Beacon 6th Grader Falls On Mt. Beacon During School Hike And Is Airlifted to Hospital With Multiple Injuries

According to some 6th grade students of the Beacon City School District who texted their friends with the news, a 6th grader fell while hiking on Mount Beacon during the planned school hiking trip on Friday, October 4th, hit their head, and was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital.

Update 10/4/2024: Rombout Middle School Principal Brian Solish emailed District families two hours after the incident, with permission from the student’s family, to confirm that Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC) transported the student off the mountain by UTV to an ambulance, which took the student to Memorial Park, which took them with their parent by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center “out of precaution,” he said.

During the afternoon at around 3pm, neighbors spotted a helicopter flying over Beacon from the direction of Memorial Park. As reported on the Dutchess County Scanner Facebook Group, a Helicopter Landing Zone was set up at Memorial Park for the Beacon Volunteer Corps & Ambulanz who responded to Mount Beacon’s Red Trail “with a fallen pediatric hiker with head, shoulder & leg injuries as well as exposure concerns.” According to the report, it took approximately 30 minutes to get the student off the Mountain and 20 minutes for Helicopter Landing.

According to MidHudson news, the child is 11 years old, and the rescue effort also involved the Beacon Fire Department, Beacon Medic 1, DEC, and others at approximately 2:30 p.m.

If more details become available, this article will be updated.

New Facts: Hudson River Regularly Floods Long Dock and Train Station Parking Lots In Heavy Rains

The morning after the wild winds and rain blew through Beacon all night, knocking porch swings around, tossing trash cans, and keeping sub-pumps on overdrive, the high tide of the Hudson River once again rose into the parking lots of Lock Dock Park and the Beacon Train Station. Cars were parked at Long Dock, and at least one of them was floating. Beacon Police were called when some hikers who returned from hiking through Madame Brett Park came to see that their cars at Long Dock were surrounded by water.

“I didn’t want to open my door so I opened my window by pressing and holding down my unlock button,” one hiker told ALBB. “I climbed through the window, turned on the car, and drove it here,” recalled the hiker at the base of Long Dock Road, squeezing out their socks and putting their shoes back on as they sat in the back of their Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck.

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Another hiker, parked behind them with all doors open, was also able to get into their car by crawling through the window and driving it through the water. In the Subaru, which is lower to the ground than the pickup truck, water did get into the vehicle. Further down the parking lot, another hiker’s car was floating. The plan for that car was to wait until the water went out with the tide.

Neither the Beacon Police nor the hikers could confirm what time the water came in. One Beacon Police Officer said they had put up a barricade down at the train station at 11am, where the water had completely blocked off access to Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park and consumed the parking lot. It was around 12:45pm when the police, fire and ambulance were called to the scene of the flooded cars at Long Dock.

One hiker said that they did see twigs and other debris on the ground when they parked and left for Madame Brett Park, but didn’t think anything of it. Now they realized those were remnants of the river as it went back out with the tide. The parking lot could have been flooded throughout the night.

Parking Lot Flooded Again at Beacon Train Station

Once again, the Welcome to Beacon sign was surrounded by water and rows of parking spots were under water. Access to Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park was completely blocked by the Hudson River, which had the current moving through it as if it weren’t disturbing anything, just doing its tide thing.

As this tidal rise becomes a regular occurrence after heavy rains, compounded with melted snow, signs will need to be put up throughout both parking lots, warning of High Tide Flooding, as other coastal towns do.

RELATED LINK: 12/18/2023 “Hudson River Rises During Storm: Flooding In Homes, The Middle School, And The Wastewater Treatment Plant”

City of Beacon Identifies Walter Miranda As The Man Who Died In The Woods Along Teller Avenue - No Foul Play Suspected So Far

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, the City of Beacon has released the name of the man who died on New Years day in the woods in a stream that runs along side Teller Avenue. It has been 26 days since the man’s name has been publicly released, yet some locals did know who the man was. While there was speculation for the cause of death, it surprised some that identification was not confirmed. Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White emailed the press release to ALBB (often we are with our young kids or dog/cat pets or at the dentist, so emails are appreciated).

According to a press release written by the City of Beacon’s Chief of Police Sands E. Frost - one of the most comprehensive press releases written to date - the man who passed away was Walter Miranda, age 58 who resided at 916 Wolcott Avenue, which is a multi-unit apartment house located across the street from the house that was torched two days later by someone else, owned by the same landlord. The incidents have never been connected.

The stream that runs under Teller Avenue, near the area where the City of Beacon Police were called to respond to the suspected deceased body, who was identified as Walter Miranda, age 58.

According Chief Frost, no foul play was suspected after a dual-investigation by the City of Beacon Police and the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office. Chief Frost stated: “Everything regarding the joint investigation is pointing to Mr. Miranda's death being related to a fall causing a head injury.” The stream that Walter was found in was a shallow, rock-bed stream. Exposed rocks were in several areas. If one were to cross over the barricade near the sidewalk on Teller Avenue (across from Ballet Arts), and fall into the stream, with one’s head hitting the rocks, that would be hard fall.

According to locals who knew Walter, he was a skilled carpenter who passed into Beacon. He had friends on the street and beyond. He worked from job to job doing carpentry work during the seasons.

Chief Sands Frost’s press release has been re-published in full below:

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On January 1, 2023 at approximately 11:46am, the City of Beacon Police Department received a call regarding a person believed to be deceased in a stream located in a wooded area just off Teller Ave. near Henry St. This was called in by a subject who was with his family. The City of Beacon Police Department responded, along with the City of Beacon Fire Department, Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Ambulnz.

EMS workers advised the subject was indeed deceased and the Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office was contacted and they responded. A joint investigation into the death was started immediately by the City of Beacon Police Department and the Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office.

The deceased person was identified as Walter Miranda. He is a 58-year-old male who resided at 916 Wolcott Avenue in the City of Beacon.

An autopsy was conducted on Mr. Miranda on January 3, 2023 by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office. The City of Beacon Detective Bureau spent many days examining security footage from area cameras and interviewing associates and family members of the deceased. Important information was gathered regarding social interactions, habits, any chemical dependencies, etc.

Although the Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office has not finalized its report yet due to awaiting toxicology results, everything regarding the joint investigation is pointing to Mr. Miranda's death being related to a fall causing a head injury. There are no other signs of a struggle or any other injuries indicating an assault.

I know community members get frustrated when something like this occurs in the area and not much information is available right away. We owe it to the victim and to the victim's family and friends to be as thorough as possible investigating any death that may seem suspicious. This process can take quite a while to complete. Our heart goes out to Walter's family and friends. We would also like to thank everyone who cooperated with us in the investigation.

Sands E. Frost
Chief of Police

A Deceased Male Found in the Woods Near Teller Avenue - Name Not Released

According to people in the area who posted on social media the day it happened when the City of Beacon Police began knocking on doors to learn more information, a deceased person was found near Teller Avenue on New Year’s Day at 12pm. At the end of the day, the Beacon Police issued a Press Release about the person: “On 1/1/2023 at approximately 12pm, the City of Beacon Police responded to the wooded area off of Teller Avenue for a deceased male subject who was in his 50's. The deceased was transported to Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. At this time, the investigation is going and no further information will be released pending notification to family members. if anyone has any pertinent information, they are asked to contact the Detective Division.” The press release was submitted by Detective Sergeant Jason Johnson #315.

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Shown in the photos above are a ledge on Teller Avenue next to the sidewalk above the rock-bedded stream that runs through. Locals were saying that the deceased was found near “the creek” which usually implies Fishkill Creek, which is a much larger body of water on that side of town.

This was closer to the street, where there are several exposed rocks on the ground in the stream. A more accurate description may be: “the stream behind the Veterans Memorial Building, which is across from Kennedy Fried Chicken and the old hardware store, and is also across from the Yankee Clipper Diner and Ballet Arts.”

No other Press Releases have been issued, and as of this publishing of this article on January 9, 2023, the name of the deceased has not yet been released. A Little Beacon Blog emailed the Beacon Chief Of Police Sands Frost and City Administrator Chris White to confirm the name, but have not received a response yet.

The Press Release gave no indication of how the person died, but people familiar with the situation say that he may have fallen from a higher point near the sidewalk onto the rocky bed of the stream that runs under Teller Avenue, hence the small bridge with barricade that exists there.

Locally, people in the community have been upset that more information has not been released, and are getting familiar feelings to other deaths that have occurred in the City, including the murder of Rene Vivo “Scout,” a known walker of the streets of Beacon who held different jobs. His death remains unsolved.

Days after this loss of life occurred, the boarding house at 925 Wolcott Avenue was set fire by a former male tenant who had been scheduled to attend an eviction hearing from that property. People in the community began demanding to know more information about man whose body was found in the woods days prior, even though the events may be unrelated. People did this via social media, and by emailing the media like A Little Beacon Blog with their concern.

It is not confirmed if the incidents are related in any way, or if the men knew each other in life.

People are encouraged to submit tips to the Detective Division of the City of Beacon Police. People can also submit tips to ALBB.

Beacon Police Release Report Of Car Fire In Madam Brett Park From May 2022

Back in mid-May, A Little Beacon Blog reported on a car fire that happened on a hiking trail in Madam Brett Park along the Fishkill Creek. We submitted a FOIA for the police report, which remained open for some time, and therefore could not be released. Yesterday, the City of Beacon Police Department released the Police Report BL-002891-22 that described the scene as the responding Officer Jason Burns described it in his Police Report.

The description from the Police Report has been republished in full below. Names of anyone identified have been redacted from the report, and ALBB cannot see them, if they are there.

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05/18/2022 10:30 — BURNS, JASON (071):

“This officer responded to a report of loud banging noises coming from the area of the creek at Madam Brett Park. Upon arrival, I entered the parking lot for Scenic Hudson and observed a large fire approximately 50 yards down the walking path from the trailhead. I then observed it was a fully engulfed vehicle fire on the pathway, with flames reaching the overhanging branches.

“I radioed the situation to dispatch who initiated a fire response via 911. While awaiting the arrival of BFD, I heard a loud booming sound and observed the left rear tire of the vehicle explode from the expanding air in the overheated tire. BFD arrived on the scene and proceeded to extinguish the fire.

A generic Mercedes Benz GL450, not the one found in the woods, but a picture used for reference.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

“Once the fire was put out, PO Sequist, Sgt Confield, and myself inspected the vehicle and observed no one inside. The vehicle was observed to be a Mercedes Benz GL450, with the color unknown as all of the paint had been removed and burned by the fire. It also bore no registration plates and was devoid of the VINs located at both the bottom of the windshield on the driver side and above the driver side door sill.

“The entirety of combustible material within the vehicle had burned completely. All officers conducted a canvas of the area for any additional evidence with negative results.

“The on-call detective was notified and Detective Lawrence responded to the scene. The scene was processed and the vehicle was removed by High-End Auto and transported to DPW where it was cordoned off by crime scene tape and in the view of security cameras. File 25 sent. Case TOT detectives.”

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According to a witness who spike with ALBB, the Beacon Police were called at around 4:11am, and arrived at approximately 4:20am. In ALBB’s previous article:: “At least one resident was woken up by the the sounds of the burning car, overcome with the feeling like their bed was shaking. They said that the explosive sounds sounded like someone was throwing bricks in a dumpster, or gunshots. Smoke billowed up to the tree tops, scorching the trees.”

Car Lit On Fire In Madam Brett Park, "Could Have Taken Woods," Beacon Police Allegedly Say

UPDATE 8/1/2022: The Beacon Police have released their report about this car fire. Read about it here.

On Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 in the early morning hours, a car was driven or drove into Madam Brett Park, turned left into the parking lot, continued onto the walking path along Fishkill Creek, and then was consumed in fire accompanied by loud explosion sounds. Madam Brett Park is managed by Scenic Hudson, and this part of it is in the jurisdiction of the Beacon Police. Both agencies have been contacted for comment by ALBB, but neither have responded yet. Should they, this article will be updated.

Tree tops at Madam Brett Park scorched by fire of the car that was parked and on fire on the walking path at 4am on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

While that area is densely wooded, there are residential houses that overlook the scenic area. At least one resident was woken up by the the sounds of the burning car, overcome with the feeling like their bed was shaking. They said that the explosive sounds sounded like someone was throwing bricks in a dumpster, or gunshots. Smoke billowed up to the tree tops, scorching the tree tops.

The Beacon Police were called at 4:11am and they arrived by approximately 4:20am along with the 3 trucks of the Beacon Fire Department, who worked to put out the fire. A Beacon Police Officer told a resident that the gunshot sounds heard were the windows and tires of the vehicle exploding. When the resident called the next day to follow up, an officer reiterated that the sounds were the exploding windows and tires.

According to a witness, by 5am, the first responders were allegedly still down on the path dealing with the aftermath of the fire as smoke was still being produced.

One resident asked a Beacon Police Officer if this car fire was the work of the “kids who hang out up the path.” Apparently kids hang out further up the path, and an occasional housing-challenged person who sleeps under a structure. According to the resident, the police officer said: “This wasn’t kids.”

In the past, the resident has been told that the area where the kids hang out is not in the jurisdiction of the Beacon Police.

According to the resident, the police officer thanked the resident for calling them, stating that he was concerned that the fire may have spread in the woods.

At approximately 6:35am, a tow truck came to take what the resident described as a “carcass” of a car. They said that the car was unidentifiable at that point, but resembled a medium SUV perhaps in the Jeep family. By 7am, there was water on the ground allegedly from the from fire trucks.

As of this article publishing, the Beacon Police have not responded to ALBB for comment, or posted a press release with further information to their Facebook page, as they do from time to time. It is unknown at this time if an investigation is being conducted into the cause of the fire.

According to a sign at Madam Brett Park, this park and Long Doc Park, buth managed by Scenic Hudson, have been victim to vandalism recently.

Back in 2017, one of the old factories caught on fire in the early morning hours after an explosion was heard, and was consumed in flames. The City of Beacon Fire Department was assisted by firefighters from Glenham and the Village of Fishkill, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. It is unknown if the cause of the fire from the investigation was ever discovered or released.

Anyone with information is directed to call the Beacon Police Department 845-831-4111 with any tips.

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Rene "Scout" Vivo Celebration Of Life/Funeral Details Shared By His Family For Beaconites

“Scout” Rene Vivo (left) pictured with his sister Iris Colon. This wolf flyer designed by his niece Selaine Garcia.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE / FUNERAL
FOR “SCOUT” RENE VIVO
Where: Libby’s Funeral Home, 55 Teller Avenue
When: Sunday, January 9, 2022
Time: 1-4pm and 6-8pm

I never expected to hold part of Rene’s passing of life in my hands. I did not know his family name, nor his neighborhood name until after he died. He was a resolute walker around Beacon - his trail-making keeping time with Beacon as I know it. Without him, without seeing him walking on a regular basis, Beacon would not be what it is.

If he were to disappear - to not be here - a number of things could have happened. Maybe he didn’t live here. Maybe he found a better life somewhere else. Maybe he moved. Maybe he got adopted by some government services somewhere.

But none of those things happened. Instead, the man most people knew as a vision met his end on the streets of Beacon, at the hands of another, in broad daylight on Christmas Day, when not very many people were out. Rumors started. I received a text from a friend days later, asking if I knew anything about a stabbing incident, and that the person may have been Native American. I had not heard, I texted the friend, and went about my unboxing of Xmas gifts. The next day, readers of A Little Beacon Blog wrote in to ask the same question.

I’m not really on Facebook. So any chatter, I had not seen. Sensing something was wrong, I put my coat on and started pounding the pavement. If this happened, I needed to speak to people who may have been familiar with who I thought this may have happened to, if what people were saying was true.

There was no update on the Beacon Police Department Facebook page at the time of ALBB’s original article’s publishing on 12/29/2021. They are newly unresponsive to emails from ALBB anyway, as they were told to direct all questions now to the City Administrator, Chris White, who is also unresponsive - upon his declaration to filter his media responses months ago. On 12/30/2021, the Beacon Police have since put an update on their Facebook saying they are investigating a stabbing on Christmas Day, and to send information to them. Meanwhile, they do have access to video footage from city-owned cameras on Main Street to help in their search.

Upon my inquires, I learned that those who saw Rene on a daily basis had not seen him for days. There were stories of a bottle. Of a knife. Of something happening during the day. And at night. While I was out, another person reached out with information for someone who knew the people who called 911 when they saw Rene laying on the ground in front of their house on South Brett Street.

That would be the last time neighbors saw Rene alive.

Rene had been stabbed, by what the Beacon Police were originally calling a homicide, Mayor Lee Kyriacou confirmed to the Mid Hudson News. But that article has since been deleted, and another one published on a different page that scrubs the Mayor’s name from confirming the situation. However, the article still resides as a shadow in Google search results (pictured below), and the Highlands Current refers to it in their original article.

The Highlands Current reached out to the Mayor for comment when they were writing their article, and reported that they didn’t receive a reply from him. That newspaper usually does receive replies from the Mayor’s Office.

So far, none of the bad news stories that happened in December 2021 are indexing in the search results on the Mid Hudson News website when one does a search for “Beacon.” This would be the train jumper, the bridge jumper, the missing young adult female, the spritely grandmother pedestrian killed by car turning left from Main Street to Teller Avenue, and Rene. Maybe their website is just wonky. It happens. However, the Mid Hudson News is also calling a recent suicide by train as a “trespasser,” when several Beaconites were standing next to him when he jumped. Three suicides that we know about happened in Beacon in December. And one murder.

Who Is “Scout” Rene Vivo”?

Upon publishing my first article of his passing, many people in the community were shook. Some who knew him deeply but did not know his name responded in disbelief. Sadness continued to spread. People who did have a relationship with him began sharing their stories on our social shares and article Comments. Some of those comments have been republished at the bottom of this article.

“Scout” Rene Vivo the man and the soul began emerging. He lived in the apartment complex of Forrestal Heights. He was a Marine. He was a Vietnam Veteran. His family reached out to ALBB. First his niece, Selaine Garcia of Beacon, and then his sister (Selaine’s mother) Iris Colon of Florida. Iris wrote in to say:

“My name is Iris. Rene was my brother. He has 3 sisters that live in the State of Florida! Rene also has nieces and nephews that live right in Beacon. My brother was a person that would help anyone in need, at any time. Rene was a caring, loving person . We are deeply saddened of has happened to him. My family and I are making arrangements which we will share possibly later today. We also will post a picture of my wonderful brother Rene! Thank you! The Vivo family🙏🙏🙏”

Selaine started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Rene’s funeral costs. The family closed the fundraiser after $10,708 was raised. Selaine wrote a note to all of the supporters:

“Good Morning. Today is January 1, 2022. I have been working sleeplessly towards the arrangements for Tio "Scout" Rene. Iris, Ginette (these are my uncles sisters) and I have been working closely with Joe the Funeral Director of Libby Funeral and Cremation Services. Joe has been extremely patient with each one of us in during our time of great pain. We would like to thank each and every one of you. All of you have generously contributed in making this happen. This has not been easy. We had no idea how expensive something like this could be. When making the page, we thought $5,000 would be enough. We quickly found out how wrong we were. We have met the required amount we need to execute the wishes of my uncle, so we are closing the donation part of the GoFundMe page. But, please continue to share your thoughts with me. As I type this to all of you I am crying. I haven't had a chance to grieve the loss of my uncle yet because of how busy I have been concerning these matters. But, Your messages have been a great source of comfort as I read of his walking and nodding. So much being said without even a word. You are allowing me to see my uncle's presence through each of your eyes. Please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You”

Selaine identified Scout’s presence. Why he was important to so many. So respectful. So deep. You just knew it. If you take anything from this, it is how much people can effect people without even a word. Saying “hi” at the very least to everyone is very meaningful.

You’re Invited: The Celebration Of Life Ceremony For “Scout” Rene Vivo

The family of “Scout” Rene Vivo has shared the details of their brother and uncle to be Sunday, January 9, from 1-4pm and again from 6-8pm at Libby’s Funeral Home at 55 Teller Avenue (near Beacon Daily). His sister, Iris Colon, and her daughter (Rene’s niece) Selaine Garcia have connected with A Little Beacon Blog to help share the news.

Said Selaine in their GoFundMe page: “My Uncle was killed on Dec 25th 2021 in Beacon, New York. He was a Marine Veteran who was beloved in the Beacon Community and embraced our Taino culture. We would like to learn more from you how he touched you and your life. He was a quite gentle man. My family and I loved him dearly. We are devastated at the thought of how he may have spent his final moments. As we prepare for my uncles funeral arrangements we would like to invite all of you Beaconites to come and join us in celebrating his life and the love he shared with all of you.

Many people shared about their experiences with Rene on ALBB. One man, Raymond Clary (ZETUCKALA WASHASHA), shared the singing he used to do with Rene. His comment has been republished here as is, with his own punctuation to show emotion: “I also know Scout from powwows and living in Beacon. Just wanted you to know that i sing sometimes with Red Storm Drum and dance Troupe AT POWWOWS IN THE AREA. I have requested that a veterans song and honer song be songs for him. Also prayer and smoke on the wind for his journey. AHO KOLA (((( SORRY NO WORDS FOR GOOD BY )))))) SO GO EASY MY FRIEND”

ALBB connected Ray with the family, and Ray will be saying or singing a prayer at Rene’s Celebration of Life with no drum. He asks that no pictures be taken, as “they are sung as a thank you to the creator,” Ray said.

UPDATE 1/8/2022: The Highlands Current has since published a 2nd article, written by Jeff Simms that is both parts breakdown of what that newspaper has been able to learn, as well as reflection from Jeff’s sources. Said the newspaper’s editor, Chip Rowe, on Friday to newsletter subscribers: “This week we have news of a homicide on Main Street in Beacon on Christmas Day (and the difficulty we've had getting any information about it from the police).”

According to the article, the Highlands Current submitted a FOIL request and was denied: “On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the department denied a Freedom of Information Law request for the police report on the Dec. 25 assault from The Current 29 minutes after it was submitted.”

The article points out that when the Beacon Police did make a statement 5 days after the stabbing, they did not include the victim’s name or that the stabbing was fatal. It was not until after Rene’s obituary was published by Libby Funeral Home that they confirmed to the Highlands Current on January 5 that Rene was the victim they were referring to.

The article goes on to provide a quote they were able to get from Beacon’s Police Chief Sands Frost acknowledging that little information has been provided. According to the article, no arrests have been “announced” as of Thursday 1/6/2022.

The article highlights reflections from Brenda Sims, co-owner of BJs with her mother, who employed Rene and valued him highly as a person and employee; and David Eberle, a Veteran and quiet philanthropist in the area.

Comments By Community Members About Rene

We are republishing some comments made at ALBB’s article, Instagram and Facebook, so they can be read quietly in one place. Do continue to make your comments wherever you would like.

Michelle Rivas·

Dear Iris, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. As you can see from the outpouring from the community, your brother was cared for here. We all knew him as a kind and gentle person. Rene was a regular visitor at the library and we will miss him.

Leah

Iris, I am terribly sorry to learn of Scout’s untimely passing. He was an amazing presence in Beacon. He would often come to my shop to buy sage, and I always through in extra. A gentle giant with an amazing caring soul. May you and your family know he was much loved by many. He was a peaceful soul and whenever you talking with him, you too, would be more at peace. May his kindness and loving soul be always in everyone’s hearts.
Leah,
Heart and Soul Apothecary

Mike Andrews

I can't imagine anyone stabbing a more gentle soul than Scout. Many years ago in really crappy weather, I offered him a ride. He refused. "Nah, man, I like to keep my feet on the ground. Have a great day!" From that moment on I never failed to beep and wave. I've met him many times in the decades since, and he always shook my hand and asked, "How's it going?" So very, very sad.

Lance formerly of Mail n Ship plus Beacon N.Y.

Rene was a good friend and like a brother to me he was always there anytime when you needed him , loved to help anyone in need he talked about one day saving up enough money to buy some land in the Midwest and turn it into a ranch. He loved his community, helped with mayor elections and watchdog groups. Our scout will truly be missed.

Rhonda

Rhonda (formerly Mail N Ship Plus) I met Rene 'Scout' Vivo a little over 20yrs ago. When he came into my family's business Mail N Ship Plus which was located on Main Street in Beacon. He was helping a friend who was running for the local election under the Green Party. From that point we formed a friendship that turned into him being like a brother. There is nothing that he wouldn't do for a person. He was the kindest person. He was a proud Vet & and very proud of his heritage. Always talked about how he wanted to live the ranch life. Our last indepth conversation over the summer he mention plans that involved him getting closer to that dream. He wanted to make sure he had the right phone numbers for me and my brother. I last saw him briefly a few days before the tragic incident and wished him Happy Holidays. If only I knew that would be the last time I would see him. I extend my deepest sympathy to his Family.

Video Of The Drive On Matteawan Road Past Fishkill Correctional Facility That Is Partially Closed Now - The Experience

As of November 1, 2021, the Fishkill Correctional Facility partially closed their part of Matteawan Road between the Beacon High School and Business Route 52, seemingly without defining their reason to either the City of Beacon or the Beacon City School District (BCSD), as indicated by Beacon’s City Administrator, Chris White, during the 10/25/2021 City Council Workshop Meeting when he stated that the City was not informed of the partial closure until October 18, 2021, and in the City of Beacon’s Resolution urging reconsideration of the partial closure until solutions are found. The story was first reported on here.

He also stated during the 11/1/2021 City Council Meeting that the City was not informed that the Beacon City School District buses succeeded in becoming exempt from the closure, and could continue their routes. Some in the community who are district families learned that news from the school district’s Superintendent Matt Landahl, as he robo-emailed/texted families to remind them of the new change in the partial road closure.

Over the course of this developing story, Beaconites of various ages have chimed in in social media to say that they remember the road being partially closed in years past by guards, who either restricted access, or asked for identifying information of drivers.

Pedestrians who walk, hike or jog through these grounds note the beauty - despite the fact that it is a correctional facility with personal struggles and achievements going on behind the tall walls and barbed wire. Pedestrians have usually been told to leave the property, sometimes much to their chagrin (or odd excitement…again…despite that the property is a correctional facility).

So that everyone can know or remember what the route looks and drives like, A Little Beacon Blog took a drive down the pass-through before it closed to the public. As Beacon’s City Administrator stated during a City Council Meeting and in Beacon’s Resolution, Matteawan Road is owned by 3 entities: DOCCS (New York State Department Of Corrections and Community Supervision), the City of Beacon, and the Town of Fishkill (where Matteawan Road intersects with Business Route 52 and is called Prospect Street.

The speed limit on this section of the road is 30 mph. The vehicle in this video is driving 20 mph, because anything higher felt too fast. Certainly a civilian car was tailing the vehicle for going under the speed limit, as people who drive in Beacon tend to be impatient.

The intersection where Matteawan Road becomes Prospect Street at Business Route 52 is a very tight turn right, and a Hope-I-Don’t-Die turn when turning left. Just a few weeks ago, there was an accident near that intersection. With so many parents and buses picking up and dropping off, in addition to a shift change for the Correctional Facility at around 3pm, chances for an accident increase no matter if public traffic is decreased on Prospect Street or not. The regular driving on Business Route 52 is too fast and consistent for that angle of a turn, as it is a business route. Turning in either direction is a risk, as it is not often that there is a break in traffic.

A red/green traffic light may help that intersection no matter if the road remains partially closed or not.

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Read This: City Of Beacon Urges Reconsideration Of Partial Matteawan Road Closure By Fishkill Correctional Facility >

Read This: Permanent Road Closure Of Matteawan Road At Fishkill Correctional Facility - Will Impact School Bus Routes >

City of Beacon Urges Reconsideration of Partial Matteawan Road Closure By Fishkill Correctional Facility

The week that the Beacon City School District announced to families that the part of Matteawan Road that passes through the Fishkill Correctional Facility after the Beacon High School, and intersects with Business Route 52 (at which point, it is called Prospect Street), would be closed to the public on November 1, 2021, the The City of Beacon’s Administrator Chris White announced at a public City Council Workshop Meeting (at 1:19:00) that the City strongly urged the Fishkill Correctional Facility to reconsider the partial road closure, to start a dialogue to form a better plan, and to support Assemblyman Jacobson’s efforts to allow school bus routes at the very least until solutions could be found.

According to Administrator Chris, the City of Beacon was first informed on October 18, 2021 by the Superintendent of the Fishkill Correctional Facility that the part of Matteawan Road passing the facility would be closed to the public on November 1, 2021. In response, Administrator Chris prepared a resolution of the City’s urging of a reconsideration.

The proposed resolution to be signed during tonight’s public City Council Meeting can be found here. Today, November 1, 2021, which is the start of the partial road closure to the public, Beacon City School’s Superintendent Landahl sent a notice to district families that buses will continue running through Mattweawan Road near the Fishkill Correctional Facility, but reminded families that that part of the road is closed to the public. There has been no announcement to Beacon residents of the road block via robo-call, text, or website posting, other than the mention of it during last week’s City Council Meeting.

In providing context for Beacon’s position on the closure, Administrator Chris stated:

“Mattawean Road runs through the City of Beacon and the Town of Fishkill. It goes past the Fishkill Correctional Facility. The Town owns a piece of the road near Prospect Street that feeds in. Then the prison owns a large part of it, and then the City owns the rest of it.

“We had heard rumors from the School District that the Fishkill Correctional Facility was going to close that road as of November 1st. We only received a call on October 18th, which was the first official notification that the City was given, that the road was going to be closed permanently in less than 2 weeks.

“We have been in touch with Superintendent and our state representatives. I know that Assemblyman Jacobson's office is working diligently to try to exempt buses which would be severely disrupted if that closed. We thought we would support - I put this together because I thought it important to support our state delegation's effort to delay the implementation of this so we can do some planning, to exempt buses at the very least, and to begin a real dialogue between the Town of Fishkill, Beacon City School District, and the City of Beacon.

“There has been no planning or traffic modeling to look at what the impacts were. I would say this strongly recognizes their right and their necessity to secure their facility. Nobody is questing that. The way that we do it, though, is important. We think we can thread that needle so that it's not as disruptive to the traffic going into Rombout and the High School.”

Covered In The Proposed Resolution

Included in the City of Beacon’s Resolution, spearheaded by Administrator Chris, is the point that, for years, “Matteawan Road serves as a connection between the Town of Fishkill and the City of Beacon and is an important street access from Fishkill Avenue to the Beacon High School and Rombout Middle School.” In response ALBB’s article announcing this partial road closure last week, former City Councilperson Ali T. Muhammad, who grew up walking to Beacon school in that area, recalled when that part of the road was temporarily closed: “Grew up there, sounds awful. Last time it was shut down was due to 9/11. Good luck.”

The resolution points out that the closure to the public is “during the daytime.” The resolution makes sure to state the City of Beacon’s dissatisfaction with not being consulted by the Fishkill Correctional Facility prior to their decision: “City of Beacon recognizes the necessity and right of DOCCS and the Fishkill Correctional Facility to secure their grounds, including this section of road, the City is concerned that it and other major stakeholders, including the Beacon City School District, were not consulted on the closure and received insufficient notice to allow for traffic safety modifications and adjustment that might need to be implemented as a result of the change to traffic patterns in and around Matteawan Road.”

The City of Beacon cited concern for where traffic would increase due to the partial closure of Mattawean Road, stating that it “would create traffic and pedestrian safety issues at key intersections in the City of Beacon, including Verplanck Avenue and Matteawan Road, Wilkes Street and Matteawan Road, and at access roads through Memorial Park, which now may be used as a cut-through for motorists.”

The resolution pointed out the effort required to properly answer the partial road closure: “Any adjustments to the traffic control signage in the area will take the City a period of at least several months to assess needed modification and adopt revisions to the City Code for such modifications, which require a public hearing and adoption of a local law amending the City Code, and the City received less than two weeks’ notice of the impending partial road closure without any prior traffic safety planning by the Facility or coordination with the City.”

The City of Beacon is asking for a pausing of the partial road closure, and a commitment to work together on solutions moving forward “with a immediate establishment of a working committee to coordinate with Fishkill Correctional Facility on this matter, including the following key stakeholders: the City of Beacon, Town Town of Fishkill, and Beacon City School District in order to consider potential alternatives, and if necessary, properly plan for the impact that a partial closure of Matteawan Road would create.

Beacon’s resolution would then be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Sue Serino, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, DOCCS Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci, and Fishkill Correctional Facility Superintendent Edward Burnett.

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Read This: Video Of The Drive On Matteawan Road Past Fishkill Correctional Facility That Is Partially Closed Now - The Experience >

Read This: Permanent Road Closure Of Matteawan Road At Fishkill Correctional Facility - Will Impact School Bus Routes >

Immersive Climate Theater Experience Comes To Long Dock Park: "Climate Change Theatre Action 2021"

SOON IS NOW is an immersive climate theater experience paired with activism presented in Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park Beacon, NY on Saturday afternoon October 23rd, as part of the Climate Solutions Week (October 17-24) sponsored by Sustainable Hudson Valley. Theatrical performers showing their activism through spoken word and movement, and many of your favorite climate justice and education groups have come together to present solutions in a theatrical way called Climate Change Theatre Action 2021.

Hudson Valley and NYC based artists will read a selection of plays commissioned by Climate Change Theatre Action, a worldwide series of performances of short climate change plays presented biennially to coincide with the United Nations COP meetings. In addition, actors will read a portion of full length play and eco-parable, Escapegoat, by May Treuhaft-Ali. There will be poetry readings by Edwin Torres and Tom King, music by Elizabeth Clark (Seeds Under Nuclear Winter: An Earth Opera) and visual art and activism. Additional participants include: Hudson River Playback Theatre, Katiana Rangel, Twinkle Burke, Andrew Brehm, Chloé Hayat, abigail jean baptiste, Eric Magnus, Jean Brennan. Beacon Conservation Advisory Committee, Sustainable Hudson Valley, Fareground, Clearwater, Climate Reality Hudson Valley & Catskills chapter and others will be present to provide ways for the community to take action.

Schedule:

1pm Activism & Art: Environmental groups present to provide actions & Beacon based artist Jean Brennan will share FRUIT&ROT, an imprint centered around art and ecology.

2:00pm Performance Walking Loops: Sign ups begin at 1:30pm for the 3 walking tours of micro-performances that will take you along the wooded paths, tall grasses, and beach areas of the park. Tours start at 2pm, 2:15pm, and 2:30pm and last approximately one hour. 20 ppl max each tour and first-come, first-served. These tours are not catered towards young children. We can provide masks. Wear comfortable shoes!

2:15pm Sitting/Standing Performances: performances by Hudson River Playback Theatre, Edwin Torres, and Twinkle Burke will take place around the perimeter of the green field next to the Long Dock. These 3 performances are open to all including young children! They will take place in a loop and last until approximately 3:30pm. Bring your folding chair!

Parking Recommendations

Parking in Long Dock is limited. Walking, carpooling and the Free Beacon Loop Bus are encouraged. The Loop Bus drops you at the train station, and you can walk over to Long Dock. The best place to park is in the train station on the side closest to the Hudson River, where all spots are free on the weekends!

About The Producers

This event is part of Hudson Valley Climate Solutions Week organized by Sustainable Hudson Valley. Produced by Eve Morgenstern, Brian Mendes and Connie Hall. Contact: Eve Morgenstern for more information, evemorgenstern@gmail.com.

Use of Long Dock Park for this event has been provided by Scenic Hudson (scenichudson.org). The leading environmental organization focused on the Hudson River Valley, it is dedicated to creating environmentally healthy communities, championing smart economic growth, protecting working farms, opening up riverfronts to the public and preserving the valley’s beauty and natural resources. Since its founding in 1963, Scenic Hudson has permanently protected 25,000 acres of irreplaceable landscapes and created or enhanced more than 40 parks.

Look For Signs

Several graphic designs have been created to represent this initiative. You may see crossovers of them in social media and in other news outlets. Keep your eyes out, and read the messages to learn more.

Some Public Bathrooms To Open In Beacon Parks. Why Now? A Response To The Fall 2020 Protests Of Beacon's 2021 Budget

The public bathroom at Memorial Park. It is normally closed to the public, and is treated as a mural space for community art commissioned by Wee Play, who maintains and fundraises for equipment in the Memorial Tot Park and the Wee Woods behind it.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

An 18-year-old Beaconite who grew up in a relative’s house in Beacon near Green Street Park recently moved with her family to Newburgh, as they could only afford to buy a home in Newburgh. The teen and other family members continue to work in Beacon, so she is on this side of the bridge daily. The 18-year-old Beaconite couldn’t remember when, if ever, the Green Street Park bathroom was open when she lived nearby.

Said a longtime Beacon resident, Danielle Soto-Eckert: “The bathroom at Memorial Park has been closed literally my whole life. I’m 30 years old and can think of less than 5 times that it’s been open while I was there as a child, and now an adult with kids. I take my kids to Bowdoin Park (in Wappingers Falls) because their bathroom is always open.”

The Beacon park bathroom issue is not new. People who use the public parks, including teenagers, caregivers and parents, have lived with them for the most part closed, with some people having access to a key maintained by the Recreation Department for a birthday party or volunteer clean-up day.

The Bathroom At Memorial Park Is So Pretty - But It’s Been Closed? It’s Just A Mural Space?

A celebration of the painting of the mural at Memorial Park in August 2019, commissioned by Wee Play, to cover the public bathroom, which had been closed for years, and continued to be, closed after the community painting project, which included special guest, then Mayor Randy Casale.
Photo Credit: Wee Play

The grassroots organization Wee Play Community Project has been maintaining the public tot parks, mainly Memorial Park, in a volunteer capacity for a number of years. Wee Play is instrumental in fundraising for, purchasing, and designing the play structures at the parks like Memorial Park. In fact, they are working right now on their biggest fundraising event of the year - the Ree Play Sale - an affordable way to buy used kids clothing and gear.

In August 2019 while Raquel Verdesi, Margaux Lange and others were on the Wee Play Board, Wee Play commissioned artist Joe Pimentel to paint the closed bathroom at Memorial Park. Everyone got in on it, as Wee Play sought out volunteers for a community contribution experience.

Then Mayor Randy Casale painted as well, and was a Special Guest at the Celebration unveiling event. But his administration, which included then City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, cited vandalism as the reason why the bathrooms couldn’t be re-opened. Beacon’s current Mayor Kyriacou was a City Councilmember then, as were several current Councilpeople George Mansfield, Amber Grant, Terry Nelson and Jodi McCredo.

While the mural project was happening, Wee Play Board Member Raquel Verdesi told A Little Beacon Blog that they got several inquires about using the bathroom: “Wee Play gets a lot of, ‘hope this means they'll open the bathrooms!’ whenever we are working on a new project at the park. Wee Play would like them open, too! We encourage folks to write letters to their representatives on the City Council if they want open bathroom hours.”

The Key To The Bathrooms - The Literal Key

Because Wee Play maintains the Memorial Park tot park, they were given a key to the bathroom by Recreation Director Mark Price. Wee Play could open the bathroom during the commissioned mural project so that the artist could use running water, for example, said Board member and artist Margaux Lange. During regular, volunteer-based cleanups of the park, the bathrooms might be opened then for all to use, while the volunteers are there.

Says Wee Play Board Member Raquel about bathroom key procedure: “The Beacon Recreation Department has opened the bathrooms for tournaments, park events, and parties. The City cites the expense of having them cleaned and repaired due to repeated vandalism as to why they are closed, except by appointment. They would have to hire someone to monitor them. It would make sense for the City to hire more help to be able to maintain the bathrooms.”

The bathroom at Green Street Park, which has been closed for years. Before opening in 2021, it will undergo repairs to fixtures, City Administrator Chris White said during a City Council Meeting.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Over at Green Street Park, some people who have booked birthday parties have spoken of a key they get so that their guests could use the bathroom. Said Pheobe Zinman, who writes a column for A Little Beacon Blog, had experience organizing use for the key for more people to use. Pheobe told A Little Beacon Blog: “In 2017, I did a fundraiser for trees in Green Street. Beacon’s Recreation Director Mark Price helped me plant them. One is still there, the other was damaged by careless mowing and then vandalized.”

She continued: “Then I threw a big party to celebrate with music and potluck and a lot of neighbors came out. At that time, I scrubbed both bathrooms, which were filthy despite not ever being unlocked unless someone got a permit/key for a birthday party or gathering. We made a big list of things everyone would love to see in the park. I passed it on to City Council. There were supposed to be murals painted on the bathrooms, but that never happened. Mark said anyone could get a bathroom key as long as they signed up and made sure it got locked up etc... I tried to publicize it, but I don’t know if anyone signed up. I used to have a key, and then someone in the Recreation Department couldn’t find theirs, so I gave mine back. Everyone is still peeing outside behind the bathrooms, which is pretty unfortunate.”

In 2017, then Highway Superintendent Reuben Simmons proposed a plan to have the Green Street bathroom regularly cleaned by Beacon staff. Nothing happened with that proposal. Reuben was later stripped of his job title and salary due to a Civil Service technicality in Job Titles, and is currently a Maintenance Worker, who is on paid leave since the end of January 2021, as he fights to keep his job with the City of Beacon after receiving repeated complaints made about him by his supervisor, Michael Manzi, who replaced Reuben as Highway Superintendent of Streets.

Who Cleans The Bathroom, Anyway?

Beacon’s current and new City Administrator, Chris White, explained during a City Council Meeting on 4/26/2021 that he approached City staff to clean the bathrooms for overtime, but only 1 person said they were interested. The Highway and Parks Department work the City’s public parks to maintain the grounds and facilities. “We tried to figure out a system to use our own staff to clean them, but our hours were weird. We had staff who did not want the overtime. Only 1 staff [showed interest] and that is not sufficient.”

It is unknown at this time who the 1 interested staff person was, who was denied the overtime opportunity. Reuben Simmons, a longtime employee of the Highway Department who started working for the City of Beacon’s Parks department in 2002 as Summer Help, says he remembers cleaning the bathrooms: “In the past, I cleaned park bathrooms as Summer Help when assigned by then Park Foreman Dave Eraca.”

Reuben later served City of Beacon staff as the CSEA Union President for staff. He had this response to A Little Beacon Blog’s inquiry regarding job assignments: “I didn’t know employees had options to choose what work they would like to do and what they don’t want to do. What does CSEA (Union) say about all this? As a Union Leader, I was never a fan of contracting out work. Contractors tend to not take pride in public service. They seek financial benefit from public dollars. I'd look at the numbers and consider the option to pay our everyday hard working employees overtime before paying an outsider. You might just find it to be cheaper.” Paula Becker is the current CSEA Union President for Beacon, and works in the City of Beacon’s Finance Department.

Since the City Administrator Chris White said that Beacon’s staff wasn’t interested, he has hired Millers Touch Cleaning Service, “a minority-owned business” out of Newburgh, he described them, who he said cleans his own condominium during the 4/26/2021 City Council Meeting. Chris confirmed: “The contract is for $14,500 for 6 months. Maintenance of the facilities will be through Beacon’s own staff.” Chris said that he hopes cleaning can start the first week of May. “Then we’ll implement it as soon as Latreece Miller [of Miller’s Touch] can get his crews here.”

When Councilperson Dan Aymar-Blair asked when the bathrooms would be open, City Administrator Chris responded: “7am or 8am ‘till 5pm or 6pm. They will start at one of the parks and then shift over. Will be clearing some of the garbage from pavilion areas as well.” Additional collection of trash and recycling was an issue raised at City Council meetings in previous years as well.

It is not clear at this time what days of the week the bathrooms will be open on, and what the cleaning schedule is.

The Revised 2021 Budget submitted by Mayor Kyriacou states: “There will be $14,000 for trash and recycling collection from parks on Saturdays and Sundays. Park bathrooms will be open, maintained and cleaned regularly from March to November thanks to $25,000 in new funding.”

City Administrator Chris says there will be a delay at opening Green Street Park’s bathroom because “we are still working on fixtures,” he told the Council.

“Remind Me Where We Are At With A Bathroom At Loopers Park / South Avenue Park?”

After the Memorial Park and Green Street Park bathroom discussion, City Council Member Air Nonken Rhodes followed up with a question about the bathrooms (or lack thereof) in their ward, at the Loopers basketball court, tennis court, and kids park at Loopers/South Avenue Park. “Remind me where we are at with having a bathroom at South Ave. Park?” Councilperson Air asked City Administrator Chris. He responded: “I don’t think we have public restrooms. Just portajohns.”

John Galloway Jr., current Beacon City School District Board of Education Member and frequent basketball player at Loopers, confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog that there have not been accessible bathrooms at Loopers/South Avenue Park: “For as long as I have lived here (all 24 years), there has never been an accessible bathroom for the kids at the Loopers basketball courts at South Avenue Park. We always had to pick a tree or use the one in Sal’s Pizza. He always lets us use it even if we aren’t a customer because he indeed also knows that there isn’t a bathroom provided for the community that uses the basketball court.”

The new porta potty at Loopers Park/South Avenue Park. According to John Galloway Jr., there has not been an accessible bathroom at Loopers in the 24 years he has lived in Beacon.

Councilperson Air persisted: “Was cleaning the portajohns part of that schedule? Just an update on where we are at with that process.” City Administrator Chris confirmed that he would check and get back with an answer. Councilperson Air responded: “I don’t want South to get left out.” City Administrator Chris reminded Councilperson Air that a new retaining wall was getting put in for Loopers. Councilperson Air responded: “Bathrooms too.”

City Administrator Chris responded: “I wish we had more bathrooms in place. Starting from scratch is diffilcult. Portajons I know we can have clearned more frequently. I know they are not the best choice.” Mayor Kyriacou responded by suggesting that City Council looks at the “fancy ones” used by Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. “The Shakespeare Festival has some really cool ones,” the Mayor stated. “Maybe we'll take a look.”

The porta potty at Loopers arrived last week, as reported by City Administrator Chris during this week’s 5/3/2021 City Council meeting. “We did put a portajohn at South Avenue Park and it is being cleaned 2x/week. We did get that installed.”

The video of the new porta potty at Loopers Park / South Avenue Park is below.

Why Now? Why Are The Bathrooms Opening Now?

Beacon4Black Lives Summer and Fall Protest Budget Demanded Investment In Community Services

After decades of not being regularly opened and cleaned, with known complaints and longing by constituents, why open the bathrooms now? During a COVID-19 semi-shutdown?

In the summer of 2020, Beacon4Black Lives consistently organized protest marches down Main Street, followed by educational sessions at Memorial Park. On October 19, 2020, when the 2021 budget was being presented to the public to be discussed and transparent, Beacon4Black Lives organized a protest of Beacon’s 2021 budget, as it earmarked an increase for Police Department, and a decrease for the Recreation Department. This protest was demonstrated on Wolcott Avenue, outside of Mayor Kyriacou’s house.

In response to the protest, Mayor Lee Kyriacou, then-City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, and the city’s Finance Director Susan Tucker defended the budget by saying that there was planned increase to the Police budget. Collective bargaining with the Police Union (PBA) conducted earlier had guaranteed raises for the Police Department.

Reversely, the Recreation Director, Mark Price, had on purpose cut the Recreation budget in order to stay slim during the pandemic. The cuts came from the After School Program, which was not operating due to the shutdown, and he did not feel it necessary to financially plan for an opening in 2021. However, when he hired back his staff for an opening in 2021, he did so with a raise to those After School Program employees, he told A Little Beacon Blog at the time of he budget protest.

Public Comment In Defense Of Funding Community Services

Public Comments about Police funding and cuts to the Recreation Department was not lost on the City Council or Mayor Kyriacou. During the 2020 budget protest, one of the organizers with Beacon4Black Lives, Justice McCray, emphasized the importance of investing in the community. Justice called in on the Public Comment line to the City Council meeting from the protest on the street, and stated:

This increase to the Police Budget has been a slap in the face to all of us, to this entire community. (Justice called back to other attendees: "Can you guys shout for me?” They respond: “BLACK LIVES MATTER!”) We are asking you to invest in the community. The last thing that we need is for you to spend more money in policing. We need you to put the $24,000 that you took out of the Recreation Department and put it back into the Recreation Department. We need you to fund community safety programs that focus on community’s actual safety, rather than having the police department outside of your house right now having police circling around your community as if they are going to attack? We want to feel safe in this community, and we don't feel that right now. (Another person shouted over the phone: "You are being protected against us right now!") This entire summer, all we have been asking is for our Black lives to matter. That means investing in community safety options, that don’t shoot us, that don’t kill Black people. We are asking you to invest in community wi-fi, community housing, community food, community fridges. Invest in your community, not in the police.”

Justice McCray has taken their protest to the ballot box by way of putting their name on the ballot. Justice is currently running for Beacon’s City Council.

Community member Tina Bernstein, who does serve as Secretary on Beacon’s Commission on Human Rights, but was calling in as a citizen, was the next caller during Public Comment to contribute a reaction to Beacon’s 2021 budget presentation. Tina stated:

I want to express very significant concerns about the proposed budget for the City of Beacon. A city's budget should be determined with serious consideration of the needs of the entire community. It should prioritize much-needed services, and should be based on a vision for maintaining equity and quality of life for all of its residents.

It should be responsive to concerns that have been expressed for several months now, by Beacon4Black Lives as was just expressed, Mutual Aid Beacon, as well as a variety of community members. The current budget includes an increase for police funding, while it calls for a net shortfall in recreational programming.

Our mayor has, in defending the budget, cited the rationale that we pay less for police services than other municipalities in the Mid-Hudson region. In addition to the fact that it ignores the express sentiment that no more money should be spent on policing, this is the same rationale that has been stated before in response to concerns for the need for more affordable housing options.

It is irrelevant what other municipalities are doing. Beacon's budget should reflect what matters to the residents in the community, and the services we need… We no longer have a community center…. We haven't invested in an expansion of programs, pavilions, or open spaces that protect youth from the elements... There is no money in this budget to support such efforts.

At this point, Mayor Lee Kyriacou cut Tina off, as callers have a 3-minute maximum. Mayor Kyriacou stated: "Her time’s up, come on."

Future Spending

The protest and the number of residents calling in their reactions in defense of the Recreation budget during subsequent City Council Meetings outlining details of the budget in different departments was enough to push the Council and Mayor to allocate funding to the opening of existing bathroom facilities.

In his Revised Budget published in the City of Beacon’s website, Mayor Kyriacou said, “This year’s budget involved greater scrutiny and community participation than any in past memory. I’d like to thank all those involved – city staff, the council and many residents who came and voiced their views. I believe this budget properly uses city reserves to keep any tax increase to a minimum, while funding needed one-time programs for these difficult times, as well as continued improvements in quality of life community programs.”

Other financial allocations included, as stated on the City’s website:

• “$25,000 for emergency supplemental grants” from the CARES ACT managed by Dutchess County “to strengthen Beacon’s food distribution programs and provide groceries to hundreds of families.“

• “Another $70,000 were earmarked for alternative policing – which can be used for community mental health services.”

• “The Council dedicated $30,000 for a study of municipal broadband.”

• “The Recreation Department will issue income-based fee waivers for programs thanks to a budget dedication of $20,000.” While this is unclear at this time in how it is intended to be used, residents may want to ask for payment plans or financial assistance on childcare programs like Camp @ The Camp or the After School Program.

Meanwhile, the City of Beacon is considering a years long renovation project of the dilapidated Tioronda Bridge for over one million dollars, which may double if the Council agrees to renovations required to keep the bridge on the National Registry. In 2017, the City of Beacon was granted $500,000 towards the project from the New York State Department of Transportation.

The City of Beacon has entertained plans for various bathroom renovations at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park and the Settlement Camp, but those fall by the wayside and have not been put to bid for construction estimates.

One of the Beacon residents who spoke during various Public Comments during budget season was James Case-Leal, a former Board of Education Board Member, who was commenting as a resident. A Little Beacon Blog followed up with him to confirm that he asked specifically for the opening of public bathrooms. His response in part is below:

I was definitely one of the voices calling for opening the bathrooms as part of Beacon's reinvestment in community services and reimagining public safety. That was part of a set of demands put together by a collective of community organizers that I'm involved with working on the city budget. This issue was something I had heard numerous times from parents as something that would make their park time feel more accessible.

There are so few places to safely be in public, so it's really great that the city is finally providing sanitary bathrooms for parents and children. It's a small step, but a little bit of proof of how good we'd have if the city spent even just half of the $5.5million dollar Police budget on services we actually need.

We could expand the summer camp so parents aren't scrambling online the second slots become available. We could have an indoor All Sport style rec center where kids and seniors cool off during the summer. We could give residents priority for reserving University Settlement for parties. We could keep our bathrooms clean all year round. I really hope this trend continues.

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More Bathrooms

The bathroom issue is big in Beacon, as there are several public bathrooms that are used on different days, at different time. In Memorial Park, there are 2 more bathrooms: one at the baseball field and one at the football field. At Sargent, there is one at the soccer field that is opened during some soccer game weekends and possibly maintained by the soccer league.

The bathroom at the Visitors Center on Wolcott and Main Street is maintained by a volunteer with the Chamber of Commerce.

The bathroom at the Settlement Camp pool is maintained by the pool staff, and as a structure, is more like an out-house. Plans have been designed to improve it, but they were shelved, as they were connected to a larger renovation.

There is a row of porta potties at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront park. That park also has a renovation planned, which includes bid-ready drawings. It is earmarked in the Capital Plan, but has not been sent out to bid, as the Recreation Department is waiting for the right time to get the best price.

Boscobel Reimagines Its Experience; Waives $50K Rent Of Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival; Opens For Outdoor Social Distancing

One view from Boscobel.
Photo Credit: Tyler Mell

Like many farms, camps, and museums, Boscobel was getting ready to launch its spring season into summer when the pandemic hit and mandates shut down every business. Back in March, thinking that outdoor gatherings in warmer weather would be safe, they tried to move forward with an Open Air Flex Pass ticket program for their popular tenant, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF), so that customers could buy tickets to the upcoming Shakespeare performances.

However, out of safety precautions, HVSF was unable to hold any performances due to rehearsal and gathering restrictions. This was quite a jolt, as the theater company had performed in repertory on Boscobel’s grounds since 1988. In light of the pandemic, Boscobel waived the HVSF rent of $50,000, and moved forward with re-imagining how it can continue, according to a press release they issued this week. “In the wake of HVSF’s 2020 season cancellation and its own COVID-19 hardships, Boscobel waived the Festival’s rent,” Boscobel stated.

“Boscobel is mourning loss, navigating new health protocols, and suffering major budget impacts from COVID-19, but the outpouring of community support keeps us strong,” says Executive Director and Curator Jennifer Carlquist, who notes that maintaining the site alone costs more than $2,500 every day. “The heartfelt thanks we’ve received from pandemic visitors underscores what psychologists have long studied—that experiencing profound beauty increases people’s sense of well-being, and makes them feel more connected to their loved ones and the world around them.”

Boscobel Opened To Healthcare Workers - For One-Household At A Time Enjoyment

“As soon as we realized that it would be some time before we could open our gates as wide as we’d like, we started to think about what we could do to contribute to our community during quarantine. Focusing first on the selfless healthcare workers who risk so much for the greater good, we opened up our gardens and grounds for one-household-at-a-time, free respite visits for healthcare workers,” says Director of Visitor Engagement Ed Glisson.

Boscobel is an ideal place to take a well-earned deep breath. As respiratory therapist Margaret Degan Dorangricchia put it, “It was a beautiful and much needed escape from the confinement of our home and the daily mental and physical exhaustion of our work.”

Boscobel Now Opening Access To Their 68 Acres To The Public

Now offering a limited number of timed gardens and grounds tickets to the general public via Boscobel.org, tickets remain free to healthcare workers and Boscobel members. Guests are welcome to picnic, stroll the gardens and grounds, and hike the trail—there are 68 acres for safe, social distancing.

The location is one of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley, with its Great Lawn overlooking the Hudson River, and Constitution Marsh. A pollinator-friendly Herb Garden and Formal Garden with plants that were popular in the 19th century are also available to experience, as well as a mile-long Woodland Trail along the river.

The Cold Spring Farmers Market is also hosted at Boscobel. Every Saturday, Cold Spring Farmers Market and Boscobel open Boscobel’s gates to host local vendors and hundreds of market-goers seeking fresh, local food while adhering diligently to public health guidelines. In other words, Mask Up! And wait in line very far away from each other (6 feet). Then come to Beacon on Sunday for Beacon’s outdoor Farmers Market near the post office.

Distancing Learning Of Boscobel

To bring Boscobel’s historic site, Neoclassical mansion, and decorative arts collection to anyone wishing to have a personal experience of Hudson Valley design, history, and nature, Boscobel created a pilot virtual tour, accessible from Boscobel.org, which is just as illuminating from home as it is on the grounds. The museum also created virtual programs for K-12 students who had to miss their field trip visit. There is also yoga on the grounds sometimes.

Boscobel Researches Early Black Inhabitants

Boscobel’s staff has been reduced to a core focusing on building a more sustainable, inclusive museum for the future. Together with committed trustees, staff are developing a long-term Interpretive Plan, which involves researching and incorporating the histories of Boscobel’s early Black inhabitants. Earlier this year, Boscobel joined the Hudson Valley Slavery Roundtable and is mining 18th- and 19th-century papers for references to slavery and manumission. In 1810, four of Boscobel’s ten inhabitants were “free” Black people. “It is long past time to better understand how ‘free’ they really were,” poses Director Carlquist. “How did everyday New Yorkers cope with the seminal conflicts of war and slavery?” Boscobel recently received a Humanities New York grant to advance this research.

You can support Boscobel at any time here with an online donation or membership.

Pair with your visit a trip to Beacon for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Use A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide to help you plan where to eat, and the Shopping Guide to help you know where to shop the boutiques.

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.

Take A Walk: New Pavilion Is Pleasant At Long Dock Park Along Hudson River In Beacon

In these gray days, it is important to get out of the house and take a walk. The new pavilion at Long Dock Park, a park by Scenic Hudson that began construction in 2017, is quite pleasant. The city’s historic gateway known as Long Wharf (constructed in 1815), this area used to be a drop-off point for cargo and passengers when Beacon and Newburgh relied upon manufacturing and the Hudson River as an economic waterway, according to signage at the park. The wharf used to have buildings, and then it became a dumping ground for industrial debris.

Today, it is a park for your enjoyment, featuring paved walkways, picnic tables and benches. Parking is available near the Metro-North train station, but is slim. In the summer, food trucks may be out and about. Scenic Hudson is taking applications for food trucks, which you can learn about here. See Scenic Hudson’s website for more information.

Happy Independent Bookstore Day, Binnacle Books! Last Chance On Their Original Tote Bag

Happy Independent Bookstore Day Binnacle Books! It’s risky for any retail shop to open a brick-and-mortar store, but perhaps even more so for an indie bookstore! Many cheers to Binnacle Books for doing that in Beacon, and for connecting all of us with the printed page and for readings and other book 📖 based events.

It’s also really easy to order any book you want from Binnacle - just tell them what you want over the counter or the phone, they click up some magic, and 💥 BAM, you can pick it up in the store!

Binnacle Books has helped promote other indie bookstores by making available the Hudson Valley Book Trail Map, debuting today in their shop. Plus, this is your last chance to get one of their original tote bags - perfect timing for the plastic bag ban!

Says their newsletter: “Stop by to browse some fantastic recent releases, revisit old favorites, or get a recommendation for something new. If you spend $75 or more with us today, we'll throw in one of our original blue totes with your order. If you ever wanted one, now's your chance: after this run sells out, we aren't printing them again.” 

A Little Beacon Blog is honored to partner with all of our sponsors, but especially so when Binnacle approached us, wanting to sponsor our Shopping Guide. Thank you for having faith in us! Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, but this is not a sponsored post. It’s a “Celebrate Indie Bookstores!” post.

Go give Binnacle some love! Binnacle Books is at 321 Main St., Beacon, NY.