Moving Putnam Valley Forward – Supervisors Newsletter

Moving Putnam Valley Forward

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been hard at work delivering real progress for the Town of Putnam Valley, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together in a short time.

Within my first 60 days, we successfully reorganized the Assessor’s Office, appointing highly qualified part-time professionals to keep the office running efficiently and effectively. At the same time, the Town Board adopted new Senior and Veterans exemptions, providing meaningful tax relief to those who have given so much to our community and our country.

We’ve also been focused on transparency and communication, from launching an official Town Facebook page and Social Media Policy, to sharing together at the Re-Envisioning the Lakes Commission and Lake Peekskill District meeting, so residents can stay informed and engaged.

Behind the scenes, we are working hard pursuing state and federal grant opportunities to fund infrastructure improvements, environmental protection projects, records modernization, and sustainability initiatives, all with the goal of reducing the burden on local taxpayers while strengthening our Town for the future.

There is still much work ahead, but we are building momentum, improving operations, and making thoughtful, forward-looking decisions for Putnam Valley.

Assessor’s Office Reorganization & New Appointment

On January 5th, after 19 years of dedicated service to the Town of Putnam Valley, our Assessor Sheryl Luongo, submitted her resignation, effective January 31, 2026. We thank her for her many years of commitment to our community.

Following her resignation, the Town Board acted promptly to ensure continuity and strong leadership within the Assessor’s Office. Pursuant to New York State Real Property Tax Law, the Board appointed John Wolham as the Town of Putnam Valley’s new part-time Assessor, effective March 4, 2026, to serve the remainder of the current term through September 30, 2031.

Mr. Wolham is highly qualified and brings extensive experience to the role. In addition, we have appointed a highly qualified part-time Clerk, Sharon Irving, to support the office’s operations.

By working together with Anothony Toteda, our longtime Real Property Appraisal Technician, this reorganization of the Assessor’s Office will allow us to move forward in a more efficient and effective manner, ensuring residents receive the service and responsiveness they deserve.

Notably, this transition, along with the successful adoption of the new Senior and Veterans Property Tax Exemptions, has been accomplished within my first 60 days in office. We are building a stronger, more responsive local government that works for the people of Putnam Valley.

Town Board Adopts Property Tax Relief Laws for Seniors and Veterans

The Town Board has adopted two important local laws in 2026 to expand property tax relief for residents: one benefiting senior citizens and another strengthening the exemption for veterans.

Local Law No. 1 of 2026

Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption Income Threshold Increased

The Town Board adopted Town of Putnam Valley Local Law No. 1 of 2026, amending Article I of Chapter 108 of the Town Code relating to the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption.

This law increases the income eligibility threshold, allowing more senior residents to qualify for property tax relief.

Updated Income & Exemption Levels

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%

By raising the income limits, the Town is expanding access to meaningful tax relief for senior homeowners facing increasing costs of living.

Local Law No. 2 of 2026

Veterans Exemption Updated to Provide Full Exemption for Seriously Disabled Veterans

The Town Board also adopted Town of Putnam Valley Local Law No. 2 of 2026, amending Article III of Chapter 108 of the Town Code to update the Veterans Property Tax Exemption.

This new law provides a full property tax exemption for seriously disabled veterans, strengthening the Town’s commitment to those who have served our country and made significant sacrifices.

Prior to adoption, a public hearing was held at Town Hall to provide residents the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed legislation. Copies of the local law were made available at Town Hall and on the Town’s website.

These actions reflect the Town Board’s continued focus on supporting seniors, honoring veterans, and ensuring property tax policies remain fair and responsive to the needs of our community.

Residents who believe they may qualify for either exemption are encouraged to contact the Town Assessor’s Office for eligibility requirements and application information.

I also encourage you to attend Town Board meetings and share your thoughts. Local government works best when it is shaped by the people it serves.

Re-Envisioning the Commission of Lakes

February 2026 | Town Hall

The Putnam Valley Lakes Committee reconvened in person this month, marking an important step in restoring collaboration among our lake communities after the pause during COVID. The purpose of the meeting was to reestablish communication, share updates, and begin developing long-term strategies to protect and improve lake health town-wide.

Focus: Long-Term Lake Health

Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of the Lakes Committee to both environmental stewardship and community well-being. Discussions centered around septic systems, algae blooms, stormwater infrastructure, and the need for coordinated planning.

Key Discussion Topics

Septic Systems & Nutrient Pollution

Participants agreed that aging septic systems are a primary source of phosphorus and nitrogen entering local lakes — contributing to algae blooms.

Many homes have transitioned from seasonal to year-round use without septic upgrades.
While a statewide pump-out law exists, enforcement is handled by the County Department of Health.
Some lake communities have implemented self-monitoring policies.
External Treatment Units (ETUs), such as CRX systems, were discussed as a modern alternative that reduces nutrient loading.
Sewers were considered cost-prohibitive and environmentally disruptive.

Consensus: Long-term solutions will require state involvement, grants, and septic modernization.

Algae Blooms & Beach Closures

Several lakes have experienced cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms and elevated E. coli levels.

Cyanobacteria rise during the day and sink at night, making testing timing important.
Beaches must remain closed at least 48 hours after visible blooms disappear.
Testing every two weeks may not fully capture fluctuating conditions.
Participants emphasized improved coordination with the County Health Department and stronger scientific oversight.

Stormwater Management

Despite being a “town of lakes,” stormwater infrastructure was identified as insufficient.

Runoff carries nutrients and sediment into lakes.
Short-term improvements could include better filtration systems.
Long-term planning should be incorporated into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan update.
A unified, town-wide strategy is preferred over piecemeal solutions.

Proposal: Town-Wide Lake Expert

Multiple participants supported hiring or contracting a Town Limnologist (lake scientist).

Currently, lakes work with different consultants, resulting in fragmented approaches. A centralized expert could:

Standardize monitoring
Coordinate data collection
Assist with nutrient management
Support grant writing
Provide consistent guidance across communities

Education & Communication

Residents often receive mixed or incomplete information about algae, septic systems, and beach closures.

The Committee discussed:

Creating a centralized lake information hub on the Town website
Developing unified educational materials
Encouraging community pride and engagement initiatives
Forming a formal Lakes Commission to strengthen coordination

Regional Collaboration

Putnam Valley’s lakes feed into Peekskill Hollow Creek, impacting regional drinking water.

Intermunicipal cooperation — including potential partnerships with neighboring municipalities — was identified as key to securing DEC grants and strengthening funding applications.

Action Items & Next Steps

Reestablish the Putnam Valley Lakes Commission as an official advisory body
Launch a dedicated lake information page on the Town website
Explore grant funding for modern septic treatment systems and stormwater improvements
Investigate hiring or contracting a town-wide limnologist
Coordinate regional grant opportunities
Develop unified educational outreach materials
Schedule the next meeting for late March 2026

Protecting Putnam Valley’s lakes requires collaboration, science-based planning, and community involvement. The Committee will continue working toward long-term solutions that protect water quality, public health, and the natural beauty that defines our town.

Lake Peekskill Improvement District Meeting Update

February 28, 2026 | Town Hall

The Lake Peekskill Improvement District (LPID) met on February 28th to discuss lake management, dam repairs, septic concerns, and community updates. Thank you to all residents who attended and participated in the discussion.

Website & Communications

District Clerk Karen Kroboth reminded residents that garbage notices and storm alerts are posted under the Districts section of the Town website. The District webpage is currently being redesigned to make it more user-friendly. Lake manager updates and other important announcements are also posted on the Town homepage under “News.”

Lake Management & Algae Control (2026 Season)

The District will continue working with EverBlue Lakes for 2026.

New for this season:

Three ultrasonic algae-control units will be installed
- Two solar-powered units (near Carraras and Singers)
- One electric-powered unit (North Beach)
The DEC permit for treatment has been approved.
The hydrogen-peroxide-based product GreenClean will be used to target dormant algae before blooms occur.

Future options such as biological enzyme and alum treatments are being explored. Because alternative treatments require complex permitting, long-term planning and coordination with neighboring lakes will continue.

Geese Addling & Deterrence Program

Goose overpopulation continues to impact water quality and community spaces.

All required permits for egg addling have been secured.
Ina Cholst is available to train volunteers.
Volunteers may not enter private property without permission.
Residents may display a flag to indicate they do not want addlers entering their property.
Those interested in volunteering should contact the District Clerk.

Educational outreach will continue to address environmental impacts of geese. Additional deterrent strategies discussed included vegetative buffers, reflective streamers, solar deterrent lights, and consultation with Away with Geese regarding their deterrent-light program.

For more information visit: When Geese Become a Problem

Dam Repair Update

The Lake Peekskill Dam has been flagged for repair.

Clarification continues regarding ownership and maintenance responsibility between the Town and the District.
Prior legal guidance (2010 memo) suggests maintenance costs may fall to the District under Town Law §208-A.
Discussion included the possibility of shared funding, as the dam benefits the broader community.
Engineering firm SLR previously proposed repairs; a downstream repair approach could significantly reduce costs.
Supervisor Jolicoeur will pursue grant funding (anticipated May 2026) and further legal clarification.

Septic Systems & Water Quality

Last year, Lake Peekskill, along with Barger Pond, were added to the 303(d) Impaired Waterbody List, which opens additional funding opportunities.

Key points discussed:

Potential adoption of a 3-year septic pump-out requirement (similar to Lake Oscawana).
Staffing limitations affect inspection capacity; residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal rentals or failing systems.
Coordination continues with the Putnam County Department of Health and NYS DEC.
Several code enforcement cases are currently scheduled in court.
Residents are exploring eligibility for septic replacement funding through the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).
Stormwater management and catch-basin filtration remain important in reducing phosphorus inflow.

For more information on septic best practices visit: Your Septic System

Watershed Collaboration

Peekskill’s Watershed Inspect, Joe Scapoli, attended on behalf of the City and emphasized that Lake Peekskill directly impacts Peekskill’s drinking water supply (serving approximately 25,000 residents).

Collaboration among regional lakes, including Lake Peekskill, Lake Oscawana, Roaring Brook, and Lake Mohegan was encouraged. Intermunicipal grant applications score higher and may provide access to EFC septic funding and Hudson River Estuary Program grants. County and state representatives will be engaged to advocate for expanded funding eligibility.

Community Center Rental Policy Updates

Concerns were raised regarding misuse and property damage at the Community Center. The rental contract will be updated to:

Establish clear start and end times
Adjust rental fees and security deposits
Confirm occupancy limits (per Fire Inspection)
Require permits for tents and large outdoor setups

Stronger enforcement and post-event accountability measures will be implemented.

Public Comment Themes

Residents emphasized:

Improved communication via Facebook and the Town website
Continued transparency
Ongoing education and collaboration on environmental and infrastructure issues

Thank you to everyone who continues to stay engaged in protecting and improving Lake Peekskill.

Grants Update

We’ve been hard at work identifying and pursuing new grant opportunities to bring more outside funding into the Town of Putnam Valley.

At the federal level, we are moving forward with applications to support critical infrastructure projects, including improvements to our sewer system and long-term upgrades for our Highway Department facilities. These projects are essential to maintaining reliable services and planning responsibly for the future.

On the state side, we are applying for funding to modernize Town operations by digitizing Planning and Zoning records, making them easier for residents to access. We are also exploring planning grants that would help streamline and strengthen our zoning code.

Environmental protection remains a major priority. We are seeking funding opportunities to support water quality initiatives, improvements related to Lake Peekskill — including the dam — and projects that reduce runoff and protect our local waterways. In addition, our Food Scrap Recycling Committee has identified a grant that could help expand sustainability and waste-reduction efforts in our community.

Our goal is simple: pursue every responsible opportunity to secure outside funding, reduce the burden on taxpayers, and continue moving Putnam Valley forward in a thoughtful and fiscally sound way.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your Town Supervisor. It is a privilege, and I look forward to the work ahead.

With gratitude,
Alison Jolicoeur
Town Supervisor, Putnam Valley

Important Announcements:

Report to the Town Board New Building Construction Progression and Causes of Delays – Town of Putnam Valley

Celebrate Earth Week in Putnam Valley – Town of Putnam Valley

Parks and Recreation Announces Accessible Trail Project and Summer Program Updates – Town of Putnam Valley

March Events:

Blood Drive at the Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

218 Oscawana Lake Road

Monday, March 23^rd – 1:30 p.m. m- 7:30 p.m.

SAVE THE DATES!

Lake Peekskill Bulk Pick-Up – Route 1, March 23^rd, 2026

Lake Peekskill Bulk Pick-Up – Route 2, March 30^th 2026

First Bulk Drop Off of 2026 – Saturday, April 18, 2026

Community Shred Event – Sunday, April 19, 2026

Tompkins Corners Cultural Center

Cecilia – Top-Notch Quebecois Trio (Celtic & Trad Music) – Saturday, March 7^th – 7:30 p.m.

Bruce Foley & John Nolan – Friday March 13^th – 7:30 p.m.

Hildaland (Fusion of Folk Traditions) – Saturday, March 21^st – 7:30 p.m.

Native Fruit Trees (Presentation & Discussion by One Nature) – Sunday, March 22,d – 11:00 a.m.

Poet’s Corner Presents Guy Reed (An Open Mic Will Follow) – Sunday, March 22^nd – 3:00 p.m.

Copper & Clay (Artists’ Reception with Cindy Booth) – Sunday, March 29^th 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Visit https://www.tompkinscorners.org for more information

Putnam Valley Library:

Community Room Grand Opening Event – Saturday, March 7^th at 2:00 p.m. followed by America: Songs of Patriotism, Praise & Protect with Alex Prizgintas

Museum Passes are available for The Frick, The Guggenheim and the Westchester Children’s Museum

Many Ongoing Programs such as Yoga with Elana, Sensory Playtime for Infants, Toddlers & Pre-K, Chess Club, Dungeons & Dragons for Teens, Music & Movement Class, Knit & Knot, Storytime

Visit https://putnamvalleylibrary.org for more information

Putnam Valley Grange:

Beekeeping 101 Workshop, Saturday, March 7^th 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at The Grange

Agriculture Board Meeting – Wednesday. March 11^th 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. – 841 Fair Street, Carmel Hamlet

4-H Poultry Club – Thursday, March 19^th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at The Grange

Monthly Meetings, 1^st Monday of every Month at 7:00 p.m. at The Grange, 128 Mill Street (Corner of Peekskill Hollow Road)

Visit https://putnamvalleygrange.org for more information

Putnam Valley Parks & Recreation

Early Bird Registration for the Putnam Valley Dam Camp begins on Tuesday, March 24^th at 8:00 a.m.

Egg Hunt at Town Park – Wednesday, April 1^st

Visit www.pvpr.com for more information

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Mahopac, Sunday, March 8^th at 2:00 p.m.

Putnam Valley Food Pantry is always looking for donations and volunteers. Visit their website for more information

Fighting Hunger in Putnam Valley, NY | Putnam Valley Community Food Pantry