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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06 Danby Town Newsletter June 2026 Town of Danby, New York .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Danpy TOWr) NeWS ( 0"" , W ''t " RYS Summer Programming jernrnirngs Pond News Rural Youth Services provides free Jennings Pond is a beautiful, serene habitat programming to Danby residents in 4th- which is home to ducks, geese, great blue heron, 8th grade. To view Summer program beavers, muskrats, fish, turtles etc. We also will descriptions and sign up, visit: open Jennings Pond for swimming in July & https://bit.ly/dagbyrys August again this year. Come and drink in its Please note that to ensure equitable beauty and refresh yourself in its water when our participation for all youth, enrollment will be lifeguard is on duty this summer. managed through a waitlist system rather Community Picnic and Potluck and than first-come, first-served registration. We Dotson Park Fundraiser appreciate your understanding and support Saturday, June 20t", Dotson Park, 6 to 8pm as we work to provide fair access to these (Rain place: Danby Community Church) opportunities for all participants. If you have It's the day before the official start of summer! any questions, please feel free to reach out! Come early to catch the Dave Davies Trio starting Questions? Contact Program Manager Jorin at 2pm. Bring your blankets, chairs, picnic food, Clougherty at ic3842@cornell.edu and beverages to share. Please bring your own ,n plates, cups, and utensils, though we will have some extras. How about musical instruments for a spontaneous picnic jam? Hope to see you there! Hosted by the Danby Resilience Community. Donations will be accepted for Dotson Park. F Danby 4H youth enjoying watermelon that they hunted ................... ................... with throwing sticks ...................................................................................... 1 � iw June 2026 Town of Danby, New York ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Notes from the TOM) Supervisor Joel Gagnon Special Events Law Formally Proposed New Town Park Created It took over two years and multiple drafts to get The proposed skate park has found its home. to this point, but the Town Board came to After looking at alternatives, the Town Board agreement at the May 19 meeting on a draft concluded that the Bald Hill Road site is the that we would be willing to pass. Next is formal best option. Designating the property town consideration. That will include State parkland will enable us to access more funding Environmental Quality Revue (SEAR) opportunities, so that is what we did. This is an assessment of the impacts and their "easy in, hard out" move, since once a property environmental significance, an opportunity for is designated as parkland it requires a formal the County Planning Department to weigh in on process called alienation to undo. So, we are whether there would be impacts to the rest of committed to making it happen on this site. The the county and if so what they would Board opted to have the Planning Board do a recommend, and a public hearing and possible site plan approval, which is in process. You modification as a result of that. Changes at this can view the plan on the town's website. stage, while still possible, are more difficult and Once finalized, the next step is making it expensive to process (substantive changes will happen — implementation! require these last steps to be repeated), which Resolution Opposing Use of State Forest is why we have been reporting on our progress for Utility Transmission Lines and inviting feedback throughout the long process of getting to this point. The draft law Most of the state forests, including the Danby will be linked on the website for your close look State Forest, are "reforestation" land — much of by the time you read this. If you can't readily it acquired during the great depression nearly access it there, the Town Clerk will be happy to a century ago. While they might have make you a copy. been fallow fields and brush at the time, they have become the treasured part of Here are a few key features. Special the landscape that we now experience. It is events are defined as large outdoor events, therefore a very worrisome development that where large is a function of property size. A permit will only be needed if the event will the State Legislature is considering passing legislation that would open up our forests to operate past 9 pm or need on-street parking or use for transmission lines and supporting be noisy or have an admission charge. Some events that might otherwise require a permit infrastructure, which would be a clear violation are exempted. The Board of Zoning Appeals of their constitutionally protected status. This is will consider permit applications and decide being considered to facilitate renewable energy development, itself a laudable goal, but the law which to grant and under what conditions. The would include no local input into siting or public hearing will be on July 7th at 6. Unless assessment and mitigation of environmental there are revisions prompted by public impacts. The Town Board passed a resolution comments, the vote to adopt could occur at the Town Board meeting immediately following the expressing opposition, as did the Conservation hearing. Advisory Council. Credit Renee Owens for bringing this to our attention and leading the opposition. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... June 2026 Town of Danby, New York .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Notes from the Planner's Desk Greg Hutnik Planning Board 4. The board reviewed a proposal to adjust the On May 20, the Planning Board reviewed five lot lines of 56, 62, and 66 Lieb Road. Because development cases: 62 Lieb Road would become even more non- 1. The board approved the minor subdivision of conforming in lot area than is allowed in the 400 Gunderman Road that creates a 40-acre Rural 2 zoning district, the Planning Board property to be owned by the Finger Lakes Land resolved to remand it to the Board of Zoning Trust while the remaining 84 acres are retained Appeals for consideration of an area by the current owner. variance. If the variance is approved, the 2. The board reviewed a minor subdivision of proposal can be approved as a Land 110 Howard Road where one lot would be Annexation. The applicant will likely be 22.64 acres with an existing house and the applying for an area variance for the June 23 other would be 54.65 acres with an existing BZA meeting. house. A public hearing has been scheduled 5. The Planning Board reviewed a sketch for June 17 at 7:00 PM to consider approval of proposal of a six-lot subdivision of the 11-acre this subdivision. property at 104 Bald Hill Road (also owned by 3. The board continued review of the public the same owners of the above Land skate park at 15 Bald Hill Road and held a Annexation proposal). The board determined public hearing. Concerns were raised on the that more information is needed to safety of the Bald Hill Road due to speeding constructively review the proposal. No action cars and a sharp bend in the road near the was taken. entrance of the park creating low site visibility. County Highway will be asked to review the Board of Zoning Appeals speed limit on this portion of Bald Hill. Signs There was not a May meeting, but there will providing notice to drivers that there are likely be a meeting on June 23 to review the children at play may also be warranted. area variance appeal for the Land Annexation Maintaining access to an old cemetery that is case in #4 above. only accessible to the public through the park property was asked to be shown on the park I will be on family leave until July. While I'm plan. Lastly the board asked for a grading plan away, local planning consultant George Frantz to ensure that final grading of the site does not will be providing coverage of the Planning create stormwater issues for the adjacent Office. Buttermilk Creek. West Danby Water District Flushing Notice The West Danby Water District will be flushing the system on June 15th and 16th. During this period, expect some discoloration and pressure fluctuations. This will be temporary. Please contact the Water District Lead Operator, Scott Wendt for more information. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 June 2026 Town of Danby, New York .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... From the Town Clerks Blake Savoy Howdy Danby! forget the marriage license! A few reminders to Still working on the whole "greeting" thing. make sure that paperwork doesn't get in the I finally have some space (and stuff) to write way of your big day. Licenses are valid about, so here goes. beginning 24 hours after they are issued and expire 60 days after issuance. So, if you're Dog Licenses, Fishing Licenses, and getting married on Saturday at 1 pm, don't Marriage Licenses, Oh My! come in on Friday at 3pm! Both parties need to Unfortunately, that title doesn't have the same be present for the license to be issued. Check ring to it. Just a friendly reminder that we're our website or give us a call for more here to help with any or all of the above! June information about what documents are needed. means more time outdoors, so make sure that After you say, "I do", make sure your officiant Fido is licensed in case of any off-leash fills out the time, date, and place on the form. mishaps! Licensing your dog is as simple as You need at least one witness for your filing out the online form or coming by our wedding and, sadly, Fido doesn't count. Mail or office. All it takes is a few questions, proof that bring us the completed license form and we'll your dog has an up-to-date rabies vaccination, get your marriage certificate printed! Please and a fee of$12 for a spayed/neutered dog or bring photo ID when you come to pick up your $24 for an unspayed/unneutered dog. certificate. Fishing season is underway! Stop by to get Office Hours your fishing license and pick up a copy of the A quick reminder that the Clerk's Office is open 2026 NYS Freshwater Fishing Regulations Monday-Friday, 11 am-4pm. If you drive by and Guide. Licenses for residents ages 16-69 are don't see any cars, don't panic-1 pinky $25 and ages 70+ are $5. There are also 7-day promise we're still open. Several Town Hall and 1-day licenses available. Questions? Just staff members carpool, walk, or bike to work. If give us a call! in doubt, give us a call! If you can't make those With all the warm weather coming up, if you hours, feel free to call or email to schedule an and your beau are looking to tie the knot, don't appointment. We're here to help! Conservation Advisory Council Margaret Corbit The Danby Conservation Advisory Council night. Greg Hutnik, who attended the meeting, (CAC) met on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 pm. explained that new construction that requires After approving the minutes, we opened the review must plan for outdoor lighting aimed meeting to the Privilege of Floor and had two toward the ground and thus be "dark sky community members who wanted to share compliant." However, there is no recourse for their concerns. First, Katharine Hunter asked if residents who are unhappy with existing there were policies about light spillover from lighting other than working with their neighbors. homes and businesses in the Town. She We should note that bright nighttime lights can shared the concerns of several homeowners negatively impact the wildlife; for example, the whose nights are lit by nearby outdoor lights migration and mating habits of Luna moths are and acknowledged that some people she disrupted by bright night lighting. spoke with like having their yards brighter at Then Renee Owens, former CAC member, ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 June 2026 Town of Danby, New York .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... came to ask us to formally oppose passage of Members shared their experiences at the a bill now working its way through the State Danby Resilience Fair. Several attendees Legislature that would open State Forests to expressed interest in learning more about the development of solar farms and their related easement process. Please contact infrastructure. Note that more than 20 percent a CAC member to follow up. We are working of Danby's land is State Forest. After a deep on a map that will help you understand how discussion, the CAC voted to send a resolution precious the rural character of our town is; to the State opposing passage of bill A10483 in more than 70% is forested. We also have open this current session and requesting that there fields and wetlands. Now is the time to think be more review and public input. We also about preserving this for the future. moved to encourage the Town Board to do the Our next meeting is on June 9 at 7 pm in the same. Town Hall. Community members are welcome We continued sharing documents specific to to attend in hybrid fashion or in person and a individual Conservation Easements and link for Zoom will be posted on the Town discussing the possibility of modifying the calendar. current template. Danby Seniors Pat Phelps The next meeting of the Danby Seniors will be Thursday, June 4, 2026, at noon at the Danby Community Church. Please bring a generous dish pass and a utensil to serve it with, as well as your own table service. Drinks are provided, and volunteers for set up/clean up are always appreciated. The entertainment will be "Friday at Fred's", a vocal guitar duo. This will be their third appearance at Danby Seniors. The Danby Seniors is sponsoring a trip to the Southern Tier Stables in Moravia on Thursday, June 18th for an Elvis Show and BBQ Chicken Lunch. This is a carpool event. It will be held at The Golden Horseshoe, 2068 Dumplin Hill Road, Moravia. Tom Gilbo (as Elvis) will bring back all your favorite Elvis songs. Prior to the concert and luncheon, you may check out some cool things at the Southern Tier Stables including a wagon ride through the beautiful countryside (weather permitting) the Farmall Tractor Display, the Mystic Music Museum, and the Agricultural Museum with a stagecoach, sleighs and much more. Or sit, relax, and enjoy the scenic view of the horses or play some bingo. Doors open at 11:00 am. Contact Pat Sawyer at 607-227-2378 for additional information or to sign up. Cost is $45 and checks are payable to Danby Seniors and sent to Cindy Ceracche, 338 Gunderman Road, Spencer, NY 14883. The July meeting will be Thursday, July 9, the annual chicken barbecue at the American Legion on Danby Road. Price is $12 for members, $15 for non-members. Contact Cindy Ceracche at 607-339- 9269 if you wish to sign up and will not be at the June meeting. You may sign up and pay for the barbecue at the June meeting. Money is also due at the June meeting for the bus trip to Hope Lake Lodge/Cortland Rep Theater play on July 10. Pat Phelps has announced her retirement from serving as president of the Danby Seniors after 3.5 years effective September 2026. Anyone interested in that position or serving as secretary for the group can contact Cindy Ceracche at the number given above. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 June 2026 Town of Danby, New York .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Danby community Groups Danby Community Library Danby Community And Danby Seniors Contact: Cindy Parlett Park (DCAP) Contact: Pat Phelps library � a y.n .gov Website: dotsonpark.org patriciaphelps2.0@ Open Tue 1-3pm, dotsonpark(d,qmail.com gmail.com Thu & Sat 10am-12pm Thu 12/7 at 7pm Luncheons: 1 st Thur at noon Danby Food Pantry Danby Rural Cemetery Danby Tosspots Danby Community Church Contact: Sharon Boda (Open Alcoholics Contact: Joan Barber Sharonboda@gmail.com Anonymous eetinq) Open: 3rd Thur 4-6 pm Wed 7pm — virtual West Danby Community Please note that there is a Danby Food Scraps Pickup Association (WDCA) new Zoom link for this Every Sat 9am — noon Contact: Pat Curran meeting! behind Town Hall pc2l @cornell.edu Danby Library News Cindy Parlett Meet the author! Jacqueline Winspear is the author of the Maisie Dobbs ' e� series. The historical mystery series is set between 1929 and 1945. The series follows the life of Maisie Dobbs, a former WWI field nurse who becomes a fit psychologist and detective in London after the war. There are 18 books in the series, and we have all of � � � , " tr them! If you're looking for a new series to start this may be the one! r $ Dotson Park Story Walk '' Check out the Danby Story Walk in Dotson Park this spring! Clara Caterpillar by Pamela Duncan Edwards is a heartwarming story about a cabbage caterpillar who i learns courage and self-acceptance. The Danby Community Library is open when Town Hall is open, unless the meeting room is reserved. A book drop is available to the left of the main doors to Town Hall. Meeting room use requests can be directed to the Town Clerk. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 June 2026 Town of Danby, New York .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Monthly Meeting Schedule At-A-Glance Group Day Date Time Call-in by Phone Meeting ID .............................................................................................._............................_.................................................................................................................................................................................._.................................................................... . Town Board* Tues 6/2 6:OOpm 1-929-205-6099 864 5365 2513 920558 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................-..........-..........................................................................................._.................................................................... . WDWD Wed 6/3 5:OOpm In person West Danby Fire station ..........................................................--------------........_............................_.................................................................................................................................................................................._.................................................................... . CAC* Tue 6/9 7:OOpm 1-929-205- 09 835 4940 5296 879507 ........................................................._...................................._............................_.................................._..................................................................._............................................................................_..................................................................... FD Tue 6/9 6:30pm In person Danby Fire Station ........................................................._...................................._............................_.................................._...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... DYC Thur 6/11 7:30pm Online- kshanks@tompkins-co.org ........................................................._...................................._............................_.................................._..................................................................._............................................................................_..................................................................... Town Board* Tues 6/16 6:OOpm 1-929- 05-699 833 9755 8154 114604 .............................................................................................._............................_......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... PB* Wed 6/17 7:OOpm 1-646-876-9923 822 5277 6582 ..........................................................--------------------------------_........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ BZA* Tue TBD 7:OOpm TBD 817 1432 4705 398041 .............................................................................................._............................_......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... FD Tue 6/23 6:30pm In person at the Danby Fire Station ........................................................._...................................._............................_.................................._...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... See the Danby calendar for the final, most up-to-date details. (Acronyms in the above schedule are identified below.) *These meetings are hybrid (i.e. both online and in-person at the Town Hall) Boards & Committees Planning Board (PB) Fire District (FD) Chair: Kelly Maher Secretary: Sharon Gaden, plan nin board aby.ny. ov secretary o anyfiredistrict.org Meets: 3rd Wednesday at 7pm danby.ny.gov/depts/danby-fire-district Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Meets: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm Chair: Earl Hicks Danby Volunteer Fire Company (DVFC) tz aL@ dan b .ny. ov Chief: John Gaden, Meets: 4th Tuesday, as needed j en danbyfirdistrict.or Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) danb fireept.org, Co-Chairs: Anne Klingensmith West Danby Fire Department (WDFD) Jonathan Zisk cc danb .n ov Chief: Robert McCray Meets: 2nd Tuesday at 7pm rmccra anbyfiredistrict.org Danby Youth Commission (DYC) estdanbyfire.com Contact: Patty Van de Bogart West Danby Water District (WDWD) pvandebogartftc@gmail.com Contact: Scott Wendt, Meets: 2nd Thursday at 7:30pm swen t dan . ov Meets: 1 st Wednesday at 5pm ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 June 2026 Town of Danby, New York ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... From: PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid 1830 Danby Road Permit No.428 Dooby, Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850 New York Ill of ovang by 6, 7 Phone: 607-277-4788 hftps:lldanby.ny-gov Welcome to the Danby Town News! Questions? Email us at y.town news(a-)dan by.n gov Town Officials Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon supervisor(a)danby.ny.gov Town Justices Garry Huddle ............................................................................................................................................................................................. Town Board Leslie Connors Theresa Klinger Meets 1st Tues Mariah Dillon Court Clerk Diane Gair and 3rd Tues Zachary Larkins Hours: Mon-Wed 9 9—ai-r@-n Y-c-O-u-rt-s-q O-v Mark Pruce 8am-11am townboard@_danby.ny.gov ............................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................ Town Planner Greg Hutnik Town Clerk Blake Savoy Hours: Mon-Fri Deputy Town Clerk Cindy Katz by appointment Hours: Mon-Fri clerkoff ice(cD-danbv.nv.qov 11am-4pm 607-277-4788 opt. 2 Code Enforcement Steve Cortright ................................ ....... .......................................................................................H i q h w a.y K.e..i.t.h S h i p m a n.................................................. Hours: Mon-Fri code @danb y.ny.gov Superintendent hiqhwav(a)-danbv.nv.qov by appointment ...............__ ___..............................__............................................................................................................ Deputy Highway Jack Shawley Documents/ Mary Ann Barr Historian mbarr(cD-danbv.nv.c y.ny.-io Superintendent ishawlev(@-danbv.nv.qov qj o ............... ......... ................ ....... Hours: Mon-Thu Bookkeeper Laura S h a w I e y 6am-4:30pm lshawley@danbv.nv.qov ............................................................................................................................ ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................