Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Fishkill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues with high priority
Police staffing and possible shift to full-time officers
The supervisor floated banking tax money to hire full-time patrol officers by 2028-29, citing chronic part-time staffing struggles; council members objected that no plan exists and demanded a public hearing and department review before any commitment.
133 Old Route 9 site work without approvals?
A resident said heavy site development — grading, stone fill, hundreds of truckloads — has continued for seven months on the commercial parcel with no board approvals or neighbor notification, raising stormwater and groundwater concerns.
Home Rule Request for Police Chief Retirement Law
Chief Christopher Strattner resigned after one year, during which he delivered the department's first full rules-and-regulations manual since 1972, body cameras, and updated equipment. Jason Murtaug was named officer in charge; some members wanted his background made public.
Commercial Development Extensions and Expansions
A medical facility is expanding with a new 24,000-square-foot building addition, parking upgrades, and improved site circulation. The board cleared the final environmental hurdles and prepared a resolution for final approval.
Data Center Development
Fishkill locals are fighting a huge new 1-gigawatt AI data center because they're terrified it's going to jack up their utility bills and drain local resources. It's a classic clash between big tech expansion and everyday folks footing the bill.