We’ve been hearing reports on the Coronavirus for some months. New reports indicate it has reached our shores, initially California and most recently Rhode Island. The virus can be life-threatening, nearly 3,000 deaths have been reported in China and the first related death in the US was reported this past weekend.
The most important thing to do is to be informed. The website for the World Health Organization WHO Inc. has a tremendous amount of information on the virus and preventative actions. I urge everyone to take a moment to look at this information and to share it. Prevention is the most important stance we can take with something that still is being unraveled and understood by the international medical community. We are lucky in Warwick to have St Anthony’s, Bon Secours Charities, a Westchester Medical affiliate, and in the Orange County region, an abundance of healthcare professionals. Like many things of this nature, observation, preparation, and vigilance are key.
The Village will be forming a Comprehensive Plan Committee. The committee of 10 will be made up of diverse representatives from various local groups: Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, etc. and we are looking for two Village residents to be part of this important review and planning committee. The process will take place over a period of six months and involves a commitment to participate in monthly meetings as well as focus groups.
To understand a Comprehensive Master Plan please visit www.villageofwarwick.org to look at the current Master Plan. A Master Plan is a planning document that encompasses the aspirations of a community; it is a vision that is derived from positive goals that helps shape a community’s future. We will be working with Fairweather Planning Consultants and Alta Planning and Design. If you are interested, please contact the Village Clerk at clerk@villageofwarwick.org.
The above column, written by Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard, has been published in the Mar. 4 issue of the Warwick Valley Dispatch.
