Town Board puts Moratorium exemption and next step for proposed housing laws on hold

The January 16 town Board meeting was unusual in that the Town Board tabled four significant resolutions listed in the Agenda after board discussion concluded the resolutions were not yet ready for approval. The tabled resolutions would have authorized the following:

1. To declare the Town of Chatham immune from the Solar Moratorium in order to move forward with the solar project at the Town Highway garage.

2. To move the draft Single Lot Exemption regulation to the Columbia County Planning Board for review and feedback.

3. To move the draft Accessory Dwelling Unit regulation to the Columbia County Planning Board for review and feedback.

4. To pursue the NYS Local Government Efficiency (LGE) grant.

The two housing laws were delayed following extensive feedback from the Planning Board, while the exemption from the Solar Moratorium was controversial and the board agreed it warrants a clearer legal opinion.  The LGE grant was tabled because the proposed collaboration with the Village was ultimately not possible at this time.

Undersheriff Jackie Salvatore, a Hudson native with over 30 distinguished years of law enforcement leadership, announces her candidacy for Columbia County Sheriff. With a proven record of innovation, community engagement, and a commitment to public safety, Undersheriff Salvatore is ready on day one to keep Columbia County safe.

TURNING THE PAGE INTO THE UNKNOWN

Today, January 21, 2025 is the first full day of the new presidential term in our nation. Yesterday, we saw the beginning of the promised fallout from the 2024 election, including extreme and dangerous executive actions to implement Project 2025.  

How presidential and Congressional action will unfold and how we can counter some of the actions in our nation’s capital as individuals and as a part of local and other organizations is something we will discover over time. 

We knew this was coming. Now we need to unify and stand for what we value, take action where we can; and protect our democracy, our institutions, and our community. We need to support those in government who can uphold and fight for the programs and institutions that protect the rule of law, the safety net for our citizens, environmental action, personal and reproductive rights, a free press, and immigrant rights. 

The following report from Third Act.org newsletter details one “before” event in Hudson that preceded the national presidential inauguration.

The People’s March in City of Hudson

Over 300 people march in opposition to the 

Project 2025 agenda

(pictured from left to right: Sarah Braley, Eliza Braley, and Lily Hall)

Saturday morning, the Morris Memorial hosted a  collection drop-off point for donations to The Warming Center- homeless shelter in Hudson.

High school students, Eliza Braley and Lily Hall were staffing the drop off. It was so good to see their energy and commitment to making a difference in our community! They both belong to the Columbia County Z Club, a student community service club sponsored by the Zonta Club of the Upper Hudson Valley that was chartered in 2020 by Sarah Braley, who serves as a club advisor along with Sue Wallace. 

The donation table showed off a number of new and gently used warm blankets and adult winter clothing, so they’re off to a good start.

Here’s the good news–their donation window is not yet closed.  Sarah can work with you to  pick up items if you have them to donate.  Given this week’s weather, your donations will be welcome!

For more information about Columbia County Z club and this service project feel free to contact Z club advisor Sara Braley by phone or text at 518-751-6971.

Please note: 

All other Town Board and Committee meetings are listed on the general calendar on the Town of Chatham website.  Most meetings are in person and online, with details noted under meeting name and date.