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From YouTube: Beacon Council Meeting 1-30-23
Description
The City of Beacon Council Meeting from January 30, 2023
A
A
A
E
G
A
A
Okay,
everyone
hear
me
all
right,
so
thank
you
all
so
I
am
offering
my
first
state
of
the
city
uhkin
to
what
the
county,
the
state
and
the
U.S
do
each
year
and
what
prior
Mayors
have
done.
I
saw
Claire
Lou
Gould
recently,
and
it
reminded
me
oh
yeah.
We
could
do
this
so,
given
that
it
is
my
first
report,
it
will
be
a
little
longer
and
we'll
extend
to
include
some
items
across
my
first
three
years
as
mayor
as
we
all
experience
together
covet
hit
less
than
three
months
into
my
10
years
mayor.
A
A
We
have
largely
come
through
these
trials,
better,
not
without
loss
or
sacrifice
and
not
without
government
help,
but
also
with
accomplishing
long-term
improvements
in
how
we
live
and
work,
how
we
treat
one
another
and
how
we
ensure
that
no
one
is
Left
Behind
so
on
to
the
state
of
the
City
Beacon.
I
am
here
to
state
that
the
city
is
in
excellent
condition.
Here
are
the
details
and
if
we
can
take
a
look
up
up
there,
I'm
going
to
cover
six
topics,
starting
with
Financial
Health.
A
Those
of
you
who
know
me
know
that
I
start
on
the
finance
side,
because
if
we
can
keep
our
taxes
down,
we
can
do
a
lot
of
things
we'll
go
to
Public
Safety
infrastructure,
there's
an
immense
amount
of
investment
that
we're
doing
in
Beacon
right
now,
we'll
move
to
Quality
of
Life,
climate
leadership
and
then
good
government.
So
let
me
get
started.
A
Let
me
talk
about
our
Financial
Health
beacons.
Financial
position
is
the
best
in
memory
through
my
20
plus
years
of
service
to
the
city
as
a
council
member
and
now
as
mayor
I,
have
always
been
the
taxpayers
fiscal
Watchdog
working
to
limit
property
tax
increases,
while
expanding
services
and
investing
in
the
city's
infrastructure.
A
First
I
want
to
touch
on
new
sales
tax
revenue.
Last
year,
I
negotiated
a
new
10-year
sales
tax
sharing
agreement
with
Dutchess
County,
which
in
2023
alone,
is
providing
an
additional
million
dollars
in
Revenue
to
the
city
and
which
will
add
20
million
to
our
budget
over
10
years.
So,
to
put
that
into
context,
one
million
dollars
a
year
is
almost
10
percent
of
our
property
taxes.
This
new
Revenue
increase
lets
us
hold
the
line
on
property
taxes
at
community
services
and
continue
critical
Capital
Investments
for
Beacon's
future.
A
A
A
It
allows
us
to
do
Investments
to
cover
additional
expenses
without
asking
taxpayers
on
the
property
tax
to
deliver
more
for
them,
lower
property
tax
rates,
so
the
city's
property
tax
rates,
that's
how
much
per
thousand
of
assessed
value
you're
charged
are
at
the
lowest
levels
in
at
least
a
decade.
It's
actually
a
dozen
years
and
I'm
committed
to
reducing
them
further
to
ensure
that
increasing
property
values
don't
increase
your
taxes
right.
So
that's
the
chart
on
the
bottom
left
in
that
chart.
There's
two
bars
there's
two
lines.
A
A
So
we
have
two
rates
in
Beacon,
a
higher
one
for
commercial
and
apartments
and
a
lower
one
for
residences
that
residential
one
is
now
dropped
to
six
dollars
and
twenty
cents
per
thousand
dollars
of
assessed
value
and
we'll
keep
dropping
as
long
as
our
property
values
keep
rising
and
we
don't
raise
our
taxes
too
fast.
Okay,
third,
we
have
very
low
or
no
property
tax
increases.
A
The
mayor's
budget
for
the
last
three
years
has
kept
the
percentage
increase
in
the
city's
total
property
taxes
at
or
below
the
state
cap
tax
cap
of
2
percent,
which
allows
us
to
add
for
new
construction
and
I'll
talk
about
that
shortly.
The
mayor,
City
and
finance
Director
City
Ministry
and
the
finance
director
are
committed
to
continue
that
trend.
A
The
city
administrator
trying
to
keep
up
with
me
on
sales
tax,
secured
an
additional
half
a
million
dollars
in
annual
Water
and
Sewer
fees
from
non-resident
users.
Those
are
those
trucks
you
see
going
up
and
down
9d
that
are
hauling
septage,
that
we
take
on
and
charge
for
which
allows
us
to
keep
beacons.
Water
and
Sewer
rates
low,
just
again
for
context
that
half
a
million
dollars
is
close
to
10
percent
of
our
water
and
sewer
bills.
Okay,
so
we're
adding
a
lot
there
as
well
to
kind
of
keep
our
expenses
down.
A
We
have
a
great
Bond
rating,
because
our
prudent
Financial
investment
Beacon
maintains
a
double
a
two
Moody's
Bond
rating,
which
is
one
of
the
best
of
any
municipalities
in
the
region,
and
that
allows
the
city
to
borrow
at
lower
interest
rates.
We
use
that
debt
that
low
interest
debt
to
invest
in
our
community's
future
and
are
far
ahead
of
other
communities.
A
We've
also
added
to
the
tax
rolls
in
a
city
we
and
taxpayers
both
benefit
from
additions
of
more
than
115
million
dollars
in
new
construction
to
our
assessment
roles
in
the
last
three
years.
This
new
construction
has
added
two
to
two
and
a
half
percent
of
new
property
tax
revenue
each
year,
without
increasing
any
existing
Property
Owners
tax
bill,
which
the
city
uses
to
increase
services
and
investment.
The
bottom
right
table
there
lays
that
out.
So
in
those
three
years:
2021,
22
and
23.
A
The
first
row
is
the
increase
in
the
total
tax
levy,
meaning
the
total
tax
revenue
that
the
city
does.
So
we
increase
that
Total
Property
Tax
Bill,
2.6
percent,
4.6
percent
and
1.7
those
three
years.
However,
a
piece
of
that
is
from
new
construction,
so
that
new
construction,
so,
for
instance,
in
2021
2.6
percent,
was
the
increase
in
the
total
tax
that
we
collected
of
that
2.6
1.6
came
from
new
construction,
which
meant
that
the
portion
that
we're
asking
existing
Property
Owners
to
pay
was
only
a
one
percent
increase
the
second
year.
A
Also,
a
one
percent
increase
this
year,
a
zero
percent
increase.
Now
that
doesn't
mean
all
our
property
tax
bills,
as
residents
are
at
zero
and
in
fact
several
a
lot
of
homeowners
see
a
small
increase
because
of
some
Arcane
split
in
how
the
commercial
rate
at
that
Top
Line
on
that
bottom
left.
Chart
and
the
residential
rate
vary
by
state
law
which
we
have
no
control
over.
A
Lastly,
our
five-year
Capital
plan
we
developed
and
passed
a
full
five-year
Capital
plan
and
the
first
one
in
several
budgets,
which
helps
the
city
plan
out
our
major
Investments,
such
as
roads,
sidewalks,
dams
and
more,
and
that's
a
baseline
that
we
should
be
doing
every
year
and
you'll
be
seeing
that
from
us.
So,
second,
if
you
let
me
move
on
to
Public
Safety.
A
First,
just
to
comment
that
we
are
open
and
helping
during
covet
in
response
to
covet.
We
work
closely
with
city
employees
to
safely
keep
open
virtually
all
city
services,
including
All
City,
Hall
Services,
as
well
as
our
parks
and
public
spaces.
The
city-funded
essential
Community
Support
Services,
such
as
food
pantry
refrigerators
and
provided
Main
Street
restaurant
season
seating
for
two
seasons.
A
We
invested
in
ambulance
services
for
the
first
time
ever
the
mayor's
budget
added
two
hundred
thousand
dollars.
That
would
be
about
a
two
percent
tax
increase
if
we
hadn't
funded
it
from
other
sources
to
address
a
local
Ambulance
Service
crisis.
We
both
contracted
for
new
Advanced
life,
support
from
a
service
called
ambulance
and
are
providing
support
to
bvac
Beacon
volunteer
ambulance
Corps
as
well
firefighters.
In
my
first
months
as
mayor,
we
added
four
full-time
career
firefighters,
and
last
year
we
created
four
Lieutenant
positions
which
together
ensure
that
we
have
round-the-clock
coverage
and
command
structure.
A
We
are
in
the
process
of
hiring
a
new
fire
chief
and,
as
I'll
tell
you
later
and
show
you
a
cool
picture,
we're
building
a
new
Central
fire
station
and
if
you
walk
across
the
street
they're
doing
the
demolition
right
now,
policing,
review
and
Improvement
in
response
to
the
governor's
executive
order.
203,
the
mayor
created
a
diverse
and
representative
police
advisory
committee,
which
produced
a
police
reform
plan
and
continues
to
review
and
recommend
improvements
to
City's
policing.
A
We
also
added
mental
health,
domestic
abuse
and
addiction
to
help
support
to
policing
the
mayor's
budget
added
funding
for
a
full-time
mental
health
case
worker
to
our
Police
Department,
which
is
one
of
only
two
in
the
county
that
have
a
mental
health
officer
case
worker
and
our
program
is
now
a
model
for
other
communities.
We
also
added
a
help,
not
handcuffs
program
for
cases
where
addiction
is
involved
and
we
continue
to
partner
to
receive
dedicated
support
for
domestic
abuse
situations.
F
A
The
top
right,
with
some
help
from
our
state
assemblement,
so
we've
got
a
new
fire
truck
and
then
the
ones
below
that
are
new
officers
either
in
the
fire
department.
Fire
one
is
the
bottom
right,
including
adding
the
granddaughter
of
one
of
our
Volunteer
Fire
Chiefs
and
the
daughter
of
one
of
our
fire
chiefs.
So
it's
a
long-standing
family
tradition
for
the
ladies
and
then
the
other
ones
include
our
new
lieutenants
and
then
some
of
our
police
hires,
who
are
very
local
and
include
improvements
to
our
diversity
in
our
Workforce.
A
A
Going
if
I
can
go
on
to
infrastructure
investment,
Beacon's
infrastructure
is
in
the
best
shape
it
has
been
in
for
decades,
and
major
projects
are
currently
underway.
The
city
of
Beacon
includes
hundreds
of
millions
of
dollars
in
critical
infrastructure,
approximately
55
miles
of
roads
and
sidewalks,
as
well
as
underground
water,
storm
water
and
sewer
pipes,
four
dams,
three
Wells,
a
drinking
water
treatment,
plant,
a
wastewater
treatment
plant,
a
highway
garage
with
equipment,
Parks
and
Rec
facilities,
fire
stations
and
trucks,
police
vehicles
and
Equipment
municipal
buildings
and
Facilities.
A
As
you
understand,
it's
probably
200
million
dollars
of
infrastructure,
maybe
more
the
mayor's
budget
consistently
prioritizes
long-term
investment
in
these
resources
and
the
city
administrator,
maximizes
other
funding
sources
to
modernize
City
infrastructure.
Without
with
undo
without
undue
tax
burden.
There
are
some
40
million
dollars
in
infrastructure
projects
underway
or
beginning
in
2023..
Let
me
take
you
through
the
main
ones:
first,
Main
Street
for
those
everyone
knows.
For
the
first
time,
in
decades
we
completed
an
end-to-end
repaving
of
Main
Street
with
multiple
new
pedestrian
Crossing
improvements
as
intended.
A
The
corner
bump
outs
and
the
new
striping
for
parking
and
sidewalks
have
slowed
vehicle.
Speed
and
improved
safety,
which
is
again
just
what
our
intent
was.
Second
we're
doing.
Extensive,
repaving
and
sidewalks
more
than
two
dozen
streets
were
repaved
last
year
alone,
as
part
of
the
city's
annual
program
along.
A
Sidewalks
on
South
Avenue
and
more
planned
this
year
on
Fishkill
and
Teller
Avenue
this
spring
we
will
begin
a
full
Rehabilitation
of
Fishkill
and
Teller
Avenue.
The
city
of
interstep
tells
me
that
we're
going
out
to
bid
this
week.
Okay,
if
things
work
and
that's
going
to
be
from
the
city
limit
on
route
52.
A
to
George
Washington
bus
on
Teller
Avenue,
including
new
sidewalks,
in
the
entire
distance.
It
is
a
10
million
dollar
investment
20
years
in
the
making
yeah
we
started
20
years
ago,
working
on
it
now
we're
getting
there
at
almost
no
City
cost,
so
the
city
portion
of
it
is
virtually
not
it's,
because
we've
secured
funding
for
all
the
pieces.
A
I
A
Isn't
that
cool
right,
so
this
is
Tompkins
hose.
You
know
that
kind
of
beige
geeky
building
across
the
street
that
is
going
through
its
removal
of
Hazmat
materials
and
that's
what
it's
supposed
to
look
like.
So
it'll
be
three
new
Bays
and
on
the
left
and
then
a
rehab
of
the
building,
we're
also
working
on
dams.
We
did
upgrades
of
two
dams,
the
pocket
Dam
and
the
mount
deep
Beacon
Dam
are
almost
complete.
Are
there
dams
and
our
wells
are
slated
for
improvement.
A
The
city
continues
to
invest
millions
of
dollars
in
City,
drinking
water
soar
and
treatment
and
storm
water
systems,
and
then,
finally,
last
but
not
least,
the
two
dummies
up
on
the
top
right
in
the
picture.
No
I'm,
sorry,
the
dummy
light
in
the
top
right
of
the
picture
are
was
restored
and
re-installed
by
our
Great
Highway
Department
staff
depicted
there.
A
So
that's
just
some
of
the
pieces.
If
you
look
at
the
photos,
the
Main
Street
repaving
on
the
left,
some
of
the
bump
outs
as
well
the
dam
improvements
and
then
also
just
repaving,
underneath
that
if
you
could
go
forward,
we'll
keep
going
so,
let's
go
to
quality
of
life.
The
city
has
made
substantial
advances
in
quality
of
life
initiatives
in
our
community,
funded
in
part
from
new
construction
that
adds
to
our
property
tax
base.
A
We
continue
to
implement
the
city's
comprehensive
plan,
including
ensuring
main
Street's
recovery
and
long-term
success
and
increasing
affordable
units
and
live
work
options
on
Main
Street.
In
my
first
month
as
mayor
I
created
an
ad
hoc
committee
to
look
at
Main
Street
improvements,
including
access
parking
and
walkability.
Several
quick
wins
like
better
sign
parking
signs,
side,
streets,
stop
signs,
pedestrian,
Crossings
and
bump
outs
that
slow
traffic
are
already
in
place
more
to
come.
A
Parks
and
recs
investment.
We
have
reopened
public
bathrooms
in
our
parks.
For
the
first
time
in
a
generation,
the
mayor's
budget
continues
to
expand
Recreation
and
Community
programs
and
Facilities
faster
than
any
other
City
department,
and
we
recently
completed
a
1
000
resident
survey
that
will
guide
future
Services
again
more
to
come
trees.
We
included
in
the
budget
increase
funding
for
tree
and
planting
and
maintenance
and
funded
local
groups
like
our
green
teams
to
install
pollinator
Patches
at
City
properties.
You
can
see
some
of
those
in
the
photos.
A
There's
Green
Street
Park
in
the
middle
and
the
right.
There
are
several
of
our
Aerials
of
our
Parks
there's
new
sidewalks
on
South
Avenue
down
on
the
bottom
in
the
center
and
some
of
the
pollinator
nope.
These
are
parks.
Pollinators
are
on
another
page,
I
think
so,
let's
keep
going
rail
trail
and
Greenway
working
with
the
county
and
other
communities.
We
are
about
to
begin
planning
for
a
new
rail
trail,
which
will
run
from
the
beacon
train
station
along
Fishkill
Creek
to
Hopewell
Junction.
A
We
are
making
progress
on
the
mayor's
concept
of
creating
a
Greenway
loop
trail
on
the
east
side
of
Fishkill
Creek
as
well.
We
successfully
relocated
the
beacon,
Farmers
Market
to
a
larger
location
on
Main
Street.
Oh
that's!
What
the
top
left
is.
That's
the
Farmers
Market
helping
to
make
it
one
of
the
Valley's
best
markets.
We
launched
Community
investment,
Grant
programs
to
support
local
non-profit
programs
and
initiatives
and
provided
funding
and
logistical
support
for
food
assistance
programs
during
the
height
of
coven
we've
also
done
tightened
up
some
of
our
zoning.
A
I
A
Public
benefits
such
as
affordable
housing
or
public
space.
In
return
for
a
fourth
floor
in
a
new
development
along
Fishkill
Creek
and
the
Hudson,
we
require
25
percent
commercial
space
minimums
for
new
construction
and
again,
the
focus
here
is
either
on
affordable
or
jobs
or
open
space
or
public
benefits.
Short-Term
rental
enforcement.
We
we
led
the
valley
in
rezoning
that
limits
short-term
rentals
like
Airbnb
to
owner
occupied
only
which
will
keep
apartments
for
long-term
residents.
The
city
is
invested
in
identifying
out
of
compliance
rentals
and
launched
increased
monitoring
and
enforcement.
A
The
mayor's
budget
added
funding
for
tenant
advisory
services,
in
partnership
with
the
legal
services
of
the
Hudson
Valley,
to
help
address
evictions
upon
expiration
of
state
and
federal
programs.
Beacon
is
a
leader
in
affordable
housing
and
is
looking
for
smart
ways
to
do
more
fully.
30
percent
of
beacons
rental
units
are
an
affordable
housing
programs.
Only
the
City
of
Poughkeepsie
is
higher
in
the
county.
In
that
percentage,
the
city
sold
the
lot
next
to
City
Hall,
resulting
in
more
than
70
new,
affordable
units
significantly
exceeding
a
county
study
that
set
Beacon's
annual
goal
at
five.
A
To
our
historic
property
protection
Zone
and
to
find
protected
view
shots
to
preserve
critical
viewpoints
around
the
city.
Now,
let's
talk
about
quality
of
life.
Sorry,
climate
change,
so
though
you
know
we
as
a
city
and
I
personally
are
committed
to
Beacon
becoming
the
greenest
community
in
the
Hudson
Valley
and
a
leader
in
sustainability,
and
we
are
doing
just
that.
A
So
first
we
have
transitioned
the
entire
city
government's
power
to
a
hundred
percent
renewable
electricity
generated
largely
from
the
city's
solar
farm
on
our
own
landfill
and
augmented
by
the
purchase
of
renewable
energy
credits.
The
city
will
also
be
installing
a
solar
array
atop
the
city's
Highway
garage
later
this
year,
our
Central
fire
station
renovation,
the
one
across
the
street
at
Tompkins
host,
will
be
a
hundred
percent,
all
electric,
with
geothermal
heat
pumps
from
underground
wells.
In
the
repaved
parking
lot,
we
will
do
the
same
for
other
City
facilities
on
a
cost-effective
basis.
A
Ev
charging
stations
we've
installed,
electric
vehicle
charging
stations
at
multiple
City
lots
and
we'll
be
adding
more
at
City
Hall
and
the
new
Central
fire
station
dance
scammer
plant,
so
I
personally
drafted
and
frequently
testified
the
city's
opposition
to
a
new
gas-fired
power
plant
at
the
dance
scammer
facility,
which
is
across
the
river
invisible
from
Sea
from
Cedar
Riverfront
Park
I
repeatedly
testified
as
mayor
of
public
hearings
and
opposition.
The
plant
was
denied
permits
to
move
forward
earlier
achievement
of
the
New
York
State
climate
goals
is
one
of
our
goals.
A
I
I
A
A
In
case
you're
wondering
all
right:
let's
go
on
to
good
government,
so
beacons
City,
Charter
created
a
part-time
mayor
and
a
full-time,
qualified,
City,
administrator,
I
believe
taxpayers
and
employees
deserve
a
professionally
run,
City
one
that
uses
taxpayer
funds
effectively.
That
empowers
department
managers
and
that
develops
our
employees.
A
Some
of
the
things
that
we've
done,
our
city
administrator,
negotiated
Fair
multi-year
agreements
with
all
three
City
unions,
providing
predictability
of
cost
and
lower
legal
expense.
The
mayor's
problem
I
had
a
proclamation
that
recognized
Juneteenth
as
an
official
City
holiday,
and
it
is
now
included
as
a
paid
holiday
for
all
of
our
employees.
A
Not
only
do
we
do
our
hires
at
the
top,
we
also
increase
our
diversity
in
all
of
our
hires.
Our
new
city
employees,
including
both
police
and
fire
departments,
continue
to
become
more
diverse
and
representative
of
our
community,
while
making
us
all
safer
and
delivering
outstanding
services.
And,
finally,
let's
just
talk
about
our
website
during
covet,
the
city
began:
accepting
online
water
and
tax
bills,
while
keeping
our
city
hall
payment
window
open.
We
expect
electronic
billing
and
more
over
time,
we
also
Consolidated
previous
Department
websites
into
a
new
Central
website.
Www.Beaconny.Gov.
A
J
A
As
I
said
at
the
outset,
the
state
of
the
city
is
excellent.
I
am
proud
of
the
work
that
we
have
accomplished
together
as
a
community.
There's
a
lot
that
I
put
in
this
there's
a
lot
more
that
we
didn't.
We
try
to
prioritize
and
we
try
to
do
our
best
to
do
the
most
important
things
we
don't
get
to
them
all.
We
have
to
say
no
to
some
things,
but
there's
a
lot
on
the
table
here.
Of
course,
there
is
more
to
do,
but
let's
take
a
moment
to
appreciate
what
has
been
done.
A
I
want
to
thank
the
city
council,
for
you
know
we
work
together.
I
am
a
single
vote
and
we
get
you
know
six
and
seven
of
us,
hopefully,
most
of
the
time
the
employees
of
the
city,
including
our
department,
heads
our
city,
administrator,
Chris,
White
and
others
who
make
it
all
happen,
as
well
as
the
residents
who
volunteer
their
time
for
the
city
and
the
community
in
a
myriad
of
ways,
I
love
vegan.
It
has
been
my
deep
commitment
of
community
service
across
four
decades.
It
is
an
honor
to
serve
you
as
mayor.
A
I
I
was
hoping
for
a
crowd
to
follow.
We
could
say
all
we
want,
but
the
quality
of
life
and
is
teetering
in
Beacon
for
most
residents
daily,
the
sirens
are
getting
louder
and
more
frequent.
We
can
no
longer
push
it
under
the
rug.
The
new
construction
may
have
reduced
overall
city
taxes,
but
I
like
many
believe
it
came
an
enormous
Irreplaceable
cost
and
the
loss
of
our
historic
streetscapes,
let's
not
sell
out
to
the
highest
bidders
at
on.
What's
left,
let's
keep
some
thank
you.
A
K
K
They
have
something
in
common,
and
that
is
well
one.
We
don't
have
the
full
chart
filled
out
in
terms
of
the
attributes.
You
know
one
was
purchase
and
all
that,
but
that's
an
old
story
right
there.
But
you
know
when
we
start
to
look
at
the
the
value
of
land
which
is
not
depreciable
for
the
collection
of
federal
tax
dollars
and
then
contrast
it
to
really
the
real
value
going
to
the
owner.
K
When
we
look
at
the
depreciated
value
of
the
asset,
you
know
our
property
records
say
that
that
the
store
is
in
poor
condition
and
Family.
Dollar
is
in
better
condition
of
the
breath
of
the
grocery
store,
now
I'm
not
trying
to
jam
up
and
enter
into
private
business
and
all
that.
But
it's
your
job
through
your
Assessor,
to
understand
the
economic
distinctions
as
to
how
these
systems
work
and
don't
work,
because
in
the
end
it
it
destroys
the
quality
of
life.
Just
on
the
mere
instance
of
going
to
the
grocery
store.
A
L
If
you're
on
zoom
and
you'd
like
to
make
a
public
comment,
please
use
the
raise
hand
option
at
the
bottom
of
your
screen.
If
you're
on
a
phone,
you
can
press
star
9
and
you
will
need
to
push
star
six
to
unmute
once
called
upon
and
if
you're
watching
on
YouTube,
you
will
need
to
join
us
on
Zoom
by
visiting
beaconny.gov
right
now
we
have
one
hand
raised,
and
that
is
Christine
Wong.
A
M
M
Great
as
a
Taiwanese
American,
the
recent
mass
shootings
in
California
during
one
of
the
most
important
holidays
in
the
Asian
communities
caused
deep
disturbance
and
confusion.
In
me,
I
cannot
represent
all
aapi
members
of
the
community,
as
everyone
has
their
own
way
to
process
information
for
me
and
some
of
our
fellow
aapi
friends
here
in
Beacon.
M
M
A
G
So
we
have
a
public
hearing
that
we
set
this
evening
on
proposed
Renovations
and
a
payment
in
lieu
of
taxes,
otherwise
known
as
a
pilot
agreement
with
related
affordable,
which
owns
Tompkins
Terrace.
For
those
of
you
who
are
just
tuning
in,
we
did
a
presentation
on
January
17th
from
related
affordable.
We
also
discussed
it
at
last
week's
Workshop.
The
council
asked
for
a
formal
public
hearing,
so
we've
set
that
up
this
evening.
The
pilot
would
continue
Tompkins
Terrace
being
affordable
over
a
40-year
term
agreement.
G
It
would
basically
lock
in
the
amount
that
they
pay
now,
which
is
based
on
a
percentage
of
their
gross
Rents
It
would
raise
from
two
hundred
and
ninety
thousand
dollars
the
first
year
to
310.
So
there's
a
little
bit
of
a
bump
that
that
amount
goes
to
the
four
taxing
jurisdictions,
the
city,
the
school
district,
the
county
and
the
library
over
the
40
years.
G
It
would
go
up
2.25
percent
every
year
in
exchange,
they
are
going
for
low-income
tax
credits,
so
they
can
invest
14
and
a
half
million
dollars
in
renovating
the
193,
affordable
apartments
there.
They
would
do
about
75
000
of
work
in
each
unit,
including
replacing
kitchens
bathrooms
Energy
Efficiency
upgrades
windows
and
basically
give
this
facility,
which
was
built
in
1973
kind
of
a
an
extended
life,
because
it's
getting
a
little
worn
out.
G
The
other
thing
that
the
agreement
would
would
lock
in
is
that
there
would
be
no
displacement
of
the
people
living
at
this
at
the
complex.
So
during
the
construction
they
would
be
put
up
in
other
housing,
but
they
would
have
a
right
to
return
to
their
units.
So
tonight
we're
going
to
do
a
public
hearing
on
that.
Based
on
what
comes
out
of
that,
we
hope
to
bring
to
a
draft
agreement
next
week
for
the
workshop.
C
A
K
K
Fundamental
land,
valuation
or
property
valuation
would
hold
that
a
property
knew
is
worth
that
plus
land
value,
whatever
cost
to
construct
an
old
one
would
be
depreciated,
let's
just
say
50
and
then
whatever
cash
flow
comes
off.
On
top
of
that
falls
to
the
land
value.
The
reason
why
it's
really
not
done
in
New
York
is
because
you
can't
you
can't
depreciate
that
value
of
land
value
doesn't
get
depreciated
for
federal
tax
purposes,
so
everyone
just
shuts
their
eyes.
K
The
the
equations
of
creating
affordable
housing
are
complex.
The
simple
equations
are
simple:
HUD.
Does
these
kinds
of
deals
at
15
and
20
years?
They
don't
do
them
for
40.
for
a
reason
for
good
reason.
I
don't
have
the
time
to
explain
to
you
why,
but
one
of
them
is
you
know
what
you
put
in
new
kitchens.
What.
K
From
now
now
the
particular
proposal
is
hard
to
understand
when
the
owner
bought
the
property,
because
the
tax
records
don't
show
any
recent
purchase,
but
2007
and
I
could
be
wrong
and
maybe
they've
owned
it
since
2007.,
but
I
do
know
one
thing:
there
was
quite
a
controversy
several
years
ago.
I
would
surmise
18
19,
where
a
lot
of
tenants
were
being
evicted.
K
K
So
when
you
Cobble
together
the
learning
opportunity,
the
council
has
to
understand
and
ferret
and
get
involved
in
the
the
dollars,
the
numbers
I've
I've
long
suggested
you
do
that
with
any
public
housing
development
in
the
last
20
years
in
the
city.
Just
to
look
at
the
profiles
understand
and
get
involved,
because
if
you
do,
then
you
can
build
instead,
we're
letting
the
largest
landlord
in
America
one
of
the
largest
property
owners
in
America.
Do
it
for
you,
if
you're
comfortable
with
that?
K
K
I
gave
you
the
numbers.
I
gave
you
a
a
sketched
out
thing
only
because
I
didn't
feel
as
though
I
needed
to
spend
time
doing
it
more.
Why?
Because
you
need
to
kind
of
put
your
head
into
it
and
say:
I
want
that
area.
What
does
that
mean?
How
does
that
work?
What's
his
thinking?
What
are
the
components?
How
do
they
come
together?
K
And
if
you
don't,
then
you
don't
have
a
darn
idea
of
what
you're
being
asked
to
vote
on
my
perspective
is
an
environmental
impact
statement
is
needed
because
it's
a
long-term
tax
situation,
they're
investing,
allegedly
1.4
million
in
property.
I,
don't
know
what
benefit
that
is.
They
say,
there's
going
to
be
40
full-time
jobs,
give
them
each
100
000
a
year.
Look
up
the
statistics
in
terms
of
standards,
of
how
much
labor
is
a
percentage
of
construction
and
you'll
find
that
maybe
it's
a
10
million
dollar
project
and
not
a
40.
I
got
a
457.
F
I
This
is
a
sweet
deal,
but
for
who
not
for
all
the
residents
of
the
city
as
a
private
company
in
a
brief
span
related
can
legally
apply
to
increased
rents
which
can
boost
their
bottom
line.
I
understand
the
city
administrator
is
pushing
to
lock
in
affordable
housing
for
40
years,
but
what
about
the
other
subsidized
and
affordable
housing
projects
dispersed
around
the
city
of
Beacon?
What
additional
help
is
the
city
giving
them?
We
heard
some
residents
speak
highly
during
the
applicant's
presentation
and
the
notion
of
apartment.
I
Renovations
is
music
to
their
ears,
but
many
others
have
faced
a
multitude
of
issues
under
the
last
property
owner
who
also
gave
them
promises
like
other,
affordable
housing
developers
and
experts
related
understands.
The
purchasing
properties
and
renovating
them
with
tax
credits
is
very
profitable.
I
A
Section
8
property,
like
the
units
at
Tompkins
Terrace,
brings
in
even
more
cash
thanks
to
the
high
guaranteed
rent
subsidies
from
the
county
and
State.
Many
subsidized
and
affordable
housing
properties
are
owned
by
for
profit
developers
and
unlike
a
non-profit
or
publicly
held
company,
they
are
not
recovered
required
to
reveal
their
balance
sheets,
whose
profiting
is
anyone
on
Council
or
any
other
politicians
profiting.
Are
the
city's
favorite
developers
going
to
profit
from
this
similar
to
Beacon's
urban
renewal?
I
N
A
N
N
J
Evening,
everyone
I,
haven't
followed
all
the
intricacies
of
this
pilot
agreement.
I
just
want
to
reiterate
two
concerns
which
I
hope
will
be
addressed
before
the
agreement
is
signed.
One
given
the
past
history
there,
a
prior
owner
I,
want
to
hope
you
will
be
assured
of
continued
adequate
maintenance
there
and
second
continued
affordability
and
without
which
I
think
you
know
the
the
agreement
needs
to
be
redone.
If
those
assurances
aren't
there.
G
Mayor
may
I
just
put
some
context
here.
They
are
currently
taxed
based
on
their
gross
rents.
If
nothing
was
to
change
right
now,
that
would
stay
roughly
what
it
is
today,
290
000.
they're
going
to
parts
of
that
complex
are
coming
off
the
affordability
programs,
so
they
could
take
this
market
rate.
Some
of
the
you
and
again
we
have
Justin
glanda
here
from
related,
affordable
we're
not
getting
a
renovation
for
a
40-year
agreement,
we're
getting
40
years
of
this
remaining
affordable
and
not
going
to
Market.
G
If
this
goes
to
Market
those
rents
are
going
to
Skyrocket
and
and
as
they
come
out
of
the
affordability
programs,
people
will
be
displaced
from
where
they
live.
That's
the
primary
thing
here:
you're,
also
locking
in
an
increase
their
taxes
could
go
down
now.
If
people
of
lower
income
move
in
and
their
gross
rents
actually
go
down,
so
these
things
do
vary
some
and
we
do
these
same
agreements
with
the
beacon,
Housing
Authority
Meadow
Ridge,
Highland
Meadow.
It's
based
on
10
percent
of
their
gross
rents.
G
The
this
guarantees
that
these
rents
are
going
to
go
up
by
a
modest,
not
the
rents,
but
the
taxes
to
the
city
that
are
paid
in
lieu
of
taxes
will
go
up
in
a
predictable
Manner
and
you
make
sure
that
that
people
who
live
there
are
going
to
be
able
to
stay
there
and
that
those
units
will
stay
affordable.
It
doesn't
mean
that
this
is
the
last
time
that
this
gets
renovated
in
the
next
40
years.
Again,
these
low-income
tax
credits
help
them
do
that
now
and
invest
in
it,
but
again
the
the.
G
But
but
again
it
it
get
it.
The
40
years
means
like
a
lot
of
affordable
housing.
Is
time
limited
and
if
you
don't
extend
these
agreements,
then
they
go
to
market.
If,
if
other
Pilots
come
up,
we
would
certainly
try
to
lock
other
housing
complexes
in
as
well.
One
of
the
things
about
affordable
housing
is
maintaining
it
after
the
original
agreements
have
expired,
so
I
just
wanted
to
make
that
note.
A
A
So
if
we
stay
under
the
state's
cap
of
two
percent,
then
growing
at
two
and
a
quarter
we'll
do
the
trick.
If
we
have
to
increase
it
above
the
state's
cap,
then
they'll
get
that
Advantage
right.
So
the
reason
they're
proposing
that
is,
they
need
the
stability.
They
can't
make
the
deal
work
without
a
combination
of
Public
Funding,
a
public
bonding
and
the
tax
credits,
and
then
that
stability,
so
just
to
offer
up
two
and
a
quarter
percent
of
years.
The
growth
of
the
pilot.
G
B
I
one
thing
I
would
add
to
it:
sort
of
relatedly
and
I
know
this
isn't
a
formal,
formal
public
hearing,
but
if
we
could
actually
frame
it
as
keeping
the
public
hearing
open.
My
understanding
is
we're
going
to
discuss
this
in
Workshop
next
week,
not
today,
and
then
we
bring
back
for
any
vote.
The
earliest
would
be
our
next
public
meeting.
B
So
it
could
be
another
item
that
we
add
to
that
agenda
just
because
so
residents
or
anyone
else
who,
after
especially
next
week's
Workshop,
has
further
thoughts
that
we
can
share
it
before
we
vote.
So,
if
we're
able
to
add
it
as
an
item
to
our
next
public
hearing,
that
would
be
my
preference
actually
to
our
next
public
voting
meeting
on
the
13th.
A
H
Is
not
marriage
because
this
is
not
a
legal
public
hearing?
It's
not
the
council's,
not
required
to
do
this
and
you're
going
above
and
beyond
by
providing
this
opportunity
wherever
it's
a
hearing
where
it's
held
at
the
public
comment
session.
It's
the
same.
It's
giving
input
to
the
council
members
so
that
opportunity
would
be
provided
all.
P
F
A
E
Start:
okay,
so
thank
you.
First
Christine
Huang
for
your
comments
recognizing
and
speaking
out
against
the
violence
against
Asian,
Americans
and
Pacific
Islanders
and
on
behalf
of
gun
control
and
for
lifting
up
beacons,
Human,
Rights,
Commission
and
also
on
behalf
of
for
Neighbors,
reaching
out
to
help
each
other.
Much
appreciated.
E
I
just
wanted
to
report
that
I've
met
recently
with
the
beacon,
Human,
Rights,
Commission
and
they're.
Looking
for
members,
I
know
that
the
city,
administrator
and
Ben
are
working
toward
publicizing,
which
of
our
committees
are
looking
for
members
and
we've
been
voting
in
on
expiring
membership
for
committee
members.
So
I
just
wanted
to
stay
that
publicly
that
the
Human
Rights
Commission
is
looking
for
members
and
they've
accomplished
a
lot
and
looked
to
accomplish
more
they're,
beginning
to
think
about.
E
Pride,
2023
and
I
learned
that
that
Beacon
Pride
actually
received
a
proclamation
from
the
state
for
last
year
and
I
just
felt
so
proud
and
happy
for
the
work.
That's
been
done
to
achieve
that
and
I
hope
that
the
city
can
continue
to
deepen
our
involvement
with
the
HRC,
both
helping
to
get
the
HRC
pledge
out
and
yeah.
Just
celebrating
Pride,
together,
their
main
takeaway,
is
that
they're
prepared
they're
prepared.
E
They
are
preparing
and
are
prepared
to
present
their
annual
report,
which
is
a
requirement
of
that
commission
and
they
are
hoping
to
be
added
to
the
workshop
in
March.
So
that's
something
one
of
the
workshops
in
March,
so
that's
something
I
like
to
request
and
if
any
of
the
other
Council
would
also
like
to
hear
that
report
in
March
at
a
workshop,
please
make
it
known
and
I
continue
to
be
available
for
office
hours.
E
D
Thanks
Ren
I
would
also
love
to
have
the
HRC
report,
their
annual
report
in
person
this
year
I
think
last
year
it
was
emailed
to
us
which
was
helpful
but
having
the
public
conversation
about
the
work
that
they're
doing
given.
Also
the
public
messaging
behind
the
HRC
I
think
would
be
really
beneficial
and
I
also
wanted
to
thank
Christine
for
bringing
forward
these
issues
around
the
AAP
aapi
Community
I.
D
I
think
it's
also
worth
noting
that
the
indigenous
peoples
of
this
land
celebrate
the
Mohican
New
Year
on
the
lunar
cycle
as
well
and
as
Christine
said,
it's
particularly
heartbreaking
to
have
a
community
tragedy
like
what
happened
in
Half,
Moon,
Bay
and
Monterey
Park
in
California
on
what
is
supposed
to
be
a
really
joyous
time
of
year.
The
Year
of
the
rabbit
is
meant
to
celebrate
peace
and
hope.
It's
also
the
Year
of
the
Cat,
which
is
a
symbol
of
good
luck
and
to
have
a
community
faced
with
gun.
D
Violence
in
such
a
violent
way
is
really
heartbreaking,
and
so,
as
Christine
said,
I
encourage
you
to
reach
out
to
people
that
you
know
in
this
community
the
same
as
following
any
any
tragedy,
including
the
very
public
killing
of
Tyree
Nichols
and
reaching
out
to
your
friends
in
the
black
community
and
I'm.
Saying
all
of
this
a
bit
because.
D
I
think
that,
in
the
same
way
that
it's
important
to
sort
of
recognize
the
humanity
of
the
people
on
the
side
of
the
table,
and
not
just
for
the
office
that
we
hold,
which
we
take
very
seriously,
that
our
city
is
also
not
just
our
core
infrastructure
which,
as
the
mayor
Illustrated
earlier,
is
something
that
we
spend
a
lot
of
time
on
a
lot
of
energy
on
and
is
doing
quite
well.
But
our
city
is
also
the
people
who
live
here
and
work
here
and
interact
and
have
relationships
here
and
I.
D
The
healthier
we
will
all
be
I,
think
that's
part
of
the
message
around
mental
health
is
about
supporting
all
of
the
facets
of
ourselves
and
the
people
around
us,
and
so
I
hope
that
we
can
bring
that
mentality
to
other
parts
of
how
we
operate
here.
In
addition
to
keeping
the
buses
on
time
and
the
roads
paved.
A
O
Just
wanted
to
bring
to
the
attention
of
the
of
the
community
website
that
I
became
aware
of
by
listening
to
a
program
on
National
Public
Radio.
It's
called
rewiringamerica.org,
it's
all
one
word
and
what
it
does
is
it
helps
individuals
navigate
through
all
the
opportunities
for
solar
and
changing
out
heating
systems,
and
so
so
it
also
helps
municipalities
as
well
to
kind
of
reduce
our
dependence
on
fossil
fuels.
O
So
as
we
as
a
community
start
to
develop
legislation
that
would
ensure
that
future
there's
many
things
out
there
that
we
can
currently
do
that
are
incentivized
and
and
supported
by
the
government
through
the
inflation
reduction
act.
There's
billions
of
dollars
there
so
and
I
I,
just
looked
through
it
and
there's
there's
money
out:
there's
significant
monies
for
solar
for
heat
pumps,
for
if
you're,
changing
an
old
gas
boiler
or
oil
boiler.
There's
money
right
now
that
you
can
take
advantage
of
so
I,
please
everyone
look
at
that.
O
C
B
Thanks
Justice,
a
couple
of
things:
I
might
end
up
having
more
formal
office,
hours
or
specific
ones
in
the
month
of
February,
but
before
I
announce
those.
If
you
just
want
to
reach
out
to
me
over
my
email
at
M,
roads,
r,
h,
o
d
e
s
at
beaconny.gov,
I'm
happy
to
meet
with
you
or
talk
with
you,
either
in
person
or
over
the
phone
or
over
email
at
your
convenience
and
in
particular
I,
because
I
represent
Ward
one.
That's
where
Tompkins
Terrace
is
located.
B
Also
how
we
have
our
own
Police
Department
here
and
how
we're
going
to
hear
a
report
about
reforming
then.
Luckily,
we
have
not
had
an
incident
so
horrific
any
time
in
our
recent
past
and
I.
Think
there's
also
an
opportunity
to
continue
to
improve
relationships
throughout
the
community.
That
I
know
that
the
police
department
is
also
really
Keen
to
do
as
well.
So
as
tragic
as
these
situations
are
I
hope
that
we
all
as
a
community,
keep
moving
forward
to
the
place
that
we
want
to
build
together
and
I
will
pass
it
to
you.
Lee.
A
Thanks
so
I
always
appreciate
the
remarks
that
you
all
offer:
I
won't
go
into
them.
I'll
just
offer
one
thing.
So
there
was
a
hearing
today
by
the
New
York
State
independent
redistricting
commission,
which
concerned
Assembly
districts.
There's
a
proposal
by
the
commission
to
create
an
assembly
district
that
has
Beacon
with
Cold
Spring
and
a
portion
of
Putnam
and
Westchester
and
I
submitted
the
following
testimony.
So
chairman
Jenkins
and
members
of
the
New
York
independent
redistricting
Commission
regarding
Mid-Hudson
Assembly
District
with
Beacon
Newberg
and
Poughkeepsie
good
afternoon.
A
These
three
cities
have
been
linked
for
Generations
by
physical
proximity
and
geography
by
Transportation
links
and
by
Community,
by
commonality
of
demographics,
economics
and
community
Interstate
84
crosses
the
Hudson
between
Newberg
and
beacon,
beacon
and
Poughkeepsie
are
two
of
the
largest
Metro-North
train
stations
north
of
the
Hudson
lines
Croton
hub.
The
beacon
train
station
connects
to
the
Newberg
Waterfront
by
Community
Ferry,
the
Port
Authority
Steward
airport
in
Newburgh
serves
the
region.
A
The
three
cities
have
long
histories
as
Mid
Hudson,
economic
centers,
Factory
communities,
and
when
the
factories
closed
as
poorer,
Urban
centers
with
aging
infrastructure
and
economic
development
needs,
all
three
cities
have
high
percentages
of
various
affordable
housing
programs.
Beacon
is
now
enjoying
an
economic
Renaissance
with
Benefits
spilling
over
to
Newburgh
as
well
as
Poughkeepsie.
A
These
and
multiple
other
connections
between
the
three
cities
readily
demonstrate
a
deep
and
long-standing
community
of
Interest,
which
has
been
represented
collectively
in
the
New
York
State
Assembly,
as
mayor
of
the
city
of
Beacon
I,
would
appreciate
the
assembly
keeping
the
three
cities:
a
beacon,
Newburgh
and
Poughkeepsie
within
a
single
Assembly
District
consistent
with
long-standing
assembly
representation.
Thank
you
respectfully
submitted
by
me
and
that's
all
I
got
Chris
anything
you
want
to.
G
Put
in
I'd
just
like
to
announce
that
the
city
is
co-sponsoring,
a
blood
drive,
this
Friday
February
3rd
from
11
30
a.m,
to
4
30
p.m.
Over
at
the
West
Center
Street
Recreation
Center
at
23,
West
Center
Street
this
time
of
year.
Blood
is
especially
prone
to
shortages.
So
if,
if
anyone
out
there
wants
to
donate
just
come
over,
you
can
go
on
our
website
and
sign
up
very
easily.
G
B
G
D
This
will
be
the
date
of
the
beacon
spring
planned
date
for
The
Beacon
spring
celebration,
which
Christine,
who
we
heard
from
and
Community
member
Jessica
jeliff
organized,
and
this
will
be
the
second
year
it's
planned
for
in
between
the
Lunar
New
Year
and
the
Spring
Equinox,
and
is
meant
as
a
community
celebration
welcoming
in
the
sunnier
days,
and
it
will
start
at
pole,
Hill
Park
at
sundown
and
process
with
lanterns
along
the
sidewalks
of
Main
Street.
That's.
A
C
F
A
P
F
D
A
C
C
C
A
C
F
B
F
A
A
B
A
A
So
it
looks
like
the
word
opportunity
goes
in
the
prior
line,
where
it
says
public
comments.
Second
opportunity
on
the
word
adjournment
then
follows
that
on
a
separate
line,
correct
okay,
so
other
than
that
slight
correction,
anything
else
all
in
favor
aye,
anyone
opposed
all
right.
So
this
is
the
second
opportunity
for
public
comment.