Gyms, Fitness Studios Given Green Light To Re-Open in New York State - What’s Happening in Mid-Hudson Valley?

After two months in limbo that we reported on earlier, Governor Cuomo announced the reopening of gyms and fitness centers, and released guidance for reopening gyms and fitness centers, including facilities located in hotels, and in apartment and condominium complexes. The announcement was made on Monday, shortly after a class-action lawsuit was filed against Cuomo, the state, and the State Attorney General to not only get these businesses to reopen, but also compensation for lost revenue over recent months. Several local businesses group-funded this lawsuit, including Beacon Pilates.

According to the Dutchess Business Notification Network, if you follow the guidelines, and submit your Affirmation, you are eligible to open as early as Monday, August 24th. The County or its delegates can perform inspection prior to the 24th or up to two weeks after your opening.

What Must Gyms And Studios Do To Comply?

These businesses must do the following:

1) Review and follow the Summary Guidelines HERE.

2) Review and follow the attached Detailed Guidelines HERE.

3) Complete and implement the Business Safety Plan Template HERE and maintain on-location for inspection.

4) Go to the link HERE and complete the Affirmation and hit submit, which will go to the state of New York. The State will notify the County within 24 hours of the receipt of the Affirmation. The County will then send you an acknowledgement email using the address provided in the Affirmation, and contact you to arrange an inspection.

Indoor Classes And Swimming Allowed By Dutchess County

The governor has given New York counties the option to opt-out of indoor group fitness and aquatics classes. In NYC, Mayor de Blasio has already declared that gyms will not reopen before September 2nd. However, Dutchess County will allow indoor group fitness and aquatics classes with the mandate that the County reserves the right to opt-out at any time for any reason, including an outbreak at a gym or fitness center, or locality, or an increase in the County’s infection rate.

How Are Businesses Responding?

In an announcement from All Sport Health & Fitness in Fishkill, they state “When we first received word that we had to close the doors to the club back in March, we could have never imagined we’d be closed for five months…While we can’t give you back those 5 months, we’ve sure taken those 150+ days to improve our club, implement new protocols, and provide you with a fitness facility that you feel comfortable returning to.” They installed new ventilation purifiers (REME HALO) and filters (MERV13), using electrostatic sprayers and cold foggers to deep clean and disinfect surfaces, just to name a few of the steps they’ve taken to keep their 80,000 square feet space clean and safe. They will reopen on Monday, August 24th.

Gold’s Gym also announced on their Instagram that all of their locations will also reopen on the 24th including Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, and Newburgh.

Closer to home, The Studio At Beacon plans to reopen August 31st pending the new air purifiers being installed as part of the new guidelines. Some of the news measure they will be taking are limiting class sizes to ensure social distancing, have gym wipes available to clients who wish to wipe down any equipment before or after use, and will schedule classes so that clients have ample space in the locker area before and after class. BeBhakti Yoga Center will continue to keep their classes outdoors in their freshly paved parking lot along with Wednesdays evenings at Long Dock Park. They have chosen to wait a little longer before hosting indoor classes again.

Required Face Covering To Work Out with 33% Capacity

This is a tough pill to swallow for fitness businesses and may face some resistance from members. In larger gyms, members can roam more freely between equipment use, face covering is understandable - like having to put your mask on if you leave your table at a restaurant. However, when your facility is only classes like Spin or Yoga, this can be more challenging as you are stationary in one space and the mask can get harder to breathe through as you sweat into it.

Gyms are allowed only a third of occupancy at a time - that’s 33%. For many gym goers, they will need to let go of the idea of just showing up when they feel like getting a workout in and instead, reserve a specific time. This is normal for specialized gyms who are used to reserving spots for a scheduled session or class.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

There will be a zero-tolerance policy as it relates to compliance. If an establishment is found to be out of compliance with regard to indoor group fitness and aquatics classes, the local government will issue a Cease and Desist order which will prohibit the activities indefinitely. Keep in mind, the Governor can amend his determination and guidance at any time.

$25 Million Promised For New Youth Center (Formerly YMCA) In Poughkeepsie From Dutchess County

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison are moving forward on the development of a Youth Opportunity Center at the site of the former YMCA on Montgomery Street in Poughkeepsie. The two leaders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a formal partnership to redevelop the property, with Dutchess County pledging commitment for up to $25 million for the design and construction of a new Youth Opportunity Center at the site, according to a press release issued by Dutchess County today.

This property is not for sale, but partners are being sought in the development is what is available there. Says Colleen Pillus, Communication Director of Dutchess County: “The intent is take the building down and create an open space while design plans are worked on for the construction of the project and community partners are sought. The 35 Montgomery Street Coalition includes partners that could potentially play a role.

Each step of the project – demo, design, construction – will have to bid out.

Where Is The Former YMCA On Montgomery Street?

According to the City of Poughkeepsie’s development page: “This is a high-profile location, situated just south of Downtown Poughkeepsie, easily accessed from Routes 44/55 and 9. The site is adjacent to well used Eastman and Lincoln Parks, Garfield Place Historic District, and is across the street from Soldier’s Fountain, a National Historic Landmark. The site is less than 600 feet from the Adriance Memorial Library on Market Street and is 0.6 miles from Vassar Brothers Medical Center.”

About The Former Dutchess YMCA

The former Dutchess YMCA closed in 2009, but had offered community rooms, a fitness center, gymnasium, indoor track, and a large 25 yard swimming pool among other amenities. It was enjoyed by city and county residents - kids and adults - for decades, according to the development website. Afterschool programs offering academic assistance and physical fitness supported generations of Poughkeepsie youth. Since shutting its doors, the building has been vacant ever since. A a requirement was made on the deed in 1966 by then Common Council requiring educational use for the property, which was promoted when calling for submissions to develop the property. Poughkeepsie’s Common Council had the power to modify or remove the deed.

The Intent For The New Youth Opportunity Center

The MOU outlines the intent and process to build the Youth Opportunity Center, including agreement that the County will have joint ownership of the property with the City of Poughkeepsie. The City took ownership of the YMCA property as part of its anti-blight initiative last year with the goal of using the property to yield significant community benefit.) The County of Dutchess must have an ownership interest in the property in order to finance any construction through a bond under local finance law.

Next steps will include drafting and formalizing an intermunicipal agreement between the City and the County, which Mayor Rolison will submit to the City Council for approval at a future meeting. Following City Council adoption of the agreement, the Dutchess County Legislature will then vote to authorize the agreement. Once the intermunicipal agreement has been authorized by both bodies, County Executive Molinaro will forward a resolution to the County Legislature to finance the demolition of the building and creation of temporary green space, and future construction of the youth center.

Demolition and Green Space At First

With support from the City Council and the Dutchess County Legislature, the process will begin with the demolition of the existing structure due to deterioration and environmental concerns. The site will be transformed into community green space while plans continue for a youth center and other community benefit services on the more than 3-acre site.

County Executive Molinaro said, “The County is eager and determined to move forward with the development of the YMCA site to create a center where the youth of our county can have the support and resources they need from birth through adulthood. The center will serve as a compass for them on the Path to Promise. Though the past six months have tested us like never before, our resolve remains fervent, and we are making the deliberate, thoughtful decision to make this long-term investment in a countywide youth center. It is clear that as we look around us, both nationally and locally, that our society needs such a facility to help youth successfully navigate their path to adulthood and we are excited to take these next steps to bring this much-needed resource to fruition.”

“This is a significant step in our overall vision,” said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison. “We will bring activities to this site that affirm our commitment to create a community and recreation resource for the public. Taking the building down and creating open space in the interim is a sound, practical move that will benefit the community. We greatly appreciate our partnership with Dutchess County to get this project moving and look forward to future steps that will greatly strengthen our community.”

The City and County will engage with 35 Montgomery Community Coalition, whose vision presentation for the site, which can be viewed at cityofpoughkeepsie.com/35montgomerystreet, involves a multi-use facility that would provide services connected to their respective missions in the community. The coalition, which includes Dutchess County as well as education and health care leaders, has been working together to determine the most appropriate organizational structure to advance the project. The City, County and the coalition will work to secure funding sources in addition to the County’s $25 million commitment.

Chairman of the County Legislature Gregg Pulver voiced his support for the plan saying, “A youth center has been part of our discussions for several years now and it is encouraging to have this clear path laid out. Once the City Council approves the agreement, I look forward this project being adopted in the County’s next Capital Plan.” Chairman Pulver noted he expects the proposal to have overwhelming support in the Legislature as part of the County’s Path to Promise initiative. He also noted Democratic lawmakers on both the Common Council and County Legislature just last week publicly stated support for the County investment, which should allow the process to begin soon.

Dutchess County’s Path to Promise initiative strives to ensure that all young people in Dutchess County – from birth through age 19 – have the assets they need to achieve their full potential as they grow into young adults. The Youth Opportunity Center will be home to many of the activities, programs, and organizations supported by Path to Promise. “It will be the first destination on a path to building a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life for young people. The Center is an investment in our young people, and therefore, an investment in our future,” concluded Molinaro.

Does Beacon Have A Youth Center?

No. Beacon used to, but it closed. It is referred to often in A Little Beacon Blog’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” Co-host Brandon Lillard grew up in Beacon and used to use the service often. Beacon does have a Recreation Center building at 25 Center Street, but that is mainly small offices with one small playroom that has programming in it sometimes.

Beacon’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou expressed interested in using the “shared service” model with Fishkill’s Recreation Center during our podcast with him, which is currently used by many Beaconites who can drive there. But many youth in Beacon do not have cars, or access to be driven to a youth center, making a youth center out of the community hard to access. Public transportation does exist from Beacon to Poughkeepsie. Former City Council Member for Beacon, Ali T. Muhammad, who grew up in Beacon has expressed his vision and priority for a recreation center in Beacon in this podcast.

Leaders of Nat. Governors Association (Cuomo, NY + Hogan, MD) and County Executives Call For Federal Relief

Photo Credit: David Martin

The drumbeat is sounding for Senate to grant states fiscal relief due to the economic collapse from the ongoing pandemic. “Governors have already cut budgets and reduced our payrolls by 1.5 million people, but without Senate action, we will need to make steeper cuts and reduce payrolls even more, at precisely the time when these services are needed most,” according to a statement released today by the National Governors Association (NGA) Chair Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and NGA Vice Chair Governor Andrew Cuomo.

In his nightly COVID-19 update email, Governor Cuomo issued this update: “Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and I are calling on the federal government to pass the $500 billion state stabilization fund in the next COVID-19 relief package. As states reopen, we cannot risk our economic recovery efforts by slashing state programs that pay our teachers, firefighters, healthcare and frontline workers. We need the U.S. Senate's strong support now, so we can fight the virus together and make an economic recovery a reality.

The governors’ fight for federal assistance for the states has been constant since the beginning of the pandemic: “States are ground zero in this fight. We provide the critical services Americans depend on including public safety, education, healthcare, food assistance, local aid and transportation. We also employ more than 20 million people across the country. And yet, of the $3 trillion in aid from four relief packages, no unrestricted federal support to stabilize state budgets and account for the economic loss states face as a direct result to fight COVID-19 has ever been included.”

County Executives to Detail Need for Congressional Action on Next Stimulus Package

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan will join New York State County Executives’ Association’s (NYSAC) Stephen Acquario to discuss federal funds for counties.

According to their press release issued today: “With a sales tax revenue loss of $1.2 billion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial picture for counties is extremely dire. To make matters worse, there are significant concerns about those losses compounding by another $4 billion over the next twelve months.” Beacon, Poughkeepsie and other municipalities have Dutchess County collect sales tax generated here, as A Little Beacon Blog reported here.

A public call will happen tomorrow (Thursday), July 23rd at 12pm for a digital press conference with bi-partisan representatives from the New York State County Executives’ Association as they discuss counties’ needs for federal funding as they continue leading the local response to the global pandemic.

They will be joined by NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario, who will release the Association’s latest Coronavirus Economic Impact Report, which details the projected 2020 and 2021 losses in revenues for counties across the state.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88943248192?pwd=cERXNGZOQ3RDRGJMaXZMOUVTNGpBZz09

Meeting ID: 889 4324 8192
Passcode: 505850

Participants
Stephen Acquario, NYSAC Executive Director
Hon. Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive
Hon. Patrick Ryan, Ulster County Executive
Hon. Marcus Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive

One-Time Rent Subsidy Available To Low-Income Dutchess County Residents

The following press release has been issued by Dutchess County Executive, Marcus Molinaro. The state-wide directive has been issued by Governor Cuomo here:

Watch New York State’s video about it here:

Rent Relief Available to Low-Income
Residents Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced a one-time rent subsidy is available for low-income County residents who were previously “rent-burdened” prior to March 1, 2020 and have experienced an additional decrease in income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic through New York State’s COVID Rent Relief Navigator. There is a very short application period, and eligible residents are encouraged to submit applications quickly.

The New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal has made $100 million available to help low-income households experiencing an increased rent burden due to loss of income during the COVID-19 crisis. Detailed information about the program and its requirements are available on the State’s Rental Relief Program website (click here). Applications will be accepted via an electronic portal for a two-week period, beginning July 16th.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Residents throughout the nation, state and indeed Dutchess County have experienced immeasurable economic hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with countless residents losing their jobs, making it much more difficult to pay their monthly rent. For months, we have been advocating for local residents at the state and federal level, and we appreciate Albany’s response, providing this funding to help ensure residents in Dutchess County, and statewide, can remain in their homes. This is a positive first step to assist those negatively impacted by the pandemic, and we will fight for additional state and federal aid to mitigate the economic impact on counties.”

To qualify for rental assistance, residents must meet all the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a renter with a primary residence in New York;

• Lost income due to COVID-19 crisis during the period April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;

• Household does not current receive a housing subsidy that covering housing costs that exceed 30 percent of their income;

• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must be below 80 percent area median income (see table below); families with extremely low income will be prioritized; and

• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household must be “rent burdened,” or pay more than 30 percent of their gross monthly income for rent.

Households with at least one household member with U.S. Citizenship or eligible immigration status qualify for the subsidy.

The following are the income and rent limits for Dutchess County residents:

Residents may apply for one month or up to four months of assistance during this period; the one-time subsidy is paid directly to the applicant’s landlord. To be eligible, applicants must verify income, including wages, any cash assistance, child support, Social Security payments, rental payments, unemployment benefits and the like.

Homeowners are not eligible for this program, and the following types of rental properties are available for rent relief assistance through the program:

• Apartment rental;

• Rent for a single-family home;

• Manufactured home rental; and

• Manufactured home lot rental.

Eligible applicants must apply through the NYS COVID Rent Relief website, beginning on July 16th. New York State will establish a call center to answer residents’ questions.

Dutchess County and the City of Poughkeepsie have partnered with two local agencies, Hudson River Housing and Catholic Charities Community Services of Dutchess County, to provide additional support during the application process to vulnerable households including:

• Extremely low-income households;

• Those with limited English proficiency;

• Those with limited technology skills and access; and

• Those most at risk of homelessness.

Assistance may be request by calling one of the below numbers:

• Hudson River Housing, 845-337-4407, ext. 105

• Catholic Charities, 845-451-4251

Dutchess County’s Community Development Block Grant CARES ACT (CDBG-CV) funds, secured via the federal CARES Stimulus Act, are being used to support this partnership.

Click here to apply.

Why Is The DMV In Beacon Closed? First - A Plexiglass Shortage, For Starters.

A few readers of A Little Beacon Blog have asked why Beacon's DMV is closed, when other offices are open, like in Wappingers, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie and Peekskill. We reached out to Bradford Kendall, the Dutchess County Clerk, who answered from the 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie office, who stated that "because of COVID there is no way to re-open safely for walk-in customers at this time." He continued to provide the logistical reasons:

A Plexiglass Shortage

“Because of a national shortage of Plexiglas,” Brad stated, “and demands from multiple departments, our Public Works Department (who is doing a great job) have not yet been able to install the Plexiglas shields necessary to accommodate the public.” There was a plexiglass shortage discussed in news reports in May, as essential businesses started to put up the protective barriers in order to stay open, or prepare to reopen for Phases 1, 2, 3, 4. Many stores and restaurants in Beacon have added plexiglass to their counters, some within the past month.

When asked about local retail acquisition and installation of plexiglass, Brad answered: “Government procurement practices differ from the private sector. Also as I said, DPW is working at multiple government locations, including NYS Court facilities to install these.”

According to Brad, none of the DMVs had glass or plastic barriers between employees or the public before the pandemic.

Staffing For Phone-In Business

“To open an office by appointment requires reassigning 2 clerks to telephone/check-in duty. Currently all clerks in Beacon are processing the copious amounts of mail-in, drop off and dealer work we receive on a daily basis.”

Since the DMV closed by state order on March 16th, they have had "a back-log of 80,000 transactions and are getting upwards of 25,000 phone calls a day," explains Brad. He went on to explain that “counties across New York have implemented various strategies to re-open. Each has its challenges. Some like Columbia have relied on physical lines outside the DMV resulting in waits in excess of 3 hours. Some like Putnam and Ulster provide for online queueing resulting in appointments that are not available for two to three weeks.”

He continued: “We have chosen the phone system. It allows us to prioritize license transactions that must be done in person while moving other transactions to mail or online options. It allows us to screen for Dutchess County residency in order to give priority to Dutchess County residents. It allows us to offer appointments within several days of calling, in some cases on the same day.”

Beacon’s Options Of Busing Or Driving To Other DMVs

According to Brad, “approximately 55% of Beacon work comes from out of county. There are 2 offices within 20 minutes of Beacon- Wappingers and Newburgh. Peekskill is 30 minutes away.” It is unclear if that logic implies that the people in Beacon who use the DMV are deemed unworthy of it opening.

As for situations where people need to renew their license and cannot drive with an expired license, where walking to a DMV seems particularly convenient, and a highlight of living in Beacon, Brad did not think it a major issue. For those with children who also need things, taking public transportation can be extremely cumbersome to coordinate.

Brad said: “There are very few situations where this would be a barrier. In fact, compared to the rest of Dutchess County, Beacon has greater accessibility to public transportation then most. Poughkeepsie is a 25 minute trip on Metro North.” While that 25 minute ride is a straight shot, coordinating it with children or elderly people can be cumbersome. Getting to a bus with kids is cumbersome, as is riding the bus, and getting to the destination. For someone without kids, using public transportation to do this errand takes hours out of the day. Versus walking to the DMV for what used to take maybe an hour for the line, depending on what time you got there.

DMV Work-Arounds

Brad wanted to remind readers that all registrations, licenses and inspections have been extended by New York State “until further notice,” he said. “If you would like to renew your license on-line, some pharmacies are offering the eye exam. Your results will be transmitted electronically after which you may renew online at www.dmv.ny.gov. You can also get the eye exam at Luxe Optique free of charge, on Main Street here in Beacon.

“The deadline for EDL’s has been extended until October 1, 2021. Of course if you have a US Passport you may use that for EDL purposes. If you wish to upgrade to an EDL at renewal there is an additional $30 fee. If you upgrade at any time other than renewal the fee is $42.50.”

So there you have it. When once we moaned at any wait time at Beacon’s DMV (personally, the service was always short for this blogger…you just need to time it right…take a number and take a walk…then it was your turn), we are all waiting for it to open again.

At least Dutchess County got Beacon a new DMV parking lot sign, however. That old sign had been pretty old and unreadable since at least 10 years.

Dutchess County Projects $20-$50 Million Revenue Decline - 41% Comes From Sales Tax - Of Which Beacon Pays In

County Executive Marcus Molinaro released 2020 projections for a severe decrease in revenue to Dutchess County due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the release, it “includes a projected sales tax revenue decline of $20-50 million in 2020. Sales tax accounts for 41% of the County’s 2020 budget,” County Executive Molinaro said during his June 10, 2020 online Town Hall. The City of Beacon and other municipalities like Poughkeepsie pay into Dutchess County’s sales tax collection. Beacon does not keep the sales tax generated here, and is instead paid out a distribution of a fixed, negotiated amount from the cumulative sales tax collected across municipalities each year. A Little Beacon Blog conducted research into this, and reported on it here.

According to Molinaro’s statement, 3 of the sales tax payments Dutchess County has received from New York State in 2020, reflecting sales tax revenues since March 1st, have been lower than 2019. You can read about where which municipalities Dutchess County collects sales tax from in New York State, which include Beacon, Poughkeepsie and smaller surrounding municipalities.

Molinaro went on to describe a furlough program for Dutchess County employees: “In the wake of a projected $40-80 million revenue loss, Dutchess County Government has offered its workforce a voluntary furlough program, which 66 employees across various departments have volunteered for, and implemented freezes on hiring and non-essential spending. Funding from New York State accounts for 16% of Dutchess County’s annual budget and Governor Andrew Cuomo has suggested the pandemic may result in as much as a 20% cut in state aid to local counties, resulting in a projected loss of $15-20 million to Dutchess County. County Executive Molinaro continues to advocate for state and federal aid for counties like Dutchess to avoid being forced to eliminate critical services and programs.”

Rejoice! New Mini Free Parking Signs At City Of Beacon's Free Public Parking Lots

At last…there is a modern looking, conversational-style Free Parking sign at Beacon’s free municipal parking lots. This is something we have dreamed of for years, and is why A Little Beacon Blog created our Free Parking Guide.

Granted, there is the traditional and official green P sign that stands for “Free Parking,” but when was the last time you studied for your drivers license test to remember what that sign stands for? Granted, you don’t forget what the red STOP sign looks like, but a green P can be a little vague and un-mememorable. Let alone un-noticable.

In addition to this little parking sign, you’ll notice the fancy new Dutchess County sign, where you’ll find the DMV, Family Services, Astor Services, Office of Probation and Community Correction, and other county offices. For years, this sign was pretty trashed and tired. Last year, it got a makeover. This particular parking lot is owned by Dutchess County, so is only free on the nights and weekends.

Unnamed Prisoner Graves and New Release Of Inmates Meeting A Certain Set Of Criteria

Two yesterdays ago, on April 16, 2020, Beacon Prison Action sent a press release regarding multiple new unmarked graves being dug at the Fishkill Correctional Facility. Beacon Prison Action consists of c​ommunity members in the Beacon/Fishkill/Newburgh area, and is most active through the Beacon Prison Rides Project and the Beacon Prison Books Project (run closely with Binnacle Books).

The graveyard that sits near the Fishkill Correctional Facility is located through the woods beyond the Willow Loop, and behind Beacon High School.

Beacon Prison Action submitted photos of “multiple” fresh graves taken Wednesday morning (April 15, 2020). According to the press release: “Four gravestones are without identifying markers, leaving these recent casualties unnamed. A new grave, between two more markers, has yet to be filled.”

A Little Beacon Blog is pursuing information about the protocol for how it is determined for a prisoner to be buried there. If you have information, please see below.

The Prison Population By Numbers And COVID-19 Positive

According to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS): “The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, guided by the Departmental Mission, is responsible for the confinement and rehabilitation with under 42,000 individuals under custody held at 52 state facilities and supervision of over 35,000 parolees throughout seven regional offices statewide.”

According to the USA Today Network’s Democrat and Chronicle, “New York has approximately 43,000 incarcerated individuals and 29,000 employees at its 52 state-level facilities, according to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.”

According to the DOCCS COVID-19 Confirmed page, the following COVID-19 statuses have been reported:

DOCCS COVID-10 Confirmed Cases
Staff Incarcerated Population Parolees
753 204* 29
*Of these confirmed cases, 49 are now recovered and out of isolation.

DOCCS COVID-19 Confirmed Deaths
Staff Incarcerated Population Parolees
1 5 4

New Release Of Inmates Over Age Of 55, Who Are Eligible For Release In 90 Days, No Violent Felonies, No Sexual Assault

Beacon Prison Action, as well as other groups including the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) on March 20, 2020, have made requests of how inmates could avoid infection.

Since then, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) has approved the release of inmates meeting different sets of requirements, which was confirmed by Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to Governor Cuomo during today’s (4/18/2020) briefing when asked about it by a reporter (see minute 31).

DeRosa confirmed that inmates who are over the age of 55, who are eligible for release within 90 days, who have not committed violent felonies or sexual assault offense, and who do not pose a threat to society can be released. DeRosa estimated the number of inmates that fit this specific criteria to be around 200 people, and confirmed it would be a “rolling release” throughout this “current emergency.”

Additional Types Of Inmates Who Have Been Approved For Release

This is not the first set of requirements that have been created so that some inmates can be offered early release due to COVID-19. According to PrisonPolicy.org:

• A judge in the Bronx approved the release of 51 people jailed for alleged parole violations on Rikers Island in New York City. (April 13)

• 65 people have been released early from the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla, New York, following discussions between the District Attorney and the Legal Aid Society of Westchester. (April 13)

• District attorneys in Brooklyn, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have taken steps to reduce jail admissions by releasing people charged with nonviolent offenses and not actively prosecuting low-level, non-violent offenses. (March 17 and March 18)

• In New York state, all in-person parole visits have been suspended and replaced with telephone call, text message, and video call check-ins. (March 20). Details from TimesUnion: “As new cases and deaths from COVID-19 increased, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday ordered non-essential construction projects to stop, and a state agency told parole officers that 1,100 parole violators who are being held in jails and prisons across New York will be released.

• New York City has released 200 people from Rikers Island in the past week, and expects to release another 175 people before the weekend. (March 26)

• In New York, Gov. Cuomo announced that up to 1,100 people who are being held in jails and prisons across the state may be released with community supervision. (March 27)

Early prison release is being addressed at the national level. You can read about Attorney General William Barr’s directive here at The New York Times. A clip: “Attorney General William P. Barr ordered the Bureau of Prisons on Friday (April 3, 2020) to expand the group of federal inmates eligible for early release and to prioritize those at three facilities where known coronavirus cases have grown precipitously, as the virus threatens to overwhelm prison medical facilities and nearby hospitals.”

Inmates With Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Beacon Prison Action also highlighted inmates who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. From their press release: “Fishkill prison itself has a special Long-Term Care unit for people with serious health conditions, as well as a Unit for the Cognitively Impaired, largely serving elderly prisoners suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. In their last report on this prison, the Correctional Association of New York concluded, “[Our visit to this unit] reinforced the costly, cruel, and nonsensical policy of continued incarceration of people who are so physically and/or cognitively impaired that they pose no safety risk to the community and for whom there no longer remains any justifiable reason to keep them in prison.” (​Fishkill Correctional Facility 2012​ ​by the Correctional Association of New York).

Graves With No Names At Fishkill Correctional Facility

Back to the graves in Beacon, and why some markers have no names. According to Beacon’s most referenced book, “Beacon Revisited” by Robert J. Murphy and Denise Doring VanBuren, the graveyard is known as the Cemetery of Convicts, 1985. From the book: “At the edge of a stand of tall evergreens not far from Beacon’s new high school lies the state-owned cemetery wherein hundreds of unknown men and women are buried. Between the opening of the Matteawan State Hospital (then the Asylum for the Criminally Insane) in 1892, its closing in 1977, and its transformation into Fishkill Correctional Facility, about 1,800 inmates and patients were buried in the remote corner of the prison’s grounds. Today, only numbered stones mark the graves of these unfortunates.”

A Little Beacon Blog has questions and is in pursuit of the bigger picture. If you know the answer and you are an official, please comment below or email us at editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. We are looking for answers to the following questions:

• Do all of the graves state no names?

• When a prisoner dies while incarcerated, what is the protocol? Are they buried there? Or are they sent to their family? Or if they have no next of kin, buried there? The DOCCS Handbook for Families and Friends is here, but doesn’t seem to mention it.

• Why would new burials have no name on the marker? The prison system knows the name of the individual, but why would a name not be placed on a grave?

• Are prisoners from all over New York state sent here to be buried, or just those in Fishkill Correctional Facility?
  
  

Dutchess County Executive's Father Passes From COVID-19; "I Already Miss" Him, Molinaro Says

After a two-week battle with COVID-19, Anthony Molinaro, father of Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, passed away after being on a ventilator at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. According to the article, he was 67 and had no known underlying health conditions.

Marc Molinaro tweeted: “Anthony Molinaro quietly left us this afternoon. I already miss my father but confidently know of his love for my sisters, their mom, my brother and me. And, we are grateful for the moments and memories we shared.”

Marc further elaborated in that tweet:

"All our lives have been touched in some way by the coronavirus and we know we will never be the same. This afternoon, my father died and while it's natural to dwell on the final moments, I know it is the value of all the moments that make up our lives together that matters most.

"I entered public life inspired by the desire to bring people together, so it's with immense sadness that at this most difficult of times we were apart.

”Yet, he did not leave this world alone. He was expertly and passionately cared for by an amazing team of doctors, nurses and caregivers; he had his memories of better times and those he loved; he felt the love and prayers of family, friends and even strangers who wouldn't give up..."

A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Beacon’s Mayor’s Office for comment, and Mayor Lee Kyriacou responded: “We mourn another lost soul, this one the father of my colleague and friend, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. He and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay well, all.”

School and Non-Essential Bizes Closed To April 29; Regents Exams Canceled; Fines Doubled for Social Distancing Violations

Today, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered hopeful news that social distancing may be working, as the increase of total number of infections is lower than what was originally projected, as reported in Forbes. As spring approaches, Cuomo encouraged people during his daily briefing to not let up on the social distancing, and increased fines for violations from $500 to $1,000. That includes non-essential gatherings with families who are not in Sphere Lock with each other (like if you get together with good friends, or if you have your cousins over).

Governor Cuomo has been tough yet understanding when it comes to social distancing, letting people figure it out on their own when outside. However, when he witnessed basketball and soccer games continue on a daily basis, as well as social gatherings at kids playgrounds, he warned that they’d need to close them down, in the name of social distancing and the inability to clean the surfaces at the playground. By April 1, the Governor banned basketball games and contact sports.

As quoted in Politico: “I talked about this for weeks. I warned people that if they didn’t stop the density and the games in the playgrounds — you can’t play basketball, you can’t come into contact with each other — that we would close the playgrounds,” Cuomo said. “Use the open space in a park. Walk around, get some sun, great. No density. No basketball games. No close contact. No violation of social distancing, period. That’s the rule.”

When pressed by a reporter today during the briefing on what else the governor could do to curb groups gathering, the governor responded that it is up to the enforcement at local levels.

Fines Increased For Violations of Social Distancing

Possibly more problematic for New York City, the fines for not social distancing were increased from $500 to $1,000. Beaconites have been complying pretty well. It should be noted, that if an area of an open space is crowded, simply find another place, for your own protection.

Regents Exams Canceled

The Board of Regents has canceled the Regents Exams for this year, as announced by Beacon Schools’ Superintendent Matt Landahl.

Beacon City School District Closes Schools For 2 Weeks - Why This Is Good (Words From A Doctor In Italy)

Parents and community members have been waiting for the declaration about Beacon City Schools to follow several other districts in New York State. Gov. Andrew Cuomo was reluctant to close schools, with the economic impact it has on parents to continue to go to work, or work from home. In New York City, Mayor de Blasio was concerned about the food programs that exist in the public schools statewide that get food to low-income families. Dutchess County Legislator Nick Page has indicated that both New York State and the federal government are working on aid packages.

With Dutchess County’s State of Emergency declared today, all schools in the county must close. While kids are being regarded as (thankfully) not having severe symptoms, thoughts are being revisited as to if keeping the schools open is a good idea. The podcast Unchained (normally a cryptocurrency podcast) dedicated their entire show today to data-based insights on coronavirus, and recommended that readers read this essay in Newsweek, written by a doctor in a major hospital in Western Europe. He writes from Italy (which is under quarantine and the streets are empty, just in case you hadn’t read that yet):

From Newsweek:

“I'm a doctor in a major hospital in Western Europe. Watching you Americans (and you, Brits) in these still-early days of the coronavirus pandemic is like watching a familiar horror movie, where the protagonists, yet again, split into pairs or decide to take a tour of a dark basement.

”The real-life versions of this behavior are pretending this is just a flu; keeping schools open; following through with your holiday travel plans, and going into the office daily. This is what we did in Italy. We were so complacent that even when people with coronavirus symptoms started turning up, we wrote each off as a nasty case of the flu.”

The Beacon City School District is off today anyway for a professional day, so kids have been home in a practice day off. More news is to come of what sort of preparation plans the District has for students.

Superintendent Matt Landahl’s letter to parents:

Dear Beacon Community:

Due to the Dutchess County State of Emergency, the Beacon City Schools will be closed for classroom and extracurricular activities for the next two weeks due to Coronavirus/COVID 19. This school closing lasts through March 27th. We have been preparing for this potential and we will share some of our plans with you in the coming days. I want everyone to be safe and be kind to each other. I will update the community soon.

Matt Landahl

Event Cancellations: Howland Chamber Music Circle, Jazz At Atlas, and Atlas Studios Postpone Events Through March

Published Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020

In light of the current global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the following cancellations have been announced for this weekend and the near future.

Howland Chamber Music Circle Concert Series

According to their release: “The Board of the Howland Chamber Music Circle has made the very difficult, but prudent, decision to cancel the following concerts:"

• WindSync “Classics for Kids” on Sunday, March 15, 12 noon

• WindSync concert on Sunday, March 15 at 4 pm

• Inbal Segev / Juho Pohjonen on Sunday, April 5 at 4 pm

You can no longer purchase tickets for any of these events. “Those who purchased tickets to these three concerts can receive a refund of their ticket price (minus any discounts for subscriptions),” as stated in the release.

A donation opportunity exists. “If anyone would like to donate the value of their tickets to the Board, instead of taking the refund. This will help cover some of the costs already incurred in producing these concerts. Those wishing to make such a donation should please send a quick email to info@howlandmusic.org stating such. Please include your name as it appeared on the order. As a 501(c)(3) organization your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you have any questions at all, please send us email, or call and leave a message (845-765-3012).”

Also cancelled at the Howland Cultural Center are the following:

• Blind Tiger Improv March Comedy Showcase, Saturday, March 14, 2020

• Faculty Concert Series with 4X4 Music Off Road, Sunday, March 22, 2020

Jazz At Atlas Concert Series

Across the river in Newburgh, the popular Jazz at Atlas concert series has been canceled until further notice.

In a statement issued by James Keepnews from Jazz at Atlas, “It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that Atlas Studios has decided, given the pandemic we’re all facing, to cancel all scheduled events.” This includes this weekend’s performance by Fay Victor’s Barn Songs Trio.

A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Atlas Studios, and confirmed that they have canceled all events for March.

Please note that this also impacts the concert by Bobby Previte’s Music from the Dune Shacks quartet at Atlas on Saturday, April 18. There is hope to reschedule these artists for the fall. Follow Jazz At Atlas on Facebook for further updates, or visit www.atlasnewburgh.com.

County Fare Auctions Off Coveted 'Quiet Man Pub' Sign For Victims Displaced By Fire in Wappingers Falls

When Dana Tompkins bought County Fare, he inherited the long-loved sign from the pub that the location previously housed: The Quiet Man Pub. “People my age seem to have a special connection with this place. As does the older crowd,” Dana told A Little Beacon Blog. Dana is 40 and has two young kids. The person who Dana bought County Fare from, who currently owns Graceland, told Dana that a lot of people wanted the sign. “Sure enough,” Dana said, “those same people walked into County Fare wanting the sign. But I held onto it, because you never know.”

Last week, on February 25, 2020, the building at 10 Market Street, in Wappingers Falls, caught fire, most likely a result of a welding accident on a fire escape, and ravaged the building, displacing 32 people from their homes in the apartments, and destroying four businesses. This is the second fire in a decade to happen in the Village of Wappingers Falls.

“Come in and leave a bid! It’s wide open.”

— Dana Tompkins, Owner, County Fare

Dana made the swift decision to auction off the Quiet Man Pub sign in a silent auction. Then he changed it to a “Not-So-Silent” auction: “I realized I had an opportunity to get these people going up against this thing. Let’s drive the bidding up! To raise money for those displaced! Right now, I have a few people who keep outbidding each other.” The highest bid is $2,100 as of Friday afternoon, and includes a bidder from Manhattan. People can place bids at the bar or by contacting Dana at County Fare. The auction will end on Saturday night after the Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebration in Wappingers Falls.

Auction & Raffle With 20 Prizes To Raise Funds At County Fare

The sign isn’t the only item being used to raise money for those impacted by the fire. County Fare has a raffle with 20 prizes. “There are gift certificates to every place you can think of,” explained Dana. Gold’s Gym is giving away a one-year family membership; there are Yankees tickets to Opening Weekend, and more prizes.

There is also a raffle at Stephano’s Ristorante beginning at 2:30 pm. Not to mention all of the other fun you will find on the day, which ALBB wrote about here.

Dana has been humbled by the response he has seen come forward for the community. “The Village and Town of Wappingers have come together like I've never really seen a community come together to help families and businesses. As someone trying to really create an amazing fundraiser, and [as] close personal friends with multiple people who were displaced, I am grateful from the bottom of [my] heart. It is very humbling to see how many people care.”

The community outreach platform Wappingers Rises has been promoting where people can donate and enjoy the Village of Wappingers Falls during the parade and daylong celebration. Online fundraising has been created by the Wappinger Town Supervisor, Richard L. Thurston at this GoFundMe page, which has raised over $15,000 to date, and remains open for more help. Other online fundraising sites include Mario’s Sandwich Shop (Mario’s GoFundMe page), TJ’s Barbershop (TJ’s GoFundMe page), a personal page organized by Irais Quezada (as forwarded by Wappingers Rising). Local churches are also accepting donations to be given to victims.

What’s On Tap?

What will be on tap at this local craft beer specialty restaurant and bar? “Super local ones,” confirmed Dana. Three varieties from Sloop Brewing, Cousins Ale (you’ve seen on them on Route 9… now is your chance to taste it if you haven’t yet!), Mill House, other craft beers, and of course, Guinness, because, well, it’s St. Patrick’s Day.

Here's Why Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade In Wappingers Falls Is Such A Big Deal

It’s the 25th anniversary of Dutchess County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the historic district of Wappingers Falls! It will take place on Friday, March 7 at 1 pm - rain or shine. While commonly known as the Wappingers St. Patrick’s Day parade, it is in fact the countywide parade, open to all. “Few people realize this is the Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” Courtney Kolb of Wappingers Rises, told A Little Beacon Blog. Oftentimes you hear people say “Wappinger Parade,” but it’s actually the county parade.

First Big Event After The Devastating Fire At 10 Market Street In February

Photo Credit: Scott Marcella, supplied by Wappingers Rises

The community and local businesses have come together in support of those who have been displaced by the fire, including the 32 people who lost their homes to the fire, and the four businesses whose businesses were destroyed: Mario’s Sandwich Shop (Mario’s GoFundMe page), TJ’s Barbershop (TJ’s GoFundMe page), the studio for artist Andrew Woolbright and Your Green Spa. To date, the GoFundMe page set up by Wappingers Town Supervisor Richard L. Thurston has raised $15,695 (still open, new goal of $20K!). Funds have started being disbursed to those in need. Throughout the parade route, individuals with buckets will be collecting relief funds. County Fare restaurant is auctioning off the original and highly sought- after "Quiet Man Pub" sign and donating proceeds to the fire recovery efforts.

What Locals Are Saying

County Fare owner Dana Tompkins gave us the lay of the land of what to expect during the parade and the festivities that follow after. Afraid of parking? No problem, said Dana. “People park anywhere and everywhere. Plus, all of the cops will be at the parade.” County Fare will be selling Irish coffee and hot toddies. Kids with donation buckets will be in the area collecting for relief efforts for those displaced by the fire.

The Shamrock Run Before The Parade

The day begins with Mass at St. Mary’s being led by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan at 9 am.

After Mass, check out Fleet Feet’s Wappinger’s Shamrock Run, which is a 1-mile run held right before the parade at 12:45 pm. You can sign up to participate in the run by clicking here. Local resident Christopher Regan is timing the event and made the medals that will be given to all who complete the run. The run will conclude next to Mesier Park in the village of Wappingers near the grandstand. Wear your most festive St. Patrick's gear, and let's kick off parade day with some fun! 

What To Expect At The Dutchess County St. Paddy’s Day Parade In Wappingers Falls

The parade kicks off at 1 pm and last about an hour. This is a downtown-wide event, so there will be things to do in several businesses. A parade after-party is at Stephano’s Ristorante beginning at 2:30 pm with raffles, live music, cash bar. County Fare is also having a big raffle, which includes a one-year membership to Gold’s Gym, and the final results of their Not So Silent auction for their famous Quiet Man Pub sign. Bids are still being taken. The last bid we heard about was $2,100, and competition is getting serious.

Local restaurants will have special items on their menu to celebrate the day like a “Coquito Go Bragh” from Café Con Leche (also located on Market Street), Irish coffee and hot toddies from County Fare, and sweet treats from Sweet Bakes Cafe. Mario’s Sandwich Company - whose storefront was lost by the fire (click here to donate to Mario’s GoFund me effort to rebuild) - will have a table set up at East Main Street to sell sandwiches and soda bread. Show owner Frank Camey some support, and stop by!

Find Even More Deals And To-Dos At Wappingers Rises

Wappingers Rises has dedicated an Instagram Highlight called “St. Patrick’s” to show rotating Stories of what different businesses are offering throughout the day. Go there and flip through to stay in the know. Says Courtney of Wappingers Rises: “You can expect fun, family, and sunshine!!! The weather looks great and the businesses have pulled out wonderful food and drink specials.If you’ve been considering a visit to The Village, make tomorrow the day.” Even if the weather gets chilly, bring your best winter accessories, because this could be the last time this season you get to use them.

Here’s a sneak peek, via a look back at past Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day parades:

What Does The Community Action Partnership Of Dutchess County Do?

It’s possible you’ve never noticed Community Action Partnership of Dutchess County - the storefront behind Antalek & Moore, in the same strip as Rite Aid - but it’s connected to a powerhouse of services available to low-income families and individuals to help them become more self-sufficient. After we heard that Community Action Partnership had a food pantry in the Beacon office - which was not on our Food Pantry Guide - we wanted to do an article on them to highlight more of what they do, because clearly there is a whole lot more available, that Beaconites might not know about. And then Antalek & Moore tapped their neighbor, Community Action Partnership, to spotlight this month with their A-grade production.

Community Action Partnership’s mission is to partner with individuals and families to eliminate poverty and identify the resources and opportunities available to enhance their self-reliance.

Antalek & Moore has a long history of working close with the community and residents of Beacon - from families to small businesses, services go beyond professional and financial assistance. Antalek & Moore has partnered with many local charities, whose purpose is to enhance the health and wellness of Dutchess County residents.

Helping Families In Need

If you are not familiar with Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County, they have been a vital part of Dutchess County for many years, serving a growing segment of the community that might need otherwise-inaccessible services.

Every day, they stand behind their mission to "partner with individuals and families to eliminate poverty and identify the resources and opportunities available to them to enhance their self-reliance." 

Says Susan Pagones, executive partner at Antalek & Moore: “We have had the privilege to work alongside Dutchess County Community Action Partnership for over 20 years, to ensure that as they expand their services throughout Dutchess County into multiple locations, their insurance coverage grows with them.”

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Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.