The Weekly Digest

What happened.The Planning Board issued a negative declaration on the Bliss Towers redevelopment at a special meeting May 28, ending the SEQR environmental review process. The vote was unanimous and clears the way for the project to move toward site-plan approval. Engineering questions raised in the May comment letter, water and wastewater capacity, traffic, and the townhouse setback variances, still need final answers. Those come back to the Planning Board on June 9 and the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 17.

Where it’s headed.The townhouse variance hearing at the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 17, and a full public hearing on the site plan later this summer.

Disclosure: This digest is published by me, Peter Spear, and I am a member of the Hudson Planning Board.

What happened.Hudson approved Columbia County's request to reserve 18 weekday parking spaces at the 11 Warren Street lot, but cut the term from five years to two, and required the county to pay, in writing, for moving the displaced handicap parking space to a more accessible corner across the street. Both amendments came from the floor, after residents said the original deal gave the county a long-term hold on a public lot for less than the public pays.

Where it’s headed.The amended lease returns to county legislators for sign-off. Hudson's resolution takes effect once both sides countersign.

What happened.Near the end of the May 26 Council meeting, a Whiteman Osterman and Hanna attorney representing what appears to be Colarusso and Son told the Council his client is the only Hudson business harmed by the dock-operations law (§ 325-17.1) the Council introduced at its May 18 informal. The Council president agreed the law wasn't on the meeting's agenda and committed to a proper public hearing. The attorney urged the Council to get outside counsel before acting. Watch Thursday's Legal Committee for the first signs of how that hearing gets scheduled.

Where it’s headed.A public hearing date is expected to be set at Legal Committee, Thursday June 11.

What happened.The city treasurer presented Hudson's 2025 books. The bottom line: Hudson's unassigned fund balance dropped another $160,000, far better than 2024's $1.3 million plunge, leaving about $1.39 million on hand. Government-finance guidance says the city should have closer to $2.6 million. The pattern, smaller losses but still losses, sets up a tight 2026 budget cycle and renewed conversations about which line items can absorb cuts.

Where it’s headed.Budget conversations resume through the summer, with the formal 2026 budget process beginning in early fall.

What happened.The Public Works Board opened sidewalk season with nine fresh Sidewalk Improvement District applications on top of last year's carry-overs and roughly $310,000 in the fund. Members scheduled a Thursday afternoon walk-through with the mayor to weigh priority sidewalk pieces on Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Streets, plus an attachment to municipal buildings, for a Request for Proposals that funds work this summer. Residents whose blocks are on the list can attend the walk-through to make the case for inclusion in this year's RFP.

Where it’s headed.The Request for Proposals for 2026 sidewalk work goes out after the walk-through; selected blocks see work in mid-to-late summer.