The September 17th meeting of the Marbletown Town Board presented four resolutions including the much-anticipated re-naming of the 93-acre Osterhoudt Flats property. This meeting, as well as the previous session on September 3, placed a focus on the recent contest to create a new name for this park, known for its incredible views and day trip popularity.

48 people entered suggestions when the board announced the contest to rename the Osterhoudt Flats, a 93-acre green space which the town recently acquired from the Open Space Institute. This space, with its long grass and pollinator-friendly flora, has had a few name switches over the years. Supervisor Rich Parete was pleased with the amount of interest in the naming project, stating it was “really amazing to get that many responses.” A huge portion of the last meeting kicked around what qualities would be important in a name. Most people zeroed in on capturing local pride and a focus on nature stewardship. Those qualities, plus an ear for alliteration, won the game as “Marbletown Meadows” won out. There are plans to possibly name smaller parts of the new Marbletown Meadows (such as trails and focal points) and the names of the winners will likely be released in forthcoming Town Board meetings.

EV Charging

Marbletown used Clean Energy Communities funds to acquire two EV trucks, which are expected to arrive in about 150 days. While it’s not final, these F-150s reportedly came in under budget. Building on a discussion from the previous meeting, the board discussed the logistics and locations of EV charging stations for these and other plug-in vehicles.

Relatedly, EV charging stations from the brand Juicebox 40 are planned for a number of local lots. Stone Ridge Library and the D&H Canal Historical Society plan to receive 2 Juicebox 40 chargers while the High Falls Co-Op, Marbletown Park and the Community Center are expected to be equipped with 3 each. Central Hudson’s Make-Ready Program provides up to 90% reimbursements and the estimated cost to the town is $27,270.

Roads and Lawns

An apprentice program dedicated to the upkeep of town road surfaces and related equipment and vehicles was discussed. A Rondout Valley High School student, working with BOCES, has been hired to begin on September 17. The notion of the town serving as a nature learning organization was another repeated theme continued from the previous meeting – essentially by thinking of all town park space as nature preserves with an eye for the ecosystem and habitat. One resident spoke up during public comment to mention concerns about the town's water health. He brought up possibilities to explore including flood studies and bank stabilization possibilities. Near the end of the meeting, it was disclosed that the Route 6/ Mohonk Road expanse will have the speed limit reduced to 45 mph. Large trucks frequent the curved high elevation stretch, calling for the change.

Lawn equipment was discussed as the season comes to a close. The town is in need of a new mower to cover the huge expanses of its cemeteries, rail trails and the new Marbletown Meadows. Marbletown Park takes an estimated ten hours to mow, to cite one example of the task’s enormity. In response, the board is bidding for a Toro Z Master Zero-Turn 6000 Series 31HP Kawasaki FX with a Turbo Force Deck and EZ Soft Bag Collection. The bid is an estimated $19,700.