The Monstrosity

The only way to change the laws is to run for office (and obviously to vote). We are hoping that this will inspire people to do both.

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More context regarding the monstrosity on Jackson & Main and why VOTING MATTERS.

Some might not know that the empty lot on the corner of Jackson & Main was once occupied by a highly significant 18th-century landmark that had been the home of Dutchess County Judge Joseph I. Jackson. The home stood for over two and a half centuries until was demolished under the instruction of then Mayor James Miccio- literally in the middle of the night.

Local preservation groups had been actively organizing rallies, writing petitions, and planning public awareness campaigns to save or relocate the building. However, on the night of December 2, 2013, the Village of Fishkill Board of Trustees held an executive meeting. By lunch the next day the house that had stood on the corner since 1741 was demolished.

What sparked deep community anger was not just the loss of the physical landmark, but the sudden, non-transparent way the local government executed the teardown.

After the historic site was cleared it sat empty as a vacant lot, until the new Village Mayor, Kathy Martin and the rest of the trustees at that time (please note that there are some new trustees currently on the board who had nothing to do with this) passed a new law (in 2021) expanding building height restrictions west of Jackson Street.

Following that change, developers proposed the high-density residential complex known as Jackson Crossing.

All this time, in each Village election, no more than *75 people came out to vote* (sometimes half that!). Complain? Sure. Vote or run for office? Not so much. Keep in mind that people living in the TOWN of Fishkill are unable to vote in VOF elections.

We are now in the midst of an election cycle and KFB is happy to see great numbers turning out even before Election Day. When the people speak, crisis like the Jackson house demolition and subsequent #monstrosity are avoided.

If you don’t think your vote matters, think again. It does. Voting the wrong people in can lead to irreparable damage. Voting the right people in can preserve the dignity of a community and ensure that residents voices are heard.

Below is a note from Frederica Noland, descendant of Judge Joseph Jackson and Sarah Van Brunt, regarding the loss of Jackson House.

This was written in 2013 immediately following the demolition:

"I still have moments of sadness over the loss of the Jackson family house last month. I so appreciate what you and your partners did to save it and how loathsome the progress of loss was.

I am not a Facebook member (age related) so I don't know if there are any further repercussions from the rotten deal your town was given by its leaders and real estate developers.

I feel I have lost something important and have not done a proper job of mourning that loss. Of finding out where the loss will lead to.

Please keep me informed of any good things that may come as a result - perhaps a realization at the importance of tending to the past? Now that my grandmothers grandparents no longer have a home.

By the way my daughter has archived many of our family papers including a letter that speaks of how the Judge looked out his door and saw the lovely widow down the street - Sarah Van Brunt - in her house. Thus their union occurred.

Take care, Frederica Noland

Jackson Crossing Timeline

A Message to Sue Serino

Dear County Executive Sue Serino,

As a voter and taxpayer in Dutchess County, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed tax-exempt status for Jackson Crossing LLC, a luxury complex proposed for Main Street in Fishkill NY.

This project does not meet the necessary criteria to qualify for a tax exemption. Granting this exemption would shift a substantial tax burden onto the community's taxpayers to subsidize a private, for-profit development.

Residents of Fishkill have spent years opposing this development, and while permission was eventually granted to move forward (against very vocal opposition), both the Village and the Town of Fishkill officials have written that they strongly oppose this development receiving a tax exemption.

This facility is not a manufacturing or retail office. It does not bring economic growth to this already thriving community. It will not creat jobs. In reality it will increase traffic in an already overly congested area. Having residents carry the burden of their taxes is an almost impossible pill to swallow.

The developer's proposal claims municipal support, which is demonstrably false. Both the Town and Village of Fishkill have submitted letters of opposition to the request of tax exemption, showing a clear lack of local government endorsement.

Approving this tax exemption for a luxury apartment complex would set a negative precedent and goes against the interests of the local community. I urge you to deny the request for tax-exempt status for Jackson Crossing LLC and prioritize the financial well-being of the Dutchess County taxpayers.

For more information about this project please visit www.KeepFishkillBeautiful.com

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mission:
Keep Fishkill Beautiful fosters non-partisan community engagement focused on quality of life and responsible growth in the Town and Village of Fishkill, NY.
https://www.facebook.com/keepfishkillbeautiful

keepfishkilb@gmail.com

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July 15, 2025

*Continental Commons Faces New Lawsuit*

As proposed, Continental Commons would combine a 90-room hotel with a restaurant, visitors’ center and a replica barracks that would house a “museum”.

By the way…

To use the term “museum” one would need to demonstrate a plan to run a museum by definition re: 20 U.S. Code § 9172.

The term “museum” means a public, tribal, or private nonprofit agency or institution organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational, cultural heritage, or aesthetic purposes, that utilizes a professional staff, owns or utilizes tangible objects, cares for the tangible objects, and exhibits the tangible objects to the public on a regular basis.”

This has been presented as a clearly for-profit commercial venture with historical overtones. Not in any way shape or form is this a museum.

To run a museum, there should be the establishment of a non-profit foundation, by-laws, a collecting plan and policies, the plan to hire professional staff, an interpretive plan outlining exhibitions, education, and programming, etc.

To put it bluntly we call bullsh1t.

Highlands Current Article

Tailgate Talks

Join the Fishkill Highway Department and Keep Fishkill Beautiful in a series of "Tailgate Talks". These talks are a series of workshops covering topics like: backyard gardening, beekeeping, handling water runoff, and more.

Meetings are announced on our Facebook group and through our mailing list.

March 5, 2024

Construction begins at Jackson/Crossing

December 8, 2024

Here is the public hearing notice regarding Jackson Crossing.

In short, the developers of Jackson Crossing have applied for a grant through the Dutchess County Industrial Development Association (DCIDA). DCIDA will be deciding whether or not Jackson Crossing should receive a tax exemption.

Please note this is not a decision in any way being made by the Village of Fishkill elected officials. The only reason that this meeting is at Village Hall is because when these public hearings are held, they must be held within the municipality in which they exist.

We all feel the insult to injury with the application for our tax dollars to go to support a project that we so vocally and environmentally opposed. So what can be done?

People can and should show up to the public hearing on Tuesday morning, village Hall, 9:30 AM. Yes in the middle of the workday which isn’t ideal. This time and day was set by the County.

We hope to have a good showing even so. Let’s show these developers how our community can pull together when needed.

We have not confirmed whether there will be any opportunity for public speaking, but presence in numbers can also have an effect on decision-making. So please show up.

https://www.thinkdutchess.com/clientuploads/IDA/Public_Hearing_Notices/Jackson_Crossing_-_Public_Notice.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawHC_sdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTQlJtSD-t0mUgwxAsbcR-lNnrFVuifWY3UmXt428bZaNEiAsOdrcAjUTQ_aem_WFXDQnGOgegGDaggrxMGOg

November 27, 2024

Someone was talking about traffic problems in Fishkill. This is my surprised face.

Good news is on the horizon. Keep Fishkill Beautiful is working with The Town of Fishkill Highway Department and will be hosting a workshop in December to discuss the issue and what can be done.

We have invited all Town and Village Board members as well as additional elected officials who are going to sit down and discuss a plan to address the situation.

We will be sending out an email requesting residents to offer items to add to our agenda. Please make sure that you are on our email list so that you can contribute!

https://keepfishkillbeautiful.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7b75ffac3f9f78cea008badc1&id=91a1f028b5

And if you haven't purchased an official KFB tshirt, you can do that today! https://pandadm.com/products/kfb_t-shirt

Candidates for Town of Fishkill Answer Residents' Questions!

October 15, 2024

Jackie Bardini

Question 1:
According to the 2023 adopted Comprehensive Plan, when respondents were asked what they would like to see more of in the Town of Fishkill, the top answers were: community gatherings, activities events and volunteer projects, more walkable community, bike paths and trails, small, local businesses.
What initiatives would you support to address these points? If you have held office before, can you give examples of how you voted on this issue in the past? Please be specific.

Jackie Bardini Answer:
As a town board member, I voted to earmark money to upgrade our long-ignored park. We also created a sensory park, and I have been told by families who use it, how much the children enjoy the park. The parks have been beautified and include things like ramps for kayaking and pickleball courts.

Also, during Covid, we ensured that the town was open for business so that citizens had full access to services. This also resulted in keeping income flowing in, whereas municipalities that closed did not have the benefit.

I voted to help keep businesses functioning during the pandemic, with initiatives expanding use of new drive-up services. I am also proud that we recognized history in our community by commissioning the statue of Chief Daniel Nimham. It is a source of pride for all citizens and a beautiful landmark.

These things show my dedication to our citizens, to history, and my ability to successfully navigate contingencies such as the pandemic.

Question 2:
Earlier this year, the Town Board received a proposal to consolidate the Glenham and Blodgett water districts. Such a consolidation would increase water supply to the Route 9 corridor in Fishkill, ultimately paving the way for additional large developments in town. The Town Board voted down this proposal, citing residents’ concerns regarding overdevelopment and traffic.

How would you vote, should the below resolution come up again?

Jackie Bardini Answer:

First, let me state that we need development- especially new businesses- in order for our town to continue to grow, but also, we need to consider the impact on our citizens, regarding traffic, schools, use of services, increase in taxes to pay for new infrastructure, etcetera. Town citizens have stated their opposition to large scale development for these reasons.

More importantly, I want the town to have leverage in negotiations in order to maintain (and improve) the nature and character of our hometown. For example, we could ask developers to help pay for and/or maintain major infrastructure projects (e.g. water and sewer infrastructure). If a large development is proposed, we might want to negotiate a new school, fire truck and ladder, as well as other major projects which accompany new construction and increases in population.

Question 3:
What initiatives would you support to address traffic concerns in Fishkill? If you have held office before, can you give examples of how you voted on this issue in the past? Please be specific

In the past I voted against the large-scale development called Rolling Hills. I was most impacted by their failure to plan for contingencies such as traffic, fire, schools and infrastructure. In fact, they tried to belittle our contention that such a large-scale development would necessitate the building of a new school to accommodate families which would move to Fishkill.

I have similar concerns with the sale of Downstate. I see this as a proposal that is outside the zoned use of this parcel. Simply enforcing our zoning laws is a method we may use to limit the scope of this land, or as leverage in negotiations.

Besides enforcing our zoning laws, we need to work with NYS DOT to improve traffic around I84 by right lane entry onto the I84 at 9D and 52. We could also divert traffic for Downstate and the Stadium with designated on/off ramps for these parcels.

Cindy Maeitta

Cindy Maeitta Answer
Gatherings and events such as these are signs of a vibrant community. We are blessed in Fishkill to have so many activities for young and old. We have the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Festivals, Winter Holiday Events, free summer concerts at the Park, senior citizen programming, block parties (through the Fishkill Business Association- which promotes small, local business) , beautiful parks for passive recreation and so on. If elected, as a member of the Town Board, I would not only look to expand on some of these programs and events, I would also like to help bring awareness to some of the opportunities that our citizens may not be aware of.

The town does a great job marketing all these events but there are still those in the community who are unaware of the many opportunities that are offered. Perhaps team up with the County to incorporate the Think Differently initiative where we can host events or start projects that include children and adults of all abilities.

As a school teacher, I see first hand the importance of removing barriers to children with disabilities so they can enjoy all the great things Fishkill has to offer. Unfortunately, there are many children with sensory sensitivities or other disabilities that become overwhelmed when too many people are around. Perhaps we can look into small setting summer camps and unified sports programs. Working with the County we can identify programs that would be beneficial to children and adults with all abilities.
Other programs I would like to see implemented concerns Veterans. The Hometown Hero Banners that we currently have are terrific and are a great reminder to all of us of their tremendous sacrifice. It highlights and gives tribute to the courageous members of our community. We could recognize a “Veteran of the Month” at a Town Board meeting or highlight some at events or on the Town website. These Veterans have given us so much, it would be a privilege to continue to honor them whenever we can.

How would you vote, should the below resolution come up again?

Cindy Maeitta Answer
While I am adamant in my belief in smart growth, which to me is thoroughly and collaboratively examining each project that comes before the board and making a decision that is best for the people and the Town of Fishkill. In this case, if there were ANY evidence that this consolidation grant would lead to larger developments I would be against it because our traffic issues are unsustainable and need to be addressed.

My position on building is the same position of the Fishkill Town Board who recently passed the Update to the Comprehensive Plan. That position is that no building, etc., will be approved that is in violation of current zoning regulations. Like all responsible citizens, we, the citizens of Fishkill, do not want to do anything that stretches our resources and/or damages them in any way. That is why I'll take it a step further and say that I also fully support Highway Superintendent Carmine Istvan's initiative to decrease salt use on the roads in order to better preserve and desalinate our aquifers.

I'm running to do what is right for our Town and my neighbors in Fishkill and not to play politics. I will continue to be open, honest and work with integrity and I hope others do the same. Many of the community members that I have met throughout this journey, have shared that they have had enough of the pettiness and divisiveness. It's time WE work together FOR Fishkill.

Cindy Maeitta Answer

The traffic that our town faces is not a political issue, it’s a quality of life issue. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful town that so many want to move to. The overdevelopment has led to many of these traffic problems. Again, I will state that this is NOT a political issue and to solve it we need to work together.

Neighboring towns such as Wappingers Falls and East Fishkill are working with State officials and the DOT to mitigate their growing traffic concerns. Wappingers has a new traffic circle by the airport which has been a tremendous success and East Fishkill has a new traffic circle by John Jay High School which has helped with the flow of traffic. More traffic circles are scheduled to go into East Fishkill to mitigate their growing traffic concerns. I am not saying we need a traffic circle, I am saying that we need to have everything on the table and see what works best for Fishkill. We must work together, the Town Board, our State officials, and the Department of Transportation to conduct studies and fix this growing problem.

All builders have to have their projects go through an environmental impact study. Part of this study is traffic concerns. Clearly, something was amiss because the amount of traffic we are experiencing is severe and unsustainable. Our traffic concerns are the result of the overdevelopment which is why Gov. Hochul’s housing plan must be stopped because her housing vision will result in worsening our traffic burden.

Scott Bierce

Scott Bierce Answer:
I would like to see more community activities ,and events for every season of the year examples fall festival, block parties ect,ect. The walking trail from Coldspring to Fishkill to east fishkill will be a great attraction. I would like to see sidewalks from 84/52 to the city of Beacon line.

Scott Bierce Answer:
I'm totally against overdevelopment and doing anything for developers. Traffic in Fishkill is terrible. Enough is enough. I remember route 9 in Fishkill was two lane road and nothing but corn fields, that's what I remember as Fishkill being great. I would vote it down again.

Scott Bierce Answer:
Traffic is the most alarming thing thats going on. With development comes traffic thats why we need to stop development. I live off off red school house road were I've owned my house since 1984. So u know I'm watching Down state jails decisions closely. The traffic issue mostly is 52, through the village and coming south to Beacon. The other issue is Route 9d during rush hr with traffic coming north on 9d to 84/route 9d.

The issue on 52 I think has to do with the sequence of the lights. When I was à supervisor with the Fishkill police department, I would assign a police officer during rush hours if available to do traffic detail at 52/84 and push cars through the intersections. The samething on Route 9d and 84. The previous chief stated at a board meeting it wasn't his problem because they are state roads.

Well it is our problem because it effects the residents of fishkill. I would work with local,state, county police,mta police department to come up with at least something that would ease some of the traffic at best.

November 5 Town Board Election

There is ONE open position on the Town of Fishkill Town Board, and these are the three individuals running to secure the spot:

Jacqueline Bardini
Cindy Maietta
Scott Bierce

The below questions were sent to the candidates on October 7, 2024. Answers will be published on our website, Facebook, and sent out to our mailing list.

What initiatives would you support to address these points? If you have held office before, can you give examples of how you voted on this issue in the past? Please be specific.
According to the 2023 adopted Comprehensive Plan, when respondents were asked what they would like to see more of in the Town of Fishkill, the top four answers were:
* community gatherings, activities events and volunteer projects
* more walkable community
* walking, bike paths and trails
* small, local businesses (tied with c)
How would you vote, should the below resolution come up again?
Earlier this year, the Town Board received a proposal to consolidate the Glenham and Blodgett water districts. Such a consolidation would increase water supply to the Route 9 corridor in Fishkill, ultimately paving the way for additional large developments in town. The Town Board voted down this proposal, citing residents’ concerns regarding overdevelopment and traffic.
What initiatives would you support to address traffic concerns in Fishkill? If you have held office before, can you give examples of how you voted on this issue in the past? Please be specific.

KFB Endorsed Candidates win Village Election

KEEP FISHKILL BEAUTIFUL ENDORSES DANIELLE HUGHES AND ANNE MACHADO

Date: June 10

Time: 7pm

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/8452089846

Join us to talk about the upcoming election and why Keep Fishkill Beautiful is proud to endorse Danielle Hughes and Anne Machado for Village Trustees.

Anne and Danielle have been vocal in their commitment to represent the wishes of Village residents while respecting the Comprehensive Plan as designed.

They have promised to be a voice for the people who live and work in the Village and will be a welcome change. Join us in saying 'no' to overdevelopment, traffic jams, and safety concerns and say 'yes' to responsible development, transparency, and respect for residents.

The zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/8452089846

Please complete THIS FORM if you have Election Day questions.

Please complete THIS FORM if you would like to volunteer with the Crossroads Party.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

On March 21, the Village of Fishkill Planning Board approved Jackson & Main, LLC‘s application for a special use permit to build a 56-unit apartment complex at Jackson and Main. Village of Fishkill Planning Board members Theresa Cucchelo, Ezra Holly and Anthony Melella as well as Chairperson Hans Klingzahn were present, and approved the permit unanimously. Board member Danielle Hughes was not able to be present for this meeting.

Current Village of Fishkill Trustees Nick Forlano (Deputy Mayor), Trudi Newhard, Anthony Ruggiero and Dean Scofield as well as Mayor Kathy Martin had amended the zoning code in November 2021 which enabled the consideration of this large-scale project specifically in this location. At the Village Planning Board's September 2023 hearing, more than 60 people attended – more than could be accommodated – and many of them spoke out against this project.

It's clear the Trustees' and Planning Board members' actions - and inactions - show willful disregard for the wishes of most constituents. We believe this disregard can motivate Village and Town residents both:

~ Village of Fishkill voters can evaluate trustee candidates – or even consider becoming candidates themselves – to elevate professionalism and rebuild integrity and trust in government. Two trustees' seats will be up for reelection in June 2024. Candidates may announce as early as April 2.

~ Town of Fishkill stakeholders may feel they're at the mercy of Village officials' poor decisions in this matter. Our position, however, remains that Town residents can rally behind Village neighbors, publish their opinions in print and online, recruit allies and speak up at both Town and Village meetings.

Our regular meetings are on hold for now as we consider next steps, but this story is not over. The future of the Town and Village of Fishkill – and the quality of life here – remain very much at stake. Fishkill will continue to need residents' attention and involvement to remain a beautiful, vibrant and livable community.

If you are looking for ways to help manage out-of-control growth and development in the Town and Village of Fishkill, join us! Please feel free to message us directly.

Signed,

The volunteers of Keep Fishkill Beautiful!

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Citizens' Petition for Traffic Study

JACKSON & MAIN DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE

WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THE BUSIEST INTERSECTION IN THE VILLAGE?

TIMELINE

February 15, 2024 - Planning Board Meeting for the Village of Fishkill (Thursday 2/15) - the developer has been asked to respond to the letters that the public sent in at the end of December 2023

December 31, 2023- Over 20 letters were sent to the VOF elected officials asking that they reconsider these apartments based on the out of scale proposal currently in front of the village.

October 19, 2023- A letter was written by the Village Trustees to the Planning Board requesting that the buffer be increased (it was increased from 10' to 20')

October 3, 2023- KFB volunteers met with Mayor Martin, Trustee Ruggerrio, VOF Building inspector and at this meeting we were advised that the plan is now 100% residential

PREVIOUS HISTORY BELOW

Site Plan for Jackson/Main

That empty lot is prime real estate. We appeal to the developer, Jackson Crossing LLC, to take the opportunity to develop something reasonable we can all live with.

Visual Perspective

Top image: perspective of Main and Jackson Streets intersection.
Bottom image: perspective from Jackson Street.

Whose Voice Matters Here?

If you live within the Village of Fishkill your voice matters. We are one community. We share schools, roads, businesses, and backyards.

If you live in the Town your voice matters. We are one community. We share schools, roads, businesses, and backyards.

If you work within the Village, your voice matters because you are the lifeblood of our businesses and our commerce.

If you live near the Village - whether you are from Beacon, Wappingers, Hopewell or from the Town - your voice matters because overdevelopment will impact your neighbors, who you care about, and your commute when you drive through the Village.

Don't be intimidated by arguments that presume to minimize your concern because you live in one area or another. This is a community issue, and our community does not stop at one particular street.

Timeline, continued

September 25, 2023: Town Councilmembers Wrye, Istvan, Forman send letter of support of residents fighting Jackson & Main development.

September 21, 2023: Town Council Member Danielle reads an email in support of residents fighting Jackson & Main at VOF public hearing; this letter was signed by Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra.

July 2023- Keep Fishkill Beautiful volunteers noticed that there was a public hearing for a site plan application for Jackson/Main and alerted the community

November 15, 2021- Bill C-2021 was passed into Law 4-2021

September 27, 2021- according to minutes from 9/7, the public hearing was to be continued on the 27th, however the minutes don't show any comments, only that it was closed.

September 7, 2021- VOF Board met to discuss proposed Local Law Bill C-2021

July 15, 2021 - VOF Planning Board meeting discusses zoning changes.

February 3, 2021 - Mayor Miccio announces VOF Comprehensive Planning Committee (current Mayor Kathy Martin was chair of this team)

ONLY ONE MEETING MINUTES OF THIS COMMITTEE IS ON RECORD after this date

January 19, 2021 - VOF Trustees meeting - passed the moratorium (local law 1-2021)

December 21 2020- Mayor Miccio set a public hearing for January 19 2021 to set a building moratorium for six months

December 7 2020 - VOF Trustees meeting, the FCON project died on the floor when the project was not advanced to the planning board.