Nyack, Piermont Governments To Further Involve Residents

Piermont officials are hoping to bring fresh faces to the village's budget discussion.

At this week's village board meeting—where residents discussed the possible relocation of the Piermont Rowing Club and the purchase of solar-powered trash cans—Piermont's mayor Christopher Sanders announced the village is putting together an independent budget committee.

"We're looking to involve residents deeper in our budget process and find ways to save money," Sanders said.

Sanders noted the group would be an advisory committee, and involve residents who are not currently linked to the village government. People with past government experience, however—like former trustees—would be a good fit, he added.

"Several people have offered up their names," Sanders said. He encouraged interested residents to drop their names off at village clerk's office, or call (845) 359-1258.

Piermont is not alone in their search for more civic-minded residents; Nyack is searching for residents' input on a community development plan.

Nyack's mayor Richard Kavesh noted this week that the village is creating a citizen advisory committee for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).

"The purpose of the advisory committee is to recommend to the village board the programs and/or projects for which the village should apply to the county's Office of Community Development for CDBG funding," Kavesh wrote in a recent press release. "Awards will be announced early next year."

The ideal committee would be diverse, Kavesh said, consisting of low-income, handicap and/or minority residents, and business, civic and faith-based organization members.

Issues will include installation of handicap bathrooms around town, sidewalk overhauls, renovation of the Nyack Center and more.

Interested peoples can contact Marilyn Kaskel at marilynkaskel@aol.com or (845) 535-3112. Submissions must be made by Oct. 1.