Woodbury digest

Highland Mills — The following is adapted from Woodbury Councilman James Skoufis monthly electronic newsletter: Woodbury Government Congratulations to Tim Arone, Lyn Prestia and Rob Weyant, who are, respectively, Woodbury’s two new Council members and new Highway Superintendant; they will all take office at the start of January. Additionally, Amidee Haviland, Carlton Levine and Pete Stabile have given many years of combined service to making the town a better place. The traffic on Route 32 and elsewhere by Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is a major issue, especially during the high shopping season. Here are some facts to keep in mind: • Route 32 is a state road - the Department of Transportation, not Woodbury or any other entity, maintains Route 32; this includes plowing, repairs and traffic light management. • Additionally, state troopers - not the Woodbury Police - are hired by the mall for traffic control. • A major Route 32/Thruway project has been approved by the state that would help mitigate the traffic issue by creating a ramp from the mall onto the Thruway, preventing the need for cars to first exit onto Route 32. Until a couple weeks ago, this project was set to begin in 2013; however, the town has received word that this start date may well get moved back to 2017. • What we can do? “ First, given the amount of revenue that the Town of Woodbury provides the state through sales tax, it is simply unacceptable to me that our Route 32/Thruway project be delayed - Woodbury Common is one of the single largest revenue sources in the state and for them to deny our local residents long-overdue quality of life aid is outrageous,” Skoufis said. “County Legislator Roxanne Donnery and I have plans to meet with state officials to lay it all out on the table and try to persuade them that this project needs to happen and needs to happen on time. In the meantime, a petition is circulating town requesting that local residents be given more attention in the traffic control process - if you would like to sign, please call 845-928-2411.” Calendar December: Both the Highland Mills and Central Valley fire companies have begun their annual Christmas tree sales. Trees are available on Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and on the weekends until 9 p.m. Free delivery is offered for Woodbury residents. Bring your tree stand and an exact cut will be made. Wreaths are also available. December: Bryan’s Dog House, Woodbury’s newest eatery, is now open for business, located at 20 Smith Clove Road in Central Valley, next to the firehouse. If you know of a new business coming to town, contact Skoufis and he will promote it in a forthcoming newsletter. December: The Port Jervis train line re-opened on Nov. 28. Woodbury residents can resume taking the Harriman train into New Jersey and New York City. Saturday, Dec. 10: The Woodbury Parks’ annual holiday party will be held at the Senior Center in Highland Mills from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be refreshments, crafts, entertainment and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Event is weather permitting. Saturday Dec. 31: Dana Distributors is once again sponsoring Alert Cab this New Years Eve - when you’re ready to go home, simply let restaurant or bar staff know and they’ll call Alert Cab to pick you up, free of charge, if you live within ten miles. The councilman can be reached via e-mail at: james@skoufisforwoodbury.com