,

Roaring Brook Lake Dam Improvements Completed

The Roaring Brook Lake Dam Improvement Project was recently completed by Doyle Contracting Inc. A final walkthrough of the project site was completed by Town of Putnam Valley Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur, Town Engineer Todd W. Atkinson, P.E., WSP engineering staff and Roaring Brook Lake Manager Sam Lee on January 13, 2026. The dam improvement project was designed and constructed to bring the Roaring Brook Lake Dam into compliance with NYSDEC Dam Guidelines.

Water levels are maintained by the Dam Master throughout the winter season.

Help Support Local Families: February Diaper and Wipe Collection Drive

Our district wide community collection drive is back, and we’re asking for your support once again.

Throughout February, donation boxes will be placed at participating locations to collect high demand household essentials that are typically not covered by SNAP benefits. This month’s focus is on diapers and baby wipes, two items that are consistently needed by local families.

Donation boxes will be delivered and ready for collections beginning Monday. If your location has not received a box or experiences any issues, please contact the office directly for assistance.

Community members are encouraged to spread the word by sharing the event flyer through social media or local newsletters.

Additional Opportunity

The office has also received information about AARP community grant opportunities. Details are available in the attached flyer for those interested in learning more.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping make a difference for families in our community.

 

,

Parks and Recreation Projects, Programs, and 2026 Updates

The Putnam Valley Parks and Recreation Department is actively working on several improvement projects while preparing programs and facilities for the upcoming year.

Park Improvement Projects

Two major projects are currently underway.

The first is the development of a comprehensive forest management plan for both the Town Park and camp properties. This plan focuses on the sustainable production and harvest of forest resources, expanded recreational and educational opportunities, improved trail maintenance, and the long term protection of forestland. These efforts help preserve the many benefits our natural spaces provide, including clean air, clean water, and carbon storage.

The second project will enhance accessibility and the overall trail experience at the Town Park. Plans include making the existing trail system ADA accessible, creating more clearly defined pathways, and adding rest areas and scenic viewpoints along Peekskill Hollow Creek. The department is pursuing funding for this work through the Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program.

Parks and Facilities

In addition to regular maintenance during the offseason, the department is currently scheduling facility use and reservations for 2026.

Camps and Programs

Summer sports camps and seasonal programming are now in development, with details to be posted on the department website as plans are finalized.

Registration for Summer Day Camp will open during the last week of March.

The department’s largest program, youth basketball, is currently in progress, and additional programs are updated regularly online.

Employment Opportunities

Parks and Recreation is always seeking team members to support its programs and services. Current opportunities include child care staff, camp counselors, bus drivers, and lifeguards.

For program updates, registrations, and job opportunities, visit pvpr.com.

Frank DiMarco
Parks and Recreation Director
Town of Putnam Valley

,

Building Department Digitizes Decades of Records

The Putnam Valley Building Department has begun a major initiative to modernize and preserve decades of building records by converting them from paper files to digital format.

The department maintains building permits, surveys, zoning maps, architectural plans, and related documents dating back to the 1930s. Until recently, these records were available only in physical form and could be viewed exclusively in the office. Regular handling by staff, contractors, realtors, and homeowners also made the files vulnerable to wear and damage.

In September 2025, the department launched a comprehensive scanning project through a partnership with eBizDocs and ICC Community Development Solutions, supported by a New York State grant. The project includes the scanning, processing, and indexing of more than 300 boxes of materials, totaling approximately 500,000 standard documents and 100,000 large format files.

As of January 2026, the project is approximately 50 percent complete:

  • 150 boxes have been scanned and returned
  • 100 boxes have been fully indexed and are available digitally to staff
  • 160 additional boxes are currently being processed at the scanning facility

Once files are returned, staff must carefully review and verify each record to ensure accuracy. This step is time intensive, and the department appreciates the community’s patience as this work continues alongside daily operations.

When complete, all parcel files will be accessible digitally, with the goal of providing the public with convenient online access through a future portal.

This project represents an important step toward preserving the Town’s history while improving efficiency, accessibility, and service for residents.

,

Keeping Putnam Valley Safe This Winter: Highway Department Update & Reminders

The Town of Putnam Valley Highway Department extends its thanks to the men and women of the department for their continued hard work and dedication over the past four years, especially during the recent stretch of cold and snowy weather. Their around the clock efforts help keep our roads safe and passable for residents all winter long.

As we move through the season, residents are reminded of several important winter safety guidelines:

  • No parking on town streets during the winter months or during snow emergencies, as parked vehicles make plowing difficult and prevent proper clearing of the roadway.
  • If your vehicle becomes stuck during a storm, please do not abandon it. Contact the Highway Department for assistance.
  • It is illegal to shovel or plow snow into the roadway, whether clearing your own driveway or using a snow removal service.
  • Clearing a few extra feet at the end of your driveway can help reduce the amount of snow pushed back in by passing plows.

Brining the Roads

Residents have asked about pre-storm brining of roadways. The Town’s current brine system is approximately 26 years old, outdated, and out of service, with repair costs estimated at $15,000. Replacing the system would cost roughly $225,000, and modern systems require significant water infrastructure, potentially adding another $750,000 for wells and facilities.

In addition to the high cost, the effectiveness of brining has diminished with today’s response methods. Highway crews now salt roads quickly once snow begins, often within the first hour, reducing the need for advance brining. Brine treatments also cost approximately $7,500 per application and can lose effectiveness if applied too far in advance of a storm.

There are also environmental and infrastructure concerns. Salt brine can accelerate vehicle corrosion, damage catch basins and concrete structures, and potentially affect nearby vegetation. In recent years, the Town has seen fewer basin repairs after reducing brining practices. Many neighboring highway departments have reached similar conclusions and have scaled back or discontinued brining.

Stay Connected

The Highway Department is available 24/7 for service requests and concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact the department directly rather than posting issues on social media, as direct calls allow for faster response.

Highway Office: 845-526-3333
Cell: 845-745-0795
Email: skeeler@putnamvalley.gov

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep Putnam Valley safe this winter.

Assessor Position Available

ASSESSOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is responsible professional level work involving valuation of each parcel of real property in a municipality for tax purposes and preparation of annual assessment rolls. Responsibilities also include performing professional valuation for assessment of real property in a city or town. Work is performed under general direction of the Town Supervisor and/or Town Board, and is subject to advisory input of the County Director of Real Property Tax Services and the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services. Supervision is exercised over the work of appraisal and clerical staff. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Annually values and revalues each parcel of real property; Utilizes and maintains current tax maps and appraisal cards;

May seek county advisory services in determining values of certain parcels;

Attends all hearings of the Board of Assessment Review;

Makes changes in assessments in accordance with Law as directed by the Board of Assessment Review;

Attends the public examination of the tentative assessment roll at times prescribed by Law;

Receives complaints filed and transmits them to the Board of Assessment Review;

Prepares reports of assessment activities as required by the appointing authority or the State Board of Equalization and Assessment;

Provides school districts within the assessing unit a copy of the current pertinent portion of the assessment roll;

Supervises and trains appraisal staff members in the techniques of appraisal and assessment;

Reviews and makes determinations with respect to applications for tax exemptions;

Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of making an appraisal of all types of real property including industrial, commercial and other complex properties; thorough knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of real property valuation and assessment; thorough knowledge of residential and commercial building construction methods, materials and their costs; thorough knowledge of laws governing the valuation and assessment of real property; thorough knowledge of deeds and related property records; ability to make and review arithmetic computations with speed and accuracy; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, municipal officials and the Assessment Review Board; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; integrity; tact; courtesy; good judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Either

a) Bachelors degree and six (6) months full-time paid experience in occupation involving the valuation of real property, such as assessor, appraiser, real estate broker, valuation data manager, real property appraisal aide or related field; or

b) Associates degree and one (1) year of full-time paid experience in occupation involving the valuation of real property, such as assessor, appraiser, real estate broker, valuation data ASSESSOR (cont’d) 9/97; 6/06; 2/09; 10/18; 8/21 Non-Competitive Class Towns manager, real property appraisal aide or related field; or

c) Graduation from high school or possession of an accredited high school equivalency diploma, and two (2) years of full-time paid experience in occupation involving the valuation of real property, such as assessor, appraiser, real estate broker, valuation data manager, real property appraisal aide or related field; or

d) Certification by the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services as a candidate for assessor; or

e) An equivalent combination of the education and experience as described above.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE NOTE:

Per CRR-NY 20 Section 8188-2.2, required experience as described above “shall be deemed satisfactory if it is demonstrated that the experience primarily was gained in the performance of one or more of the following tasks: collection and recording of property inventory data, preparation of comparable sales analysis reports, preparations of signed valuation or appraisal estimates or reports using cost, income or market data approaches to value. Mere listing of real property estimates or reports or other published asking prices is not qualifying experience.” SPECIAL NOTES/SUBSTITUTIONS:

1. Previous certification by the NYS Office of Real Property Tax Services as a State certified assessor can be substituted for one (1) year of the experience as described above.

2. Three (3) years of part-time paid experience as sole Assessor or as chairman of the Board of Assessors can be substituted for one (1) year of the experience as described above.

3. Five years of part-time paid experience as a member of a Board of Assessors can be substituted for one (1) year of the experience as described above.

4. Paid part-time experience in excess of the above amounts may be credited according to the above criteria.

5. Volunteer experience in an assessor’s office may be credited as paid experience if it includes tasks such as data collection; calculation of value estimates; preparation of preliminary reports; providing routine information to a computer center; public relations; and review of the value estimates, computer output and exemption applications.

6. In no case shall less than six (6) months of the experience described above be acceptable with the exception of county training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Completion of basic course(s) of training prescribed by the State Board of Equalization and Assessment within six (6) months of appointment. Minimum qualifications are established by State Board of Real Property Tax Services (formerly State Board of Equalization and Assessment), in accordance with 20 CRR-NY 8188-2.2

Position may be part-time or full-time

Salary Range: $44,000 – $85,000, depending upon part-time or full-time and level of experience

Contact: AJolicoeur@PutnamValley.gov with Resume and Qualifications

 

Notice of Public Hearing “Local Law to Amend Article III of Chapter 108 of the Town Code of the Town of Putnam Valley to Update the Veterans Exemption to Include a Full Exemption for Seriously Disabled Veterans”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Putnam Valley will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall located at 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, New York  on February 11, 2026, at 5 o’clock p.m., Prevailing Time on the following proposed local law with the text of such Local Law to be in the form attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A:

Local Law No. 2 of the year 2026 entitled “Local Law to Amend Article III of Chapter 108 of the Town Code of the Town of Putnam Valley to Update the Veterans Exemption to Include a Full Exemption for Seriously Disabled Veterans”

 

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that copies of the aforesaid proposed local law will be available for examination at the Town of Putnam Valley Town Hall, 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, New York and on the following webpage of the Town of Putnam Valley website: www.putnamvalley.gov 

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that all persons interested and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

 

Exhibit “A”

 

Town of Putnam Valley Local Law No. 2 of 2026

LOCAL LAW TO AMEND ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 108 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF PUTNAM VALLEY TO UPDATE THE VETERANS  EXEMPTION TO INCLUDE A FULL EXEMPTION FOR SERIOUSLY DISABLED VETERANS

 

BE IT ENACTED, by the Town Board of the Town of Putnam Valley, Putnam County, New York, as follows:

 

Part 1. Title

 

This Local Law shall be known as the “Local Law to Amend Article III of Chapter 108 of the Town Code of the Town of Putnam Valley to Update the Veterans Exemption to Include a Full Exemption for Seriously Disabled Veterans”.

 

Part 2. Enactment

 

This Local Law is adopted and enacted pursuant to the authority and power granted by § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York.

 

Part 3. Amendment of the Town Code

 

Article III, Chapter 108: “Veterans Exemption” of the Town of Putnam Valley Code is amended to add § 108-12F entitled “Seriously disabled veteran full exemption pursuant to Real Property Tax Law § 458-a(11) which shall read as follows:

 

  1. Seriously disabled veteran full exemption pursuant to Real Property Tax Law § 458-a(11).

 

The primary residence, within the meaning of such term under Real Property Tax Law § 458-a, of any seriously disabled veteran shall be fully exempt from taxation and special district charges, assessments and special ad valorem levies provided that such veteran meets all of the following requirements: 

 

(a)(i) was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions; or 

 

(ii) has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the Veterans’ Services Law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service; or  

 

(iii) is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of the Veterans’ Services Law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service; and

 

(b) (i) is considered to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service; and 

 

(ii) is rated one hundred percent disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and (iii) has been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable; and

 

(c) is eligible for pecuniary assistance from the United States government, or has received pecuniary assistance from the United States government and has applied such assistance 

toward the acquisition or modification of a suitable housing unit with special features or movable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran’s disability.

 

Part 4. Severability

 

The invalidity of any part or provision (e.g., word, section, clause, paragraph, sentence) of this Local Law shall not affect the validity of any other part of this Law which can be given effect in the absence of the invalid part or provision.

 

Part 5. Effective Date

 

This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon the filing with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of New York, in accordance with the applicable provisions of law, and specifically, Article 3, Section 27 of the New York State Municipal Home Rule Law. 

 

Notice of Public Hearing “Local Law to Amend Article I of Chapter 108 of the Town Code of the Town of Putnam Valley by Increasing the Income Threshold of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Putnam Valley will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall located at 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, New York on February 11th, 2026, at 5 p.m., Prevailing Time on the following proposed local law with the text of such Local Law to be in the form attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A:

Local Law No. 1 of the year 2026 entitled “Local Law to Amend Article I of Chapter 108 of the Town Code of the Town of Putnam Valley by Increasing the Income Threshold of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption”

 

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that copies of the aforesaid proposed local law will be available for examination at the Town of Putnam Valley Town Hall, 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, New York, and on the following webpage of the Town of Putnam Valley website: www.putnamvalley.gov 

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that all persons interested and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Exhibit “A”

 

Town of Putnam Valley Local Law No. 1 of 2026

LOCAL LAW TO AMEND ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 108 OF THE TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF PUTNAM VALLEY BY INCREASING THE INCOME THRESHOLD OF THE SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

 

BE IT ENACTED, by the Town Board of the Town of Putnam Valley, Putnam County, New York, as follows:

 

Part 1. Title

 

This Local Law shall be known as the “Local Law to Amend Article I of Chapter 108 of the Town Code of the Town of Putnam Valley by Increasing the Income Threshold of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption”

 

Part 2. Enactment

 

This Local Law is adopted and enacted pursuant to the authority and power granted by § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York.

 

Part 3. Amendment of the Town Code

 

Article I, Chapter 108: “Senior Citizens Exemption” of the Town of Putnam Valley Code is amended as follows:

 

  • 108-3 is amended in its entirety and restated to read as follows:
  • 108-3 (A): Pursuant to the provisions of the Real Property Tax Law, the real property owned by one or more persons, each of whom is 65 years of age or over, shall be exempt from taxation up to a maximum of 65% of the assessed valuation thereof, as hereinafter provided.
  • 108-3 (B): All of the provisions, conditions and requirements of § 467 of the Real Property Tax Law and amendments thereto shall apply to the application for and the granting of such exemption on the assessment rolls of the Town as they apply to the Town of Putnam Valley except that no exemption shall be granted if the income of the owner or the combined income of the owners of the property for the applicable income tax year immediately preceding the date of making application for exemption is less than $58,400. 
  • 108-3 (C): Real property owned by persons 65 years or over shall be exempt from certain Town taxes pursuant to Real Property Tax Law § 467, up to a maximum of 65% of the assessed valuation pursuant to the following schedule:

 

Annual Income Percentage of Assessed Value Exempt from Taxation
Less than or equal to $47,000  65%
More than $47,000 but less than $48,000 60%
More than $48,000 but less than $49,000 55%
More than $49,000 but less than $50,000 50%
More than $50,000 but less than $51,000 45%
More than $51,000 but less than $52,000 40%
More than $52,000 but less than $53,000 35%
More than $53,000 but less than $53,900 30%
More than $53,900 but less than $54,800 25%
More than $54,800 but less than $55,700 20%
More than $55,700 but less than $56,600 15%
More than $56,600 but less than $57,500 10%
More than $57,500 but less than $58,400 5%

 

  • 108-3 (D): The income of the owner or the combined income of the owners of the property for the income tax year immediately preceding the date of the application for exemption from all sources, as set forth in § 467, must be less than $58,400. “Income tax year” shall mean the twelve-month period from which the owner or owners file a federal personal income tax return or, if no such return is filed, the calendar year. When title is vested in either the husband or wife, the combined income of both may not exceed such sum.

 

Part 4. Severability

 

The invalidity of any part or provision (e.g., word, section, clause, paragraph, sentence) of this Local Law shall not affect the validity of any other part of this Law which can be given effect in the absence of the invalid part or provision.

 

Part 5. Effective Date

 

This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon the filing with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of New York, in accordance with the applicable provisions of law, and specifically, Article 3, Section 27 of the New York State Municipal Home Rule Law. 

 

Putnam Valley Day Camp 2026 – Job Openings Bus Drivers & Day Camp Nurse Needed

Putnam Valley Day Camp 2026

BUS Drivers- Requirements: License -Class C with passenger Endorsement and a valid DOT physical
Dates Needed:
June 29th -August 21 2026
Hours Needed:
6:45am-9:30am & 3:00pm-6:00pm
Pay $30.00 an hour

Day Camp Nurse
June 29th -August 21 2026
A Nurse or EMT to work at our Day Camp
Dates: June 26th to August 18th.
Hours: 8:00am- 4pm
Pay $30.00 hr.

Applications can be found at PVPR.com
Send to: aspinelli@putnamvalley.gov and tcortina@putnamvalley.gov
Call for more info: 845-526-3292
(50 hours of additional office prep prior to camp)

For additional information please contact us:
Aspinelli@putnamvalley.gov
tcortina@putnamvalley.gov
or call @
845-526-3292

Putnam Valley Children’s Center Job Opening

Putnam Valley Children’s Center
Must be 18+ years old.
Shifts needed:
6:45 – 9:15 AM & 3 – 6 PM
Pay starts at $18.00/hr.
Responsibilities include:
Supervising school-aged children; Executing fun games, crafts, and sports
Applications can be found at PVPR.com
Send to: aspinelli@putnamvalley.gov and tcortina@putnamvalley.gov
Call for more info: 845-526-3292