The Copake Fire Dept. Professional, Polite and well Trained

Bob, your newspaper is a great service to the town. I think that the new reports that you are publishing about the fire department and all the calls they make is an important civic lesson for us all. Something we don't think about often enough. We are lucky to have such a terrific department here in Copake. In the few times I have met them they have always been professional, polite and it seems to me very well trained. Their Chiefs and the whole town should be very proud, and I think lucky to have such a group. Oh yes and they make great chicken BBQ too. John R.

Rush to Judgment

Rush to Judgment “Mr. Blue,” I believe this is yours,” yelled the man standing outside my porch. Just a moment before on this quiet late Saturday morning, Ihad been startled by a loud and furious banging on the porch door. Sticking my head out from the kitchen doorway, I saw Bill Kane standing there, his face red and full of rage. “What’s the problem?” I asked at which he dropped a heavy, large black garbage bag on my lawn. “This is the problem,” he said. You left your garbage in the garbagecan at the clubhouse. I barely knew Bill. At the time he was still living in Taconic Shores (where I live) and once or twice we had had abrief conversation. "Well," I said, trying to stay calm. "First of all, that's where garbage is supposed to be left - in garbage cans. And secondly, it's not my garbage. "And I told him where it had come from. Earlier that morning I had been riding in Taconic Shores when I passed a friend picking up some garbage that someone had strewn all over a grassy public area. I stopped and she expressed annoyance about the situation. "But I don'tknow what to do with this bag now," she said pointing to the garbage that she had accumulated. It was too big to fit into the small town County bags that I had bought , but I volunteered "I'll take it over to the clubhouse for you. "At the clubhouse office I described the situation to Joanne who works there. "Dump it in one of the garbage cans in the back," she said. And that's what I did. I quickly told all this to Bill,. "Well I'm having a party in the clubhouse later today, and I don't want to have to deal with your garbage, he replied. And he stormed away, leaving the garbage behind,and leaving me with the impression that he had not heard a word I said. No good deed goes unpunished. Now Bill is running for Town Justice against an incumbent, Brian Herman, who also has years of experience as a trained attorney. Let's see, who do I want as a town justice? Someone trained in the law who has the capacity to listen and reason things through? Or someone who makes snap judgments and ignores the facts? Hmmm. Howard Blue

Revive the Copake Movie Theater

Bob, As I knocked on doors to register "weekenders", one couple in a very substantial house in West Copake on Rhoda pond, bent my ear for over a quarter of an hour about the loss of the movie house. As they put that bee in my ear , I could not agree more with your Chronicle sentiments about it's loss, and the forming of a group to revive it with private funds, (a co-op). With the demise of the Hudson plex, there is a marketing opportunity for one in Copake. This could be the central event in the revitalization plan. Perhaps the township can donate some land. Perhaps the old railroad station buildings could be moved to it and renovated. Since the mode today is a plex, the small spaces in the two buildings would not be limiting. There is a lot of private money in Copake as the Library indicated. Why not go after it? Leonard

About The Chronicle

I have learned more from this paper than any other source since moving here eight years ago Laurie

Improving the Quality of the Police

Lately there has been a lot of discussion about the Copake Police force. Some think cutting the hours is a good place to save money. Others feel cutting it would be an invitation for more crime.

There is a third option and that is to mere the Copake police into the County Sheriffs organization. It is something that is not new and is similar to what is under consideration in Hamilton County, Ohio. Hamilton County includes the city of Cincinnati, and many other small municipalities. Norwood, Ohio is an example. It measures just one mile by two mile or about 1200 acres.

While Copake is much bigger in size than Norwood, it has many less people making efficiency policing harder to achieve. Merging the smaller police forces has been tried around Louisville, Kentucky too. The experience in Louisville has been that it did not save any money, but did improve the efficiency and quality of policing. Merging the Copake Police into the County Sheriffs office should offer similar results. There is little question a larger police force can offer better training, more flexibility in scheduling with better utilization of equipment. By merging the Copake Police the town would not save money but would improve the quality of policing.

Grant

JunkYard Wars

JunkYard Wars

Several months ago, Town Board leadership decided to appoint a task force to review the only zoning law in Copake that is still under the Town Board’s direct control. To be clear, Motor Vehicle Storage Permit regulation of junk yards and motor vehicle operations are, in every other town I know, regulated by zoning, not by town boards – and there are very good reasons for that.

Copake’s citizens may well decide they like the message it sends to visitors when junkers are strewn along entry roads to our town. There is, however, no argument about the environmental consequences of leaving rusting, useless hulks along the road and in fields for years. That is why in virtually every other town across America, requires permits and regulations to store rusting vehicles whose broken or dismantled parts leak anti -freeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, motor, transmission and rear end oil into town grounds and water systems where those toxic fluids and rust leach into the earth and water, are almost impossible to get. This is not a Republican v Democrat issue. This is not a political football to use in election politics. This is an important land use issue about poisoning land and people. In every other town I know, it’s decided by professionals, not amateurs running for local office.

Sadly, that is what has happened in Copake. The first step in politicizing this important law, was Republican majority leadership on the board, naming the two fellow nominees for Copake Town Board, Harvey Weber and Joe Laporta as the majority members of the “Task Force.”

It’s been reported to me that Mr. Weber and Laporta said they don’t need to listen to the local ZBA or Planning Board – both of whom wrote strong letters to the Town Board leadership condemning the “Task Force”.

The ZBA stressed, among other things, that environmental issues are not being addressed with this law. The planning Board stressed that junkyards are not allowed in Copake period. They recommended that the entire chapter 156, addressing this issue needs to be re-written by a professional, land-use attorney – as opposed to two candidates running for public office.

There may be a short term victory here for our junkyard operations masquerading as repair shops but it’s hardly a legacy to be proud of. I note that Mr.Weber, as recently as October 7, spoke proudly of his commitment to the environment but I find that hard to square that with his commitment to junkyards in Copake. There’s still time for Mr. Weber to reject his defense of polluters. It may be good politics for their votes and fundraising but toxic policy for our citizens.

I do hope our two candidates on the “Task Force” will air their thoughts about their conduct by speaking to us in public forums and in print between now and November two. The election will be over in a few weeks, but Copake’s citizens and its children will live with the results of this reckless decision in their food and water for years to come.

Ian

With Great Appreciation

Dear Bob:

The chronicle keeps getting better and better. You have performed such a great service for Copake. I have begun sharing it with friends and family around the country and they love it too. My son lives in Virginia and he feels reconnected to home by reading your web site each week. I just wanted to say thank you. I can’t imagine how many hours it takes you to make it so enjoyable, but we all love it.

With great appreciation.

Amanda

Grants for the Court Room

To the Editor, I recently received a campaign flyer for Judge Brian Herman running for reelection in the Town of Copake. After reading his flyer I am a bit confused about what he is claiming he did for the Town of Copake. Specifically obtaining a grant for a new rug in the main room of the Copake Town Hall. Yes we have a new rug & a grant was obtained for it, but Judge Herman at the January reorganization meeting told the town board & the public that his court clerk was solely responsibly for the grant for the carpeting. Now he is saying he obtained the grant. Is he being a little dishonest here or is he just playing with words in his flyer. In either case, I believe he is not being totally honest with the taxpayers & residents of Copake. Therefore how do we know he will not carry this dishonesty to the courtroom? Maybe it’s time for the voters of Copake to elect a new judge.

Jeff Nayer

Copake

WHERE ARE THE COPAKE REPUBLICANS?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR WHERE ARE THE COPAKE REPUBLICANS? Two weeks ago, the Copake Democratic candidates for reelection to Town Council and for assessor released the 2009 platform stating their position on key issues in this year’s election. In summary, it states, 1. We support the creation of a balanced and sensible line-item budget. 2. Your Democratic team supports and is currently promoting a town-wide referendum on the Copake Green project. This 122 acres of prime agricultural land must be protected. We encourage the Town Board of Copake to express strong opposition to this project. The future of the hamlet is at stake. 3. We support the long-term development of Copake to be both environmentally protected and economically viable. 4. We are totally committed to open government and the strict adherence to Open Meeting Law. 5. We support the development of intelligent alternative energies in the Town of Copake including solar, wind and hydropower. 6. We support the long neglected pursuit of fair and equitable property assessments for all. 7. We believe town government should enthusiastically encourage the efforts of local citizen groups and business people to revitalize the economy of our community. 8. We strongly support our agricultural heritage, recognizing that farmland preservation is the key to protecting our open spaces. 9. We Recognize the contributions that our seniors make to the community, we support initiatives which will assist our seniors in remaining within and contributing to our community. 10. We will continue the on-going fight to protect our environment and to develop a plan for the conservation of our agricultural land and our precious water resources. 11. We are committed to running our campaign based upon issues, the truth and positive change, not personal attacks. Clearly, the Democratic candidates intend to run a campaign based upon issues and not innuendo and lies. Where are the Republican candidates? They have made no public statement about where they stand on key issues. Are they planning last minute surprises, and perhaps lies, as they did at the last minute in the 2007 campaign about 27% tax increases, leaving no time to rebut or tell the truth? It would be typical of the campaigns run by the Republicans in Copake over the years. On Tuesday, the Republican Supervisor submitted a tentative budget to the Town Board calling for a 56% increase in Town taxes. If we were Republicans and the Democrats were in the majority, we would scream that increase from the roof tops. We don't do that We know that the Board will likely reduce the budget to reduce that tax increase. The Board Democrats will push for that. Morris Ordover

An Idea about the Copake Police Force

While I agree there really is not a need for a police force in Copake you seem to be hitting a stone wall. My suggestion would be to house the police in the west copake firehouse,which we own as citizens, eliminating the rent being paid now. It is not economically feasible not to utilize this space which is closer to the actual center of Copake. They can find somewhere else to store whatever is there. This is a fairly new building so not much needed to update if anything at all.Just a suggestion if you continue to be stonewalled. Ann

I am not a member of any political party

I am not a member of any political party, and I don’t know why anyone joins one, except for the rare few who get their full time jobs that way. The rest of us have to work damn hard for an honest living. But I wanted to say that I appreciate the hard work you do in putting out the Chronicle each week. I find that it is not a partisan newsletter and I sense that you work very hard to keep it as neutral as is possible. I wanted to thank you for that effort and the time it must take for you to publish this each and every week. My wife and I look forward it. Ralph

A thought after reading about the revitalization of downtown Copake

I just signed up for the Chronicle. A thought after reading about the revitalization of downtown Copake. It is an eyesore, but how about finding and getting local artists to donate their time to paint the empty store windows with local scenes in some and fake store interiors with customers. Make an event out of the unveiling. A drive-by art gallery. Also, save one window for the ubiquitous grade school drawings that mothers love... Cheers, Jon.

Public libraries essential part of having an educated population

Public libraries funded by tax money are an essential part of having an educated and literate population. The councilman may have priorities which may preclude his being in favor of libraries such as an uninformed electorate able to be more easily misled. Circulating libraries such as the one in Hillsdale provide not only books and other materials for general entertainment but also reference and research materials of current topics of interest. Is there perhaps something in the research stacks that of any of the candidates might prefer to be kept unread. - Anonymous

I don't want to meet or talk politics

So I am not a democrat or a republican, that makes me an independent. I am fine with that. But would really bothers me the past few weeks is the constant barrage of political interruptions at my house. Phone calls from candidates, having candidates brought to my house. Am I rude for not answering the door? Maybe. But after working all day and need some time to relax, I don't want to meet or talk politics. Even on the weekend too..... I'll vote when I want to vote..if you have something leave it my mailbox.. I am fine with that. If I see a politician or a supporter coming, I will not answer the door or I will tell them don't want to talk politics... enough is enough....

as a matter of fact I am writing this, because someone was just pounding on my door...!!!

Mike Streeter

Is there a Petition to De-fund the Library?

Although no official word has been received from the Copake Town Board, I understand that Councilman Tompkins has initiated a petition to de-fund the library. This would be a tremendous disservice to the growing number of citizens of Copake – both young and old – who have increasingly taken advantage of the library’s wonderful resources in these difficult times. It is particularly unfortunate that Councilman Tompkins would make such a proposal at a time when a new state-of-the-art library is under construction – in Copake. Most municipalities celebrate their libraries and recognize their critically important role in the community, and I hope that the Town of Copake will continue its partnership with Hillsdale and Ancram in keeping our wonderful library alive.

In 1994, the voters of Copake overwhelmingly voted to fix the town’s contribution to the Roe-Jan Library at $37,500, matching, in per capita terms, the amount paid by taxpayers in Hillsdale. Despite rising costs, that amount has remained constant for five years. It amounts to just over $6.50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, or $12 per parcel, a little more than a quarter of what we pay for our police force, and less than we pay for the salaries of the town board and its accountant(s).

Thanks to our many volunteers and private donors, the Roeliff-Jansen Community Library is one of the least costly within the sixty-six libraries in the mid-Hudson area, yet it ranks very high in cardholders and circulation. Last month alone, more than 2000 people visited our cramped old library in Hillsdale.

In hard times such as these, the library grows in importance as a resource for job seekers and those who can no longer afford their own internet services, movies and books. It would be tragic if—just as we are nearing completion of our new building in Copake—we would be forced to drastically cut our operating hours and services.

Mr. Tompkins and his family may not the library, but I would hope that he and other members of the council appreciate its importance to those who do. It has been a long time since I have used a town playground—an item that receives the same tax levy contribution as the library in the budget-- but I recognize its value to those who do and would hate to see our play areas eliminated. I would urge the councilman and his colleagues to accord the same respect to those who value computers and books. Mr. Tompkins petition is unwise and almost certainly illegal for reasons I would have been happy to explain had he accorded us the courtesy of asking our advice.

Ned Schneier

The Task Force has Failed with their Assignment.

Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Copake 230 Mountain View Road Copake NY 12529 September 1, 2009 Attention: Supervisor Crowley and Members of the Town Board; We, The Zoning Board of Appeals, upon the request of the Town Board, have reviewed the proposed changes to Chapter 156; Junkyards and Motor Vehicle Storage Areas. In our opinion, the Task Force has failed with their assignment. Our Town is changing, the times are changing. We want these business' to remain in Copake, but there is a need for them to" clean up their act", and take some pride in their business'. This street of mixed use, residential and business is the southern entrance of the town. First impressions are made here, how do we want to portray our town? Clearly the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued these business' a license. It clarifies whether they are a repair, dismantler, dealer, or a combination, with clear and precise rules as to what they are and are not allowed to do. However, the question remains, What exactly are they licensed to do, and are they in compliance with the licenses that have been issued? Furthermore, the proposed changes are far too vague, they need to be more specific. The issue has been "white-washed or swept under the carpet" and will be impossible to enforce since there is no structure, with far too many loop holes. Safety, environmental issues, noise, pollution, and fire codes have not been addressed. Many residents within the town have expressed concerns of the ground water issues, imagine what 60 cars to the first acre, not to exceed 200 for the additional acreage will do to the ground water, keeping in mind the stream and wetlands that surround some of these areas. Why would we allow vehicles for repair to be placed with vehicles for sale? Is it not an eye sore as well as a safety issue to allow a car with no tires and on blocks or one with no fenders to remain in the front. Will a four foot space between rows of stored vehicles be ample to allow a fire truck or emergency vehicles access in case of a fire, spill, or accident? Why would we change the fencing requirement setbacks from 300 feet to 50 feet? Who will reap the benefit here, the residential neighboring property? Imagine their air quality, will trees screen the fumes as well? We do not endorse the proposed changes to Chapter 156, of the Town Law, and we recommend that the Task Force be returned to complete the task to which they were assigned. In addition, it is recommended that prior to writing out any proposed future changes that they meet with the Planning Board and The Zoning Board of Appeals and at least hear their recommendations, as well as input from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, The Building Inspector, The Fire Chief, DEC, and any other pertinent party. Most Sincerely, The Board Members of The Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Board advises the Town Board against the enactment of Local Law 3

September 8, 2009 Memo To: The Copake Town Board Re: Chapter 156 Junkyard and Motor Vehicle Storage Areas Local Law 3, 2009 From: Copake Planning Board The Copake Planning Board advises the Town Board against the enactment of Local Law 3, 2009 for the reasons listed below: The Planning Board reviewed Chapter 156 Code Town of Copake; the proposed Local Law No.3, 2009; excerpts from General Municipal Law 136 that may apply in Copake; the December 23, 2008 recommendations by Copake ZEO, Ed Ferratto. We recommend that the entire Chapter 156 be reviewed and revised by a Land Use Attorney considering the recommendations made by /I The Copake Motor Vehicle Storage Task Force," the State Laws and the recommendations made by the ZEO and the Planning Board. Examples of suggestions for revisions: Chapter 156-2 Definitions. Junkyards are not allowed in Copake. All references to them should be removed. Does the definition exist to clarify exactly what a junkyard is? If so, it should better defined. Motor Vehicle Storage Areas should be better defined and divided into definitions for businesses and personal use. Chapter 156 -3 A. According to Copake Zoning Laws, junkyards are not allowed in Copake. Chapter 156 - 3 B. Include requiring a Site Plan Review by the Planning Board (SPR is good for 3 years and then must be renewed.), or subject to a yearly special use permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chapter 156 - 4. Application for a license. Include the completion of a Site Plan Review, or subject to a yearly special use permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chapter 156 - 7. License fee. Should reconcile to current Building/Planning/Zoning fees and be increased to at least $100 or allocated per stored vehicle. Chapter 156 - 8. Fencing. Screening and other environmental impacts would be included in Site Plan Review. Chapter 232 Zoning- Table of Use Attachment 2:2. Add footnote''B" Requires Site Plan Permit to fI Auto Repair, car wash" under Business Uses in zones B-1, B-2, and 1-1. OR Chapter 232 Zoning - Table of Use Attachment 2:2. Change the P to X in the B-2 and I-I Zones under fI Auto Repairs, car wash" under Business Uses.

Copake History and Big Thunder Day

I liked your suggestion about something to do in the center of Copake. I have often thought it might be fun to do a reenactment of what happened in 1844 at what was then Sweets Tavern when papers were taken from Sheriff Miller and burned in the Square. It was all part of the Anti-Rent War and is included in by book. The day should be remembered by a state marker as well. While the event took place in December, a warmer month would be better for the reenactment. I am enclosing a copy of a open letter I sent to the Historical Society concerning the History on the Copake web site. It was mailed yesterday and I expect it will not be read until the next meeting Grant Dinehart Langdon August 26, 2009 Roeliff Jansen Historical Society P.O. Box 172 Copake Falls, N.Y. 12517 Dear Fellow Members. I remember going to one of the first meetings of the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society meeting when Ray Burch commented, “There must be something important around here, The place is so dam old.” Indeed Ray was right. The place is old and indeed something of importance did happen here. First, thanks to Ruth Piwonka the first leas on the great flat at Taconic on Livingston Manor was discovered. Ruth gave a copy of her notes to Eleanor Mettler who gave it to my mother, the town historian. It is positive proof of settlement in 1687. A second event was in the literature all along. I found it in the Documentary History of the State of New York, vol 3 published by Weed, Parsons & Co. in 1850. It provided copies of documents and letters about the border problems and the resulting conflict When I go into the history of Copake on the Copake web site I find a fine history of Copake written for the Independent by Eleanor based on what was then known about the history of Copake. In view of the new discoveries I feel it should be updated. I have written something I feel might be appropriately added to what is there. Sincerely, Grant Langdon

Thank you for the Time and Energy

Bob, As a long time resident of Copake I want to thank you for the time and energy in putting together the Copake Chronicle. I can’t imagine how many hours it takes you, but the results are terrific. I read each and every issue from cover to cover. Well, you don’t actually have covers, but you know what I mean. Your coverage of the town is superb and I wanted you to know I appreciate the effort. Ralph

Copake Falls Community Day Committee Thank You

To the Editor: As a resident of Copake Falls, I would like to thank the Copake Falls Community Day Committee for all their hard work in letting people know what a nice place this is to live. They cheerfully set about planning a wonderful day and making it happen, just for the fun of it. I think they were very successful in showing the natural beauty and history of our home and the artistic talent and good hearts of the people who live here. It may have been a rainy morning, but watching my busy and excited neighbors making things ready for others' enjoyment, I felt my spirits lift just as though the sun was shining anyway. Melissa Cockerham