BEACON – City government in Beacon is operating “in these unchartered waters” with no layoffs, said Mayor Lee Kyriacou.
Amid the challenge, the city has adapted and remained open despite a state order for at least 50 percent of non-essential staff to work from or remain at home, he said.
The mayor said the city and each of its departments are committed to doing its part to “flatten the curve” and protect at-risk residents.
The police and fire departments continue to operate without reduction, with specific
safety protocols adapted to COVID-19 procedures, as well as awareness of the potential for
domestic violence. Response times are as fast, if not faster. In an emergency, dial 911; otherwise
you reach Beacon police at (845) 831-4111 and fire at 831-3516.
The city’s water and sewer services continue without interruption, curbside trash and
recycling pickups occur on the same schedule. However, the city’s recycling facility on Dennings Avenue is at present only open on Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon.
Kyriacou said City Hall has always remained open, with extensive changes in procedure to keep everyone safe. Residents have been steered to remote methods of bill payment, online application forms, etc. – including a drop box in front of city hall. A remote procedure should be available for every application or bill involving the city. The Building Department is accepting and processing building permit applications remotely. And, with the Governor’s latest order, even marriages can be performed remotely or with appropriate social distancing.
City parks are open and afford residents places to be outdoors while social distancing. Large signs on appropriate use went up on playgrounds and courts, combined with active monitoring by police and city staff. However, despite near universal compliance,
pursuant to the Governor’s recent order, the city shut playgrounds and courts. State parks on
Mt. Beacon and Dennings Point remain open, although the Mt. Beacon trailhead on Route 9D
was closed as Scenic Hudson could not staff it. The city’s recreation department head is now
the City’s COVID-29 communication director and assists local aid groups.
The Beacon City Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board and Conservation Advisory Committee have all continued uninterrupted, including the kick-off meeting for the Main Street Access Committee. Meetings occur at the usual scheduled times, using video conferencing and phone-ins. Check the city website for specific meetings.
The mayor had slated an “e-Beacon Initiative” to substantially improve the city’s website, electronic communication, and bill payment. The COVID-19 crisis led the city to immediately implement a number of these changes. The city’s website –
www.cityofbeacon.org – has a number of new features, including:
A dedicated COVID-19 webpage;
The ability to sign up for SWIFT-911 community alerts;
A comprehensive communication plan using SWFIT-911, Channel 22, press and internet;
Pages of community resources, such as listings for food pantry, free meals, take-out
restaurants, Beacon businesses and remote shopping guide;
Bill pay by card or checking account (almost 400 have signed up in the first month); and
A “Request for Service” button.
