Spring Update from Your Councilmember
Dear friends and neighbors,
Spring is finally here, and I wanted to share a few quick updates on what we’ve been working on at Town Hall over the past several months.
Financial Updates & Planning
One of my biggest priorities since taking office has been getting up to speed on the Town’s finances. I’ve had regular meetings with our bookkeeper, which have been extremely helpful in understanding both day-to-day operations and our longer-term financial picture.
Some recent progress:
Successfully filed our Annual Financial Report (AFR) by the state extension deadline — despite our CPA resigning in the middle of the process
Great news - our General unassigned fund balance is at $463,403 (15% of our '26 budget), providing an important reserve for emergencies and unexpected expenses
Engaged a new accounting firm that will support budgeting, financial reporting, and long-term capital planning
My work with the bookkeeper has also helped me feel comfortable supporting budget adjustments related to zoning updates and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) work
I’m optimistic that these efforts will help strengthen our financial planning and stability moving forward.
Zoning Code Update
The Town has kicked off an update to our zoning code to better align with our 2019 Comprehensive Plan and improve the clarity and consistency of our Town Code
Why this matters:
Clearer standards for residents, businesses, and developers
Better guidance for planning decisions
Modernization of outdated or inconsistent code language
Opportunities for community feedback will occur before changes are finalized. This is an important long-term planning effort, and I encourage residents to stay engaged as the process moves forward.
Smart Housing Initiative
We approved a resolution supporting participation in the Smart Housing Initiative, which will help Esopus explore thoughtful approaches to housing and planning challenges facing Hudson Valley communities.
We are currently seeking volunteers interested in participating in these discussions and helping shape future planning conversations. If you are interested, please reach out.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
I also want to thank the residents who have recently stepped up to serve our town. Volunteer service is essential to local government, and we greatly appreciate their willingness to contribute their time and expertise.
Recent appointments include:
Waterfront Advisory Board: Susan Epstein, John Hickey, Elizabeth Tendyke
Assessment Board of Review: Thomas Fitzpatrick
Thank you all for your service to Esopus!
Last Frost Fest — May 17
The Town of Esopus Environmental Board will be hosting the Last Frost Fest
Sunday, May 17: 10 AM–2 PM
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (185 Broadway, Port Ewen)
The event will include: Free plants and compost, plant and seed swaps and lots of other activities!
You do not need to bring plants to participate — it should be a great community event, and I hope to see many of you there.
Stay in Touch
As always, I appreciate hearing from residents and welcome your questions, concerns, and ideas. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community.