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2022 - 2023 RCS Community Guidebook

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<strong>RCS</strong> COMMUNITY<br />

GUIDEBOOK<br />

<strong>2022</strong>-<strong>2023</strong><br />

<strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 1


TCI NY committed to community every day<br />

Investing in Coeymans, creating new jobs, and helping those with need<br />

By Mark Westcott<br />

November 18, 2021, Coeymans, NY<br />

During the height of the Covid pandemic last summer, TCI NY was deemed<br />

an essential industry for New York state and was allowed to stay open.<br />

Their customers are the power companies and utilities that keep our lights<br />

on. This little-known company located right here in our back yard is making<br />

a big impact.<br />

“We were fortunate to remain open, but it was a challenging time for<br />

everyone not knowing the outcome of the pandemic and working to<br />

keep people safe,” says Brian Hemlock, President TCI NY. “We decided to<br />

continue moving forward expanding our business and increasing efforts in<br />

the community to help people with need.”<br />

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Since 1965<br />

With Nolan Propane, you get more<br />

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get an established propane expert<br />

and partner. We have highly trained<br />

technicians and we can meet all of<br />

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We will treat you like Family<br />

than 5 star service. Nolan installed a new propane heating system<br />

in a very large house with challenging radiator placement and piping.<br />

Matt and his team were on time, courteous, patient, and skilled...<br />

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54 Mountain Road ext., Ravena NY 12143 | 518-621-0065 | nolanpropane.com<br />

www.facebook.com/Nolan-Propane-Inc-318602561521826/<br />

Investing in Coeymans and Creating New Jobs<br />

TCI’s first plant in Coeymans opened on September 14, 2014, and the<br />

company hasn’t looked back since. Last August TCI built a new expansion<br />

facility a 35,000 square foot, state of the art addition that added new<br />

capability to the existing plant. New jobs were created. Jobs that used to<br />

go out of state were brought to Coeymans.<br />

“When we came to Coeymans, we only had 10 employees. Now we have<br />

40 and as far as we are concerned, this is only the beginning,” said Mr.<br />

Hemlock. “We have a philosophy to promote from within. This shows our<br />

people they can move up through hard work.”<br />

Brett Margiasso came to TCI through the Albany BOCES program<br />

affiliated with <strong>RCS</strong> High School. He interned two years ago, was hired<br />

full time and now is responsible for offloading all the trucks containing<br />

transformers.<br />

“It’s a huge responsibility,” says John Barr, Operations Manager. “Brett<br />

inspects the product and determines what can be salvaged and<br />

repurposed. It can be very demanding. He is twenty years old.”<br />

“The expansion shows when local government and industry work together,<br />

there is nothing we cannot achieve,” said George McHugh, Coeymans’<br />

Town Supervisor. “The result of this collaboration is good paying jobs with<br />

benefits to employees, many of whom are Coeymans residents.”<br />

Tom Bronchetti, TCI’s Controller says, “Our operation is beneficial to the<br />

regional economy through our employment, tax payments and spending<br />

with other local businesses. TCI pays a living wage with strong benefits.”<br />

Providing jobs in the community promotes growth and stability for all of<br />

those who live in the area. The company pays approximately $75,000 per<br />

year in local taxes, and spends more than $250,000 annually with local<br />

businesses, from grocery stores and diners to gas stations and hardware<br />

stores.<br />

Recycling and the Environment<br />

“We strongly believe in our obligations to our neighbors and to our<br />

community,” says Mr. Hemlock. “We are committed to operating our<br />

business in a manner that is safe, unobtrusive to our neighbors and<br />

protective of the environment.”<br />

Today, 99% of all the materials from transformers are recycled, repurposed<br />

or refurbished. It used to all go into landfills. It is a true<br />

American success story. One that has benefitted many lives and protects<br />

the environment.<br />

Hard Hat meets Textbook<br />

TCI works with <strong>RCS</strong> High School to create good paying internships that<br />

can lead to full time jobs upon graduating from high school. The company<br />

awards scholarships to <strong>RCS</strong> High School Seniors, supports the school’s<br />

drama and athletic programs.<br />

“We decided to pay students because they do a great job and deserve to<br />

be compensated,” Mr. Hemlock says. “We require the students to keep<br />

their grades up while working here.”<br />

Lisa Patierne, Principal at <strong>RCS</strong>, said, “It’s a great partnership and a great<br />

opportunity for students who elect not to go to college. TCI gives these<br />

students worked based learning opportunities through internships that<br />

can lead to a promising career.”<br />

Committed to <strong>Community</strong><br />

During the challenging summer months last year, TCI stepped up to<br />

sponsor the Kindness for Kids Summer lunch program, which provides<br />

thousands of lunches to kids with need. TCI and its employees also work<br />

with the Hope Full Life Center Blessing Bags, Helping Harvest, VFW Post<br />

9594, <strong>RCS</strong> Library, Ravena Rescue Squad, Historical Society, and the<br />

Ravena Friendship Festival.<br />

Every year TCI assists the Riverview Baptist Church annual Block party,<br />

youth programs and summer camp. The campers learned how TCI built its<br />

state-of-the-art facilities and how electrical transformers are recycled.<br />

They meet administration and operations staff, some of whom are family<br />

members and neighbors of the campers.<br />

Pastor Roxanne Booth said, “It’s important for our kids to see what’s on<br />

display at TCI. It is a national company proud to be in Coeymans and a<br />

successful, growing business operation. Plus, the folks at TCI make it a fun<br />

excursion.”<br />

Training Center<br />

TCI goes to the utilities with specialized trailers to pick up transformers<br />

and then off loads them at the plant where they go onto highly modernized<br />

production lines to separate the materials. The process requires highly<br />

skilled workers who are trained and educated. There needs to be strict<br />

attention to detail. It has been challenging finding people to fill the slots.<br />

“Many businesses including ours are struggling to find the workers to<br />

run our operations,” says Mr. Hemlock. “I felt we needed to do something<br />

drastic and decided a training center was essential to creating a<br />

sustainable pipeline of workers for our businesses.”<br />

Mr. Hemlock approach Carver Laraway from Carver Companies to partner<br />

on a new initiative. The Joint Training and Certification Center is now<br />

in the development stage to provide training and job opportunities to<br />

underserved communities in the region.<br />

“What will make the JTC Center unique is the combination of paid<br />

internships, multiple certifications and upon successful completion of the<br />

program a guaranteed job offer,” said Mr. Hemlock.<br />

The company is committed to Coeymans and will continue to invest in the<br />

community with further expansion plans in the works.<br />

2 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 3


Welcome<br />

to Coeymans<br />

Founded in 1673, Coeymans is one of the oldest<br />

and most historic towns in New York state. From<br />

our historic hamlet nestled along the banks of<br />

the Hudson River, to our quaint Main Street in the<br />

village of Ravena and our rolling hills, farms and<br />

woodlands in Coeymans Hollow and Alcove.<br />

We pride ourselves in Coeymans as a community<br />

that is a great place to love, work and raise a family.<br />

We are hopeful that this publication will serve<br />

as a great introduction to our town, and will help<br />

you become better acquainted with our community,<br />

our lifestyle, and the local businesses and<br />

industries that make up Coeymans.<br />

In Coeymans, we have several parks within our<br />

borders, which serve as gathering places for festivals,<br />

concerts, outdoor markets, sports games, a<br />

dog park, frisbee golf course, fishing, hiking trails<br />

and outdoor recreation for people of all ages. Our<br />

Coeymans Landing Park hosts the farmers market,<br />

Evening on the Green band concerts, and<br />

the Coeymans Riverfest from May through September,<br />

while Mosher Park provides swimming,<br />

outdoor recreation and the Friendship Festival.<br />

Joralemon Park is the home of one of the finest<br />

frisbee golf courses in the tristate area, and the<br />

county owned and maintained Lawson Lake Park<br />

not only boasts some of the best fishing in the<br />

area, but it also has a huge lodge and recreational<br />

facilities for parties and gatherings.<br />

Employment and business opportunities abound<br />

in Coeymans. Home to Lafarge Cement, the Port<br />

of Coeymans, Carver Companies, and the dozens<br />

of companies that make up the Coeymans Industrial,<br />

Coeymans is bustling with activity and some<br />

of the best-paying jobs in the region. Many residents<br />

work locally, while others make the easy<br />

commute to Albany and the Capital District. And<br />

if you are interested in opening a business in Coeymans,<br />

the Ravena Coeymans Selkirk <strong>Community</strong><br />

Business Association (<strong>RCS</strong> CBA) has plenty of<br />

resources to help your business venture succeed.<br />

We look forward to seeing you out and about in<br />

Coeymans, and we are very happy you are here.<br />

Sincerely,<br />

George D. McHugh<br />

Coeymans Town Supervisor<br />

www.coeymans.org<br />

TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

FEDERAL ......................................................... 7<br />

SENATORS ...................................................... 7<br />

REPRESENTATIVES ........................................ 8<br />

GOVERNMENT ............................................... 8<br />

COUNTY GOVERNMENT ....................... 10-12<br />

RAVENA VILLAGE GOVERNMENT.............. 14<br />

VILLAGE TRUSTEES ..................................... 14<br />

COEYMANS TOWN GOVERNMENT............ 15<br />

SELKIRK TOWN GOVERNMENT............ 15-19<br />

ALBANY COUNTY LEGISLATURE............... 19<br />

FIRE COMPANIES......................................... 19<br />

ORGANIZATIONS ........................................ 20<br />

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK CSD ........ 21<br />

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS ............... 21<br />

A publication of<br />

Capital Region Independent Media<br />

11 Augusta Court, Clifton Park, NY 12065 • (518) 859-6353<br />

PRESIDENT: Mark Vinciguerra • PUBLISHER: Warren Dews Jr<br />

EDITORIAL: Melanie Lekocevic<br />

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2437 Route SW | Ravena, New York | 518-756-2196<br />

360 W.Bridge St. | Catskill, New York 12414| 518-621-0065<br />

Welcome<br />

to Ravena<br />

Since our incorporation in 1914, Ravena<br />

has been a flourishing community in New<br />

York’s Hudson Valley. We have a rich history<br />

of local businesses, artists and residents<br />

that make our community thrive.<br />

Ravena is a wonderful place to make a<br />

home, with many great benefits and amenities.<br />

We have so much to offer that you<br />

simply cannot find in larger communities<br />

or big cities. As we enter our second century<br />

as a community, Ravena continues to<br />

grow and accommodate everything the future<br />

holds.<br />

We think you will find Ravena is an outstanding<br />

place to raise a family. We are very<br />

proud of our school system, our park and<br />

pool complex, and our small-town feel with<br />

all the modern conveniences.<br />

Our community welcomes you and hopes<br />

you’ll join us in ushering in a new period<br />

of growth and prosperity in our home town<br />

village!<br />

William Misuraca<br />

Mayor of Ravena<br />

ON THE COVER:<br />

PHOTOS BY MELANIE LEKOCEVIC<br />

First columm — photos of Coeymans; second column —<br />

photos of Ravena; third column — photos of Selkirk.<br />

“Protecting your future with all forms of insurance”<br />

518-966-4466<br />

GREENVILLE, NY<br />

518-943-3220<br />

CATSKILL, NY<br />

HOME - CAR - LIFE - MOTORCYCLE - BONDS - BUSINESS - DISABILITY<br />

WWW.GRAPEVILLEAGENCY.COM<br />

Welcome<br />

to Selkirk<br />

Founded in 1793, Bethlehem today is a robust community<br />

of 34,000 with small-town neighborhoods<br />

— including the hamlet of Selkirk — and farms,<br />

great schools, vibrant businesses and industries,<br />

and much, much more.<br />

Henry Hudson Park in Selkirk welcomes visitors to<br />

one of the longest public shorelines on the Hudson<br />

River. It’s a great place to enjoy the view, have a<br />

picnic, launch a motorboat or kayak to explore the<br />

river, or cast a line for striped bass. Anglers can also<br />

find outstanding trout fishing in the cold waters of<br />

the Onesquethaw Creek, a river that sometimes<br />

dips underground through limestone caves.<br />

Our town’s rich history is presented in the Bethlehem<br />

Historical Society’s museum in the Cedar Hill<br />

Schoolhouse in Selkirk, a building where children<br />

learned for more than 100 years. The museum presents<br />

a variety of interesting exhibits in addition to<br />

several historic structures.<br />

Residents and visitors can also enjoy scenic hikes<br />

through miles of trails in the town’s Moh-He-Kon-<br />

Nuck park and the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s<br />

Hollyhock Preserve (stones from the preserve’s<br />

quarries still support the Brooklyn Bridge).<br />

Then you can stop by Losee’s Deli for some of the<br />

best subs in the Capital Region, or grab an ice cream<br />

cone and catch a movie at the Jericho Drive-In.<br />

With a wide range of amenities, Bethlehem’s hamlets<br />

of Selkirk and South Bethlehem are great places<br />

to live, work and visit!<br />

David Van Luven<br />

Bethlehem Town Supervisor<br />

SILVER SPOON CAFE´<br />

NOW AVAILABLE - DELIVERY & CURBSIDE PICK UP!<br />

Lunch: 11am - 4pm<br />

Dinner: 4pm - 7pm<br />

Check our Facebook page<br />

for our specials.<br />

Call & Place Your Order<br />

518-756-3463<br />

11 Madison Ave, Ravena, NY • 518-756-3463<br />

4 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 5


Joyelles<br />

Jewelers<br />

FEDERAL<br />

FBI<br />

Albany Office:<br />

Federal Bureau of Investigation<br />

200 McCarty Avenue<br />

Albany, NY 12209<br />

www.albany.fbi.gov<br />

518-465-7551<br />

US Secret Service<br />

518-436-9600<br />

Medicare<br />

800-633-4227<br />

Social Security<br />

800-772-1213<br />

IRS<br />

800-829-1040<br />

The Albany area’s Source for Jewelry, Gold and Silver, Wedding Bands,<br />

Engagement Rings, Diamonds, Gifts and much more!<br />

v Custom Jewelry<br />

v Eye Glass Frame Repair<br />

SENATORS<br />

v Jewelry Repair & Design<br />

v Insurance Appraisals<br />

v Jewelry Cleaning<br />

v Laser Welder Station<br />

v Watch Battery Installation<br />

v Free Gift Wrap<br />

Main Square Shoppes | 318 Delaware Avenue | Delmar, New York 12054 | 518-439-9993<br />

JOYELLESJEWELERS.COM<br />

U.S. Sen.<br />

Charles Schumer<br />

518-431-4070<br />

Leo W. O’Brien Federal Office Building<br />

1 Clinton Square - Room 420<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

senator@schumer.senate.gov<br />

U.S. Sen.<br />

Kirsten Gillibrand<br />

518-431-0120<br />

Leo W. Obrien Federal Office Building<br />

1 Clinton Square - Room 821<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

senator@gillibrand.senate.gov<br />

6 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 7


REPRESENTATIVES<br />

National Bank of Coxsackie<br />

SENATORS<br />

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer<br />

518-431-4070<br />

Leo W. O’Brien Federal Office Building<br />

1 Clinton Square - Room 420<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

senator@schumer.senate.gov<br />

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand<br />

518-431-0120<br />

Leo W. O’Brien Federal Office Building<br />

1 Clinton Square - Room 821<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

senator@gillibrand.senate.gov<br />

CONGRESS<br />

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D)<br />

Albany Office:<br />

19 Dove Street, Unit 302<br />

Albany, NY 12210<br />

518-465-0700<br />

Washington D.C. Office:<br />

2369 Rayburn HOB<br />

Washington, D.C. 20515<br />

202-225-5076<br />

Represents - 20th Congressional District<br />

STATE<br />

GOVERNOR<br />

Kathy Hochul (D)<br />

518-474-8390<br />

NYS State Capitol Building<br />

Albany, NY 12224<br />

https://www.governor.ny.gov<br />

ATTORNEY GENERAL<br />

Letitia James (D)<br />

518-474-7124<br />

1 University Pl, Rensselaer, NY 12144<br />

https://ag.ny.gov<br />

ASSEMBLY<br />

Chris Tague (R)<br />

Albany Office:<br />

Legislative Office Building, Room 937<br />

Albany, NY 12248<br />

518-455-5363<br />

Catskill Office:<br />

45 Five Mile Woods Rd. - Bldg. 2, Suite 2<br />

Catskill, NY 12414<br />

518-943-1371<br />

https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Chris-Tague<br />

STATE SENATE<br />

State Sen. Michelle Hinchey (D)<br />

518-455-2350<br />

198 State Street<br />

Legislative Office Building, Room 809<br />

Albany, NY 12247<br />

Hinchey@nysenate.gov<br />

Delivering traditional community bank service,<br />

with the benefits of modern technology.<br />

Visit us in branch or online to take care of all your Banking Needs!<br />

Ravena Branch<br />

20 Faith Plaza<br />

Ravena<br />

Manager: Glenda Cukierski<br />

gcukierski@nbcoxsackie.com<br />

(518) 756-7100<br />

Glenmont Branch<br />

331 Route 9W<br />

Glenmont<br />

GOVERNMENT<br />

Manager: Jody Shaw<br />

jshaw@nbcoxsackie.com<br />

(518) 462-0515<br />

Taxation & Finance<br />

800-225-5829<br />

Child Abuse Reporting<br />

800-342-3720<br />

State Museum<br />

222 Madison Avenue<br />

Albany, NY 12230<br />

518-474-5877<br />

www.nysm.nysed.gov<br />

Member<br />

FDIC<br />

8 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 9


COUNTY GOVERNMENT<br />

COUNTY GOVERNMENT<br />

ALBANY COUNTY EXECUTIVE<br />

Daniel McCoy<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 1200<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7040<br />

County_executive@albanycountyny.gov<br />

www.albanycounty.com<br />

ALBANY COUNTY DISTRICT<br />

ATTORNEY<br />

P. David Soares<br />

Albany County Judicial Center<br />

6 Lodge Street<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-487-5460<br />

www.albanycountyda.com<br />

ALBANY COUNTY CLERK<br />

Hon. Bruce A. Hidley<br />

Albany County Court House, Room 128<br />

16 Eagle Street<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-487-5100<br />

Email: countyclerk@albanycounty.com<br />

ALBANY COUNTY<br />

COMPTROLLER<br />

Susan A. Rizzo<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 1030<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7130<br />

ALBANY COUNTY HEALTH<br />

DEPARTMENT<br />

Health Commissioner<br />

Elizabeth Whalen, M.D.<br />

175 Green Street<br />

Albany, NY 12202<br />

518-447-4580<br />

ALBANY COUNTY<br />

LEGISLATURE<br />

Chairman Andrew C. Joyce<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 710<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7068<br />

andrewcjoyce@gmail.com<br />

ALBANY COUNTY SHERIFF<br />

Craig D. Apple, Sr.<br />

Office of the Albany County Sheriff<br />

16 Eagle Street<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-487-5400<br />

contactsheriff@albanycounty.com<br />

ALBANY REGIONAL IMMIGRA-<br />

TION ASSISTANCE CENTER<br />

RICHARDS FUNERAL HOME<br />

OF THE MID-HUDSON VALLEY, INC.<br />

P.O. BOX 383, 29 BROSS ST., CAIRO, NY 12413<br />

TEL: 518-622-9503 | FAX: 518-622-2121<br />

28 NORTH VERNON ST., ATHENS, NY 12015<br />

TEL: 518-945-1065 | FAX: 518-622-2121<br />

W.C. BRADY’S SONS, INC.<br />

ESTABLISHED 1840<br />

97 MANSION ST., COXSACKIE, NY 12051<br />

TEL: 518-731-8000 | FAX: 518-731-7107<br />

INFO@RICHARDSBRADYSFH.COM<br />

RICHARDSFUNERALHOMEINC.NET<br />

PAUL R. SENEY, JR. | JOHN C. MARTIN | RALPH E. VAN HOESEN<br />

NYS Licensed | Funeral Directors<br />

Harold L. Joyce<br />

Albany County Office Building<br />

112 State Street<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7000<br />

DEPARTMENT OF THE AGING<br />

Commissioner Deb Riitano<br />

162 Washington Avenue<br />

Albany, NY 12210<br />

518-447-7198<br />

BOARD OF ELECTIONS<br />

Democratic Commissioner: Kathleen<br />

A. Donovan<br />

Republican Commissioner:<br />

Rachel L. Bledi<br />

Physical Address: 260 South Pearl Street<br />

Albany, NY 12202<br />

Mailing Address: 224 South Pearl Street<br />

Albany, NY 12202<br />

518-487-5060<br />

boardofelections@albanycounty.com<br />

DEPARTMENT FOR<br />

CHILDREN, YOUTH<br />

AND FAMILIES<br />

Commissioner Moira Manning<br />

Harold. L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 300<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7324<br />

DEPARTMENT OF<br />

CIVIL SERVICE<br />

Director Michael Lalli<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 900<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7770<br />

csinfo@albanycounty.com<br />

Crime Victim and Sexual<br />

Violence Center<br />

Director Karen Ziegler<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 1010<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7100<br />

cvsvc@albanycounty.com<br />

Economic Development,<br />

Conservation and Planning<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 1310<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-5670<br />

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL<br />

SERVICES<br />

Commissioner: David Latina<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 1300<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7210<br />

HALL OF RECORDS<br />

95 Tivoli Street<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-436-3663<br />

achor@albanycounty.com<br />

HOCKEY FACILITY<br />

Manager: Paul Hebert<br />

830 Albany-Shaker Road<br />

Loudonville, NY 12211<br />

518-452-7396<br />

hockey@albanycountyny.gov<br />

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN<br />

RESOURCES<br />

Commissioner:<br />

Jennifer Clement<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 900<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-5510<br />

DEPARTMENT OF LAW<br />

County Attorney Eugenia Condon<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 600<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7110<br />

DEPARTMENT OF<br />

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Commissioner: M. David Reilly<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 1200<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-5525<br />

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL<br />

HEALTH<br />

Director: Stephen J. Giordano,<br />

Ph.D.<br />

175 Green Street<br />

Albany, NY 12202<br />

518-447-4555<br />

Psychiatric Crisis Services: 518-549-6500<br />

DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION<br />

Director: William Connors<br />

Mercantile Building<br />

60 South Pearl Street<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-487-5200<br />

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC<br />

DEFENDER<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-7000<br />

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC<br />

WORKS<br />

Commissioner:<br />

Lisa M. Ramundo<br />

449 New Salem Road<br />

Voorheesville, NY 12186<br />

518-765-2055<br />

dpw@albanycounty.com<br />

REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICE<br />

AGENCY<br />

Director: Michael McGuire<br />

Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office<br />

Building<br />

112 State Street, Room 1340<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-487-5291<br />

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION<br />

Commissioner: John D’Antonio<br />

390 New Salem Road<br />

10 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 11


COUNTY GOVERNMENT<br />

Voorheesville, NY 12186<br />

recreation@albanycountyny.gov<br />

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SER-<br />

VICES<br />

Commissioner: Michele McClave<br />

162 Washington Avenue<br />

Albany, NY 12210<br />

518-447-7300<br />

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVA-<br />

TION DISTRICT<br />

Administrative Manager:<br />

Susan L. Lewis<br />

24 Martin Road<br />

Voorheesville, NY 12186<br />

518-765-7923<br />

VETERANS SERVICE BUREAU<br />

Director: Ken Secor<br />

162 Washington Avenue<br />

Albany, NY 12210<br />

518-447-7710<br />

veteransbureau@albanycountyny.gov<br />

WATER PURIFICATION DIS-<br />

TRICT<br />

Executive Director:<br />

Angelo Gaudio<br />

112 State Street, Basement<br />

Albany, NY 12207<br />

518-447-1611<br />

Weekends and Emergencies:<br />

518-447-1629<br />

HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY<br />

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80 Vandenburgh Avenue<br />

Troy, NY 12180<br />

518-629-4822<br />

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4400 Route 23<br />

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12 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 13


RAVENA VILLAGE GOVERNMENT<br />

COEYMANS TOWN GOVERNMENT<br />

VILLAGE OFFICES<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

MAYOR<br />

William Misuraca<br />

Linda Muller<br />

518-756-8233<br />

lindaravena@aol.com<br />

Mary Ellen Rosato<br />

518-756-8233<br />

merosatotrustee@gmail.com<br />

Joseph Ganley<br />

518-756-8233<br />

ravena.ganley@gmail.com<br />

CLERK-TREASURER OFFICE<br />

Clerk-Treasurer: Susan King<br />

Deputy Clerk-Treasurer:<br />

Kristine Biernacki<br />

Clerk: Gabby Ambrose<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-8233<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-8233<br />

w.misuraca@villageofravena.com<br />

DEPUTY MAYOR<br />

VILLAGE TRUSTEES<br />

ravenaclerk@gmail.com<br />

DEPARTMENT OF<br />

PUBLIC WORKS<br />

Village Foreman: Henry Traver<br />

West Shore Drive<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-2014<br />

dpw@villageofravena.com<br />

BUILDING DEPARTMENT<br />

Building Inspector/Code Enforcement<br />

Officer: Joseph Burns<br />

Assistant Building Inspector/Code<br />

Enforcement Officer: Travis Witbeck<br />

Zoning Enforcement Officer: Ron<br />

Hohman<br />

Nancy Warner<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-8233<br />

n.warner@villageofravena.com<br />

Clerk: Gabby Ambrose<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-8201<br />

buildingdept@villageofravena.com<br />

RAVENA RESCUE SQUAD<br />

P.O. Box 144<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-2096<br />

info@ravenarescue.com<br />

WATER DEPARTMENT<br />

Chief Operator: Jason Leonard<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-2024<br />

ravenawater@hotmail.com<br />

TOWN OFFICES<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006<br />

TOWN SUPERVISOR<br />

George McHugh<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 2<br />

gmchugh@coeymans.org<br />

TOWN COUNCILMEMBERS<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

Daniel Baker<br />

dbaker@coeymans.org<br />

Linda Bruno<br />

lbruno@coeymans.org<br />

Brandon LeFevre<br />

blefebre@coeymans.org<br />

SECRETARY TO THE<br />

SUPERVISOR<br />

Candace McHugh<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 2<br />

cmchugh@coeymans.org<br />

CLERK TO THE SUPERVISOR<br />

Nita Chmielewski<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 2<br />

nchmielewski@coeymans.org<br />

HUMAN RESOURCES<br />

Linda Ziegler<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 2<br />

lziegler@coeymans.org<br />

TOWN CLERK<br />

Candace McHugh<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 3<br />

townclerk@coeymans.org<br />

TOWN COURT<br />

Justice Thomas Frese<br />

Justice Rocco Persico<br />

Court Clerk L. Tammy Eissing<br />

Court Clerk Heather Collins<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 4<br />

ASSESSOR<br />

Dawn DeRose<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 5<br />

Email : assessor@coeymans.org<br />

BUILDING DEPARTMENT<br />

Code Enforcement Officer:<br />

John Cashin<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 6<br />

Email: jcashin@coeymans.org<br />

Code Enforcement Officer:<br />

Sante DeBacco<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 6<br />

sdebacco@coeymans.org<br />

Clerk: Cathy Anderson<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 6<br />

buildingdepartment@coeymans.org<br />

POLICE ADMINISTRATION<br />

Chief of Police: Douglas Keyer<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 7<br />

chiefofpolice@coeymans.org<br />

Clerk: Dawne LaMountain<br />

18 Russell Avenue<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-6006 Ext. 7<br />

Email: dlamountain@coeymans.org<br />

COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION<br />

Parks and Maintenance Supervisor:<br />

Scott Searles<br />

518-756-2251<br />

ssearles@coeymans.org<br />

SEWER<br />

Chief Sewer Plant Operator:<br />

Keith Geraldsen<br />

518-756-6180<br />

kgeraldsen@coeymans.org<br />

Sewer Billing: townclerk@coeymans.org<br />

CELEBRATING OUR 26 TH YEAR! 1995-<br />

2021<br />

• Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair<br />

• Computer Engine Diagnostics<br />

• Tires & Brakes<br />

• Mufflers & Shocks<br />

•Tune-Ups<br />

• Transmission Flush & Filter<br />

• Air Conditioning Service<br />

& Repair<br />

• Engine & Transmission<br />

Swaps<br />

• NYS Inspection<br />

• 4 Wheel Alignments<br />

518-756-3550<br />

Open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm<br />

SELKIRK TOWN GOVERNMENT*<br />

*Selkirk is a hamlet of the town<br />

of Bethlehem<br />

TOWN OFFICES<br />

Bethlehem Town Hall<br />

445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054<br />

TOWN SUPERVISOR<br />

David VanLuven<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1164<br />

DVanLuven@townofbethlehem.org<br />

ANIMAL CONTROL<br />

447 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-9973<br />

Animal Control Officer:<br />

Richard Watt<br />

14 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 15


SELKIRK TOWN GOVERNMENT<br />

SELKIRK TOWN GOVERNMENT<br />

ASSESSOR’S OFFICE<br />

Town Hall, Room 114<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 6<br />

Sole Assessor: Laurie Lambertsen<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1101<br />

Senior Assessment Clerk:<br />

Donna Stagnitta<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1104<br />

COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE<br />

Town Hall, Room 205<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955<br />

Town Comptroller: Michael Cohen<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1123<br />

Chief Accountant: Cherie Gitto<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1125<br />

Chief Accountant: Theresa Amodeo<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1152<br />

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC<br />

WORKS<br />

Town Hall, Room 203<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 4<br />

Commissioner of Public Works:<br />

George Kansas<br />

518-439-4955, Ext. 1137<br />

Supervisor of Administration:<br />

Tina Ross<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1130<br />

CLAPPER ROAD WATER<br />

TREATMENT PLANT<br />

217 Clapper Road<br />

Selkirk, NY 12158<br />

518-767-0024<br />

Senior Water Treatment Operator:<br />

Lou Newburg<br />

518-767-0024<br />

Water Treatment Plant Operator:<br />

Rob Burns<br />

518-767-0024<br />

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT<br />

AND PLANNING<br />

Town Hall, Room 203<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 5<br />

Director: Robert Leslie<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1157<br />

Planning and Building Assistant:<br />

Debbie Kitchen<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1159<br />

BUILDING DIVISION<br />

Town Hall, Room 214<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 5<br />

Building Inspector:<br />

Justin Harbinger<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1110<br />

Administrative Aide: Amy Hood<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 111<br />

Assistant Building Inspector:<br />

Craig Yaiser<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1109<br />

Assistant Building Inspector:<br />

Tom Tryon<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1111<br />

Senior Code Enforcement Officer:<br />

David Rice<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1116<br />

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT<br />

OFFICE<br />

Town Hall, Room 103<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1166<br />

Director of Emergency<br />

Management: Jack Brennan<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1166<br />

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT<br />

Superintendent of Highways:<br />

Marc Dorsey<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1501<br />

Supervisor of Administration:<br />

Kevin Gaffney<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1508<br />

HUMAN RESOURCES<br />

Town Hall, Room 207<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

Director of Human Resources:<br />

Mary Tremblay-Glassman<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1127<br />

JUSTICE COURT<br />

Town Hall<br />

447 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 2<br />

Clerk to the Justice: Holly Weddell<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1146<br />

PARKS AND RECREATION<br />

DEPARTMENT<br />

Elm Avenue Park<br />

261 Elm Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 7<br />

Administrator: Jason Gallo<br />

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICE<br />

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• Spring & Fall Cleanups<br />

• Lawn Care<br />

• Mulch Install / Bed Edging<br />

• Tree & Hedge Pruning<br />

• Yard Work<br />

• Compact Tractor Work<br />

• Stump Grinding<br />

• Gutter Cleaning<br />

• Pressure & Soft Washing<br />

• Painting Indoor & Outdoor<br />

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• Tree Trimming<br />

• Pruning<br />

• Large Tree Removal<br />

• Free Estimates<br />

www.sevenzocks.com<br />

518-635-4111<br />

1277 Rte 9W, Selkirk<br />

(2 miles south of Jericho Drive-In)<br />

16 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 17


SELKIRK TOWN GOVERNMENT<br />

SELKIRK TOWN GOVERNMENT<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1604<br />

Assistant Administrator:<br />

Heather Maltby<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1603<br />

PLANNING BOARD<br />

Town Hall, Room 203<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1159<br />

POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />

447 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-9973<br />

RECYCLING<br />

261 Elm Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1510<br />

Recycling Coordinator: Dan Rain<br />

Helping Harvest<br />

Grocery store for<br />

families in need!<br />

SNAP, Credit and<br />

Debit Cards Now Accepted!<br />

OPEN: MON, TUES,<br />

THURS, SAT 10-2 • WED, FRI 2-6<br />

SENIOR SERVICES<br />

Town Hall, Rooms 110/116<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 1<br />

Director of Senior Services:<br />

William Vail<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1176<br />

TAX DEPARTMENT<br />

Town Hall, Room 112<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 6<br />

Deputy Receiver of Taxes:<br />

Heather Maurer<br />

518-439-4955, Ext. 1177<br />

TOWN ATTORNEY<br />

Town Hall, Room 106<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

2480 US Route 9W, Faith Plaza, Ravena<br />

518-756-9091 • www.HopeFullLifeCenter.org<br />

Guiding your children into being<br />

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LEARN • PLAY • GROW<br />

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2 LOCATIONS! Visit us in Ravena & Delmar<br />

14379 US, Route 9W<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

Phone: 518-756-3124<br />

Fax: 518-756-9476<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1164<br />

Town Attorney: James Potter<br />

TOWN CLERK<br />

Town Hall, Room 112<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955, Option 6<br />

Town Clerk: Nancy Moquin<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1183<br />

TOWN HISTORIAN<br />

Town Hall, Room 104<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1160<br />

Town Historian: Susan Leath<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1160<br />

WASTEWATER TREATMENT<br />

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Delmar, NY 12054<br />

Phone: 518-478-0722<br />

Fax: 518-478-0827<br />

www.newsmediaalliance.org<br />

www.circleoffriendsprek.com • info@circleoffriendsprek.com<br />

PLANT<br />

98 Dinmore Road<br />

Selkirk, NY 12158<br />

518-767-2232<br />

Chief Wastewater Treatment<br />

Operator: Bill Borger<br />

518-767-2232<br />

Assistant Chief Sewer Treatment<br />

Plant Operator: Thomas Marsh<br />

518-767-2232<br />

YOUTH COURT<br />

261 Elm Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1143<br />

Director: Katrina Charland<br />

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT<br />

SERVICES<br />

261 Elm Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1608<br />

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS<br />

Town Hall, Room 203<br />

445 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-4955 Ext. 1158<br />

ALBANY COUNTY LEGISLATURE<br />

DISTRICT 37<br />

(COEYMANS/RAVENA)<br />

Zachary Collins (R)<br />

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COEYMANS FIRE COMPANY<br />

Trusted. Your News<br />

67 Church Street<br />

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518-756-2027<br />

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TEER FIRE CORPORATION<br />

1290 Route 143<br />

THIS PUBLICATION<br />

SUPPORTS REAL<br />

NEWS.<br />

Coeymans, NY 12045<br />

DISTRICT 36 (SELKIRK)<br />

Matthew Miller (D)<br />

11 Trinity Place<br />

FIRE COMPANIES<br />

Coeymans Hollow, NY 12046<br />

518-756-6310<br />

www.coeymanshollowifre.org<br />

RAVENA FIRE DEPARTMENT<br />

Fire Chief: Jeff D’Ambrosio<br />

116 Main Street<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

Emergency: 911 or 518-756-2089<br />

THE PUBLIC NEEDS THE TRUTH;<br />

NOT SOCIAL MEDIA HEADLINES & FAKE NEWS.<br />

Selkirk, NY 12158<br />

518-727-7613<br />

Matthew.Miller@albanycountyny.gov<br />

Non-Emergency: 518-756-2089<br />

SELKIRK FIRE DEPARTMENT<br />

Fire Chief: Joseph Michaniw<br />

P.O. Box 5<br />

Selkirk, NY 12158<br />

Emergency: 911<br />

Non-Emergency: 518-767-0010<br />

www.selkirkfd.org<br />

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18 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 19


ORGANIZATIONS<br />

ALBANY COUNTY RURAL<br />

HOUSING ALLIANCE, INC.<br />

Ravena Office<br />

P.O. Box 58<br />

Faith Plaza<br />

Route 9W<br />

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518-756-3656<br />

BETHLEHEM GRANGE<br />

24 Bridge Street<br />

Selkirk, NY 12158<br />

518-421-1384<br />

CHOICES PROGRAM<br />

2480 Route 9W<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-8650<br />

DELMAR-BETHLEHEM EMS<br />

1121 Route 9W<br />

Selkirk, NY 12158<br />

Emergency: 911<br />

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JUSTICE FOR ORPHANS<br />

2500 Route 9W, Office #2<br />

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2480 Route 9W<br />

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8 Whitbeck Street<br />

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RAVENA COEYMANS YACHT<br />

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52 Stonehouse Hill Road<br />

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RAVENA GRANGE<br />

1184 Route 143<br />

Coeymans Hollow, NY 12046<br />

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<strong>RCS</strong> COMMUNITY BUSINESS<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

P.O. Box 163<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

<strong>RCS</strong>BizAssoc@gmail.com<br />

RC SPORTSMEN’S CLUB<br />

456 New Baltimore Road<br />

New Baltimore, NY 12124<br />

518-756-2048<br />

SENIOR PROJECTS OF RAVENA<br />

9 Bruno Boulevard<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-8593<br />

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH FOOD<br />

PANTRY<br />

21 Main Street<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-3145<br />

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST<br />

CHURCH FOOD PANTRY<br />

Route 143<br />

Coeymans Hollow, NY 12046<br />

518-756-2812<br />

UNITED STATES POSTAL<br />

SERVICE<br />

167 Main Street<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

800-275-8777<br />

UNITED STATES POSTAL<br />

SERVICE<br />

96 Main Street<br />

Coeymans, NY 12045<br />

800-275-8777<br />

VFW POST 9594/UNITAS<br />

12 Whitbeck Street<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-9495<br />

The future of our country depends<br />

on the ability of journalists to<br />

provide the public with<br />

investigative journalism.<br />

Help show your support for quality,<br />

investigative journalism:<br />

Donate to the International<br />

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RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK<br />

CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT<br />

DISTRICT OFFICES<br />

Superintendent Dr. Brian Bailey<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-5200 Ext. 6003<br />

bbailey@rcscsd.org<br />

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT<br />

FOR CURRICULUM AND IN-<br />

STRUCTION<br />

C. Fred Engelhardt<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS<br />

BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY<br />

451 Delaware Avenue<br />

Delmar, NY 12054<br />

518-439-9314<br />

www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org<br />

Real, Reputable,<br />

COEYMANS Trusted. Your LANDING News PARK<br />

2 Westerlo Media. Road Ext.<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

JORALEMON MEMORIAL PARK<br />

Route 102/Starr Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

LAWSON LAKE COUNTY PARK<br />

THIS PUBLICATION<br />

SUPPORTS REAL<br />

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518-756-5200 Ext. 6003<br />

fengelhardt@rcscsd.org<br />

A.W. BECKER ELEMENTARY<br />

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Principal: Debra Neubart<br />

1146 Route 9W<br />

Selkirk, NY 12158<br />

518-756-5200 Ext. 5000<br />

PIETER B. COEYMANS<br />

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL<br />

Principal: Hakim Jones<br />

66 Church Street<br />

293 Lawson Lake Road<br />

Feura Bush, NY 12067<br />

518-768-2560<br />

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State Route 143<br />

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2 Park Drive<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

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<strong>RCS</strong> COMMUNITY LIBRARY<br />

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518-756-5200 Ext. 4000<br />

<strong>RCS</strong> MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

Interim Principal: Denise Capece<br />

2025 Route 9W<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-5200 Ext. 3000<br />

<strong>RCS</strong> HIGH SCHOOL<br />

Principal: Lisa Patierne<br />

2025 Route 9W<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-5200 Ext. 2002<br />

95 Main Street<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-756-2053<br />

www.rcscommunitylibrary.org<br />

RAVENA COEYMANS HISTORI-<br />

CAL SOCIETY<br />

15 Mountain Road<br />

Ravena, NY 12143<br />

518-936-4397<br />

curator@coeymanshistory.org<br />

VALLEY PAPER MILL PARK<br />

County Route 111<br />

Alcove, NY 12007<br />

REPORTERS, EDITORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS<br />

CREATE REAL NEWS. JOURNALISM YOU CAN TRUST.<br />

#SupportRealNews<br />

www.newsmediaalliance.org<br />

20 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 21


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22 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 23


Joralemon Park saw major improvements in 2021, and more are on the way in <strong>2022</strong>.<br />

By Melanie Lekocevic<br />

Capital Region Independent Media<br />

COEYMANS — The town of Coeymans<br />

made major improvements to two of its<br />

parks in 2021, and more upgrades are on<br />

the way, as the community looks to give its<br />

outdoor recreational facilities a facelift.<br />

The projects create a more welcoming atmosphere<br />

for families and visitors looking<br />

for some outdoor fun.<br />

Riverfront Park in the hamlet and Joralemon<br />

Park in Coeymans Hollow saw significant<br />

construction with new tennis and<br />

basketball courts, and newly paved parking<br />

areas in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,<br />

and more improvements are on the way<br />

in <strong>2022</strong>, Town Supervisor George McHugh<br />

said.<br />

See PARKS, page 25<br />

As COVID<br />

sends<br />

everyone<br />

outdoors,<br />

a new look for<br />

Coeymans parks<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO<br />

The COVID-19 pandemic and the need for socially distanced recreation put the spotlight on local<br />

parks and the need for upgrades, Coeymans Town Supervisor George McHugh said.<br />

PARKS, from page 24<br />

The projects’ importance was<br />

highlighted by the virus outbreak<br />

that sent residents outdoors<br />

for an escape from the<br />

shutdowns and for socially<br />

distanced fun throughout the<br />

pandemic.<br />

“The COVID pandemic certainly<br />

put a spotlight on the importance<br />

of our parks, especially<br />

since people were looking<br />

for things to do outdoors in<br />

a socially distanced manner,”<br />

McHugh said. “So we took a<br />

hard look at our parks — Joralemon<br />

Park and Riverfront<br />

Park.”<br />

The Coeymans Hollow park, in<br />

particular, had not seen work in<br />

many years.<br />

“Especially in Joralemon Park,<br />

it hadn’t really been updated<br />

or improved upon for about 40<br />

years,” McHugh said. “The tennis<br />

courts were in rough shape,<br />

there was no basketball court,<br />

there was no paving in the<br />

driveway.”<br />

Things weren’t much better in<br />

some ways at the park in the<br />

hamlet.<br />

“Down at Riverfront Park, we<br />

looked at the basketball court<br />

that was starting to degrade<br />

and crack and we decided as<br />

a town board to sink some<br />

resources into both of these<br />

parks,” McHugh said.<br />

Over the summer of 2021, the<br />

first phase of work was completed<br />

with renovations to<br />

amenities at both parks.<br />

“We completely renovated<br />

the Riverfront Park basketball<br />

court — we took down the<br />

hoops, put in new hoops, had<br />

the entire surface resurfaced<br />

and striped, and got that back<br />

where it needed to be,” the<br />

town supervisor said. “At Joralemon<br />

Park, we constructed<br />

a brand-new basketball court<br />

and then completely resurfaced<br />

the tennis courts and<br />

paved the parking lot as well<br />

as the driveway going into the<br />

pavilion.”<br />

In <strong>2022</strong>, more work will be<br />

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO<br />

Renovations at Riverfront Park and Joralemon Park were completed in 2021, and more construction — including permanent lavatories<br />

— is on the way in <strong>2022</strong>.<br />

done, including bathroom facilities<br />

for both parks. Planning<br />

has already been done and<br />

work is expected to begin in<br />

April.<br />

These are no portable toilets<br />

— they will be fully functional<br />

permanent bathrooms, which<br />

neither park has ever had.<br />

“This year we also started the<br />

design work for a bathroom<br />

facility out at Joralemon Park,<br />

which we plan on breaking<br />

ground on April 1, and we also<br />

have plans for a permanent lavatory<br />

facility at Riverfront Park,<br />

breaking ground there about<br />

the same time,” McHugh said.<br />

“The construction designs and<br />

drawings are in and engineered<br />

and ready to go, and funded as<br />

well.”<br />

The lavatory project will come<br />

at no cost to the town. Rather,<br />

the town will utilize federal<br />

funds granted to the municipality<br />

through the federal American<br />

Rescue Plan Act, which<br />

was granted to communities<br />

to help them recover from the<br />

COVID-19 pandemic. Among<br />

the eligible uses for the funds is<br />

certain types of infrastructure<br />

improvements.<br />

“Initially, we were going to use<br />

the town’s fund balance, but<br />

then we got the ARPA money<br />

and it was approved because<br />

bathrooms are sanitary [facilities],<br />

so it fit ARPA’s requirements,”<br />

McHugh said. “We will<br />

use some of the ARPA money,<br />

not all of it. We got about<br />

$400,000 in ARPA and will need<br />

maybe $100,000 of that for the<br />

bathrooms at Joralemon and<br />

Riverfront parks.”<br />

Local companies also made<br />

considerable donations to the<br />

park renovation projects, he<br />

added. LafargeHolcim offered<br />

to donate the concrete for the<br />

project, and Carver Companies<br />

will complete the site work for<br />

free.<br />

In addition to the federal<br />

funds, the town in 2021 received<br />

$212,000 from the state<br />

through a settlement with LafargeHolcim<br />

from a long-standing<br />

legal case.<br />

“There was about a 15-yearlong<br />

environmental justice<br />

case with Lafarge regarding<br />

stormwater runoff,” McHugh<br />

said. “As part of the settlement,<br />

they fined Lafarge $850,000<br />

— $425,000 to the state and<br />

$425,000 to the EPA (U.S. Environmental<br />

Protection Agency).<br />

Out of the state’s share, they<br />

gave us $212,000, to be used<br />

for stormwater mitigation for<br />

the Hudson.”<br />

The town used that money as<br />

seed money to successfully apply<br />

for a larger grant from the<br />

Environmental Facilities Corporation,<br />

also designated for park<br />

See PARKS, page 26<br />

24 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 25


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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO<br />

Pictured is the old tennis court at Joralemon Park, before much-needed renovations were completed over the summer of 2021. The town now has a brand-new tennis court at<br />

the Coeymans Hollow park.<br />

PARKS, from page 25<br />

improvements.<br />

“The $212,000 has to be used for Riverfront<br />

Park, but we were also able to use it<br />

as our matching funds to apply for a million-dollar<br />

grant, which we received from<br />

DEC,” McHugh said. “So now we have the<br />

million, plus the $212,000, but all of that<br />

money has to go into Riverfront Park and<br />

the hamlet to mitigate stormwater into the<br />

Hudson.”<br />

The $1.2 million will be used for stormwater<br />

improvements to prevent runoff of<br />

stormwater into the river, town grant writer<br />

Nicole Ambrosio said.<br />

“Those renovations will stop a lot of the<br />

surface water [from entering the river],”<br />

Ambrosio said. “It was a Green Innovation<br />

Grant, so the water that comes down off<br />

the street — because the park is below<br />

[street level] — won’t go into the Hudson<br />

River. It will be redone with paved parking<br />

and the planting of trees. I think it will really<br />

look much nicer down there so when<br />

you have festivals, it will be a little safer.”<br />

Riverfront Park annually plays host to a<br />

number of community events, including<br />

the town Christmas tree lighting in December<br />

and the Coeymans Riverfest in September,<br />

as well as Evenings on the Green concerts<br />

and the weekly farmers market, both<br />

in the summer, among many other events<br />

and activities.<br />

In addition to green projects to prevent<br />

stormwater runoff into the river, the project<br />

will also include resurfacing the parking<br />

lot, adding new lights and a new parking<br />

area on Westerlo Street, McHugh said.<br />

Construction is expected to begin in April<br />

<strong>2022</strong>.<br />

Renovations at both parks were spurred by<br />

the COVID-19 pandemic, which put a focus<br />

on areas of the community in need of improvement,<br />

McHugh said.<br />

“COVID spotlighted two major weaknesses<br />

in our town. Our parks were not up to snuff.<br />

They were not at a place we wanted to be.<br />

They were not neglected, but no resources<br />

had been put into those parks for decades,”<br />

the town supervisor said. “When families<br />

are looking for something to do and they<br />

have to do it outdoors and socially distanced,<br />

they look to the parks. I looked<br />

at other towns around us and their parks<br />

looked a lot better than ours. I think the<br />

COVID pandemic really put the spotlight<br />

on that.”<br />

The second issue the pandemic highlighted<br />

was the lack of reliable broadband in<br />

some areas of the town, particularly Coeymans<br />

Hollow and Alcove, McHugh said.<br />

Some of the federal ARPA money will be<br />

used to beef up broadband access in the<br />

town, he added.<br />

The renovated parks will bring a sense of<br />

both community and pride to the town, he<br />

said.<br />

“You should be proud of your parks as a<br />

town and I don’t think we were, before,”<br />

McHugh said. “Now, I think that we have<br />

something to be proud of. These are natural<br />

resources that we should be proud<br />

of and we should make sure our residents<br />

and families can enjoy them.”<br />

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26 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 27


Ravena:<br />

A Main Street rebirth<br />

Our goal is for all students to achieve Enrollment,<br />

Employment, or Enlistment.<br />

Our District Values...<br />

INQUIRY because we believe that it is critical to learning.<br />

COLLABORATION because we believe that it results in<br />

continuous improvement.<br />

RISK-TAKING because we believe it is essential for the growth<br />

of diverse learners.<br />

PARTICIPATION because we believe global citizenship begins<br />

in our <strong>RCS</strong> community.<br />

EMPATHY because we believe everyone’s success depends on<br />

meeting their unique social-emotional and academic needs.<br />

COMMUNITY because we believe a strong community<br />

supports student success.<br />

<strong>RCS</strong> at a Glance<br />

Over 1800 Students Enrolled Over 75 Clubs and Extracurriculars<br />

Student to Faculty Ratio = 9:1<br />

Graduation Rate = 91.7%<br />

23 University, College & AP Courses<br />

46 Athletic Teams<br />

Average Class Size = 17<br />

4 School Buildings<br />

<strong>RCS</strong> received “BEST Communities for Music Education<br />

Award 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021!”<br />

Contact Us! www.<strong>RCS</strong>CSD.org | (518) 756-5200<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

Several murals are a new addition to Main Street in Ravena. This building, owned by Joy Iafallo, sits next to the Ravena firehouse.<br />

By Melanie Lekocevic<br />

Capital Region Independent Media<br />

RAVENA — Times are exciting in the village<br />

of Ravena these days.<br />

New businesses are opening their doors on<br />

Main Street, making for a rebirth of possibilities.<br />

From a newly opened nanobrewery<br />

to a bridal shop, comic book and collectibles<br />

store, and artistic murals adorning<br />

local buildings, the area is experiencing a<br />

renaissance.<br />

“We have had quite a few new businesses<br />

coming in,” said Mayor Bill Misuraca, a business<br />

owner himself. “We have Alli’s Bridal,<br />

which was the old Davis’ Drug Store site,<br />

and we also approved a comic book and<br />

collectibles gaming store that shares that<br />

building with them. Both are on Central Avenue<br />

near Main Street. We’ve got a tattoo<br />

studio/art gallery that is across the street<br />

from the post office in the old Fisk building.<br />

That building has been vacant for years. We<br />

have Hi-Tech Advisers, who moved in next<br />

door to my place, the Halfway House, and<br />

they do cellphone service, internet installation,<br />

satellite TV. The big one everyone has<br />

been talking about is Rail to River Brewing,<br />

which opened the day after Thanksgiving.”<br />

Other businesses are contemplating opening<br />

just off Main Street as well, he said.<br />

“We also have interest in AES on Orchard<br />

Avenue next to the municipal parking lot.<br />

We have been approached for information<br />

about a medical marijuana dispensary, so<br />

that is another one that could be coming<br />

soon if all goes well with the state, now<br />

that [marijuana] is legalized,” Misuraca said.<br />

Another Main Street building recently purchased<br />

could be transformed into a medicinal<br />

and herbal supplement store, the<br />

mayor said.<br />

When Joyce Musso, who owns Hi-Tech Advisers<br />

with her husband, started considering<br />

where to open the family’s storefront,<br />

they didn’t need to look farther than Ravena.<br />

“We sat down and listed all the pros and<br />

cons, and the pros outweighed the cons.<br />

We decided that we needed to look at Main<br />

See RAVENA, page 30<br />

28 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 29


RAVENA, from page 29<br />

Street in Ravena,” Musso said at<br />

a business panel in the village<br />

Dec. 3. “It was like a warm hug<br />

— it was ‘Come, come, we want<br />

you,’ and it really felt like we<br />

were coming home.”<br />

The village is business friendly,<br />

other entrepreneurs agreed.<br />

Steve Douglas, owner of Rail to<br />

River Brewing, said a turning<br />

point for bringing his business<br />

model to life came when the<br />

village’s zoning board gave it<br />

their stamp of approval.<br />

“That was when we knew this<br />

would work,” Douglas said.<br />

“Everybody has been just fantastic,<br />

everybody has been enthusiastic.<br />

The community has<br />

been incredible.”<br />

Rail to River Brewing’s grand<br />

opening the day after Thanksgiving<br />

2021 was a full house,<br />

with customers packing the nanobrewery<br />

to the rafters, with a<br />

line of customers snaking out<br />

the door.<br />

“We have had quite a few new businesses coming<br />

in. We have Alli’s Bridal, which was the old Davis’<br />

Drug Store site, and we also approved a comic<br />

book and collectibles gaming store that shares<br />

that building with them. Both are on<br />

Central Avenue near Main Street.”<br />

— Mayor Bill Misuraca<br />

Musso said a small-town business<br />

can compete against major<br />

national competitors by offering<br />

something those bigger<br />

businesses can’t — the personal<br />

touch.<br />

“We give that personalized service<br />

and we are always there,”<br />

Musso said. “If I am awake, I answer<br />

the phone. We even had a<br />

customer who got their phones<br />

the day before Thanksgiving<br />

and called me and I told them<br />

to come on Thanksgiving. He<br />

couldn’t believe it. So he came<br />

on Thanksgiving and he got his<br />

phones activated.”<br />

A small Main Street business<br />

offers amenities bigger chains<br />

can’t.<br />

“We are always there — you can<br />

always get a hold of us,” Musso<br />

said. “It’s not ‘press 1’ for this,<br />

‘press 2’ for that. People are so<br />

tired of calling places and you<br />

can’t talk to a human.”<br />

As the community continues to<br />

grow, there are challenges that<br />

need to be met, the mayor said.<br />

“The biggest thing that we are<br />

trying to do is upgrade our infrastructure<br />

and our delivery<br />

of water and containment of<br />

wastewater because that is the<br />

bedrock — if you want to open<br />

a business, you have to have<br />

your utilities so the upgrades<br />

to our water plant and distribution<br />

are a big thing. That’s the<br />

very first phase,” Misuraca said.<br />

Several areas in the community<br />

are in a flood plain, so flooding<br />

is an issue in some places. The<br />

village recently built a bioretention<br />

pond off Main Street<br />

behind the municipal parking<br />

lot, and another bioretention<br />

pond is going in at Faith Plaza.<br />

Both projects utilize state grant<br />

money and are aimed at using<br />

green resources to prevent<br />

flooding.<br />

“I think the first one was in the<br />

neighborhood of just under a<br />

half million dollars,” Misuraca<br />

said. “We do as much of the<br />

work in-house as possible,<br />

which keeps the costs very<br />

low because instead of having<br />

to contribute a percentage of<br />

money for a matching grant,<br />

we use our skilled workers to<br />

do the job, which is called ‘inkind.’<br />

It saves us a lot of money<br />

out of pocket.”<br />

See RAVENA, page 32<br />

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PRE-PLANNING AVAILABLE • HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE<br />

Steven Douglas, of Rail to River Brewing on Main Street, working behind the scenes at his new nanobrewery.<br />

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO<br />

30 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 31


MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

Main Street in the village of Ravena is experiencing a renaissance with new businesses moving in and older buildings being renovated.<br />

RAVENA, from page 30<br />

Another challenge is a handful<br />

of vacant and deteriorating<br />

properties on Main Street, the<br />

mayor said.<br />

“We have a couple of properties<br />

— not a lot — that are<br />

neglected and we are working<br />

with the state and the county<br />

to get those either cleaned up<br />

or taken down so we can have<br />

more sites to encourage businesses<br />

to come here,” Misuraca<br />

said.<br />

The village is taking steps to<br />

encourage vacant building<br />

owners to either renovate or<br />

sell their properties, but there<br />

are limits to what the village<br />

can do, he said.<br />

“We have been working closely<br />

with the state — when properties<br />

are held privately and<br />

people own them, if they still<br />

pay their taxes and they are not<br />

dangerous, there is not a whole<br />

lot we can do to force them to<br />

rent them or make them more<br />

eye appealing,” Misuraca said.<br />

“But when they lose them, that<br />

is when we can step in and either<br />

have them taken down to<br />

make more parking, like we did<br />

when we created a parking lot<br />

where the old Backroom Tavern<br />

was on Russell Place. You need<br />

parking for a business, so by<br />

creating that parking lot and<br />

the one next to the post office,<br />

we are setting the stage for<br />

businesses to come because<br />

they have adequate parking for<br />

their customers.”<br />

Joy Iafallo, chairwoman of the<br />

<strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Business Association<br />

and a local realtor, has<br />

purchased several buildings on<br />

Main Street in the village and<br />

See RAVENA, page 33<br />

RAVENA, from page 32<br />

predicts the area will continue<br />

its revival.<br />

“Main Street is an up-and-coming<br />

area and it’s definitely making<br />

its turn in the cycle,” Iafallo<br />

said. “It’s going to be a great<br />

place to invest. There is a lot<br />

happening in Ravena.”<br />

A new trend in the village<br />

among a couple of business<br />

owners has been having murals<br />

painted on the sides of<br />

buildings, brightening up Main<br />

Street. One of Iafallo’s buildings,<br />

next to the Ravena firehouse,<br />

has a colorful mural of<br />

a poppy adorning its side. Another<br />

mural is a unique painting<br />

of trains and railroad tracks<br />

on the exterior of Trackside Pizza<br />

on Railroad Avenue, just off<br />

Main Street.<br />

Iafallo said she hopes to bring<br />

more murals to Main Street.<br />

“I want to do more of them,”<br />

she said. “People seem to love<br />

them, so I am going to keep<br />

going.”<br />

One challenge that Main Street<br />

in the village does not have<br />

that other nearby communities<br />

are struggling with is the lack<br />

of adequate broadband service.<br />

Internet access is plentiful<br />

on Main Street, Misuraca said.<br />

“We have State Tel, DSL and<br />

fiber optic, and having a business<br />

on Main Street — for me,<br />

anyway — we have no issues<br />

with Wi-fi and internet service<br />

in our business district,” the<br />

mayor said. “That is more of an<br />

issue for outlying areas, where<br />

State Tel doesn’t service.”<br />

When businesses grow, residential<br />

growth is sure to follow,<br />

Judi Gabler of Gabler Realty<br />

said at the December business<br />

panel.<br />

“Business, good business, helps<br />

attract more residential value<br />

and it will bring people in to<br />

live here,” Gabler said. “We are<br />

business friendly and we need<br />

to get that word out there.”<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

Steven and Tracy Douglas, owners of Rail to River Brewing, behind the bar on their nanobrewery’s opening night Nov. 26. The community<br />

turned out in force to welcome the new business to the community.<br />

Hi-Tech Advisers, one of the newest businesses in the village<br />

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO<br />

32 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 33


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By Melanie Lekocevic<br />

Capital Region Independent Media<br />

SELKIRK — There are few businesses as impactful on the local<br />

area as the railroad industry.<br />

In the 1800s, the railroad was the impetus for the creation<br />

of the village of Ravena, historians say, and today the Selkirk<br />

Yard now owned by CSX is a major employer and revenue<br />

generator in Selkirk, where the original Ravena railyard relocated<br />

in 1924.<br />

The yard was built in Ravena in the 19th century by industry<br />

pioneer New York Central Railroad, which was eventually acquired<br />

by industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1867.<br />

The railroad has impacted the local region for well over 100 years.<br />

See RAILROADS, page 36<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

34 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 35


COURTESY OF RAVENA COEYMANS HISTORICAL SOCIETY<br />

A postcard of the West Shore Railroad Station that was formerly in the village of<br />

Ravena.<br />

COURTESY OF RAVENA COEYMANS HISTORICAL SOCIETY<br />

A historical photo of the workers employed at the Ravena railroad yard. The yard was<br />

moved to Selkirk in 1920.<br />

The CSX rail yard, originally in Ravena and now in Selkirk, has had a major impact on both communities’ history.<br />

The CSX railroad crossing on Creble Road in Selkirk.<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

RAILROADS, from page 35<br />

For the local area, the freight and two passenger<br />

lines originally based in Ravena were<br />

powerful forces in the village’s evolution.<br />

“Ravena exists because of the railroad,” Ravena<br />

Coeymans Historical Society Trustee John<br />

Bonafide said. “It’s where New York Central located<br />

a roundhouse. There have always been<br />

a couple of railroads running through the<br />

community, New York Central being the most<br />

prominent. Its line dates from the late 1800s<br />

and that is what actually gave rise to Coeymans<br />

Junction, which is now Ravena.”<br />

A roundhouse is a building where locomotives<br />

are stored and serviced.<br />

Originally named Coeymans Junction, the village<br />

was renamed at the behest of the local<br />

post office.<br />

“It was because of the railroad that Ravena<br />

happened. Originally, we were called Coeymans<br />

Junction — the problem was that there<br />

was a lot of confusion between Coeymans<br />

See RAILROADS, page 37<br />

COURTESY OF RAVENA COEYMANS HISTORICAL SOCIETY<br />

A historical photo of the round house and water tanks at the Ravena rail yard.<br />

RAILROADS, from page 36<br />

Junction and Coeymans Landing,<br />

and the post office made them<br />

change it from Coeymans Junction<br />

to something else, and that<br />

is how the name Ravena came<br />

about,” Ravena Coeymans Historical<br />

Society Vice President Roger<br />

Wilber said.<br />

But the origins of the name “Ravena”<br />

are steeped in ambiguity<br />

— historians have long argued<br />

about where the name came<br />

from.<br />

“It’s a real mystery — we haven’t<br />

been able to figure that out at all,”<br />

Wilber said. “It was changed in the<br />

1890s.”<br />

What isn’t a mystery is the impact<br />

of the original railyard on the village.<br />

“There were people working in<br />

the brickyards, which were the<br />

Coeymans residents, and in the<br />

western end of the town was the<br />

farming community and a lot of<br />

the mills,” Bonafide said. “Ravena<br />

grew up as the railroad community,<br />

so the men who moved to<br />

Ravena — or Coeymans Junction<br />

— tended to work the railroads,<br />

and that is what gave rise to Main<br />

Street and all the housing. Everything<br />

you see here really revolved<br />

around the business of the railroad<br />

in Ravena.”<br />

The railyard that is now on 1,250<br />

acres in Selkirk, according to<br />

“Conrail’s Selkirk Yard: A Visitor’s<br />

Guide,” was originally in Ravena<br />

where a residential development<br />

now sits.<br />

“Before Selkirk Yard, the yard was<br />

in Ravena by where Magnolia Circle<br />

is today,” Ravena Coeymans<br />

Historical Society President Joseph<br />

Boehlke said. “It was the major<br />

hub for the Northeast United<br />

COURTESY OF RAVENA COEYMANS HISTORICAL SOCIETY<br />

The railroad was a major employer in Ravena’s history.<br />

States until it moved to Selkirk<br />

in 1924. But it was here from the<br />

early 1880s to 1924 when it outgrew<br />

this area.”<br />

In addition to freight service<br />

transporting goods around the<br />

country, the Ravena yard also<br />

had two passenger stations, with<br />

trains ferrying passengers between<br />

Albany and New York City.<br />

One of the stations was off Railroad<br />

Avenue in the village, and<br />

the other was where the village<br />

garage is now located, Boehlke<br />

said.<br />

The West Shore Railroad Station,<br />

built on Railroad Avenue in 1883,<br />

offered eight passenger trains<br />

See RAILROADS, page 38<br />

36 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 37


RAILROADS, from page 37<br />

daily heading north toward Albany, and nine<br />

going south towards New York City, according<br />

to the permanent railroad exhibit on<br />

display at the Ravena Coeymans Historical<br />

Society Museum.<br />

“This came to an end when the rail business<br />

was moved to Selkirk in 1924,” according to<br />

the exhibit. “A new station was built about<br />

one-quarter mile south of the old station in<br />

Ravena. The old station was taken down a<br />

short time after that.”<br />

The railroad drew many new residents to<br />

Ravena looking to make their living via the<br />

railroads.<br />

“It was a major employer in the town,” Boehlke<br />

said. “The railroad is how Ravena grew.”<br />

A large portion of the newcomers drawn to<br />

Ravena by the railroad were immigrants from<br />

Italy and elsewhere, Wilber said.<br />

The railyard moved to Selkirk in 1924. The<br />

move came three years before the rail industry<br />

marked its centennial in 1927, according<br />

to CSX, which now owns the Selkirk Yard.<br />

Originally sited on 700 acres when the Selkirk<br />

Yard was built by New York Central Railroad in<br />

1924, the facility was rebuilt on an expanded<br />

1,250 acres in 1968, and has seen upgrades<br />

through the years since that time.<br />

The yard remains a vital hub for CSX in the<br />

Northeast and is one of three major terminals<br />

for the company in New York state, with<br />

the other two based in Syracuse and Buffalo,<br />

according to the CSX website. It is the largest<br />

yard of its kind in the region.<br />

The company has been in operation nationally<br />

for 193 years and employs 19,282<br />

workers across the country. The CSX transportation<br />

network transports goods across<br />

a 20,000 route-mile network of tracks, with<br />

1,642 trains operating daily, according to the<br />

company website.<br />

Many of those trains pass through the Selkirk<br />

Yard, which remains a major hub for the<br />

railroad. The company generated more than<br />

$10 billion in revenue in 2020, according to<br />

CSX’s most recent annual report.<br />

The Selkirk Yard saw the sixth highest level of<br />

volume of all CSX yards and terminals across<br />

the country in 2020, handling 597,966 railcars<br />

and intermodal containers throughout<br />

the year, according to the 2020 annual report.<br />

In 2018, the Selkirk Yard processed the<br />

third-highest amount of volume for the company<br />

that year, behind CSX’s Chicago terminal<br />

and a yard in Waycross, Georgia, according<br />

to the 2018 annual report.<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

The rail tracks as seen from an overpass on Route 9W in Selkirk.<br />

A CSX train waits on the rails in Selkirk.<br />

MELANIE LEKOCEVIC/CAPITAL REGION INDEPENDENT MEDIA<br />

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38 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 39


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40 • <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> <strong>RCS</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Guidebook</strong> • 41


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