Grants Pursued, Rescue Lauded, Demolition Decided in Greenwood Lake

Call for volunteers for a Village Comprehensive Plan revision was announced

By Vera Miller

At the Village of Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees Sept. 25 meeting, Mayor Tom Howley announced that Matt Vett was appointed trustee to fill the seat Howley vacated when appointed mayor. Then Town of Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer introduced a project he recommends that the Town of Warwick and its three villages adopt. The Town would retain a consulting firm to identify and pursue available grants on the Town’s behalf. For a small increase in the all-inclusive flat annual fee, the firm has agreed to include the three villages in addition to the Town. For a total annual fee of $48,000, the consulting firm would identify viable grants for the four entities, write the grant applications and handle the entire process, freeing up the Town and Village departments that currently do this work.

Dwyer proposed that the Town would cover $20,000 of the fee, and the three villages would each contribute $9,300 to the total fee, which would be paid on a monthly basis rather than all at once. The annual fee was described as all-inclusive, whatever the number of grant applications. No additional fees or commissions would be charged for grants awarded. The relationship could be severed after one year.

Town of Warwick officials would like to begin the relationship in January of 2025 but recognize that the villages have fiscal years and budgets commencing later in the year. Dwyer indicated that some arrangement can be worked out between the four entities and the consulting firm to accommodate different starting dates. Seeking and receiving grants is becoming ever more important to local finances because of constantly increasing costs. Further discussion will be needed.

Lake Rescue Commended

Also at the meeting, Police Chief Adam Eiran described heroic action taken by two Greenwood Lake police officers on May 2, 2024. The officers rescued a woman and her dog who were in serious distress far from shore on Greenwood Lake.

The two officers wore scuba gear because of the cold temperature of the lake in early May. The water temperature was in the low 50 degrees. They were assisting village employees to prepare the beach for the summer season, putting in markers around the swimming area and other such tasks. A woman was walking her dog, who saw ducks or geese land on the lake far from shore. The dog got away from its owner and charged into the lake, swimming to where the ducks were. Because the water was so cold, the dog was soon in distress. The owner went into the water to rescue her dog and was also very soon clearly in distress far from shore. The two officers were a distance from where the woman was floundering and began swimming a substantial distance at the risk of their own lives to rescue her. They rescued both the woman and her dog, Eiran said.

A commendation was awarded to both officers for their action in saving a human life. The officers were accompanied by members of their families as they received both a plaque and a marker to wear on their uniforms, pinned on by members of their family. Many members of the Village Police Department were present. Dwyer made brief comments, as one of the two officers was his brother. The two officers awarded commendations for the rescue are Sargent Daniel Jones and Detective Jason Dwyer.

Death of 64-Year Ambulance Volunteer

Honor was paid to the memory of Dietmar (Ditty) Schulze who died in September. He was a member of the Greenwood Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps for more than 64 years. Village flags were flown at half mast in recognition of his years of service to the Village community.

Elks Donation to Arts and Seniors

Dennis (Chip) Murphy, from Greenwood Lake Elks Lodge 2067, presented the Village with two checks. The first check was for $2,500, from the Elk National Foundation Grant, to support the Village Youth Center’s arts and crafts program. A second check, for $2,000, was donated in support of senior meals and entertainment. Village trustees thanked Murphy and the Elks for their generosity.

Comprehensive Plan Volunteers, Hunting, Scouts, Lead Pipes, Weeder, Storm Water and More

Mayor Howley asked for 4-6 volunteers for the Comprehensive Plan Committtee. The last plan was adopted in 2010, and the 2016 plan was never adopted. Contact the Mayor’s office.

Residents were reminded that hunting season has already begun. Residents, walkers, and hikers were urged to wear bright colors, and to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.

The mayor reported on receiving a state grant from Senator Skoufis to purchase a smaller weed harvester that would make it easier to access tight spaces around docks and marinas.

An Eagle Scout project to refurbish and rehabilitate beach equipment was authorized by the trustees, with thanks to the Boy Scouts.

Work on the Storm Water Management Plan, required by New York State by October 1, is under way. The work won’t meet that deadline, but sufficient progress has been made to be considered in compliance, Howley said. The purpose of updating such plans is to keep the lake clean and educate residents and businesses on what is required.

The Benjamin Steakhouse project is progressing. The owners have acquired the adjacent distressed property at 3 Court Street, which they will demolish.

An unfunded state mandate requires the Village to ascertain if any lead pipes exist within its boundaries. Since the type of pipes entering each home must be identified, the mayor will ask homeowners to provide information about the pipes on their property. Homeowner assistance will help avoid unnecessary digging and other cost and disruption. Trustees said that finding lead pipes is unlikely because of the date of the last village upgrade. Questionnaires will be sent to individual homeowners.

Privilege of the Floor

Greenwood Lake Park has requested the installation of three stop signs because of speeding in their neighborhood. As this is a police matter, Chief Eiran will meet with them to determine the need and the best location.

Demolition Decided

A public hearing to discuss how to proceed with a condemned house at 15 Church St. preoccupied Village of Greenwoood Lake trustees before the regular meeting. The hearing was used to gather information about a structure deemed unfit for human habitation by the Village building inspector in consultation with other area professional builders. The structure is located at the rear of 15 Church Street in Greenwood Lake. The structure at the front of the lot has issues also but was deemed reparable and was not condemned.

The owner claimed personal and financial difficulties prevented her from addressing the building issues. It was explained that the structure at the rear of the property is beyond repair and was condemned as unfit for human habitation. The Board decided the building must be demolished as a danger to the immediate community. The owner indicated that she does not have the financial means to remedy the structure’s issues.

When the trustees went into cxecutive session, they determined that the condemned structure must be demolished within 30 days by the owner. If it is not demolished within that time, the Village will do so and the cost will be added to the owner’s tax liability. The owner asked for more time to remove personal property and to pay the cost of demolition. Mayor Tom Howley said the Village would do what it could to assist the owner.

The last day of the Farmers Market will be October 26.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for October 16.

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