Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 issues with low priority
Scarlet Oak Tree Preservation at 123 Grand Street
The city proposes spending $2,500 on soil reinvigoration to preserve the landmark scarlet oak tree at 123 Grand Street.
County Tax Exemption for Reservoir and Filter Plant Properties
The city renews its agreement to keep its reservoir and filter plant properties off Orange County's tax rolls for 2028 — but the Town of New Windsor still charges the city taxes, costing hundreds of thousands.
Local resident contractors and the $3.2 million award
Councilmember Shakur relayed calls from Newburgh plumbers and contractors worried that a large $3.2 million contract may go out bid-wide to big outside firms instead of local resident contractors.
Civil Service operations budget
Civil Service, which handles hiring rules for the city, the school district, and the housing authority, is asking for essentially the same budget — just $500 more for travel with gas prices over $5 a gallon.
City archives need a permanent plan
The clerk's office is juggling a flood of FOIL requests — roughly 80-100 a year — while irreplaceable historical records sit in aging, flood-vulnerable storage at 123 Grand Street and the courthouse.
Board member training
Council members pushed for baseline training for planning and zoning board members — Robert's Rules, environmental review law updates — using free state resources rather than big spending.
Special-use-permit signs and public hearings
The Planning Board is adding printing costs for on-property signs so neighbors know when a special-use permit is pending, and wants a policy conversation about when public hearings should be held.
Reinstatement to eligible list (K. Thomas)
K. Thomas asked the commission for reinstatement to an eligible list, which would restore the ability to be considered for appointment from that list.
Real Property Data Collector job description amendment
A proposed amendment to the Real Property Data Collector job description, which can change the duties and qualifications for that municipal position.
Account Clerk exam scheduling
A request for an alternate test date for the Account Clerk exam, with the exam itself set for October 17, 2026, affects candidates' ability to compete for city jobs.
Broadway stop sign removal
An ordinance would have removed a stop sign affected by the ongoing Broadway pedestrian and traffic signal improvement project.
Honorary Street Designation - Sadie Tallie Way
The late Sadie Tallie, a longtime youth mentor and community leader, would get a street corner named for her — but the original spot is already the Julius Robinson dedication, so the corner moves to Farrington and Chambers.
Orange County Youth Bureau relocation
Council wants to explore why the Youth Bureau moved from Broadway to Goshen and whether it can come back to the city.
Water Plant and Recreation Facility Assessments
Small contracts were scheduled for a $14,500 concrete evaluation at the drinking water filtration plant and a $923 asbestos test at the Recreation Department's Quonset huts.
City Court Overtime Budget Line
A resolution was scheduled to create a new overtime line for the City Court and move $15,000 to cover it.
2026 Fourth of July fireworks celebration
A $25,000 contract with July 4 Ever Fireworks was on the agenda for the city's Independence Day show.
2026 Fourth of July Celebration
The city's annual Independence Day fireworks show depends on a $25,000 contract with July 4 Ever Fireworks, Inc. and Rocco Polifrone. The council was scheduled to consider the deal.
Lockwood Basin Fish Stocking
The city will spend $4,980 to stock largemouth bass and feeder fish at Masterson Park for a kids' catch-and-release fishery, and will ask Orange County to add city ponds to its annual stocking program.
Broadway Deed Restriction Releases
Two resolutions would free 59 and 75 Broadway from old restrictive covenants and re-entry rights dating to the Mandel deeds — likely clearing title for redevelopment of these Broadway corridor properties.
Hudson Highlands Conservation Act Membership
A resolution of support was proposed affirming Newburgh's intent to join the Federal Highlands Conservation Act Region, which supports conservation of the Highlands region.
Council Retreat & Strategic Plan
The council wants a facilitated retreat to build a unified strategic plan — locally, ideally at SUNY Orange — covering goals, priorities, conflict resolution and unification. A draft RFP is circulating.
MS4 stormwater compliance
The council was asked to sign the state-required annual stormwater report, keeping Newburgh in compliance with its MS4 permit.
Church parking near Soul Saving Station
A congregant described members getting ticketed while attending Sunday services and requested temporary parking restrictions, handicapped signage, and designated parking. The council will refer it to the transportation committee.
Snow removal and accessibility for disabled residents
Tracy Wallace asked the city to clear curb ramps and bus routes per the ADA, and to adopt a three-warning removal policy for disruptive meeting attendees; the council took the items under advisement.
Restrictive Covenant Releases (Lutheran Street and City Terrace)
The council was scheduled to consider releasing restrictive covenants on two properties — 39/37 Lutheran Street and 23A City Terrace — which can clear the way for redevelopment.
FOIL request – PSOA
A Freedom of Information Law request involving the PSOA was on the agenda. How the commission handles records requests matters for government transparency.
FOIL request for long-term civil service records
Someone has asked the city to hand over roughly 30 years of records under the state's Freedom of Information Law. The commission has 20 calendar days to respond and may seek more time if needed.
NYS Civil Service Transformation
New York State is rethinking how civil service works and is holding regional forums to gather input. The commission plans to attend the February 17 forum in Hyde Park.