Story by Lourice Angie
As part of its commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents, the Village of Greenwood Lake continues to focus on the Village’s infrastructure, safety and handicap accessibility, in addition to providing the community with fun and entertaining of events throughout the year.
During the past few weeks, two full-sized hockey rinks were installed on Village property at the Helen Kelly Field. The project was spearheaded by Greenwood Lake resident Duncan McCarthy, who enjoys hockey with his son. The father-son duo have seen first-hand the benefits of this activity for children.
McCarthy worked along with another friend, Sean Aronsen, who offered to donate 100% of the funds needed to support the rinks. In total, Aronsen donated $10,000 for the two rinks that will be disassembled each year.
The intention of two rinks is to have one for more competitive hockey and the other available for free skating and beginners. Helmets are required in order to skate. Both ice rinks will be under video surveillance for safety purposes and rules will be posted.
Mayor Jesse Dwyer thanked McCarthy and Aronsen for their efforts in this addition to the Village of Greenwood Lake.
O&R Tree Trimming
Mayor Dwyer announced that last year, Orange and Rockland Utilities began trimming and maintaining trees and tree limbs that could interfere with power lines. Dwyer reported that the program will continue this year as well.
“This helps keep their infrastructure and ours safe from fallen debris and trees. Residents can expect to see that program continue this year
as well,” said Mayor Dwyer.
Police Report
Greenwood Lake Police Detective Jones reported that for the month of December the Police Department handled a total of 1,468 complaints, made 22 arrests, issued 90 traffic summonses and two parking tickets, and responded to 11 motor vehicle accidents.
Mayor Dwyer says the Ambulance Corps has been incredibly busy as they handle one to two calls per day during the week and up to five calls per day on weekends.
“I think our average response time in the Village is two minutes, so that’s a difference between life and death and we’ve certainly seen it come in handy. It’s just an incredible system we have in the Village and a great dynamic between Police, EMS, Fire and the DPW and everyone working together,” said Dwyer.
Water Report
Trustee Thomas Howley gave the Village water report on behalf of Phil Landru, that the department was pleased to announce that the Village passed their most recent round of lead and copper testing. Twenty one samples were collected from several locations in the Village. Of those samples, only one came back with an exceeding amount of copper. The results were sent to the County Health Department on Jan. 10 along with the Village’s monthly report. The Health Dept. is still monitoring the Village’s corrosion control issues and the frequency of testing schedules.
Windermere Ave. Sidewalks
Last summer the Village Board put out a bid for the continuation of the sidewalk project. The bids came back exceptionally high. Mayor Dwyer feels this was because during the middle of the summer contractors are extremely busy and did not want to take on State Dept. of Transportation (DOT) sidewalk projects. Dwyer reported that the Board is in the process of re-bidding the project and anticipates that during the winter months they will receive more competitive bids that are more in line with what the Village has previously paid.
New Well
The new well project is in the piping stage to enable bringing water into the plant, along with conduit and wire for the necessary power controls to operate the pump. Currently, an elevated water table has made the job slightly difficult, but workers have been meeting with Village engineers and contractors to choose the most cost effective means of running the well line without disturbing the adjacent wetland area.
Mayor Dwyer commented that after three years, the Village has finally received the permits to withdraw water from the wetlands. They are in the process of navigating through the challenges being brought on by the time of year.
“We hope to have this well up and running within the next thirty days,” Dwyer said.
2020 Winter Carnival
Dwyer announced that this year’s Winter Carnival will be held over Presidents’ Day Weekend on Sat., Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sun., Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, at Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park, located at 7 Windermere Ave. in Greenwood Lake.
The fun-filled weekend will include indoor and outdoor activities and contests for children and adults. A variety of food, drink and entertainment will be provided throughout the entire weekend. Snow tubing and ice events will be held weather permitting.
Winter Carnival Parking
During the Carnival, there will be no public parking allowed in the Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park except for emergency personnel, event staff and handicap parking. The public can park anywhere on Windermere Ave., north of the traffic light intersection including the following: Holy Rosary Church (top and bottom lots, during specific times only), located at 41 Windermere Ave.; G.L. Elementary School, located at 80 Waterstone Rd.; the G.L. Public Library and commuter lot, located at 79 Waterstone Rd.; Village Hall (lots located at 18 Church St.; the G.L. Elks Lodge #2067, located at 35 Chestnut St.; and CVS Parking Lot, located at 123 Windermere Ave.
The Village is accommodating handicap drop off and return from the park within the guidelines listed above. ATVs, snowmobiles and sleds are not allowed at the Town beach under any circumstances. Shuttle bus service will be available.
L. Polar Plunge
The annual Polar Plunge will be held on Sun., Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. The cost is $30 per plunger. The ‘Do it for Dale’ event will help benefit the GWL Skatepark in memory of Dale Hirrel.
Dale, whose favorite activity was skateboarding, lost his life in a car accident in 2016. He always dreamed of having a place to skateboard within the Village. The GWL Skatepark initiative believes that skateparks help build and sustain healthy communities by providing a safe and controlled environment for people to practice and develop their skills and share tips and experiences with one another. For more information or to register, visit: www.eventbrite.com/gwlskatepark.
Annual Fireworks & Fourth of July Parade
Mayor Dwyer announced that the annual fireworks display and Fourth of July Parade will be held on Fri., July 3 at the Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park. The Fourth of July Parade will be held on Sat., July 4 at 11 a.m.
Next Board Meeting
The next Board meeting will be held on Tues., Feb.18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Courthouse, located at 47 Waterstone Rd. in Greenwood Lake. The meeting will be preceded by a 6:30 p.m. workshop.
