The Weekly Digest

What happened.The Planning Board decided it needs more time to understand a proposed zoning change before making a recommendation to the Common Council. The amendment would add hard limits to conditional dock operations in the waterfront district: 10,000 truck round trips and 275,000 tons of material. It would also codify the 10 conditions of approval the board previously imposed on the Caruso project. Multiple board members struggled to understand what the amendment would actually change compared to the previous approval. The board agreed to schedule a special workshop meeting between now and July 14 to have city representatives explain the proposal in detail. The Planning Board has 30 days from June 9 to render its recommendation, which is purely advisory.

Where it’s headed.Special workshop meeting between now and July 14 to discuss the amendment with city representatives

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

What happened.The Planning Board issued a SEQR negative declaration for the Bliss Towers replacement project and scheduled a public hearing for July 21. The plan replaces today's 135-unit Bliss Towers and Columbia Apartments with 166 units across two four-story apartment buildings and six townhouses. Phase 1 builds first so existing tenants can move in before phase 2 takes the tower down. Architect Alexander Gorlin framed the project explicitly as a correction of urban-renewal-era choices that severed the site from the city grid. The design proposes reopening North First Street between Columbia and State, which was closed during urban renewal, though board members noted they cannot bind future boards to actually carry out the reopening. A traffic analysis showed minimal impact, with all intersections operating at level-of-service B or better.

Where it’s headed.Public hearing Tuesday, July 21, 6 p.m. at the fire station, with written comments accepted for 10 days afterward

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

What happened.Chief Hoffman announced the fire department will begin responding to cardiac arrest calls within the next month or two as first responders, alongside rescue squads. The move is part of a countywide initiative to support ambulance services. Hudson averages 15 cardiac arrests per year over the last five years. The department will train with Greenport Rescue next week and redo CPR certifications. Response will be via van or Tahoe equipped with AED and first-in bag, not fire trucks. Multiple EMTs and paramedics among volunteer firefighters will be a major asset. Hudson could be the first county in New York State with 100 percent fire department participation if all departments sign on.

Where it’s headed.Training with Greenport Rescue next week, service to begin within one to two months

What happened.The Conservation Advisory Council celebrated completing their Climate Smart Communities application in May. The council needed 120 points for bronze certification and submitted over that amount, potentially approaching 200 points. Results are expected in July, with a possible silver certification submission in January 2027 if the council continues follow-up work. Meanwhile, the council reported excellent survival rates from spring plantings: 202 seedlings at the dog park and 46 at Oakdale Lake, with only about 10 of 202 plants not yet sprouted. Members are working with DPW on mowing and watering equipment, and planning mulch installation to protect the young trees.

Where it’s headed.Climate Smart results expected in July, next meeting with mayor to discuss rain gardens

What happened.Police reported parking enforcement generated $49,652 in revenue in May, with 3,335 tickets issued and 2,378 tickets paid. Revenue was down about $13,000 from April, possibly due to elimination of weekend alternate-side parking enforcement. Ten new parking kiosks will be installed in early June at locations along Warren and Columbia Streets. The Safety Committee also requested several signage improvements at one-way intersections and a no-right-turn-on-red sign at North Sixth and Columbia, especially with the Galvan hotel opening soon. Council President Hadad cited litigation potential if accidents occur at poorly marked intersections.

Where it’s headed.Ten parking kiosks to be installed first or second week of June along Warren and Columbia Streets

What happened.The major combined sewer overflow separation project on Columbia Street is about 95 percent designed and will be submitted to DEC and EFC for review. The review process will take a couple of months, during which DPW will address local issues like traffic management, winter shutdown options, and utility conflicts. Some city water mains are in conflict with the new sewer and will be moved as part of the project at no additional cost. DPW Superintendent Rob Perry explained that traffic management will involve closing blocks of Columbia Street during construction, with stakeholder meetings planned to arrange detours and access for property owners. Some days, Columbia Street will have massive holes that get filled at the end of the day, making the street temporarily impassable.

Where it’s headed.Design plans to be reviewed by DEC and EFC over next few months, then returned to city to finalize local details

What happened.As of June 3, summer camp has 145 registrations, 10 more than this time last year. Anyone applying now goes on a wait list, which is managed during the first week or two of camp by calling families of no-shows. The Youth Department hired 15 staff plus 8 summer positions from over 50 applicants, and referred applicants who were not hired to the workforce development program at the college. The fishing derby returns to Oakdale Park on Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for ages 5 to 14. The free event is sponsored by the Warthower Memorial Fund, with prizes including bikes, tablets, gift cards, t-shirts, food, and drinks. Trout will be stocked in the lake close to the event date to prevent early fishing.

Where it’s headed.Fishing derby Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakdale Park