeting (Tuesday 11/23). Link to join the zoom session is mid-page here: https://www.coldspringny.gov/mayor-board-trustees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 16, 2021

MAYOR-ELECT FOLEY WELCOMES TRUSTEE-ELECT FADDE AND ANNOUNCES INTENDED APPOINTMENT TO FIFTH TRUSTEE SEAT

Kathleen E. Foley, the Village of Cold Spring’s Mayor-elect, congratulates Trustee-elect Cathryn Fadde, whose election was secured with the counting of absentee ballots by the Putnam County Board of Elections today. The election will be officially certified by the BOE in the coming weeks, once write-ins are read and full vote tallies made and verified. Of Fadde’s win, Foley said: “Trustees-Elect Woods and Starbuck join me in welcoming Cathryn as our colleague. We look forward to working with her, and we will support her in her efforts on the Village’s behalf.”

In addition, Foley announced that she will appoint Joe Curto to fill the trustee seat she will vacate when she takes office as Mayor. Joe and his wife, Kathy, have lived in Cold Spring for over twenty-five years and raised their four children here, all K-12 Haldane graduates. In that time, Joe has served as President of the Haldane School Foundation, Vice President of the Julia Butterfield Memorial Library board, and Treasurer of the Philipstown Little League. Additionally, he was a seven-year trustee and three-term President of the Haldane Board of Education, where he stewarded significant capital projects and helped move many initiatives to completion. Professionally, Joe ran a family-owned commercial real estate and management firm for over thirty years. Currently, he owns and operates Yonkers Tennis Center, a well-respected business in operation for more than thirty-seven years and with twenty-plus employees. Of the appointment, Foley said:

"I asked Joe to join us because he brings a wealth of community and leadership experience that will complement the new configuration of the Village Board nicely. With decades of experience in business, finance, property management, and organizational administration, he provides the kind of knowledge we need to support balanced budgets, infrastructure projects, and our village’s general operation. He is a creative and collaborative leader with a strong dose of common sense and good neighborliness. I am delighted that he has agreed to step up."

In addition to his professional experience and local volunteerism, Joe has helped administer several nonprofit organizations in Westchester. He served on the board of the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, was Treasurer of Yonkers Partners in Education, and currently serves as Vice Chair of Groundwork Hudson Valley in Yonkers, a nonprofit that creates sustainable environmental change in urban neighborhoods. Commenting on his appointment, Joe said:

"In my conversations with Kathleen, it was obvious she has a vision and the plan to execute that vision. That excited me to get back in public service. In my years of serving on boards, what always succeeded was a leadership team working together, recognizing and motivating staff, and bringing our constituents along for the ride. I’m looking forward to working with Kathleen and my fellow trustees, Tweeps, Eliza, and Cathryn. We will each come at problem-solving from different experiences, which is what you want in public officials. Additionally, I would like to thank and recognize Trustees Murphy and Early as well as Mayor Merandy for their tireless years of service."

The public is invited to attend the in-person swearing-in of Foley, Woods, Starbuck and Fadde at Village Hall on Tuesday, December 7 at 7pm. The annual village reorganization meeting will follow, and include Curto’s appointment and swearing-in. Mask-wearing is encouraged for all attendees, and required of those who are not vaccinated.

There will be a brief ceremony sponsored by the American Legion at 11:00am at the memorial on St Mary's lawn. The 11th hour of the 11th day, in the 11th month.

Check out this free conference, Cold Spring. . .

Hudson River Foundation The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program is virtually bringing together members of the community, non-profits, academia, and local, state and federal government to talk water quality and how it affects our lives and our community. How should we encourage equitable and safe waterfront access?...

The agenda and link for this evening's Village Board meeting, starting at 7pm via zoom.

This evening at 7:00 the Village Board holds its November monthly meeting via Zoom. Backup documents found here:
https://www.coldspringny.gov/mayor-board-trustees/agenda/board-trustees-139

Link to join the session is here:
https://www.coldspringny.gov/mayor-board-trustees

I think we grabbed all of our signs today. If we missed any, please send me a message via this page and one of the team will grab it. Thanks!

Thank you for putting your trust in us, Cold Spring. Eliza, Tweeps and I are ready to give our all, alongside our neighbors. Thank you for the support, encouragement, and JOY everyone brought to our campaign. We're so very grateful.

We had the most amazing campaign team behind us. Endless hours. Deep commitment. Outrageous creativity. Tireless dedication. And so many Villagers stood up to carry us through these many months. Event hosts, block captains, canvassers, sign makers. All ages, all party affiliations, Cold Spring lifers and brand new arrivals. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

It is tradition in the Village for concessions to be made in person. It's not an easy thing to do. It takes humility and honor. Last night, Vinny Tamagna, Cathryn Fadde and Yaslyn Daniels joined us to shake hands and raise glasses. I told Vinny that I look forward to working with him in his capacity as County Transportation Manager, finding new and expanded ways to serve western Putnam and the Village.

Barring an unlikely dramatic shift in the absentee ballot count, Cathryn will be on the dais with Tweeps, Eliza and me, along with my appointee to fill my seat. We welcome her as our colleague, and we will support her in her work on the Village's behalf. Our approaches to questions may be different, but we can all agree to do right by the community.

This is what democracy looks like. You defend your ideas and positions. You disagree. And then you find common ground, start fresh and work hard. Let's do this, Cold Spring.

This. Woman.

Thank you, Laura, dear friend.

The Forge Ahead Team voted! Great to see Nelsonville neighbor Rudy getting his vote on, too! When are YOU heading to the Methodist Church, Cold Spring? Polls open til 9pm, corner of Main & Orchard.

Thank you Dana!

Goooooooooood mooooooooooooorning COLD SPRING!!!! Today is the day!! Polls open for village voters at the Methodist Church, Orchard & Main. 6am to 9pm. Get. Your. Vote. On.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our election eve celebration. It was great to take a breath with you all. We're grateful to everyone who has supported and helped us these many months. Sending best wishes to all candidates in all races.

Remy/Young Household…ya’ll ROCK.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! So much happening today!

* LAST DAY OF EARLY VOTING: 9am-2pm, North Highlands Fire House, 504 Fishkill Road. Vote Foley, Starbuck and Woods!

* Haldane's Varsity Girls Soccer Sectional Final at Nyack High School at 12:30. Go Lady Blue Devils!

* Trick or Treating in the Village. Parrott Street is amazing, and we're all grateful for the spectacle our neighbors pull off every year! Remember, too, that there are lots of streets in the Village and folks who love to see the kids. . .spread the Halloween fun! Side streets are especially great with little ones who find the Parrott Street crowd too much.

Have fun, be safe, and if you see our CSPD out there, please thank them for helping to manage traffic and pedestrians.

Why am I running with Tweeps Phillips Woods and Eliza Starbuck? Any why am I asking you to vote for all three of us?

We’re very different people. We each have unique perspectives. We challenge each other’s thinking in the best ways. As colleagues, we bring a range of skills that are complimentary:

Eliza is a visionary, big-picture thinker. She defines “can do.” Look at the success of her business, Flowercup Wine—it’s now an anchor of Main Street. And she revitalized the Chamber of Commerce, including building a working relationship with the Village Board.

I’m a researcher, a planner, an organizer. It’s not just my trade—it’s my nature.

Tweeps is a pro at community engagement and project implementation. She was a rock star in the NYC Parks Department and in Mayor Bloomberg’s Office of Operations. If you’ve enjoyed Brooklyn Bridge Park, you can thank Tweeps.

Ideas. Planning. Implementation.Dedication to community.
That’s a combination that gets good work done.

Read more about Tweeps's background on her website, and why she loves this village so much.

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The skies in the Village this morning definitely look Halloween-like! The parade seems likely to get rained on this evening, but guess where you can stay nice and dry in the meantime? AT THE EARLY POLLING LOCATION! Saturday 10/30 and Sunday 10/31, open 9am to 2pm at the North Highlands Fire House 504 Fishkill Road. Please vote for me, Tweeps and Eliza. Let's Forge Ahead, Cold Spring! Sample ballot below, in comments.

Thank you Rebecca, Tracy and all our supporters on Church Street!

Brrrr! It's chilly today! Get your blood flowing with a visit to the polls for early voting. Open today, Friday, Oct 29th, til 5pm. North Highlands Fire House, 504 Fishkill Road.

Thank you Neighbor John Plummer!

Thank you to long-time community leader and mentor Joe Curto!

Highlands Current, October 22, 2021

For the past 18-plus months, I’ve been basically locked up navigating my company through the horrors of COVID-19. With solid footing finally in place, I’m looking to reengage with public policy locally again.

Some may recall I spent many years on the Haldane Board of Education as well as many other local nonprofits. As you know, we’re in election season here in the village, and an important election at that. One scenario has 80 percent of the existing Village Board turning over, which should be of concern. I know most of the candidates and all are honorable people — a positive.

I took time recently to sit down with Kathleen, Eliza and Tweeps in a quiet setting and talk “shop.” I knew Kathleen for many years through Haldane but hadn’t met Eliza or Tweeps. Bios and press releases are nice but a thorough back-and-forth is where you learn things about people.

I came away from the 90-minute talk very impressed. This wasn’t a bunch of left-wing radicals as some have depicted but a smart, practical and creative-thinking group that is willing to pivot and think out-of-the-box without losing grasp of the issue at hand.

I shared some stories of the past dysfunction in Haldane politics and how reaching across the table can work, and those who I was told were enemies were good people once you got to know them. They spoke of humility and not having answers to everything, which is a must in public life. I was impressed and I’m willing to give them a shot. My hand is raised to help, and I encourage you in the next two weeks to learn more about them. I think you’ll be as impressed as I was.

Joe Curto, Cold Spring

Here being the North Highlands Fire Department, 504 Fishkill Road! Today, Thursday 10/28 there are extended hours, 9am to 8pm. Get your EARLY vote on!

Are you wondering where I stand on the biggest issues we face as a Village? You'll find clear, straightforward information on my website, as well as links to the sites of my running mates, Eliza Starbuck and Tweeps Phillips Woods.
https://www.forgeaheadwithfoley.com/village-issues?fbclid=IwAR3lei2ckeTKh14i4fSZqo8mMQKWUr28oCSGBZNKqbars3mE_eE8SWk666E

Village Issues — Kathleen E Foley for Cold Spring Mayor Village Issues Villagers have asked great questions over the last few months. Below are answers to some of the ones asked most frequently. You can also compare and contrast my positions with those of my opponent by watching the live forum hosted the by the Highlands Current on October 13th: https://...

Folks have asked questions about the structure of the two ballot referenda related to cannabis. Specifically, why are they worded as they are?

In March 2021, the Ma*****na Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) legalized the possession, sale and consumption of cannabis all across New York State. Under the opt-out provision of the law, local municipalities like the Village of Cold Spring can ask voters, via ballot referendum, if they would like the municipality to NOT allow on-site consumption & sales within their municipal boundaries. That is, voters are being to say yes or no to the Village:

(in #6, Village Prop 1) PROHIBITING consumption of cannabis on-site, in state-licensed dispensaries, cafes, etc; and

(in #7, Village Prop 2) PROHIBITING the sale of cannabis in state-licensed dispensaries within the village boundaries.

More information on the state law is available here:
https://cannabis.ny.gov/laws-regulations
And you can see the full sample ballot for the village here:https://putnamboe.com/.../uploads/2021/09/PHILIPSTOWN-3.pdf

Polls for early voting are open on both sides of Putnam County this year because our neighbors have stepped up to do the work. THANK YOU to poll workers! Today, Wednesday, October 27, you can vote from 9am to 5pm at the North Highlands Fire House, 504 Fishkill Road. No lines, no waiting!

Thank you, John, Richard and Bill.

Do you know the best way to chase the blues on a rainy, rainy day?
VOTE EARLY!!
NORTH HIGHLANDS FIRE HOUSE, 504 FISHKILL ROAD
(near Perks Plaza/Philipstown Square)
TODAY, TUESDAY 10/26, 9AM TO 8PM.

NORTH HIGHLANDS FIRE HOUSE, 504 FISHKILL ROAD (near Perks Plaza/Philipstown Square). TODAY, MONDAY 10/25, 9AM TO 5PM. Remember to flip your ballot to say YES to expanded voter rights and curtailing partisan gerrymandering (see graphic in comments of this post).

Monday, October 25, 9 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, October 26, 9 am to 8 pm
Wednesday, October 27, 9 am to 5 pm
Thursday, October 28, 9 am to 8 pm
Friday, October 29, 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday, October 30, 9 am to 2 pm
Sunday, October 31, 9 am to 2 pm

Governor Kathy Hochul comes from local government--she was a town board member, a town clerk, and a county legislator. She understands that local governments are the most direct democracies--and the level at which public services, infrastructure, and health and safety have the greatest impacts. Tweeps and I met Governor Hochul this morning, kicking off our advocacy for Cold Spring. We're encouraged to finally have a Governor who understands that local government really, really matters and the state needs to have our backs. We're eager to do good work with Governor Hochul (Birdie was a little less eager, as you can see, but one day she'll look back at that photo and know how cool it was that she met the first woman to serve as Governor of the State of New York).

Thank you Rebeca Ramirez!

It's happening! Early voting has begun at the the North Highlands fire house! Thank you, NHFD, for helping to ensure that voters on the west side of Putnam County also have an early voting option. The fire house is located at 504 Fishkill Road, right near Perks Plaza/Philipstown Square. Parking and entrance at the rear of the building. Here's the schedule for the next week.

Saturday, October 23, 9 am to 2 pm
Sunday, October 24, 9 am to 2 pm
Monday, October 25, 9 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, October 26, 9 am to 8 pm
Wednesday, October 27, 9 am to 5 pm
Thursday, October 28, 9 am to 8 pm
Friday, October 29, 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday, October 30, 9 am to 2 pm
Sunday, October 31, 9 am to 2 pm

In addition to choosing our community leaders in this election, we're being asked other important questions. Three propositions ask us to stand up for voting rights. Two ask us to decide if we want to permit the sales and on-site consumption of cannabis in the Village. This is what the ballot will look like. The Forge Ahead team is committed to voter education. Know before you vote! Polls open until 9pm at the Methodist Church, Orchard & Main!

Throw Back Thursday!
Helping the City of Hudson to re-imagine its downtown and waterfront--and secure funding to transform ideas into reality--was one of the most fascinating and invigorating projects I've worked on (if you'd like to have a look at my analysis/writing and River Architects’ designs, click here: https://www.ny.gov/.../atoms/files/DRIHudsonApplication.pdf.

I've used my grantwriting skills to benefit our Village as well, securing nearly $100,000 in state grants. I wrote the grants that paid to update our Historic District's ordinance and design standards, and helped the Tree Advisory Board secure an urban and community forestry grant.
https://highlandscurrent.org/2017/08/19/10-million-women/

The $10 Million Women Two Cold Spring planners land big grant for city of Hudson

If you haven't been able to watch the recording of the live 10/13 Highlands Current forum, here is an edited transcript. Do please contact me with any follow-up questions you may have.

Forum: Cold Spring Mayor Candidates discuss issues facing village

The Q&A printed in this week's PCNR (Oct 20 2021). There is a paywall on the PCNR page, so if you don't have an online subscription, you won't be able to follow the link to the full article. The papers should be on newstands today. My responses are below.
https://www.pcnr.com/articles/cold-spring-mayor-race/

BRIEFLY, WHY ARE YOU SEEKING TO BE MAYOR, AND YOUR BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

Cold Spring is my home and I’m invested here.

I was elected Trustee in 2020, but I’m not new to Village Hall. I served the Historic District Review Board for 13 years, seven as Vice Chair. I’ve contributed to long-term projects, including the Comprehensive Plan Special Board and one of its working groups. I helped draft our local ordinance for public tree management.

I’m the principal of Mirador Consulting. My professional life is diverse and cross-disciplinary, with core focus civic engagement and participatory process. I have a BA in Communication Management and Design, as well as an MA in Historic Preservation and a PhD in City & Regional Planning. The work I’ve done in those fields for close to 30 years – primarily with local governments – ranges from strategic planning to project management; institution building; resource development; and conflict mitigation. I’ve done extensive community organizing for environmental protections as well as economic and social justice. This range of experiences gives me the essential skills our mayor needs.

WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 ISSUES COLD SPRING FACES RIGHT NOW, AND HOW SHOULD THEY BEST BE ADDRESSED?

The Village doesn’t have a large budget to work with – about $2.5M – and currently we have few revenue sources beyond property taxes. Worse, Putnam County doesn’t return our share of sales tax generated by Village businesses. The comprehensive plan identifies ways to expand our operating revenue and tax base, and we need to see them through: managing and charging for visitor parking (implement the parking plan!); redeveloping the Marathon site; re-imagining our waterfront to prioritize resident access/enjoyment and include an integral, reconstructed Boat Club facility. Revenue from our public waterfront assets must be in the calculus.

As storms worsen with climate change, every Villager experiences impacts like flooding, falling trees, prolonged power outages, etc. We must repair our Village dams, reengineer our storm drains and culverts, and plan for inundation at the waterfront. Every aspect of our infrastructure, including the rail underpass, has to be hardened. We need to work with Metro North to fortify the subway passage, as was done in Garrison.

Rationalizing movement to and from hiking trails can help mitigate visitor impacts in the Village, and partnership between the State, the Town, the Village, and the Fjord Trail team is critical to that project’s success. I will be at the table advocating for Cold Spring. Further, we must insist that our volunteer first responders have more backup from Parks – when someone is hurt or lost on the mountain, that drains our Fire Department/EMS and leaves Villagers vulnerable for hours. It’s not sustainable.

SHOULD COLD SPRING CONTINUE TO HAVE A POLICE DEPARTMENT? SHOULD IT BE CHANGED OR RECONFIGURED?

We need locally accountable police officers who know the Village and engage proactively with our families. We can’t be vulnerable to county level political vagaries that impact funding and staffing for the Sheriff’s office.

Cold Spring is the population and commercial center of western Putnam; we’re a major tourist destination, bisected by a state highway. We have crowds to manage and roads to patrol. And although the Village is very safe, we’re not immune to crime or crises.

Officer-in-Charge Burke sets high standards for CSPD. He’s committed to updating best practice policies for the Department, and to doing it with meaningful input from residents and stakeholders. As Mayor, I will work closely with Officer Burke to see that process through, and make sure his team has the resources they need to do their jobs well.

COLD SPRING HAS FEW AREAS WHERE IT MIGHT GROW, SAVE FOR THE MARATHON SITE. PLEASE DSCUSS WHAT STEPS THE VILLAGE SHOULD TAKE REGARDING THE SITE. REGARDING BUSINESS GENERALLY?

Marathon is private property – it will be developed. That’s capitalism. The developer is entitled to propose a plan, but the public should also have high expectations for the site. It’s our job to make sure that this former brownfield comes back to life in a way that is well-integrated into our historic Village.

We need to re-zone the site to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Strategy – both call for mixed uses that are tax positive, protect views, and include clean/ green commerce, live/work spaces and public amenities. Both identify vehicular access and traffic mitigation as prerequisites to any development. The public needs to be engaged with the site plan process to ensure all of that happens.

Regarding businesses in general, the Village’s role is to provide reliable infrastructure: safe sidewalks, safe roads, public toilets, water and sewers. We aren’t meant to promote or cultivate businesses, the Chamber of Commerce is. But Village Hall also shouldn’t be an obstacle to new ventures that serve residents and visitors. Our economy evolves. We must remain open-minded and receptive to new ideas.

MAYOR DAVE MERANDY AND TRUSTEES MARIE EARLY AND FRAN MURPHY HAVE BEEN A RELATIVELY STEADY PRESENCE ON THE VILLAGE BOARD. WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU ANTICIPATE IF ELECTED?

Mayor Merandy and Trustees Early and Murphy worked tirelessly to fortify the administration of Village government through our finances, our code and professionalizing our volunteer boards. That strong foundation allows for future Village Boards to improve the public-facing elements of work at Village Hall. I’m planning for active, engaged cooperation among Trustees, employees and volunteers, and working with each department to provide the resources, and support and coordination needed to achieve common goals.

We also need to expand our focus beyond day-to-day Village business to proactively plan capital projects. We’ve got pressing concerns that can’t be pushed down the road anymore: dams, paving, sidewalk repairs. Deferred work doesn’t get cheaper. We need to anticipate State and Federal grant sources, and be ready to apply when they become available. And, when appropriate and prudent, we need to carefully structure bonds to get critical projects done with minimal tax impacts.

The Village Board doesn’t necessarily have the only solutions to questions. I’m committed to increasing opportunities for volunteer engagement, and really tapping into community expertise. I’d like to set up specific, focused advisory working groups to work on the issues that often bog down the Trustees: budgeting, infrastructure, and potential shared services. These are areas where dedicated research from interested volunteers can bring in new perspectives– and cultivate future leaders by welcoming meaningful involvement.