BETTER THAN HEARSAY - To “Z” or Not to “Z” is the Question

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM  - Something that once seemed utterly inconceivable may soon become reality in Windham as the first public hearing on the possible adoption of zoning rules takes place.

The community is invited to the open session on Tuesday, August 19, at 7 p.m. at the Centre Church, hosted by the special Zoning Commission formed to prepare the document.

That group, composed of local citizens from many walks of life, “has been working over two years on the draft regulations,” says Helen Budrock, a senior planner with Delaware Engineering brought in, through a State grant, to help oversee the complex process.

The public hearing is focused on receiving “Initial feedback and comments from residents and property owners,” Budrock states.

Depending upon what happens that night, the Commission could modify the draft, or not, subsequently offering a final version to the town board.

It is the town board that will ultimately adopt the law, or not, following their own public hearings, so nothing is a done deal at this point.

“This has been a long process,” town supervisor Thomas Hoyt said in a press release. “The town board recently had an opportunity to provide some preliminary feedback on the draft regulations.

“The Zoning Commission has worked very hard on this proposal. This first hearing will give our residents an opportunity to ask questions and let us know what they think,” Hoyt said.

Virtually no opposition has been voiced to the plan since November, 2023, when a very preliminary draft was presented to the public in an informational format.

A few changes and clarifications were suggested at that time in what was a very peaceful get together, a far cry from the past when the mere mention of the word “zoning,” produced loud protest.

The recurring negative theme was based in the concept of “don’t tell me what to do with my land,” and the idea was always quickly quashed.

It is vastly different today, especially with the housing development activity during and after the pandemic, transforming the Windham landscape.

“Some people may have objections, but what I mostly hear is this should have been done twenty years ago,” Hoyt said in a phone interview.

Any and all opinions will be welcomed on August 19, with written comments  to the town of Windham accepted through August 26, Budrock states.

“For the first time in its history, the Town of Windham, is contemplating adopting zoning regulations to guide future growth and development,” Budrock states.

“Zoning is a tool that is commonly used by communities to regulate the built environment. It is a local law that establishes different districts or “zones” with specific regulations that govern the type and intensity of future development within each zone,” Budrock states.

“While Windham does not currently have a zoning law, over the years the Town has adopted several other land use laws designed to regulate

the built environment, which are still in effect,” Budrock states.

“If zoning is adopted, some of those existing laws such as the Site

Plan Law, Setback Law, and Sign Regulations will no longer

be necessary because they will be incorporated into the

new Zoning Law,” Budrock states.

Five distinct Zoning Districts would be established:

—Rural Residential. The purpose of this district is to preserve the rural residential character of the town and protect the outlying areas from intense development. This district is the largest in the town.

—Hamlet. The purpose of this district is to provide for moderate-density residential development and low-intensity neighborhood commercial development in and around the town’s hamlet centers.

—Planned Residential Development. The purpose of this district is to allow for the continuance of existing, high-density developments in the town of Windham. 

The intent is to allow these existing residential developments to continue in their present form and configuration, regardless of any nonconformities with regard to use or dimensional standards, but to limit new high-density, planned residential developments to the Resort District as part of an approved Master Plan of development.

—Resort District. The purpose of this district is to maintain the existing ski resort and associated facilities in the town of Windham.

The intent of this district is to allow any existing uses to continue uninterrupted and allow for reasonable future expansion. 

Future expansion would only be permitted in accordance with a Master Plan of development approved by the town board and planning board.

—Business District. The purpose of this district is to provide for stable, viable commercial districts to serve the needs of the local community and support the local economy.

This district is the most intensely developed part of the town and is predominantly located along major travel corridors with access to public water and sewer facilities.

 

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - “We’re on the Way”

By Michael Ryan

CAIRO - An historic first step was taken in the creation of a unified county ambulance system, this past Monday night, during the latest in a long series of Greene County Legislature special meetings.

A new administrative position will be established, with that person setting the groundwork for getting the whole network up and running.

The exact title is not yet known and the job could ultimately include more than one person, hopefully being in place by early 2026.

It is also not yet known how the agency will be formed, whether it should be part of an existing entity, such as the sheriff’s office or emergency operations, or perhaps a totally new body.

What is known is that it will be the largest single county department and that it will be costly, even as the expense is considered necessary and, given the current realties of ambulance service, inevitable.

Lawmakers were joined at the session by town government leaders and emergency services professionals for continued conversations that commenced in the autumn of 2024.

Those initial talks were prompted by an appeal from all mountaintop town supervisors to lawmakers aimed at addressing the short term and longer term health and well being of ambulance service. 

While the system was, and still is functioning successfully, hilltown leaders said the situation was unsustainable, for multiple reasons.

Ever-rising expenditures was one, but a shortage of personnel was also emerging as a serious problem, with workers routinely logging 80-hour work weeks, a double-edged sword.

Ambulance response, in the not too distant past, was volunteer. That era has all but ended, causing municipalities to pay and provide benefits for employees, fulltime and parttime.

Salaries and benefits, however, have been well below what is needed for individuals and families to earn a good living, leading to the lengthy and stressful work weeks which in some cases stretched to 100 hours.

Lawmakers, following the appeal from mountaintop leaders, brought in an outside consultant to study the matter, and from that study the plan to possibly evolve to a countywide system emerged.

Significantly increasing wages and improving benefits are the cornerstones of that system, aimed at attracting and keeping workers while eliminating, or vastly reducing, the workload strain on those employees.

It is also expected that a single, united system will offer more efficiencies in terms of vital response times to emergency calls and the purchasing of material, rigs, equipment, etc.

And beyond all those improved-upon variables, it is widely agreed change is coming whether the industry and the county are prepared for it or not.

Prattsville town supervisor Greg Cross spoke during Monday night’s session, prior to the decision being made to move forward with the administrative startup of the plan.

The town of Prattsville contracts with the neighboring town of Ashland for ambulance service, an arrangement that is far less costly than having its own operation but nevertheless untenable, Cross said.

Referencing regular monthly talks that are held between all mountaintop supervisors, Cross, calling in by phone, said, “we each have our own unique reasons for wanting this consolidation.

“Speaking for the town of Prattsville, we face an urgent need for some type of financial assistance,” to offset the yearly contract costs, Cross said.

Emphasizing that Ashland provides quality service, Cross simultaneously quoted contract numbers that consistently escalate, equally emphasizing that Prattsville finds itself between a fiscal rock and hard place.

“This is really unsustainable for us,” Cross said. “At some point, we may have to tap out which is in nobody’s best interest. Something has to be done or we are going to break.”

If Prattsville pulls out of its Ashland deal, which is good through the end of this year, Ashland would no longer be obliged to respond, potentially placing additional strain on an already fragile system.

Legislature chairman Patrick Linger, serving as co-chairman of the meeting, said there is likely very little the county can do for Prattsville, financially speaking, without doing the same for any and all municipalities.

Whether it was Cross’s intent or not, however, the message was echoed, that the county and its towns must be proactive to change or reactive to fate.The choice is moving forward, despite any uncertainties.

“We’re on our way,” Linger said, noting that county Human Resources director Nicole Maggio and county administrator Shaun Groden will combine forces over the ensuing weeks.

Maggio and Groden will narrow down the nitty-gritty elements of the new position, honing in on the job description, salary, etc. presenting those details to the legislature for possible approval.

That is expected to unfold by Labor Day, when the county normally has its preliminary budget figures on paper, leading to passage in November.

“We have to be careful but we have to make sure this happens,” Linger said. “I think most people are on board with this now.

“We have already declared ambulance response an essential service. The towns wanted us to show them a business plan, so this is what the county will now do,” Linger said.

Hunter town supervisor Sean Mahoney, speaking on behalf of mountaintop supervisors said, “our one-hundred percent conclusion is there should be somebody running this ball down the field.

“We shouldn’t be doing that. This person, maybe with a team, should decide when and how this system gets put in place,” Mahoney said.

 

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Windham Tech Comes to Town

“I’ve known I wanted to do this with my life since I was twelve years old,” says Windham Tech founder Vincent Cupo.

 

The old saying is still true that, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but if it is busted and it’s a computer, cell phone, tablet, I-pad, video game console or virtually anything techie, Vincent Cupo is your guy.

 

Behind the red door, Windham Tech is open six days a week at 5348 State Route 23, just past Mill Street, between Main Street Market and Bunce Realty (located in a side office along the driveway of the Bunce Realty building).

Windham Tech is the newest business in town.

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - So there it was, sitting on a table in pieces, and that was that for Vincent Cupo, proprietor of Windham Tech, a new business in town.

“It was the first time I saw the inside of a computer,” Cupo says, vividly remembering the moment. “I was twelve years old.

“Ever since then, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur too, and the opportunity has come.”

The opportunity knocking is Windham Tech, at 5348 Route 23 in downtown Windham, neatly tucked between Main Street Market and Bunce Realty.

A small driveway is present, leading to the red front door of the enterprise, then circling back-around to Main Street. The shop is open six days a week, with a celebratory Open House on August 23, noon to 2 p.m.

Cupo, now in his early 30’s, has a simple business plan in an increasingly complex AI world. “You break it, we fix it,” he says, smiling.

There are multiple “its” including laptops, desktops, I-phones, cell phones, Mac Books, tablets, I-pads and video game consoles.

Cupo can handle hardware and software issues, saying, “there is definitely a need for this in our community,” noting he resides in Hensonville.

“Everyone I talk to says this is something we desperately need, and one of the key things I offer is price matching. If a customer finds a lower price somewhere, I will match it…and provide better service.”

His curiosity and curation include game development, web and application development and “messing with photo shop, 3D modeling, the whole nine yards,” Cupo says.

Much has changed since Cupid’s Arrow struck Cupo for computers, but not much is different. “I used to take toys apart when I was little and I blew out a  couple of outlets, experimenting with plugging things in,” he says.

“I put the toys back together though, and getting shocked a few times never deterred me. I am super duper passionate about what I do.”

Windham Tech will, “include as many services and help as many people as possible,” Cupo says. “Instead of going somewhere else, I’m right here.”

Days and hours are Monday, Tuesday,  Thursday,  Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed. 

For information, telephone (518) 588-4928, Email: vcupo228@windham-tech.com or visit Website: https://www.windham-tech.com/.

 

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Baptiste’s Exhibit Draws Crowd at Mountain Top Library

TANNERSVILLE — Artist Jerrice J. Baptiste (left) with her artwork during an exhibit alongside Library Director Jacqueline Elmo. The exhibit was well-attended and will be open to the public through Labor Day weekend.

 

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Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - DEC Announces 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Licenses Now on Sale

 DEC announced that 2025-26 hunting and trapping licenses, including Deer Management Permits are now on sale. Although we are in the midst of yet another heat wave, hunting season is just around the corner. Small game season begins in just a few weeks on September 1st.

 

New York State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton has announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2025-26 season are now on sale through October 1st.

“With an estimated half a million New Yorkers looking to take part in the long-standing traditions of hunting and trapping this fall, excitement is building and preparation for the upcoming seasons already underway,” Commissioner Lefton said. 

Hunting remains a critical wildlife population management tool. 

“It contributes an estimated $2.6 billion in economic benefits annually to the state's recreational economy through license sales, equipment purchases, and related travel and lodging expenses.” 

Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at any of DEC's license-issuing agents, or by telephone at 866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from September 1st through August 31st each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

The 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, an easy-to-read collection of pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting webpage. Hard/printed copies are available at locations where licenses are sold. 

Legislation regarding use of crossbows and a regulatory proposal for electronic carcass tagging and harvest reporting are both pending and at press time, not as yet enacted.  

These proposed changes in rules will provide a second regular season deer tag to youth hunters who successfully use that tag during the Youth Big Game Hunt weekend. It will extend the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permit renewal cycle from 3 years to 5 years, and rescinds the limit on the number of DMAP tags that may be used per hunter. It will also define the process for completing an electronic or paper carcass tag for deer, bear, and wild turkey, establish the reporting time frame for electronic harvest reporting, and will reduce the reporting timeframe from 7 days to 48 hours for paper-tagged deer, bear, or wild turkey.

Hunters should expect both this rule change as well as the Crossbow Legislation to be in place in time for this year’s hunting seasons, but time will tell. The rule change is a strictly administrative function of DEC in conjunction with the governor’s office, while the Crossbow Bill still needs to be signed into law by the governor. Many expect Governor Hochul to sign the Crossbow Bill just prior to archery season and be announced via a press release. That timetable is likely being adopted to garner any political capital it may offer the governor among constituents who support the measure.   

“Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license helps support DEC's conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come.” 

Habitat & Access Stamp

DEC encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat & Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp support projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for fish and wildlife-related activities. Your local Region 4 Fish & Wildlife Management Board recently received notification that all four Habitat Grants applied for in Greene, Schoharie, and Rensselaer Counties have been approved. (More to follow on this in future columns.) This year's Habitat & Access Stamp features the American kestrel.

Deer Management Permits (DMPs)

DMPs (tags for antlerless deer) are available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through October 1st, 2025. DMPs are used to manage the deer herd and are issued through an instant random selection process at the point of sale. DEC reminds that the chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same throughout the application period; hunters need not rush to apply. The 2025 chances of selection for a DMP in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Detailed information on DMPs is available on DEC's website.

HuntFishNY Mobile App

DEC's HuntFishNY app gives hunters and anglers an easy way to display sporting licenses and privileges and view important hunting- and fishing-related information through the convenience of your smartphone. In addition to providing instant mobile access to electronic versions of your sporting licenses and privileges, the app offers the ability to report game harvests immediately while afield even when not in cell service, as well as links to useful information like season date summaries, regulations guides, a DEC contact list, and much more. You can download HuntFishNY from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Online and In-Person Hunter Education Training Courses

All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must pass one or more courses before they can purchase a license. Online and in-person courses are available.

In-person courses include a field day where new hunters can get hands-on experience. All in-person courses are free of charge, but space may be limited. Courses fill quickly, so it’s a good idea to sign up early. Visit DEC's website for more information, including a list of courses, registration instructions, and ways to obtain study materials.

All the requirements to earn a New York State hunter education certificate can also be met by completing DEC's online-only hunter education course and passing the exam. Upon passing, participants will receive a hunter education certificate so they can purchase a hunting license. Participants must be New York State residents and the cost of the course is $24.95. The online-only course can be accessed at the Hunter-Ed website.

New York State is also offering an online bowhunter education certification course. Upon passing, hunters will receive their bowhunter education certificate so they can purchase a bowhunting privilege. Participants must be New York State residents and the cost of the course is $30. The online course can be accessed at the Bowhunter-Ed website. 

I highly recommend the in-person archery course, and remember, you MUST get your archery certification, then purchase a bow stamp/privilege if the Crossbill is signed into law and you wish to hunt big game with a crossbow. 

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes 

Norton Hill Trap Shooting Program 3D Archery Programs are Still Underway 

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s Sunday Trap Program still has the following remaining dates:  August 10th, and September 7th. Trap begins at 10:00 am and the cost is $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo and ear and eye protection which is required. Breakfast sandwiches will be available starting at 9:00 am for $5.00. For further information call Chad at 518-291-3784. 

The Norton Hill 3D Archery Program remaining dates are, August 23rd and 24th, and September 13th. A chicken BBQ will be available from 7:00 am until Noon. Cost for adults is $15.00, youth 12-17 at $7.00 and kids under 12 are free. For more information call Eric at 518-646-6338. 

*The gun range will be closed on the dates listed above during the 3D Archery Program

 

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DuPont New Economic & Community Development Specialist

CATSKILL — Jessica DuPont has joined the Greene County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism. Born and raised in Catskill, she is a 2023 graduate of Oswego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting.  Jessica was previously a producer/media coordinator for the New York State Assembly, and brings her ample communication skills to her position as Economic & Community Development Specialist.  She will also be joining Mark Gustavson as a co-host of the Best Kept Secrets of Greene County Podcast.

 

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Mobile Book Group Hike in Elka Park with the Author of The Cruelest Miles Sept. 6th

ELKA PARK —  “A stirring tale of survival, thanks to man's best friend.” Honor the 100th anniversary of the epic 1925 Serum Run by which Alaskan sled dogs and their drivers brought diphtheria antitoxin serum to Nome, AK, to suppress a raging epidemic. The heroic 647-mile dash of dog teams across the Alaskan wilderness inspired the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Hike to the Coliseum in Elka Park while discussing the book with author Laney Salisbury of Woodstock. Registration is required. Limited to 12 attendees. For more information or to register, please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

Limited to 12 hikers: Hikers are encouraged to read the book to get the most from the hike with Ms. Salisbury. Copies may be obtained through local libraries, the Mid-Hudson Library System and at Amazon. The Mountain Top Library and the Hunter Library are members of the Mid-Hudson System. Dogs are not permitted on this hike which is on private property.

Meet: 9:30 AM at the MTHS parking lot at 5132 Rt 23A, Haines Falls for carpooling and directions. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Return at approximately 2:30 P.M. 

This hike will be led by Nancy Allen and Adrienne Larys

Difficulty level is moderate.

 

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Thank you to all our veterans, EMTs, medical doctors, rescue squads and all those who are on duty for our health and safety.

Correction to last week’s column. Sandy Mattice was identified as Sandy Lane and yes her maiden name is Lane but she is now Sandy Lane (Mrs. Larry) Mattice. Error corrected and our apologies. Right, Connie?

Want something to do? There will be a Victorian Tea at the Zadock Pratt Museum on Saturday, September 13, 2025 for the benefit of the Zadock Pratt Museum. There will be three seatings, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. “You’re invited to an elegant afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches, and homemade desserts, set in the historic charm of Zadock Pratt’s homestead. $35 per person. Gift Basket Raffle and Prizes. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Text Lisa: (713) 594-8118. Dressy attire encouraged, but not required.” What a special way to support our own Museum and enjoy day of socializing.

Memorial services were held Saturday for Prattsville born David Enderlin and many turned out in David’s memory. His brother James “Jimmy” was here in honor of his brother and got to renew memories with many friends and acquaintances. David, with his mother Eleanor and father Clifford now deceased, lived on Washington Street for many years and took an active part in greeting all his neighbors with a friendly smile and “Hi”. Clifford ran the Prattsville Hardware, now the Art Center, and Eleanor had the ceramic shop behind their house conducting lessons to many in the glazing and painting of their figurines of choice. She also did miniature oil paintings. Jimmy’s sister Mary is also deceased. Not sure the exact connection but where Shelly and Elliott Brainard now live was known as the Enderlin farm. Perhaps sisters Janice Cammer and Diane Cammer Eklund can give us a clue as their mother Evelyn was an Enderlin.

Big town wide yard sale this Saturday, August 9, in Stamford, beginning at 9 AM. But does anyone really wait until the starting hour? Hope the weather plays nice but it is predicted to be very warm. Bring lots of water.

The moon Monday night had an unusual color due to the impure air caused by the fires out west. It was still worthwhile seeing. We are warned not to stay outside for a long time during this pollution because of the impure particles in the air, especially the elderly and those with compromised breathing conditions. Be careful.

Randy Brainerd continues his recovery from hand surgery. He is still very active and continues looking forward to complete use of his hand. Brother Gene Brainerd and wife Debbie try to make sure he behaves himself. Yeah, sure. Debbie and Gene were celebrating either their anniversary, July 23, or Debbie’s birthday, July 24, Saturday evening at the Prattsville Tavern. Whatever it was, they were both smiling and enjoyed talking with their acquaintances.

On the feel better list is Ronnie Cline and Claudia Bracaliello. Both will welcome your prayers.

Cousins Tony Marsh and Tammy Armlin, Steph Braswell, Bobby Gurley, Schuyler and Patty Minew, Benny and Sandy Benjamin, Shelly and Elliott Brainard, joined cousins from Rochester Tony and Joanne Lewandowski and local members of the “older” generation Kitty Ballard and Ginny Gurley for an afternoon of laughter and great food on Sunday. The aforementioned men can dispel the myth that the ladies talk more than the gentlemen. Cannot name the food that tasted the best, they were all delicious. Joanne brought bags and bags of Christmas material to be used for the Christmas gift bags for the veterans at the Stratton VAMC. Thanks Joanne. She and Tony L. are very involved members of their Rochester American Legion Post 468 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 468.

Prattsville has been a very busy town – Jim’s Great American, the Prattsville Tavern and Young’s Ace Hardware had a really busy weekend. The Great American parking lot and Main Street parking was at a premium. Of course the Barrier Dam swimming area was packed.

Happy Birthday to Michelle Petricini on August 9. On August 10 it is Happy Birthday toSkyler Blain. Happy Birthday to Eric Lane, son of Jane and John Lane, on August 11. Beth Ballard is wished a very Happy Birthday on August 14. Sending Mary Mundy very Happy Birthday wishes on August 15. Adam and Kelly Brainard are wished a great celebration for the anniversary on August 10.

Please send your news to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219.  

 

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