POUGHKEEPSIE – Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress held a forum, Policies and Plans, with county leaders in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday to discuss concerns they face.
Adam Bosch, Pattern’s president, moderated the forum that included Jen Metzger, Ulster County executive; Steve Neuhaus, Orange County executive; Nadia Rajsz, Sullivan County Legislative chairwoman; and Sue Serino, Dutchess County executive.
Bosch asked questions on a variety of topics including climate change, employment, housing and infrastructure.
Metzger said that increasing precipitation and flooding is forcing municipalities to build their bridges taller and their culverts wider.
“With the sea level rise, increasing precipitation, and many more opportunities for flooding, we have to be forward thinking with all of our infrastructure improvements that we are making now,” she said.
Bosch also asked the leaders to discuss challenges.
Rajsz answered in one word, “Garbage.”
She explained that Sullivan County sends it garbage to the Seneca Meadows Landfill in Seneca Falls, NY. But the landfill’s permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation is set to expire next year, putting pressure on the county to figure out how to handle its garbage.
Serino said homelessness is a major challenge for Dutchess County. She said even some people with jobs aren’t able to afford housing.
Metzger said “Leave no one behind” is her vision for Ulster County. She said that addressing mental health is one of the county’s challenges.
Neuhaus said New York State presents the biggest problem. He was critical of its inability to manage its finances, and passing costs down to counties.
Close to 200 people attended the forum at the DoubleTree Hotel in Poughkeepsie. Jonathan Drapkin, Pattern’s previous president, attended the forum, which has been a popular event. He said that this was the first forum held in person in several years.
Drapkin recalled Pattern holding the forum virtually in 2020. “The topic was COVID,” Drapkin said.
