New York State Senator Pete Harckham hosted a “Coffee and Conversation” gathering on Thursday, Aug. 1, in the Community Room at Patterson Library, which provided more than 40 participants an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas and opinions on a wide range of subjects.
“These events give people a chance to talk with us face-to-face and ask any questions they may have about the work we are doing, both in Albany and here in the districts we represent,” said Harckham. “People are looking for help and answers to their questions, and this is a good way to hear from them first-hand. A big thank you to the Patterson Library for welcoming everyone for this special event.”
The topics brought up by the “Coffee and Conversation” participants included the algal bloom problem in Putnam Lake and mitigation efforts, along with conservation issues in the Great Swamp, one of the largest wetlands in New York State, which covers over 6,000 acres in eastern Putnam and Dutchess counties. There were also concerns about battery energy storage farms being situated in communities.
Other topics brought up concerned a housing development planned along the Hudson River in Croton-on-on Hudson, the high cost of housing and the scarcity of affordable rental apartments, bipartisan cooperation in the State Legislature.
There was also discussion on bike paths crossing dangerous intersections and walkability issues in some communities. One attendee expressed concerns about school children walking along certain busy roadways after they exited a school bus.
Senator Harckham has been hosting regular “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings since taking office in 2019. The event began with Harckham offering a report on the recently enacted State Budget and his work in the State Senate, where he is the chair of the Senate Environment Conservation Committee.
Additionally, Harckham noted that he has been able to secure over $2 million in State Senate funding for Patterson in the past five-and-a-half years, and that school aid for both the Brewster and Carmel school districts, which serve Patterson residents, has increased 69% and 43%, respectively.
Patterson Library Director Stephanie Harrison said, “The Patterson Library was honored to host Senator Harckham and his staff for a Coffee and Conversation with our community members. These conversations allow residents to voice their opinions and concerns and help strengthen the connection between our community and its elected officials. Senator Harckham’s visit reinforces our library’s role as a vital hub for civic participation, and we look forward to hosting similar events in the future.”
*New York State Sen. Pete Harckham and attendees at the Patterson Library for the Coffee and Conversation gathering on August 1. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / Tom Staudter.*