Bags to Bench Challenge
From March to August 2023, the Gardiner Library will be collecting plastic to be repurposed into a bench. Any type of plastic that can be stretched when pulled and doesn’t tear like paper is acceptable including: grocery bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, plastic shipping envelopes, Ziploc and other reclosable food storage bags, cereal bags, case overwrap, salt bags, pallet wrap, and produce bags. Items can be dropped off at the Gardiner Library, the Gardiner Transfer Station, and New Paltz High School.
Climate Smart Gardiner (CSG)
CSG is partnering with the Cornell Cooperative Extension on a Disaster Preparedness Outreach Project, where they will assist Gardiner in publicizing available local resources in the event of a disaster. They are working with Sustainable Hudson Valley and publicizing their Green Group Purchase Program, where local residents can make “green” purchases at discounted group rates. An intern from SUNY New Paltz has joined CSG for the spring semester to work on Gardiner’s Emergency Plan and other projects. CSG is continuing to move forward with Community Choice Aggregation program (CCA) implementation and our CCA administrator, Joule Assets, Inc. (Joule), provided 2 outreach sessions for residents to discuss CCA. Gardiner’s Repair Cafe, where folks can bring beloved possessions to be repaired, was held at the library and many items avoided the landfill. Learn more at: www.facebook.com/climatesmartgardiner
Environmental Conservation Commission (ECC)
In January 2023, the Town Board appointed Joan Parker, a standing member of the ECC, as Chairperson. Current items on the ECC agenda include conservation value and environmental impacts of the Millbrook Meadows Major Subdivision (2901 Route 44/55 and 63 Ferris Rd) application. The Planning Board has referred the Millbrook Meadows major subdivision application to the ECC for review. In addition, we are also working on drinking water (supply and quality) in the hamlet, water resource Zoning Law regulations (aquifers, wetlands and watercourses), developing a network of consultants, continuance of public programs (e.g., pollinator gardens), and partnering with the Open Space Commission and community initiatives (Trees for Tribs, Climate Smart Gardiner) to advance environmental awareness.
Gardiner Library
Phase 2 of the library’s plan to increase the native biodiversity on library property and to help educate residents about these plants and their importance in our environment is underway, thanks to an environmental restoration grant through Partners for Climate Action Hudson Valley. When finished, the library will be flanked on both its west and east sides with native plants visible and accessible to both library patrons and users of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. On Saturday, May 27th, from 10 am to 12 noon, visit the library for the second annual Native Plant Sale and find a variety of affordable native herbaceous and flowering perennials which can be successfully planted in containers, raised beds, lawns, and fields.
Open Space Commission (OSC)
In the Fall of 2022, the Town of Gardiner, with the Gardiner Open Space Commission (OSC) as lead, initiated a pilot program to conduct monitoring of the nine (9) town-held conservation easements and eight (8) additional properties donated to the Town for
the purpose of conservation. The Town contracted with the Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT) for the monitoring work which included walking the easement properties, observing existing conditions, and identifying any follow-up actions needed to be
taken to ensure the conservation purpose of the easement is met. Gardiner’s conservation easement monitoring program will continue in 2023.
Riverbend Trails Parking
Visitors to Riverbend Trails at Gardiner Park will soon be able to use the trails anytime. Until recently, trail hours were limited to the hours of the Transfer Station. A new dedicated trailhead parking area has been created by the Gardiner Highway Department, in cooperation with the Parks & Recreation Committee and Gardiner Trail Alliance with help from P.E. Colucci Excavating. When complete, hikers and bikers will be able to access the trails via a footpath to the Riverbend Trails informational kiosk. Many thanks to all who made this possible!
A Note from Supervisor Majestic: Looking Ahead in 2023
Over the last several years, the Gardiner community and the Town Board have worked diligently to update Gardiner’s Comprehensive Plan to reflect the environment of the mid-21st century. Next, we need to ensure that our laws and codes are revised to help achieve the Comp Plan’s goals. We have been working with consultant David Church, AICP, to achieve this essential alignment. I highly recommend that you become familiar with the 2023 Comp Plan (on Town’s website at www.townofgardiner.org/comprehensive-plan) AND that you contribute to the recrafting of these important laws. Please contact me if you have suggestions or would like to discuss further: supervisor.tog@gmail.com or 845-255-9675 x101.
Transfer Station
The Transfer Station is now also open on Thursdays. The days/hours of operation are Wed., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. from 8am – 3:35pm. For more info contact Operator Dan Scharf at 845-255-9775 or recycling.tog@gmail.com.