Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Fishkill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues
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.
2027 Tentative Budget and Tax Levy Increase
The board was poised to allow a roughly $58 tax increase on the median-assessed home ($502,000) by breaking the state tax cap, but punted to November 18 amid resident concerns about affordability and uneven employee raises. The supervisor pledged a below-cap alternative cutting most raises to 2%.
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.
Route 52/82 roundabout and water-facility adjustments
A roughly $7 million state roundabout at Route 52/82 will include sidewalks, lighting, and a water loop system that saves Brinckerhoff Water District residents about $1 million. The town takes over landscape maintenance, and the state needs permission to move town water lines.
HOA transparency and accountability
Councilman Przytula pushed for a town permitting or registry system for HOAs after residents reported being denied financial reports and voting rights. The town attorney will research feasibility, possibly via local law.
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.
Blodgett Memorial Library Expansion and Bond Referendum
The Blodgett Memorial Library presented a $6.9 million upgrade project for accessibility and additions, which will ultimately require town board bond issuance and district taxpayer backing.
Regulation of Trailer and Boat Parking on Town Highways
The board discussed a new local law regulating the storage of boats and trailers on town roads, adding a 48-hour notice and towing provision.
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.