Piermont Candidate Forum Sparks Candid Dialogue on Village Priorities

PIERMONT, N.Y. — At a lively, open-format candidate forum moderated by Stephen Moscatello, Piermont residents engaged directly with mayoral candidate Nate Mitchell on October 21, pressing him on key community issues like overdevelopment, parking shortages, infrastructure, flooding, taxes, and public safety. The event, held at Village Hall, was hosted as a nonpartisan public forum.

Transparency and Public Trust Take Center Stage

Mitchell, the sole participating candidate on the night, outlined a vision centered on community-first governance, sustainability, and transparency. He criticized current leadership for lapses in communication and oversight, especially concerning zoning changes and infrastructure neglect. “We need a village government that operates with fiscal responsibility and in compliance with all laws,” he said.

He pledged to repeal Local Law No. 4 (2023), which created the controversial CDM zoning district. Mitchell cited its opaque passage and invalidation by the Rockland County Supreme Court as proof of systemic issues in how the village handles development. He also promised to assemble a task force to review and revise Piermont’s comprehensive plan to better reflect current realities.

Development, Density, and the Fight to Preserve Village Character

Attendees voiced concern over new developments like the proposed 14-unit apartment complex downtown. Mitchell agreed that the project lacked community alignment, citing its excessive floor-area ratio. He advocated for balancing historic preservation with smart, sustainable development that doesn’t strain village infrastructure or erase its character.

On parking, Mitchell admitted the village had “made the problem worse,” referencing the expansion of fee-in-lieu-of-parking (FILOP) spots and lax regulations for restaurant growth. He favored a moratorium on new restaurant permits until a comprehensive parking plan could be implemented. “We can’t pretend there are unlimited spaces,” he said.

Public Safety, Traffic, and Ebikes

Several residents expressed frustration over traffic violations, unsafe cycling, and speeding — especially near blind curves and during high-traffic weekends. Mitchell called for more targeted police presence and speed-monitoring tech like radar signs. He also acknowledged safety concerns around high-speed e-bikes, suggesting both parent education and enforcement are needed.

Flooding and Infrastructure: A Looming Crisis

Residents from flood-prone areas like the Patch questioned the village’s ability to respond to rising waters. Mitchell outlined possible FEMA-backed mitigation efforts, including group applications for home elevation grants. He also criticized past decisions to delay pier repairs despite clear engineering warnings. A $4.1 million rebuild proposal is pending federal support.

Tax Rumors and Fiscal Policy

Addressing online rumors, Mitchell rejected claims that his leadership would trigger tax hikes. He explained that most property taxes go to schools, not the village, and emphasized his commitment to controlling expenses while maintaining essential services like sanitation and fire response. “Our taxes are confusing, but the village portion is small and well spent,” he said.

A Call for Regional Collaboration

Mitchell supported forming a Hudson Valley Mayors Council to share solutions with leaders from towns like Cold Spring, Beacon, and Kingston. He also highlighted his experience with the Flood Resilience Network, which shares best practices for managing flood risk.

A Push for Accessible Government

In closing, Mitchell promised that, if elected, his administration would prioritize transparency, communication, and resident engagement. “People deserve to know what’s happening before it’s too late,” he said. “This community wants to be part of the process, not just hear about it after the fact.”

Election Day in Piermont is November 4.

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