Port Jervis buys 565 acres to enhance its Watershed Park and Recreational Area

The City of Port Jervis purchased 565 acres of the Boehmler Pond property in Deer Park, N.Y., Mayor Dominic Cicalese announced at the March 24 Common Council meeting.

The land borders the Port Jervis Watershed Park and Recreational Area and it contains several sources of the city water supply.

“Additional biking and hiking trails will be added to our already renowned ‘watershed hiking and biking trail system’” the mayor noted in his state of the city address.

In other business

Four city properties have been sold for $10,006. The closing on properties on Owen Street, Ball Street, North Orange Street and Sussex Street was held on March 24. Monopoly Holdings LLC and Baltic Avenue Properties LLC are the new owners.

Two public hearing dates were set for Local Laws #4 and #5 of 2025. Local Law #4 covers the Tri-States commercial district overlay zone. The hearing will be held May 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Local Law #5 is designed to prohibit camping and sleeping in public areas. The hearing will be held on April 14 at 6:30 p.m.

A bill to reinstate the virtual arraignments in Orange County has been sent to the state for review. Born out of COVID, virtual arraignments allow the judge to appear via Zoom and eliminate travel to out of town courts thereby keeping city officers in the city. The return to in person arraignments has brought to the forefront the time and money required for the in-person arraignment system, and it may no longer be cost effective.

A motion was passed for Cicalese to sign a contract with Frontier Communications to provide telephone and information technology services. Upgrades to the city telephone system and the installation of fiber optic internet service are planned.

The mayor commented that the upgrades are overdue and that working with Frontier will allow the city to save money.

The city will be applying for an $825,000 grant through senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Congressionally Directed Spending program. The funds will be used to replace a 2002 heavy duty fire engine.

Senior Citizen Club

The Senior Citizen Club of Port Jervis continues to have it meetings at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The club is currently accepting new members. Seniors interested in learning about the club are invited to attend a meeting as a guest before making any commitments to the group. The membership fee for the year is $10 with dues of $2 for each meeting. The club sponsors trips throughout the year and often has guest speakers at the meetings which are held at Hanson Hall, 170 W Main Street in Port Jervis.

Citywide yard sale

The 2025 citywide yard sale is scheduled for May 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.