HVNY News + Notes (September 11, 2023)

Sep 6

Written By HVNY

▲ Moonburger, the plant-based burger joint that launched in Kingston in October of 2021, just announced a new location: at a gas station off of Route 9 in Poughkeepsie. “Instead of a Dunkin inside, you’ll see MB – a full, magical restaurant world within!” the company said in the announcement. “Walk through the neon MB arch and you’ll time warp to a totally wild, immersive space with seating for dining in … at a gas station.” The site will mark the first plant-based burger spot at a gas station in the United States. Pick-up, delivery and a drive-thru are also planned at the Chestnut Market. In turn, the gas station has committed to adding electric vehicle charging as part of their lease agreement with Moonburger.

UDPATE! Last Monday, West Point officials livestreamed the opening of a time capsule that was found inside a monument dedicated to Revolutionary War patriot Thaddeus Koscuiszko. The lead box was discovered after crews were disassembling the base of the monument for repairs. It is believed to be from 1829, and placed by cadets. A high-powered X-ray machine was used to try to look inside the box without opening it, but was unsuccessful because the box is made of lead. “There’s a lot that’s still left for us to uncover. There’s still more work to be done by historians and archeologists to understand what was going on here at the Academy in its early years,” Col. Scully said during the livestream. The livestream was awash – sort of – while there was a lot of silt on the bottom of the box, indicating water penetrated it, further examination revealed that several coins were found in the dirt. Here’s more info from the official West Point press release:
- Six coins and a medal were embedded within the matrix, dating from 1795 to 1828 include:
  - Liberty dollar coin, 1800, 1.564 inches in diameter
  - 50-cent coin, 1828, 1.276 inches in diameter
  - 25-cent coin, 1818, 1.066 inches diameter
  - 10-cent coin, 1827, 0.745 inches in diameter
  - 5-cent coin, 1795, 0.643 inches in diameter
  - 1-cent coin, 1827, 1.114 inches in diameter
  - Erie Canal commemorative medal 1826, 1.763 inches in diameter
    
    Watch the unveiling of the time capsule on the West Point YouTube channel.

The Dutchess County Comptroller’s Office released its 2nd Quarter 2023 special update report on county funding, including use of the COVID-19-implemented American Rescue Plan. According to Comptroller Robin Lois: Dutchess County has received a total of $57,148,397 in ARP funds. As of June 30, 2023, the County has spent $22,814,448 of which $1,389,054 was in the 2nd quarter of 2023. The remaining $34,333,949 must be incurred or obligated by December 31, 2024. The report also notes that the ARP Strategic Plan was updated by Dutchess County Executive O’Neil on June 30, 2023. The notable changes to the budget include (1) A $729,210 decrease in high-speed internet funding; (2) A reallocation of the full water storage project budget, originally $730,000; (3) Money spent on the purchase of 26 Oakley Street has been reclassed to “County Infrastructure” from “Homeless Housing,” with excess funds to be used for operational use of the building as swing space during renovations in County buildings or other office space; and (4) The repurposing of the 1995 jail building to an emergency shelter has been included in the “Homeless Housing and Case Management” plan category, according to the the report.
- The largest expenses in the 2nd quarter of 2023 were for:
  - • $711,415 for County Government payroll and benefits;
  - • $114,565 for improvements to the new clubhouse at Heritage Finance Park (formerly known as Dutchess Stadium);
  - • $95,475 for the Bowdoin Park archery range;
  - • $84,467 (Agency Partner Grant) for the design of the gallery space at the Trolley Barn; and
  - • $81,936 for sports lighting materials for the stadium.

Dutchess County arrests repeat fentanyl dealer, issues “warning to all drug dealers: If you decide to sell poison in our communities, you will end up in handcuffs.” After an ongoing investigation, the task force arrested Timothy Robinson, 50, of Poughkeepsie, on August 30 for selling fentanyl after being previously arrested in late July. If anyone has information regarding this case or about any other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County, you are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by sending an email to the following web address: DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com

New York State Police issued 8,762 tickets and arrested 154 people over Labor Day weekend. In 2022, troopers issued 9,748 tickets and arrested 208 people. In addition to DWI arrests, most tickets were issued for speeding, distracted driving, seat belt violations and failing to Move Over.

▲ The Hyde Park Fire Department used its new UTV for the first time on Sunday to assist a driver who went down the scenic overlook at Vanderbilt Mansion. Onlookers say the driver “turned into the parking spot and didn’t stop.” HPFD said “all are safe,” following the rescue.

The Center Street Improvement Project in the Village of Rhinebeck will begin on Monday, September 11, 2023, and last until further notice. Merritt Construction will be starting on the southern part of Center Street and working north, updating the drainage, milling and paving. For the duration of the project, Center Street, from South Street to East Market Street, will be closed. There will be no parking and access will only be allowed for residents of this section of Center Street. Center Street, from East Market Street to Livingston Street, will remain open until paving. Additionally, the parking lot behind Village Hall will be closed to the public. Only authorized personnel will have access to enter and exit from East Market Street. The EV chargers in this location will not be accessible and will be turned off. Village Hall will remain open.

Rebuilding Together Dutchess County has extended the deadline for its Rebuilding Day Program applications to be submitted for consideration of service in 2024, to September 30, 2023. This program focuses on critical repairs necessary to maintain a safe and healthy living environment, including, but not limited to: major accessibility modifications; plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical system repairs; stair, roof, porch and other critical structural repairs. Please note that mobile homes are only eligible for accessibility ramps through this service.
Visit the Rebuilding Together website or call 845-454-7310 for more information.

The Germantown Climate Smart Communities Task Force is asking residents to fill out a 3-minute questionnaire about well water in Germantown. “If you've lived here for some time, you are aware that Germantown is short on groundwater. As the rezoning committee is currently reevaluating residential and commercial capacity based on water limitations here in town, the CSC committee hopes to get a better sense of how much of Germantown is impacted by water quality and quantity issues. Water quality affects us all, so we want to hear from everyone, even those with no issues!” Find the survey here: sustainablegermantown.org/water-survey

The City of Kingston is taking requests from businesses and organizations for the installation of a free bicycle rack. The City of Kingston received a total of 38 bike racks, with 8 already installed at Kingston Point Beach, Rondout community garden, and the I-587 Roundabout. Of the remaining racks, 10 are reserved for additional municipal locations, and 20 are allocated for the community program. Non-profits and businesses with spaces that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines are encouraged to apply. Locations must be within the City of Kingston and able to accommodate a 24 -by-35-by-6 inch bicycle rack with plenty of sidewalk access. The minimum space for installation is 4-by-7 feet. Apply for a free bike rack installation here.

Cave Mountain Music Festival featuring Weezer cancelled due to venue construction, organizers “don’t have any intentions to revive the festival.” The festival scheduled for September 15-16 was cancelled due to “unavoidable circumstances owing to construction and improvement projects” at Windham Mountain. Along with headliners, Weezer, the inaugural line-up was to feature Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dinosaur Jr., the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Lee Fields, among others. “After much deliberation, the partners agreed that proceeding with the festival as planned would have impacted the overall event quality and the guest experience, and producing a suboptimal event for concertgoers and artists alike was not an option.” Full refunds have been processed for pre-registered attendees.
The Town of Poughkeepsie is seeking volunteers at its annual Halloween Celebration on Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 1-3:30pm. Register at PoughkeepsieTownRec.com or call the Recreation Office at 485-3628.

Art Omi in Ghent is holding an open call for the 2024 Art Omi: Architecture, Art Omi: Artists, and Art Omi: Writers residency programs. Applications due October 15 at 11:59pm. Residents will convene for three to four weeks on Art Omi's grounds to develop their craft in a scenic, communal setting. Apply here.

Call for Fiber Art: Morton Memorial Library is seeking textile artists, knitters, quilters, rug hookers to share their creations for its Fiber Show exhibition opening October 13, 2023 as “an appetizer” to the Sheep and Wool Festival (October 21-22, 2023). Contact Sandy if you’re interested in participating: 845-876-2903.

Mohonk’s Skytop Tower – a monument to its founder Albert Smiley – is now 100 years old. Smiley purchased 300-acres and a 10-room inn and hoped to “provide opportunities for recreation and renewal of body, mind, and spirit in a beautiful natural setting.” Pictured, at left, the cupola of the tower is lowered into place in August of 1923. At right, Sky Top Tower now, 100 years later. Photos: Mohonk https://www.mohonk.com/history/