The Peru Gazette

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By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY At its regular meeting on March 25, 2024, The Peru Town Board acted on or discussed several ongoing issues, including affordable housing and water treatment.  

The board took a necessary first step to be named a pro-housing community, passing (5-0) a resolution affirming its wish to address the housing crisis by adopting the pro-housing community pledge. A Pro-Housing designated community will receive funding priority for several state discretionary programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the N.Y. Forward program, and more. Click here to view the resolution

The pledge includes:

• Streamlining permitting for multi-family housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.
• Adopting policies that affirmatively further fair housing.
• Increasing development capacity for residential use.
• Enacting policies that encourage a broad range of housing development, including multi-family housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.

Peru’s water treatment plant has issues meeting County Health Department water turbidity regulations before and immediately after heavy rain. The board hired consultants Barton and Loguidice of Albany, NY, to determine what the town must do to bring the plant into compliance. Capital improvements are likely necessary. 

The board authorized AES Northeast to submit a Clean Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) Grant Application for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The board rejected a 25% WIIA grant two years ago because it fell far below project cost estimates. Now, it hopes to qualify for a 50% grant. In late March, Courtney Tetrault also submitted information on the upgrade to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for consideration. Hopefully, Congresswoman Stefanik will support the project when the town applies for a federal grant. 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) mandated that Peru officially decommission its unused Brand Hollow Road wastewater bed and the associated cement block building. Courtney Tetrault told the board, “I have the $33,000 engineering cost in my budget.” The board plans to find a solution before its next meeting. 

Peru is considering a shared services agreement with the Town of Ausable, whereby Courtney Tetrault will assist Ausable with its wastewater treatment issues. Tetrault said he would work 30 hours quarterly in Ausable, traveling to and from Ausable in a Town of Peru vehicle. Town Attorney Matt Favro wants a written agreement setting Tetrault’s priorities, especially if a region-wide emergency ever ensues. 

Councilman Jim Douglass conducted an internal audit of the Peru Town Court. Douglass said the court’s records are well organized and things are being done well. He added, “The court is very busy!” 

The board approved the planning board’s recommendation to appoint retired Peru High School teacher Jerry McGovern as an alternate planning board member. The term of office is seven years. 

The Youth Commission has a new member, Adam Senecal. He replaces John Whitmarsh.  

Matthew Burnell will join the Water-Sewer-Parks Department as a part-time seasonal laborer at a $17.26 hourly pay rate. Courtney Tetrault said he received ten applications for the position. 

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup expects another solar energy project proposal very shortly. The town requires a “public benefit” payment from solar farm developers. Guynup suggested using the public benefit money to hire a professional to help complete the ongoing zoning law update. 

Matt Favro complimented Dog Control Officer T’Chaka Sikelianos for resolving a recent dangerous dog incident. Sikeliaianos said the town needs to identify a facility that is willing to take dangerous dogs. Dr. Erik Eaglefeather of Eagle’s Nest Veterinary Clinic offers the service at $500 annually. The board will contact Dr. Eaglefeather.  

The meeting adjourned to an executive session at 6:56 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and personnel issues. The board did not take any action following the executive session. 

A Collaborative Exhibition Commemorating the 2024 Solar Eclipse

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – April 4, 2024) Strand Center for the Arts and SUNY Plattsburgh have collaborated on a gallery exhibition to commemorate the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse. The “Darkness & Light” exhibition will be displayed at two locations and run from Friday, April 5, to Saturday, April 27.

There will be two opening reception events; one event for each location.

The Strand Center for the Arts will host its opening reception on Friday, April 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Artworks that fit the theme of “Darkness” will be displayed in the SCA’s gallery.

SUNY Plattsburgh will host its opening reception on the following day, Saturday, April 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. Artworks that fit the theme of “Light” will be displayed in the Benjamin F. Feinberg Library on the college’s campus. Read more »

It’s really an all-you-can-eat brunch! All welcome!!!!!

Team of specialists now offers appointments to accommodate patients’ busy schedules

PLATTSBURGH, NY (4/02/2024) – To accommodate today’s busy lifestyles and provide more convenient appointment times, the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Rehabilitation Services Department has expanded its hours. Patient appointments can now be scheduled as early as 6:30 am thru 5 pm, Monday thru Friday.

Offering physical, occupational and speech therapy services for people in all stages of life, the personable, professional team of professionals and support staff work with patients and their providers to develop individualized treatment plans. The CVPH Rehabilitation team is committed to helping patients achieve their goals using the latest treatment approaches and state-of-the-art equipment.

Limited handicapped parking is in front of the Rehab Center at 210 Cornelia St., Suite 101.  Please plan accordingly. Appointments can be made by calling 518-562-4616. A physician referral is required. For more information about all rehabilitation services available at CVPH, visit https://www.UVMHealth.org/CVPHRehabilitation.

Plattsburgh – The galaxy needs your help at the upcoming Autism Walk.

Hosted by the Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY, a Star Wars-themed walk will take place on May 4 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. Participants are encouraged to don their best Star Wars costumes and join forces for a good cause. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and their families.

Registration and activities begin at 9:30 am, and the walk starts at 11:00. There will be music, food trucks, raffles, bounce houses, children’s activities, and more.

Visit aaneny.org to register, donate, or volunteer for the event.

Peru, NY – April 4, 2024. U.S. Rural Postal Mail Carrier Cassandra Rabideau and hundreds of other postal service carriers aren’t letting today’s heavy, wet snow stop them from delivering mail. She even exited her truck and walked our mail to the mailbox. Thank you to Cassandra, and to all the dedicated U.S. Postal Service employees.

The Peru Highway Department reports receiving calls about trees down on or along several secondary roads, such as Calkins Road, Connors Road, Patent Rd, Mannix Road, and Peasleeville Road.

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the High School Cafeteria. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed. Read more »

In Plattsburgh, N.Y., success looks different for everyone stopping to look up.

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Wilk led the Monsters to three FCBL championships, winning it all in the team’s inaugural 2021 season. Wilk is the winningest manager in Georgetown University baseball history

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Suspect was taken into custody by Essex Co. Sheriff’s at a Stewart’s store shortly after the shooting

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Former ARC employee fined, ordered to pay restitution and serve probation and community service

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Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

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The Town Of Peru Town Board has called a Special Meeting on April 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Peru Town Hall to approve the Bill Pay Warrant.

Vilas staff preparing move to new residence

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