June 18th Town Board meeting (cont’ed)
One speaker raised an objection to a cap on Single Lot Exemptions (SLEs) that was established by the Board when local law established SLEs as a housing option. He said he did not “like the optics” of limiting this lower cost housing option, even in light of the fact that the Town has only had one application for an SLE. He urged that Board to eliminate the cap to encourage more applications for this housing option. Housing Committee Chair Eaton said the cap will be up for review in the spring.
The same speaker addressed the issue of maintenance in Crellin Park, specifically related to the Pump Track, which is reportedly in poor condition, and a proposed but unfinished exercise facility that has been in the works for several years. The discussion highlighted the history of volunteer work in the park, challenged board members who have not participated in volunteer maintenance, and questioned the viability of a continued expectation that volunteer labor is a realistic expectation for the future. Park and Recreation Committee Chair Wapner said that the committee is currently working on the second part of the Park Plan, which will introduce a system of oversight and approval for all proposed work in the park, ensure that a budget and maintenance plan is in place for each project, and will organize and prioritize all proposed work in the park, subject to board approval.
Resident Kate Butler, who organized a grass roots survey via “Chatham Voices” to identify desirable changes in the Town, said she has amassed considerable information on what respondents want to change in the Town. She specifically noted concerns about traffic safety for pedestrians and bikers to increase walkability in the Town, including requests for “traffic calming” interventions. She said there are opportunities for grants to address some of these suggestions.
A resident noted that approved Town Board meeting minutes from April 2026 (approved May 21, 2026) were not posted as of the afternoon of 6/18, despite a new policy stipulating that they are to be posted on the website within five business days of board approval.
Audience members expressed appreciation to the Supervisor and the Board for supporting a float for the annual Flag Day parade in Hudson that involved a number of volunteers and participation by the local 4H group.
In formal resolutions, the Board:
Authorized an increase of $3,389 in funding for the Town Hall paving project due to increased cost estimates since the project was initially approved.
Authorized the transfer of $125,000 in grant funding (received from NYS through the office of AD 106 representative Didi Barrett) to begin the CREST Chatham Energy Independence Project (previously referred to as the Chatham Decarbonization Project).
Authorized the Town to invest in the Empire Public Investment Cooperative Fund of New York (EPIC FUND NY). This authorization allows the Town to make investments of available Town funds in EPIC FUND NY as an alternative to current investment opportunities, such as local banks. The fund is considered financially safe and allows for good liquidity of funds if they are needed for Town expenditures.
Approved a budget appropriation increase of $356,045 to the budget of the Town Highway Department. This increased funding was due to the 2026-2027 NYS budget’s increased funding for the Town of Chatham highway-related funds that are designated for highway improvement. The additional funding raises the Town’s 2026 Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) budget line from $219,000 to $575,045. The board also approved a revised written plan by the Highway Superintendent to modify an earlier agreement on the scheduled highway department projects to accommodate this budget increase.
Approved Crellin Park Day to take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 2 pm to 8 pm.
In a related resolution, the Town Board voted four to one to approve a special use permit that allows the sale of beer during specific hours at a designated area of Crellin Park during the Crellin Park Day festivities. This special use permit application was submitted and completed by the Chatham Brewing Company in accordance with the requirement for such a permit on Town of Chatham property.
Accepted standard paperwork:
Approved Town Board meeting minutes for May 7 and May 21
Accepted the Town Accountant’s Financial Supervisor’s Report
Accepted the Financial Abstract as presented to pay Town Bills
The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 2 at 6:30 pm at Town Hall.
The public can attend in person or join by Google Meet or phone. Information is available on the Town calendar for the date of the meeting.
A video of June 18, 2026, meeting is available here.