Quarterly Town of Marlborough Update: Winter 2025

In the effort to kickstart this project, we have read the Town Board Meeting Minutes from Q1.

To close 2024:

Q4 2024 (November–December)

Police Department Changes
Officer Thomas Keith Jr. resigned, and Sergeant Justin Pascale resigned to become Town Justice effective January 2025. This triggered the need for new appointments to the Ethics Board and Court staffing.
Kent Farm Project
The Town sponsored a state Restore NY grant application to fund the rehabilitation of Kent Farm, which would become an event space, cidery, and farm-to-table restaurant. The grant request was for $772,000. Residents should watch how this project develops, as it ties into economic growth and tourism.
Someplace Upstate Dispute
The Town entered into a settlement agreement with event venue Someplace Upstate, allowing their Planning Board application process to continue but setting limits on how the property can be used. This property continues to be a source of tension (see February 2025).
Community Recognition & Funding
The December meeting honored Tom Schroeder as Resident of the Year and included a $25,000 check from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, distributed to the town from drug seizure funds.
Wastewater Plant Upgrade
A $2.3 million bid was approved for upgrades to the Marlboro Hamlet Wastewater Treatment Facility, partially funded by ARPA money.
Solar Lease Extension
The Town amended its lease with Nexamp Solar to extend development timelines, with conditions that allow the Town to terminate if a building permit isn’t obtained by July 2025.

The January 2nd Reorganization Meeting set 2025 salaries, reappointed boards and committees, and confirmed water and sewer rates.
Supervisor Corcoran’s January 13th report highlighted 2024 accomplishments: opening the new Community Center, Milton Landing repairs, new lighting and bocce courts, Young’s Field upgrades, and nearly $1 million in grant funding.
2025 priorities include completing the wastewater plant expansion, EV charging station planning, Young’s Field lighting, Pickleball courts, and further waterfront and landfill repairs.

In January, the Board approved a temporary water rate increase of $2.25 per 1,000 gallons to cover a district deficit. By February, Supervisor Corcoran explained bills were higher due to increased costs (chemicals, insurance, salaries), more water main breaks, and higher Newburgh water rates.
Residents in the water district should expect ongoing higher bills while deficits are repaid.

Senior Housing Zoning Law – The Town Board introduced and then adopted Local Law #1 of 2025, updating zoning to allow senior housing developments with specific size and density rules.
Marlborough Resort (Lattintown Rd) – In January, the Board scheduled a public hearing on extending the water district to serve this large resort project. The owner agreed to pay $600,000 into the district over three years.
Residents may want to track whether the Town’s water capacity is sufficient for this and other developments.
Orchards on Hudson Development – The CAC raised major concerns about a proposed 103-townhome project on a former quarry site. They cited environmental and traffic issues and asked for a full environmental review.

In February, the Town finalized its legal settlement: the property cannot be used for weddings or rented to outsiders unless permitted by the Planning Board.

The Town is working toward Climate Smart Community certification, including Earth Day events and exploring EV charging stations. A resolution to partner with Cornell Cooperative on climate education was discussed in January but tabled for more detail.

A special joint meeting in March between the Town Board, Planning Board, and fire departments highlighted frustration that fire safety input is sometimes ignored in major development reviews. A new process, called a “gateway meeting,” will now take place early for large projects so first responders are included from the start.
This matters because developments like Marlborough Resort and Orchards on Hudson could strain emergency services.

Water Bills Rising – Higher rates and past deficits are impacting water district residents. The Town says this is temporary but has not set an end date.
Major Development – The Town is weighing large projects (resorts, senior housing, new subdivisions). Residents should watch for Planning Board hearings and environmental reviews.
Event Venues – The Someplace Upstate settlement limits weddings/events but requires strict enforcement. Farms and residents may want clarity on how consistently this will be applied.
Climate & Infrastructure – Investments are being made in EV charging, parks, and climate planning, but residents may want to see concrete timelines.
Emergency Services – Fire departments are now being integrated earlier into development planning, a positive step for safety.