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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.

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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.

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SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARATION TOWN OF PUTNAM VALLEY, NY 1/25 – 1/26/2026

CLICK TO VIEW OFFICIAL SNOW DECLARATION

Monday, January 26th 8:00 AM:  A huge THANK YOU to our Highway Department and Volunteer First Responders for all of their time and efforts!

The Ambulance Corps has a full crew in quarters, Highway crews assisted on many calls last night, and they are currently out treating the roads. The Snow Emergency Declaration remains in effect.

Town Hall is closed today, as is the Library.

Meals on Main Street will not be coming today.

Lake Peekskill Garbage Pick-up is as follows: Monday pick-up will be Wednesday, Tuesday pick-up will be Thursday and Friday is recycling.

Stay Well and Warm!”

 

A Snow Emergency is hereby declared in the Town of Putnam Valley effective at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

This Snow Emergency has been declared due to a severe snowstorm that may have an extremely dangerous and hazardous impact on the roadways and throughout the Town of Putnam Valley.

This situation threatens public safety.

This Snow Emergency will remain in effect until 12:00 a.m. on January 27, 2026 or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

As the Supervisor and Chief Executive of the Town of Putnam Valley, I, Alison Jolicoeur, exercise the authority granted to me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law to preserve public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of the Town of Putnam Valley.

I hereby recommend that all travel on the roadways in the Town of Putnam Valley is restricted to emergency vehicles, Town Highway Department vehicles, utility vehicles, local travel and essential emergency personnel. All unessential travel should be avoided.

I direct that all Town of Putnam Valley Departments and agencies take whatever steps necessary to protect life, property, and public infrastructure and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Warming Centers

  • The German American Club will be opened as a warming center if needed.

Stay informed by registering for alerts here: https://www.putnamvalley.gov/emergency-numbers-procedures/ 

Military Tribute Banner Honorees in Putnam Valley

View the 2 and 1/2 minute video by Sheryl Luongo showing the banners honoring Putnam Valley Town Residents who have served or are still serving in the armed forces.

This Military Tribute Banner Project was organized by Sheryl, who was able to get volunteers from the PV Highway Department to help hang the banners on utility poles in Town, in time for the Memorial Day Convoy.

Honor Your Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member in Putnam Valley with a patriotic banner.

Download more information.

Medication Drop-Off Box – Now at local Pharmacy

Putnam Valley NO LONGER has a medication drop-off box per a new state regulation. There is a Medication Drop Box located at Putnam Valley Pharmacy, 11 Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Valley. It is available during business hours there.