Is spring mowing in Mamakating threatening the town’s wildlife? That question came up at the town board’s May 7 meeting. Some citizens there worried that the Highway Department’s tree- and brush-trimming efforts, while well-meaning, could nevertheless be hurting Basha Kill plants and animals.

The issue arose during public comment, when Mamakatian Mary Allison Farley took the microphone to say that she’d recently gone for a walk on Haven Road in the Basha Kill and been disturbed to see the shoulders mowed “in an excessive fashion” that had destroyed small trees and shrubs. The road lies in the center of the wetlands, she noted, and is a habitat for butterflies and birds. A biologist walking in the area was “very, very upset” by the mowing, she said.

Highway Superintendent Thomas Morrow responded that his department’s mower is old and not in optimal condition.

Another speaker added that the old mower’s “hack job,” as she put it, came in spring, the nesting season for area birds. Their nests and hatchlings could be destroyed, she implied. In addition, said another speaker, the type of damage done to the trees promotes disease that can spread to other trees. Farley suggested that biologists and environmentalists be brought into consultation with the Highway Department, to mitigate over-mowing in the future.

The board also dealt with the matter of a structure at 20 Old Turnpike Road, near Bloomingburg, that the Building Inspector’s Office has deemed unsafe. The board voted to set a due process hearing for the owner for May 21, its next meeting. If no response is received by then, the board will have the right to have the structure demolished and charge the owner for the costs of demolition. “It’s a mess,” Town Supervisor Michael Robbins said of the property.

Longer term

The town board approved beginning a process to lengthen the highway superintendent’s term from its current two years to four years. To make the change, the proposal must be put to the community for a vote by placing it on Mamakating’s November 2024 election ballot. For that to happen, however, a public hearing must first be held. The board set it for May 21 at 6 p.m. Highway Superintendent Morrow said at the May 7 meeting that he favors extending the term.

And Ward 3 Councilperson Matt Mordas encouraged Mamakatians to vote in any of the three school budget elections whose districts they find themselves in. Elections for all three will be held on May 21. For people who pay taxes to the Pine Bush Central School District, their polling place will be at Circleville Elementary School on State Route 202, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Ellenville Central School District’s polling site is at the village’s Senior High School at 28 Maple Avenue in Ellenville, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those taxed by the Monticello Central School District, vote at Emma Chase Elementary School at 28 Pennsylvania Ave. in Wurtsboro, also from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mordas said voting is important to “make sure people in power know they’re being watched” during the school budget making process.

Coming events

Meanwhile, springtime events are coming up. Robbins said the town park’s pool is set to open during Memorial Day weekend if the weather then is warm enough for swimming. If it’s “still kind of cold,” he said, “we’ll wait a week or two.”

Several Memorial Day events are planned in the town, including the American Legion Post 1266- and VFW Post 4947-sponsored parade in Wurtsboro on Monday, May 27. it kicks off at 1 p.m. at the Legion post at 92 Pine St. When the parade ends, refreshments and ice cream will be served at the Wurtsboro fire house.

And the Phillipsport Community Center, at 657 Red Hill Road, will open its new music season this Saturday, May 11. The Hudson Valley Bluegrass Express will give the first concert, with bluegrass, rock and folk music. The show runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes homemade pie and drinks.