Environmental Issues
Salt on the Roads
Beekman’s Conservation Advisory Committee is beginning to address the practice of spreading salt on winter roads. Salt reduces icy conditions, but it also sickens wildlife, weakens trees, and invades human wells. Neighboring Union Vale has found that less salt is needed if it is put down just prior to a snow or ice storm. Their highway department also dilutes the salt somewhat with sand. A member of our advisory committee, a high school science teacher, has asked one of her classes to investigate the uses and alternatives to salt, and our committee will hear their report soon.
The Greenhaven Road Solar Community Project
For a year, an out-of-town business has brought a proposal to the Beekman Planning and Zoning Boards to install solar panels on Greenhaven Road. At its January meeting, the Planning Board gave its approval, although it is contingent on an agreement between two neighbors. Several residents have objected to the plan, primarily over cutting down trees. In view of these complaints, the applicant has found ways to save about 20 trees, but nearly 300 will be removed.
The Cemco Development Group Project
Developers seek permission to join two lots for housing construction on Pleasant Ridge Road. The area contains a steep slope, which invites soil erosion. Beekman’s Comprehensive Plan says the Town should “prohibit development on steep slopes” (NR Action, 1.1.2). The applicant also proposes to cut down about 80 trees. The Cemoc Group keeps postponing its appearances before the planning Board. The next opportunity for the public to raise these points is February 16.
Editorial: Are Trees Replaceable?
Town boards frequently approve tree removal if at least some younger ones are planted. But are trees replaceable?
Not to wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and other animals especially need older trees because they have cavities that provide them with homes. When developers cut down the mature trees, theanimals become homeless.
Among the animals who need mature trees are honeybees. Their nests are typically 20 feet above ground—much higher than most newly planted trees. Honeybees are a lynch pin species that pollinates much of the earth’s plant life. Other species, including humans, cannot afford for bees to lose their homes.
Town planning boards generally approve of the removal of dead trees. But dead trees also provide wildlife habitats. Moreover, as they de-compose they enrich the soil. Their life spans are part of Nature’s cycles.
Humans need trees for oxygen. And, by absorbing carbon dioxide, they defend us from global warming. When developers replace a mature tree, it will take decades before the new tree is large enough to provide these benefits to the same degree.
I have focused on the importance of older trees. But all trees, young and old are valuable. Recent research suggests that many trees may live in communities that feed one another and alert one another of dangers. Destroying some trees can harm those remaining.
. Let’s learn more about the value of trees before cutting them down. –Bill Crain
Beekman Government Offices
Ethics Board Confusion
At the Town Board’s September 14, 2021, meeting, members of the Beekman Democratic Committee expressed concern about the impartiality of the Ethics Board. Can Board members who have worked for the Town render unbiased decisions with respect to colleagues and supervisors? In response, on September 28, 2021, the Town Board adopted a resolution stating that all complaints against town officials would be referred to the County Ethics Committee. It appears, however, that the County will not hear complaints from Beekman. Supervisor Covucci has stated that a newly formed Ethics Committee, consisting of members from several towns, will review any complaints against Beekman officials. It is not known if this new committee is active or who its members might be.
Elections
In the November, 2022, election, Frank Lemak won a seat on the Town Board. He ran on the Republican and Conservative lines and was unopposed..
In the November 7, 2023, General Election, Beekman voters will have a chance to elect two Board Members, a Supervisor, a Town Clerk, and two Town Justices.
These positions are currently held by Board Members Sharon Wohrman and Werner Stiegler; Supervisor Mary Covucci; Town Clerk Laureeen Abbatantuoro; and Justices Robert Ferris and John Garito. It is not known which officials will stand for reelection.
Voting Changes
At the Democratic County Meeting in January, Hannah Black, our Democratic Commissioner of Elections at the Dutchess County Board of Elections, shared these incoming changes:
- Beginning with the next election, online voting registration will be allowed until the first day of early voting, which is 10 days before an election.
- No COVID absentee excuses will be allowed.
- The terms “Independent” and “Independence” can no longer be used to refer to a political party.
Bill Crain
Newsletter Editor
Contributors: Susan Glavich, Barbara Walsh