Onteora board says it gets better participation with online meetings

January 20, 2022·0 comments·

The Onteora Board of Education has opted to continue meeting via videoconference as allowed by a bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, but President Kevin Salem stressed it is not easier to meet online. “I just want to remind everybody, it’s not out of convenience and frankly, it’s not more convenient for us to meet online. I think everyone here will tell you that we spend extra layers of time and many extra hours, Salem said at the January 11 meeting.

Politics & Government

Woodstock Housing Task Force looks to June for zoning changes

January 20, 2022·0 comments·

Woodstock’s Housing Oversight Task Force is busy figuring out ways to change regulations to encourage more affordable housing, the panel explained as it gave a progress update to the Town Board on January 13.

General News

Woodstock Library’s Zoom draws a crowd

January 19, 2022·0 comments·

The response was largely positive to the Woodstock Library’s Zoom presentation on a planned move to Bearsville, with about 70 people attending over two sessions, January 12 and 13.

Politics & Government

Woodstock Board reorganizes itself

January 13, 2022·0 comments·

The Woodstock Town Board welcomed its newest members, Councilwoman Maria-Elena Conte and Councilman Bennet Ratcliff, at its January 4 organizational meeting, where appointments were made to various boards and commissions.

Business

The Colony makes its case to Woodstock’s planning board

January 12, 2022·0 comments·

Woodstock’s planning board is willing to give The Colony beer garden on Rock City Road another chance at lowering the sound level of its music. A new proposal from the owners will offer to feature bands whose sounds don’t carry through the hills and valleys of the town famous for its music. Colony co-owner Alexia Howard also floated the idea of an agreement on hours, sound level and type of music

Nature

Forester suggests Woodstock’s Scenic Overlay swath is not where previously thought

January 12, 2022·0 comments·

A forestry consultant’s report cast doubt on whether alleged clearcutting was, in fact, on a Valley View Way property as originally thought, shedding a new light on conversations about violations in the Scenic Overlay District.

Business

Hurley planners reject Dunkin’ drive-thru application

January 11, 2022·0 comments·

The Hurley Planning Board unanimously denied an application for a Dunkin’ drive-thru at the intersection of Routes 28 and 375, citing numerous traffic safety issues, on Monday, January 10. The Dunkin’ was proposed for the Northwest corner on a lot owned by Virginia Barthel that formerly housed her Booked by Barthel agency and an Allstate insurance office.

Politics & Government

New town of Hurley supervisor seeks greater civic participation

January 6, 2022·0 comments·

Melinda McKnight made history last Saturday as she took the oath of office to become the first woman supervisor in the Town of Hurley. She stressed teamwork rather than being a single leader. “The situation in Hurley is such that I really don’t think this is going to be my agenda driving the bus,” McKnight said. “There’s a boatload of stuff to deal with, some of which hasn’t been dealt with for decades. So it really is quite a mess.”

Community

Santa came early in Woodstock, disappointing traditionalists

January 5, 2022·0 comments·

Santa’s earlier-than-usual arrival at Woodstock’s village green angered some who missed his appearance and expressed their frustration on social media.

Business

CBD retailer owns Hemp & Humanity opposite the village green in Woodstock

January 5, 2022·0 comments·

Melissa Gibson, a fifty-plus USA Snowboarding champion, credits cannabidiol, one of the most prevalent compounds in cannabis, with helping her survive several autoimmune diseases. She has made it her mission to spread the word about its benefits.