Beacon · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Beacon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Howland Avenue seven-lot subdivision
A proposal to replace two existing homes with seven new house lots and a new city road would add neighborhood traffic and change the character of Howland Avenue. Stormwater basins and utility extensions are part of the plan.
Pedestrian Easement Modification at 18-20 West Main Street
The property owner at 18-20 West Main Street wants the city to modify a utility and pedestrian path easement reserved when the city sold the adjoining land in 2017, to accommodate redevelopment. The utilities would go underground along Beekman Street and the path requirement would be adjusted.
Revised FMLA Leave Policy for City Employees
The city is updating its family and medical leave policy for the first time since 2015. It spells out how city workers take job-protected leave for births, health conditions, and military family needs.
Criminal Justice Policy
Beacon's new criminal justice adviser is facing heavy backlash after old social media posts surfaced where they called to abolish the police and demand reparations. This has sparked intense debate among residents and local leaders about whether this person is fit for the job.
Falconer Street Home Addition Setback Relief
A homeowner requested setback relief to replace a dilapidated shed with a larger prefabricated structure, supported by neighboring property owners.
Road Construction
Heads up, drivers—Beacon's October paving schedule is here, bringing temporary street closures and parking lot shutdowns to spots like Cliff and Church streets. Move your car now or risk getting towed this month.
Public Transportation
The Newburgh-Beacon ferry is temporarily back in action, giving commuters a quick way across the river. If this is your main route, you'll definitely want to check the schedule before it pauses again.
Variance Extension for Beekman Street Mixed-Use Development
The developers of 45 Beekman Street received a one-year extension on their parking variance while they work through state department of transportation approvals and property appraisals.
Driveway Variance Request at 39 Masters Place
A homeowner is asking for permission to build a wider driveway right on his property line and in his front yard. Neighbors and board members are concerned about cars parked so close to property boundaries and whether another side of the house could be used instead.
Tioronda Avenue Parking and Traffic Congestion
The city updated parking rules to improve safety near the Fishkill Avenue intersection, rename a former firehouse parking lot with resident spaces, and crack down on drivers who take up multiple parking spots.
Tree Preservation and Driveway Placement at 108 Liberty Street
Developers sought a setback variance for a driveway on a newly subdivided lot to avoid cutting down mature spruce trees along Liberty Street. The board weighed the neighborhood impact and successfully preserved the trees.
Beacon-Hopewell Rail Trail Construction and SEQRA Exemption
The city declared the rail trail project exempt from state environmental review following new state legislation, moving forward with engineering design and a potential fall site walk.
Verizon Cable Franchise Agreement
The city received a proposed cable television franchise agreement from Verizon New York Inc. and initiated the review process leading up to a scheduled public hearing.
Retroactive Variance for Wesley Avenue Deck
A homeowner selling her house discovered that an approved and built deck lacked necessary setback and coverage variances due to a building department error. The zoning board stepped in to grant the variances so the home sale could proceed.
Hudson River Ferry Restoration Advocacy
Several community members and advocates spoke in favor of restoring a seasonal weekend ferry service between Beacon and Newburgh, presenting a business report indicating strong local support.
School Budget
Beacon voters just said yes to the local school budget, locking in funding so our public schools won't face any sudden cuts this year. It's a big win for keeping classrooms running smoothly without drama.
Renewable Energy
Beacon just turned on a brand-new solar array, which means cleaner energy for the city and lower utility bills for everyone. It's a huge win for local sustainability efforts and keeps taxpayer money in our pockets.