By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA — With the informal public hearing on the possible use of Grace United Methodist Church as a new town hall set for this week, Mayor Bill Misuraca is encouraging village residents to contact him or the village board with their concerns.
An informal public hearing will be held at town hall Thursday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m., to gauge community reaction to the town purchasing the church, located at 16 Hillcrest Drive, and converting it into a new town hall.
Misuraca said at the village board’s Sept. 5 meeting that residents can voice their thoughts and concerns to village representatives as well.
“There’s been some talk about the town of Coeymans looking to purchase the old Methodist church at 16 Hillcrest for new municipal offices,” Misuraca said. “While this board has its own thoughts on that, I wanted to encourage people — we are here to represent you. Absolutely, you should go to the town meeting to voice your opinions and get information, but if there is anything you want us, as your representatives, to bring to the town, now is the time to contact us, whether it is a phone call to the office to get me, email, or any trustees you want to talk to — we are all listed on the [village] website.”
The village’s website, and contact information for village officials, is at https://villageofravena.com/ .
Misuraca encouraged residents to attend the town board’s Sept. 14 informal public hearing but said they can also reach out to the village board as well since the proposed project would take place within the village.
“I avoid the social media aspect of it because things tend to get blown out of proportion and misrepresented, so I would rather speak to people in person or at least via email,” Misuraca said. “Set up a meeting with me, stop me in the street — if you have concerns or questions, I will do my best to answer them. If I can’t answer them, I’ll suggest you talk to the supervisor of the town of Coeymans.”
The decision to purchase the church building lies with town officials, but the village would be impacted as well, the mayor said.
“It is happening within our community of Ravena, so now is the time to talk,” Misuraca said. “I just want everybody to be very clear — you’re getting that opportunity to have your concerns brought forward by us if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.”
The town board’s informal public hearing will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m., at town hall, located at 18 Russell Ave.
