Deputy Mayor Melkorka Kjarval’s Monthly Reports
May, 11th, 2026
Red Hook Together meets every first Thursday of the month. The group met virtually on May 7th at noon. The Rotary’s Apple Blossom festival slated for May 9th has secured a RHCSD shuttle bus that will transport riders from an accessory parking lot to the festival as well as stopping north of the Village. Legislator Kris Munn shared that he is proposing a law to regulate use of A.I in County Government. Cicely Wilson from Bard CCE reminded the group about their summer intern program. Tivoli Library announced their REV 250 event in coordination with the Town on Flag Day. Panda shared they are looking for board members to fill their “Village of Red Hook” board seat. The next meeting of Red Hook Together will be at 4pm on June 4th to launch this year's slate of Art Box exhibits.
As reported in previous reports, the Transitional Housing discussion group, which met on January 21st with Christa Hines from HRH and met again virtually Tuesday, April 28th. In attendance were Town Supervisor Mckeon, Community Center Director Sara Ugolini, Nevill Smythe, and Erin Canan Vice President for Civic Engagement. Discussion covered what the goals of the group should be, if this group was the correct venue for the discussion, and possible next steps. The issue of lack of access to social service support and interventions for individuals with housing/ mental health or addiction crises in Red Hook was discussed in depth. Sara Ugolini proposed we invite DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Marzouka to speak to the group - coordination of that is ongoing. Town Supervisor Mckeon has proposed finding a location for a Hudson River Housing (Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI)) funded project - which would cover rental fees for 6 bedrooms in a property. Eligibility for this specific project (as defined by ESSHI criteria) would be 3 slots for un-housed persons with serious mental illness and 3 slots for unhoused individuals that are part of the Reentry Population. We have yet to hear if such a project were sited in RH; whether RH would be eligible for satellite access to County supportive social services (currently located in Poughkeepsie) and/or would priority be given to RH community members known to be in need of housing support services. A reminder that the emergency overnight warming shelter previously held in St.Christopher’s basement during the winter of ‘25/’26; has been unable to find a location although funding and staffing are available.
Town of Red Hook Comprehensive Plan:
The Town committee meets monthly from 7:30pm to 9pm on the fourth Tuesday at Town Hall. The April 28th. The 2nd Workshop is entitled “Vision to Action” will be held on Sunday, May 17 Noon - 4pm at Rose Hill Farm. This will be the first opportunity for the community to see what goals were gleaned from public engagement, the public is invited to give feedback on these ‘visions’ in an interactive expo style event.
Comp Plan Site: redhookny.gov/578/Town-of-Red-Hook-Comprehensive-Plan What is a Comp Plan? redhookny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4933/