Supervisor’s Newsletter
May 2026 Edition
Rooted in Community, Focused on Solutions
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been focused on one thing: bringing our community together to move Putnam Valley forward. From convening lake communities through our Re-envisioning the Commission of Lakes meeting, to advocating in Albany for new tools to combat harmful algal blooms, to creating opportunities like our Meet the Building Inspector session; this is about collaboration, transparency, and real solutions.
A big shout-out to the Putnam Valley Commission for the Conservation of the Environment and the Climate Smart Task Force for putting together an incredible week of events for Earth Week here in Putnam Valley. From hikes and hands-on workshops to community cleanups and family activities, this week was all about bringing people together around something we all share, our environment. It’s a great reminder that real progress starts locally, with neighbors showing up, learning, and working together
For the schedule of Earth Week events click here: Celebrate Earth Week in Putnam Valley – Town of Putnam Valley
Advocating for Real Solutions for Our Lakes
Recently I spent the day up in Albany advocating for the Nutrient Inactivant Legislation (Assembly A4514A / Senate S5936A) alongside CJ Brooks, Putnam Valley Councilman, Ken Belfer, Laura Kosbar and Thomas Cinotta from the Mohegan Lake Improvement District, and Dean Long, President of NYSFOLA.
Nutrient Inactivants have been safely used in drinking water treatment, including here in New York, for over 200 years, and in lakes for more than 50 years. Surrounding states are already using these tools, with support and permitting from their environmental agencies. This legislation fixes a frustrating Catch-22 in New York, where the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation currently blocks their use.
It is important to note that this is not about replacing other solutions. Addressing stormwater runoff, improving septic maintenance and replacement, and reducing nutrient inputs across our watershed all remain critical. This is about adding another proven tool to the toolbox so communities have real options to restore and protect their lakes.
Thank you to Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymembers Dana Levenberg and Matt Slater for supporting this important effort, and to Senator Rob Rolison, who called after our day of lobbying to share that he signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill.
Lake Communities Come Together to Tackle Water Quality Challenges
Representatives from lake communities across our area came together this month for a productive and much-needed conversation about protecting our lakes at our latest Re-envisioning the Commission of Lakes meeting. The goal was simple: share what’s working, learn from each other, and start pushing for real solutions, together.
We heard a sobering case study from Mohegan Lake presented by, Laura Kosbar. The lake is classified as impaired, with phosphorus levels far above recommended limits and frequent harmful algal blooms. Despite years of effort, including everything from aeration systems to weed harvesting, to copper sulfate treatments, progress has been limited, arguably in part because key tools, like nutrient inactivants remain off the table.
There was also encouraging news. The Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District is stepping up with funding, technical support, and grant assistance for local projects. They’ve already set aside initial funding and are looking to expand their impact.
Updates from watershed monitoring efforts tied to Peekskill highlighted ongoing work to better understand where nutrient pollution is coming from and how to address it long-term.
We’re not looking for one silver bullet. Protecting our lakes and improving quality of life in Putnam Valley means tackling issues from every angle. From stormwater, septic systems, planning, and communication, to making sure residents are part of the process every step of the way, good government doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens when a community comes together, and this meeting was a great example of the inter-municipal relationships that are forming.
Funding Our Future
The Town of Putnam Valley has applied for a Hudson River Valley Greenway grant funding to update its Comprehensive Plan, which has not been formally revised since 2006. Over time, our community has changed, and residents have increasingly raised concerns about zoning, development, environmental impacts, and the need for a clearer long-term vision.
This grant would allow the Town to create a modern, community-driven plan that reflects today’s priorities. The update will focus on balancing economic development with preserving our rural character, protecting water quality, and addressing infrastructure needs like roads, drainage, and municipal facilities.
A major component of the effort is public engagement. The Town plans to hold multiple public meetings, conduct surveys, and actively seek input from residents, small businesses, and local boards to ensure the plan reflects the community’s voice.
The updated plan will also incorporate environmental strategies, including stormwater management and watershed protection, recognizing the importance of our lakes and their role in regional drinking water. It will align with broader regional planning efforts and help position the Town for future funding opportunities.
In short, this grant is about giving Putnam Valley the tools to plan smarter, listen better, and build a roadmap that protects what we love while preparing for what’s next.
CLICK TO VIEW OUR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Town of Putnam Valley has also submitted a Community Grants Program application to launch a food scraps recycling pilot program; a practical, community-driven step toward reducing waste and protecting our environment.
Right now, a significant portion of what we throw away is organic material that ends up in landfills. This proposal flips that model, creating a system to divert food waste, reduce our carbon footprint, and turn it into usable compost instead.
This is designed as a pilot program, meaning we will track participation, measure results, and adjust based on real community feedback before expanding.
At its core, this is about doing things smarter: reducing waste, lowering costs over time, and giving residents a simple way to be part of the solution.
Meet the Building Inspector: Listening, Transparency, and Community Action
At a recent open Town Hall session, Richard Quaglietta spent a Saturday morning answering questions and, more importantly, listening to residents.
While some residents raised questions about home improvements and vacant properties, the clear message from the room was frustration over long-standing septic issues in Lake Peekskill. Residents spoke candidly about delays and the lack of responsiveness they’ve experienced.
Quaglietta explained that septic enforcement falls under the Putnam County Health Department, and that the Town cannot act without formal direction from the County. But what this conversation made clear is that passing responsibility between agencies doesn’t solve problems, listening to residents and working together does
This is why open forums like “Meet the Building Inspector” matter. They create space for real dialogue, bring transparency to how government works, and ensure that residents are not just heard, but part of the solution.
There was also meaningful progress to share. The Building Department is finalizing the digitization of over 600,000 records, which will be made available through an online portal after the files are verified, a tedious task. This is a major step toward transparency and accessibility.
Efforts are also underway to review and improve outdated or conflicting code because government should be clear, efficient, and work for the people it serves.
This is the kind of government our community deserves: open, responsive, and built around the voices of the people.
Save the date for our Town-wide Potluck and Picnic at the Town Park Saturday June 13th, 2-5 PM. Bring a dish to share and connect with your neighbors!
More Fun Around the Town
- Putnam Valley Middle School Career Fair The Middle School Career Fair provides our middle school students with the opportunity to explore various professions, learn about different career paths, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
Date: Thursday, May 21st Location: Putnam Valley High School Wellness Center Time: 8:00 am- 12:00 pm
Tompkins Corners
https://www.tompkinscorners.org
The Madison String Quartet – Friday, May 8th 7:30 p.m.
Sprig of That – Saturday, May 16th 7:30 p.m.
3rd Annual Community Day – Sunday, May 17th 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Live Music/Food for Purchase/Kids Activities/Local Vendors & Organizations
Poet’s Corner with Mike Jurkovic – Sunday, May 17th 3 p.m.
Farmers Market Opening Day – Friday, May 29th 3:00 – 6:30 p.m. (every Friday through August)
Tradition in Oil Painting – Painting Workshop with Kate Hoekstra – Sunday, May 31st 12 – 3 p.m.
The Grange
https://putnamvalleygrange.org
Monthly Meeting – 1st Monday of every month 7 p.m.
Pop-Up Farm Store – 1st Thursday June – September
Bee Club Meetup – Tuesday, May 5th 7 – 9:30 p.m.
4-H Poultry Club – Wednesday, May 20th 6:30 – 8 p.m.
AG Board Meeting – Wednesday, May 27th – 9:45 – 11:45 a.m. – 841 Fair Street, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512
Donation Boxes in Town Hall for:
Putnam Valley Community Food Pantry (non-perishable items)
Period Supply Drive (Sponsored by Assemblyman Matt Slater’s Office)
Putnam Valley Library
https://putnamvalleylibrary.org
Tuesday Matinee Movies at 1 p.m. –
Kids’ Garden Club – Wednesdays 4:30 p.m.
Music & Movement – Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 a.m.
Repair Café – Saturday, May 16th 1 p.m.
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
