The Ancram Town Board chose to postpone voting on usage rules — including capacity, hours, and rentals — for the newly constructed pavilion on Blass Memorial Park until its next meeting after hearing public comments and concerns.
The pavilion was built in July 2025 after securing a $125,000 grant from State Assemblymember Didi Barrett’s office. The total cost of the pavilion was $142,631.50. After the grant, the town’s expenses for the construction were $17,631.50.
The pavilion was the base for the Ancram Kids Camp this summer and will continue to be its home going forward. It will also be used for community events throughout the year. “I visited the camp several times and the parents, directors and kids were thrilled,” said board member Bonnie Hundt, who was instrumental in securing the grant and guiding the project to completion.
The public did raise concerns about the pavilion’s use for private rentals, suggesting firm closing hours and expressing worries over excessive noise. “It’s not the primary intention to make this a party space for private individuals,” said board member Colleen Lutz. While many at the meeting agreed that the construction of the pavilion and the swift completion of the project was a big achievement for the Town Board, some were concerned that the planning did not include enough input from nearby residents. “The pavilion is a welcome addition,” said James Kennedy, who lives across the street from the pavilion, “but you have work to do.”
James McComish also lives close to the structure (28 feet, according to board member David Boise, who said he measured himself). “I knew the pavilion was going up, and I didn’t have a problem with that. I didn’t realize they’d put it that close to the house,” said McComish. “I’m really upset that people didn’t talk to me about it.”
At Boice’s urging, board members heard from the public before they voted — a change from their usual procedure. Because of the many comments and gray areas over usage, the voting on pavilion rules was postponed.
Lutz said that Steve Olyha, who played a leading role in the pavilion’s creation since the project’s inception in 2022, will volunteer his time for one year to act as the pavilion administrator, overseeing its use and permitting. “During that time we can evaluate how it is being used, how much time it takes to administrate, and whether we need a separate person to do that administration,” said Lutz.
In other business, the board approved Town Clerk Monica Cleveland to put out a request for proposals for the installation of new solar panels on the roof of the Town Hall. The original panels were installed on the roof in 2010, and were funded with a NYSERTA grant of $123,000, with the town paying an additional $35,000. From June 2010 to April 2024, the panels produced 392,536 kWh of electricity, valued at $31,403.64. They were removed in 2024 when the roof was replaced; however, the installation of new solar panels would void the warranty of the new roof. The board considered putting the panels on the pavilion instead.
The board also authorized Supervisor Jim MacArthur to sign a contract with George M. Janes and Associates, which will conduct a visual assessment of a proposed solar panel farm on Route 82.
Cleveland spoke about the Town Hall’s pest problem. “This summer alone we caught six mice in my office,” she said. The board authorized her to move forward with a quote from Meerkat Pest Control, who would come in three times a week for a month for $2,250, followed by checkups every other month at $250 each.
Board member Amy Gold updated the board and public about the town’s new website. The board is still evaluating web development companies, but estimate that the new site, once launched, will cost $5,000 annually. The board has circulated a survey asking the input from the public about what it would like to see improved. The survey is available until Oct. 1.
The board unanimously voted to move forward with a $1,500 quote to repaint the stop lines and add new stop markings on the intersection of Route 82 and Route 7. Additionally, a motion was passed to authorize MacArthur and Highway Superintendent Jim Miller to contact the county highway department about reducing the speed limit on White House Road from 55 mph to 35 mph.
The next Ancram Town Board Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16.