Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.