SHE ASKS FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY AT BOARD MEETINGS

[Published in The Columbia Paper on March 27, 2025]

Dear Supervisor Dvorchak, Town Councilmembers and Highway Superintendent Briggs,

I am writing to follow up on the March 18, 2025 Special Meeting and Town Board meeting.  I found the tone and tenor of the meeting disappointing. Townspeople joined the special meeting expecting to learn what the Town's position was on paving vs dirt roads and hear thoughtful responses to the public's legitimate inquiries. The Town Board failed to meet the public's expectations of civic discourse and respect -  among the Councilmembers themselves and with the public.

Please find below (and attached) the following letter addressing these issues which was also published in The Columbia Paper on March 27, 2025. I address it now to you in hopes that the Town Council will reflect upon this opportunity to do better on behalf of the Hillsdale public it serves.

After attending the Hillsdale Special Meeting and Town Board Meeting on March 18, 2025 I left concerned about the unnecessary divisiveness surrounding the issue of chip-sealing/paving the town’s remaining dirt roads. This division seems avoidable if the Town adopts a more transparent, inclusive process for gathering public input—and if residents engage in productive discussions rather than fueling tensions on social media.

The special meeting (not a formal public hearing) allowed only three-minute statements, offering no opportunity for discussion or for the Town to address residents' legitimate concerns. When the public felt unheard and thought that the Town was rushing toward a decision, the subsequent Town Board meeting became overly heated. A workshop-style forum, allowing for open discussion and collaborative problem-solving, would be a far more effective way to gather input and find a solution that works for everyone.

During the special meeting, a letter opposing the chip-sealing of Texas Hill Road and Apple Tree Lane was submitted to the Town Board. It was signed by 54 Hillsdale residents—including strong support from those living on Texas Hill Road and Apple Tree Lane—as well as 23 county residents and landowners, highlighting widespread concern.

Additionally, residents reiterated some of their objections, such as:

• Safety: Paved roads lead to increased traffic speeds and potentially more traffic.

• Rural Character & Environment: Hillsdale takes pride in its rural character and farming community. Chip-sealing would negatively impact Pym Farm, Honey Dog Farm, residents in the Taghkanic Creek Headwaters, and our broader community.

• Loss of Publicly Accessible Recreational Space: Dirt roads serve as safe walking trails for the entire community.

• Maintenance & Costs: Chip-sealed roads also develop potholes and require upkeep, especially after the winter. What are the true long-term maintenance costs of chip-sealed vs. gravel/dirt, especially for low-traffic roads such as Texas Hill Road and Apple Tree Lane?

• Financial Priorities: Could CHIPS funding be better allocated, perhaps toward culvert right-sizing or to roads with greater needs and stronger resident support?

Despite these concerns, the Town Board approved the chip-sealing of the roads while also leaving the door open for further and much welcomed discussion. I hope we can find a forum that will be more collaborative and thoughtful for these additional conversations.

At a time when individual rights are under attack and federal funding is being cut, we need to strengthen our community ties more than ever. Hillsdale has an opportunity to set an example for constructive and inclusive civic discourse. Let’s seize it.

Sincerely,

Amy Davison