Harriman Justice Caiazza to retire March 31

Harriman - Village Justice Philip J. Caiazza has announced that he will retire after 17 years on the bench when his current term of office ends March 31. Caiazza first put on the judicial robes in 1989. He now presides over all civil, traffic and criminal matters within his jurisdiction. In addition to his judicial position, he also served as chairman of the zoning board of appeals for 13 years and served as a village trustee and as a member of the planning board. In all, Caiazza has more than 30 years of public service in the village. The judge, who is legally blind, also was instrumental in getting the state Department of Transportation to install an audible traffic signal for visually impaired and handicapped people at the intersection of Route 17M and Harriman Heights Road and Church Street in the village. The new traffic controller also incorporates large visual directions for safe crossing. An election will be held in March to select a new village justice.