It is with great pleasure that I begin writing for the Gardiner Gazette. I hope to bring you all up to date on the goings on with the Town Board and in the Town Hall and I’ll start with a piece of very good news: on April 2nd Governor Patterson announced the NYS transportation projects that will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP). One of them is the Gardiner Sidewalks Project, Phase 2. Sidewalks will be 100% funded and will run from the Gardiner Reformed Church to the new Gardiner Library.
On other matters, the Town Board is working very hard in the areas of Business Development for Gardiner and the improvement of infrastructure. We have begun community meetings to explore ways of bringing new businesses to Gardiner as well as helping to grow those businesses that are currently operating. One of the goals of this effort is to broaden the tax base to provide some relief to homeowners. The new sidewalks in the hamlet, the creation of a sewer district in the Steve’s Lane industrial area, and the erection of a cell tower on Steve’s Lane are infrastructure projects that also encourage business growth. We are also rebuilding the Transfer Station. This project should be complete by June 2009.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the current fiscal situation. This year’s budget is extremely tight and we are constantly monitoring both our expenses and revenues. Like all governments, if we see revenues take a major drop we may have to take more drastic action.
In other news, laws governing outdoor wood burning stoves, fireworks, sidewalk maintenance, ethics, wetlands and water-course regulation are currently being considered, or have recently been enacted. Zoning and Comprehensive Plan updates are also being considered. Spring is here, and Gardiner’s Summer Camp is being planned. Signups for the 175 campers begin on April 17. Plans are being made for Gardiner Day on September 12 and we hope to have a great season at Majestic Park.
Stay tuned!!! Something wonderful is always happening in Gardiner.