Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Fishkill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
Riverview Market and Lofts Density and Zoning Compliance
A new proposal for a mixed-use development featuring 142 residential condominium-style units and over 91,000 square feet of commercial retail, including a grocery store on Route 9D.
Local Law Regulating Noise Control
The town is updating its noise code to include enforceable decibel limits using sound meters. Residents are urging the board to carefully consider decibel thresholds to protect residential neighborhoods from excessive commercial and industrial noise.
Demolition and Remediation of Unsafe Property at 89 Lyndon Road
The town is reviewing an unsafe building case at 89 Lyndon Road following a fire. The property owner has been given two weeks to secure rebuilding quotes or explore selling the property as-is before demolition proceeds.
Fishkill Medical Park Sewage-Works Corporation
Developers are establishing a private sewage-works corporation and escrow agreement under state transportation law to handle wastewater for the new Fishkill Medical Park on Snook Road.
E-Bike and Motorized Scooter Safety Concerns
Residents expressed strong safety concerns regarding reckless e-bike and moped riding on sidewalks and local roads. The police department and town board are drafting a local law modeled after other jurisdictions to regulate underage riders and vehicle impoundments.
Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Withdrawal of Zoning Determination
Residents expressed strong opposition to proposed parking expansions and zoning changes near Dutchess Manor and Coris Lane for the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, citing severe traffic, safety risks, and tourist overcrowding. Town leaders assured residents that no zoning changes would be considered unless the community was in agreement.
Data Center Moratorium
East Fishkill just slammed a three-year pause on new data centers to figure out how they affect local power and resources. This means tech development will slow down in the area while the town writes up a new game plan.
Moratorium on Data Centers
East Fishkill just put a three-year timeout on new data centers to figure out how they impact the town. Local leaders want to hit pause and study the environmental and infrastructural consequences before letting tech companies build more facilities.
Dutchess Park Sewer District Emergency Repair Assessment
The town is proposing a one-time $191 per-parcel assessment to help residents in the Dutchess Park Sewer District pay for emergency force main repairs costing over $400,000.
High-Consumption Industrial Development and AI Data Centers
The town is exploring new zoning rules to regulate massive utility-consuming projects like AI data centers, proposing special use permits and mandatory public referendums to protect local power grids and water supplies.
Data Center Proposal
Locals in East Fishkill are fighting a massive new data center because they're worried about how much power it will suck up and how it will change the area. Expect some heated town meetings over zoning and development as this project moves forward.
Dedication of Revolutionary War Soldiers Burial Ground
Property owners and town officials debated historical designations and archaeological findings concerning Revolutionary War soldier burials and local property rights.