By DOUG LAROCQUE, Capital Region Independent Media
NEW LEBANON–The town’s community center opened in December 2023 in the former Lebanon Vallery Protective Association (LVPA) firehouse on U.S. Route 20 at the corner with Shaker Road. It features a game room and a quiet area for watching TV or DVDs or simply just sitting down to chat. It is also home for the Lebanon Valley Seniors and the town’s Free Store.
The town’s lease on the building will expire near the end of the year, and the LVPA would like to sell the building now that they have completely moved into their new quarters down the street. They are willing to sell to the town for less than it is believed they could get on the open market. Town Board member Steve Powers called it “a very fair offer.”
Not all the members of the board are in favor or purchasing the building. Craig Skerkis, who was unable to attend the August 13 meeting, sent an email expressing his opposition to moving forward, questioning the need for the center. Councilwoman Elizabeth Kroboth echoed his comments, questioning if the level of usage justified such a purchase, and that there are other options for the seniors to meet and to locate the Free Store, which used to be in the town hall.
Councilman Powers countered that some of the youth programs that the municipality formerly used the New Lebanon school buildings for is no longer an option, citing changes in school policies and laws.
Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling says she is not free to disclose the price of the buying the building yet, partly because there is not yet a contract, and partly because if the town were to decide not to purchase the building, public knowledge of the town’s offer might contribute to a devaluation of the structure should the LVPA entertain another buyer. She promised those in attendance, if an actual offer is tendered by the board, the dollar amount would become a public record.
Mr. Powers also said since the town has scrapped the idea of reconstructing the splash pad at Shatford Park, that frees up $300,000 of already budgeted money that could be applied to the purchase price. The remainder, whatever that amount is, could be covered by other funding sources. The bottom line, according to Mr. Powers, is purchasing the building will not result in a tax increase.
The board then voted on a motion to move forward with a formal offer and resolution of approval to be considered at their September meeting. The vote authorizing such action was approved 3 to 1, with Councilwoman Kroboth casting the only vote in opposition.
The board also discussed changes to the town court as the meeting. Typically, there are two sitting justices in the New Lebanon Town Court. That was reduced to one with the resignation earlier this year of Judge Jack Nevers. The board choose to ask the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA) to select his replacement, pending the November election, they picked Nina Keller, who came to the August meeting to inform the councilors she would not be able to accept the appointment because of policy laid down by her employer the NYS Liquor Authority. It was further disclosed the town’s remaining justice, Jessica Byrne, had also since resigned. OCA has now appointed Greenport Justice Barry Sack to the New Lebanon bench until the end of the year. Because both resignations occurred before August 5, both positions will be on the November ballot, and the two winners will take office on January 1.
The board is considering reducing the number of justices from two to one, primarily because of decreasing case volume. No action was taken at this meeting, however.
Also at the meeting:
*Supervisor Houghtling indicated there is grant money to finish installing broadband internet on all roads in the town, and in particular the Gale Hill Road area. The grant monies are tied to the town of Ghent
*During public comment, there was some opposition expressed to the Walkable Downtown plan as it is currently drawn. The concern there is over possibly using compacted stone dust for sidewalks. One speaker questioning just how long it would hold
*The town is entertaining resumes for the Board of Assessment Review, following the retirement of Dale Ackley, who was honored at the meeting with a certificate of appreciation for his many years of service.
Announcements:
*The New Lebanon Recreation Commission will sponsor a newcomers meet and greet on Saturday, September 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the Roaring 20’s Brewery at 565 U.S. Route 20 in the town
*The town and the Lebanon Valley Community Corporation are again working with the New Lebanon School District to hold an open swim time at the Shatford Pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The program starts on September 10 and runs through June 17 of next year.
All swimmers must pay a one-time pool usage fee on $10. Families with up to two adults and two children pay $25 for the season. Each additional child is $5
*The Columbia County shredding program returns to the New Lebanon Town Hall from September 16 through 27. Known as KISS (Keeping Identities of Seniors Safe), it allows seniors to bring papers they would like shredded to the town hall on Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. There is no charge for this service.
