Following a fire that destroyed the original structure, Shandaken’s Town Hall was rebuilt around 1947—predating energy-inefficient, flood mitigating, and accessible building. For decades, previous Supervisors achieved updates, plans, and new facilities to accommodate various Town functions. But, the need for a Town Hall remains. It’s critical we get Town Hall out of the floodway, create a facility that’s accessible for all, and lower energy and maintenance costs. Upkeep costs for old structures are significantly higher than for new ones. So, until we find a feasible property and identify funding to build a new town hall, the current building will be a bit of a money pit.
Our 30-year-old furnace had been repeatedly repaired the last few years, and failed in a big way the day before the storm that plunged our town into single digit temps and dumped two feet of snow. We contacted three companies for quotes: the consensus was we needed a furnace replacement. But, only one company could schedule the replacement right away. Highway and Town staff still spent most of the week working, in between blowing fuses with space heaters and turning water off to avoid breaking pipes. Kudos to all who came to pay taxes in the cold.
The Board is actively seeking a site and funding for a new Town Hall. The site needs to be out of the flood plain, avoid environmentally-sensitive areas like wetlands, and ideally have enough acreage to accommodate town offices, highway and ambulance. If you have an idea about a possible site—please reach out to supervisor@shandaken.gov.
Extreme cold also triggers water main leaks. Phoenicia’s new Water Superintendent Kyle Steen has been working hard to map lines to more easily find leak sources, and subsequently identified a leak on Route 214.
The snow storm also highlighted an interesting dilemma: the County issued a travel ban for January 25 and the morning of January 26—even as Belleayre Ski Center remained open. Presumably skiers were parachuting in from Delaware County to avoid the ban??
Our police and ambulance spend a minimum of 15% of their time responding to Belleayre calls and proactively helping to keep Belleayre skiers safe. At this month’s meeting, the Board will vote on this resolution, memorializing our request for $175,000 in annual funding to offset the Belleayre Ski Center-related costs that Shandaken shoulders. If you’re inclined to help, please email a letter of support to Joyce at townclerk@shandaken.gov.
Our March meeting is on the 2nd of the month, at 7:00 p.m.
I’m excited about the possibilities this year holds for our Town—and acknowledge all the people that teed up good things to improve the quality of life for Shandaken residents in 2025. A few of the things to look forward to this year are the:
- Debut of our Comprehensive Master Plan
- Installation of the new natural playground at Glenbrook Park
- Engagement of consultants to help update our zoning codes.
Our Town has the most amazing volunteers—our Committees, Nonprofits, citizens, and most especially our dedicated first responders who put everything on the line to keep us safe.
This month last year Rich Muellerleile again asked inexperienced hikers to visit the DEC’s Hike Smart NY, and cited how winter conditions are harsh—not only for hikers for but would-be rescuers. His words sit heavy as we begin the year.
Michael Ryan passed in December while out rescuing a hiker. We are a small Town and the loss of Mike is felt everywhere here, but his lifetime of service and mentorship extends well beyond Shandaken. The Board sends our deepest condolences to Debra Jo, Finola, and Mike’s entire family. Our Town was already reeling following the news that the Craig Family were in a serious car accident. I know we are all wishing much healing in 2026 for Kris, Heather, Laura, and Sarah. Our rescuers are stretched thin and they are serving increasing numbers of visitors. If you are able, please contact your local fire house about volunteering this year. As Kris Craig said at an emergency preparedness meeting in 2025, “there is something to do for just about anyone willing to help.”
After over 30 years of service, Rick Ricciardella is retiring as the Superintendent of the Phoenicia Water District. On behalf of the Phoenicia Water Committee and everyone in the hamlet of Phoenicia, thank you Rick. We deeply appreciate your decades of service keeping our drinking water safe. I also want to thank John Horn and Allen Shiner for their service on the Planning Board, Ernest Longhi for his service as a Line Officer for Shandaken Ambulance, and Hank Williams for his service on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
My office will operate with an open-door policy. I value hearing from you and encourage you to visit Town Hall to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. This year, you will see monthly Supervisor Updates on the Town website. Together, we will continue to build a strong, vibrant, and welcoming community.
First meeting of 2026 is January 5 at 6:00.
Happy New Year Shandaken,
Barbara Mansfield, Town Supervisor