Dear Residents,
I hope everyone had a nice September! Several former mayors and I got together a few weeks ago to discuss issues facing the village and to share some knowledge and stories.
If you were able to read The Kinderhook Times Summer – Fall 2022 edition and the Mayor’s Desk blog found on our village web site (www.villageofkinderhook.org) – you are aware that we are moving forward with improvements to Albany Avenue. It is one of our top priorities and I want to convey to you all the progress attained to date.
First, let me step back and repeat some of the old news – namely, the Village of Kinderhook was awarded a $1,864,348 federal grant to construct pedestrian and bicycle improvements along a segment of Albany Avenue. The proposed project would re-construct non-compliant, poor condition sidewalks and enhance bicycle accommodations along Albany Avenue from the Albany Hudson Electric Trail (AHET) to Rt 9. The road will be resurfaced, and the poor drainage issues will be eliminated.
A brief update on the Albany Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement Project is as follows:
- New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) administers this program, provides guidance and monitoring for compliance for all applicable federal and state regulations.
- The Village of Kinderhook has submitted to DOT an Initial Project Proposal, a Draft Project Management Plan, a Smart Growth Screening Tool document, and a Complete Streets Check List acknowledging our adherence to the New York State Highway Design Manual.
- DOT in turn has submitted back to the Village of Kinderhook a Service-Level Agreement (SLA) that once executed will determine the start date of the project and authorization to invoice project expenses.
- The Village of Kinderhook has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to fifteen civil engineering firms and upon a determination of the best proposer, we intend to proceed with the issuance of a contract for preliminary and detailed design services for Albany Avenue.
- Trustee Mark Browne has agreed to act as Program Manager for this project.
This update is going out with the water bills because we intend to conduct a parallel project to update the water distribution system under Albany Avenue at the same time. The existing water mains under Albany Avenue are cast iron mains and approximately 100 years old. There have been multiple service breaks in this area as well as water leakage and the potential for health risks due to older pipe technology that needs to be upgraded to current state regulations.
The Village Board has set aside $115,000 in American Rescue Act funds supplemented with budget and reserve funding to raise seed money for this water project to get started in the amount of approximately $200,000. The objective is to produce a detailed design for the water construction efforts that matches up to the other work being done on Albany Avenue. To fund the remainder of this effort the Village is seeking funds through the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIAA) for both Albany Avenue and Williams Street. Thanks to all the residents who signed the petition supporting this application for funding.
The Village has also engaged a team of finance professionals to advise us on how best to fund these projects in the months and years ahead. The Village Board is planning a Special Meeting on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 7 pm to discuss updates to Albany Ave improvements and financing. All are welcome to attend and ask questions.
A few additional notes:
Sidewalk Snow Removal. As we prepare for the colder weather, please be advised that property owners have the responsibility to arrange for snow removal on sidewalks bordering their property. Snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours of snowfall. If not removed, the Village will arrange to have it cleared and assess the property owner for the cost. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to Trustee Susan Patterson at 518-758-8727 or spatterson@villageofkinderhook.org.
Village Updates. If you would like to be notified about village related items, please visit our website at www.villageofkinderhook.org and sign up for email notifications.
Village Board Meetings. Village Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 pm at the Village Hall. All residents are welcome to attend. We have also been holding additional workshop meetings the last week of every month to discuss important issues. Email notifications are sent with agendas for all meetings.
Village Hall Hours. The Village Hall is located at 6 Chatham Street and is open to the public from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Thursday for walk-ins and calls, and 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for calls as well. The office number is 518-758-9882. You may email us at okvillagehall@villageofkinderhook.org.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you! Our village staff and volunteers are working diligently to ensure each resident is fully supported and treated with respect. Please reach out to me anytime if I can be of service at mayor@villageofkinderhook.org.
Sincerely,
Mike Abrams
Mayor, Village of Kinderhook
