For months, residents in Beacon, East Fishkill and the Town of Fishkill have been spotting signs for a potential data center proposed to be built in East Fishkill. Several protesters from these communities gathered at East Fishkill’s Town Hall in May 2026 for their Town Board Meeting (equivalent of Beacon’s City Council Meetings). Elected officials like Lisa Kaul, when she was running for New York State Senate District 39, have been speaking out about it, and positioning postcard mailers around the concept of No Data Centers.
But is there a data center coming to East Fishkill?
To find out the status of a proposed data center in East Fishkill, ALBB reached out to and spoke with Nick D’Alessandro, the East Fishkill Town Supervisor. On May 27, 2026, he told ALBB via phone: "There is no application. This is crazy.”
The professional trade organization which represents the Hudson Valley and Westchseter construction industries, Contractor Industry Council (CIC) and Building Contractor Association (BCA), published an article on May 26, 2026, which quoted Nick as saying: “No site plan, special permit application, zoning request, or other development application has been submitted to the town for review,” Mr. D’Alessando stated.
Are Data Centers Even Permitted In Zoning Law In East Fishkill?
No. The Town Supervisor Nick confirmed to ALBB that a data center is not permitted in an industrial site. However, Nick said: “Data centers are all around us. Very small ones. But they are necessary for chip productions. They never made any news because they are very small.”
In the May 26, 2026 interview with ALBB about this speculated data center, Nick gave ALBB the background to this data center development: “This property is an industrial property in town. They have a current application in for a warehouse. A logistics center. The town was in the midst of doing our Master Plan. During that process, we put a moratorium on industrial properties until we completed our Master Plan. That moratorium is set to expire at the end of June 2026.”
During that timeline, Nick told ALBB, the property owner came to East Fishkill and said: “We might want to change it from a warehouse to make it a data center.”
Nick continued: "But we know there is no power in this area. We dealt with this all the time with former IBM East and West centers. There is only 50 megawatt available."
Thus making the idea of this data center obsolete, ALBB asked? "Right. Then it doesn't matter. But he [the developer] didn't believe us. He made an application on how much power is available."
Nick continued: “We really didn't think much of it. But this grew legs.” Social media started blowing up with shares of a proposed data center for many more megawatts than are available. Food & Water Watch helped organize protests at the East Fishkill Town Hall meeting, and Lisa Kaul gave her speech against data centers in East Fishkill, which circulated widely on Instagram. In their promotional materials, neither Lisa Kaul nor Food & Water Watch seemed to mention the existing zoning laws that would not support or allow this data center.
“As we looked into this, specially data center, we found it is not listed as permitted use in any industrial site. It got better for us! But to calm everybody, we put up a resolution last week [in May] to extend our moratorium in industrial sites. Next month in June, we will hold our Public Hearing. We also put language in there on moratorium on data centers as well. To double and triple down.”
Nick continued: “The people don't want them in any other areas. But it doesn’t matter - we have to do what the law says.”
But don’t municipal laws change with new resolutions, ALBB asked? Nick answered: “It can't supersede a state law.”
What Does New York State Law Say About Data Centers?
“New York State is now looking at putting a moratorium on data centers. That would apply to anything new. Then it doesn't matter what we say.”
As for the details of Senator Kristen Gonzalez’s New York legislation named The Responsible Data Center Development Act (S.10462): “legislation requiring environmental impact assessments, new rate classes for electricity and water usage, and labor protections on the development of data centers. It notably includes a one-year statewide moratorium on new data center permits for hyperscale facilities with a peak load of over 20 Megawatts.”
Back to East Fishkill
Nick seemed unaccustomed to such a public turnout to reject the hint of a local development. “We had a lot of people come to the last Town Board Meeting. That meeting wasn’t the time to discuss this. The Public Hearing is next month [June]. But all the people in the public were from Fishkill and Beacon. And the people speaking were running for public office.”
As politics entered the scene, the zoning details seemed to have gotten lost. Before publishing this article, ALBB reached back out to Town Supervisor Nick to check on the latest status. He said: “Moratorium is set for this Thursday and I feel it will pass. It will be a 3 year moratorium on data centers. The existing moratorium on all industrial properties will be extended for 7 months. We have heard nothing from the developer.”
There’s a lot of misinformation being spread about “data centers” in East Fishkill. Let’s set the record straight:
There is NO application before the Town. There has NEVER been an application for a data center.
In fact, under our current zoning, data centers are not even listed as a permissible use in our industrial zones.
Despite that, the Town Board is taking the proactive step of introducing a 3-year moratorium on data centers to give our community certainty and allow time for further study and discussion.
That’s what responsible government looks like: acting on facts, not fear.
Unfortunately, some are choosing to politicize this issue, spread panic, and organize protests over something that does not exist. Residents deserve honesty — not hysteria.
The Town Board will continue to lead with transparency, facts, and what’s best for East Fishkill.
At some point facts have to matter.
Town Supervisor Nick’s response was met with mixed reviews. Some applauded him for his straightforward tone, while others felt spoken down to. Do Hudson Valley residents have reason for concern which necessitated an aggressive, pro-active approach to block data center construction? Yes.
What A Local Professional Construction Trade Organization Says About Data Centers
“Locally, Rockland County has seen a number of data center developments, including projects by DataBank and JP Morgan in Orangeburg, with DataBank looking to build another in the county,” CICBCA reported. “However, data center construction, which is on the rise, has mainly occurred outside of the New York metro region and is facing backlash.”
The article went on to highlight a study by Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate firm, which reported that the data center sector continues expanding, but is facing pushback. “Across the region,” the report stated, “governments, utilities and local jurisdictions are introducing new regulatory guardrails and infrastructure requirements designed to oversee power demand, land and natural resource use, and long-term grid stability. Regulatory changes are increasingly shaping how and where development occurs. New permitting rules, zoning adjustments, infrastructure cost-sharing requirements, and local moratoriums are slowing approvals in several established markets and pushing activity toward tertiary locations where power availability, permitting timelines, and land availability provide faster paths to deployment.”
Based on this report, it seems that actions from locals working to block data centers in East Fishkill, and responses from local leadership, did align to so far bottleneck the path to data center approval. This may be one of the few times that different political leanings did align, but acknowledgement for such is necessary in order to proceed more united.
A group is meeting on Thursday, June 25 from 6-7:30pm at St. Andrew & St. Luke Episcopal Church • 15 South Avenue, Beacon, NY to learn and ask questions about a bill introduced by Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and Senator Michelle Hinchey called “The Hudson Valley Power Authority Act.” This legislation would create a state-owned corporation, the Hudson Valley Power Authority (HVPA), that “is authorized to acquire Central Hudson and run it as a publicly-owned and democratic energy with no profit motive,” according to the bill’s website.
Promoters of the legislation describe it as: “Central Hudson is a for-profit monopoly owned by a Canadian holding company, Fortis. A state bill, called the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act (A02127 Shrestha /S02026 Hinchey), would replace Central Hudson with a not for profit state corporation. That means getting rid of investors who have a right to make profits from our utility bills, and lowering rates to serve energy as a public good!”
It is not indicated if the lawmaker presenting at this panel, Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, will address regulations created by New York State that have impacted higher rates of gas and electricity. The morning co-host on K104, DJ Bill Bael, who is a Town of Wappinger Councilman since 2007 and former Deputy Town Supervisor, and current Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Commissioner, often discusses how New York legislation has contributed to the increase in pricing of gas and electric for Central Hudson customers.
Central Hudson’s website briefly describes its origin story of one that was started by three individuals with the aim to consolidate multiple energy providing companies in this region.
“In 1900, three men – Thaddeus Beal, his father William R. Beal and John Wilkie – purchased two companies which provided 5,000 Newburgh, New York customers with electricity and gas.
“It was a bold move to reach beyond the economic activity of the city into a sparsely populated region, but Beal, Wilkie, and their associates recognized the need for consolidation of the many separate electric and gas companies serving our region. Over the next 25 years these men realized their vision. With the emergence of new energy technology and through the merger of 80-plus independent electric and gas companies, the Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation was formed.
“The year 2000 saw the formation of CH Energy Group, Inc., a holding company/parent organization of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation and a family of subsidiaries known as Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation. And in 2013 CH Energy Group and Central Hudson joined Fortis Inc.’s federation of utility companies. The merger, which was voted for by CH Energy Group shareholders, took place following state and federal regulatory approvals. It provided Central Hudson with improved access to capital to make infrastructure improvements and provided customers with nearly $50 million in financial benefits.
Any driving schools or auto industry businesses who want to start sponsoring, now is a good time 🙈. Contact A Little Beacon Blog if interested. Otherwise, enjoy the show!
My Permit Driver really is a good driver. It’s just nerve wracking. 🧘🏼♀️
Last week on Tuesday, June 17th, 2026, a Raging White Man In Flip Flops stopped his light olive four-door Toyota Tacoma TRD pickup truck on Main Street outside of the old Rite Aid to yell at the chalk artist, Ryan Austin Manzi, who was drawing “Free Palestine” with the Palestinian flag in between in chalk on the Sun River Health building at 341 Main Street. Several questions have come in to A Little Beacon Blog about this incident. Those questions are answered below. The video is also posted below.
While Ryan, who currently goes by his middle name of Austin, was drawing the Palestinian flag in between the phrase in all caps “FREE PALESTINE,” the man, who ALBB has not independently verified, stopped his truck to yell at Austin. The video that Austin recorded and published on his Facebook page starts at the point were two children who were also walking on the sidewalk turn around to respond to the man yelling from his newish looking, light olive, shiny Toyota truck, to say to him: “You’re the asshole!” while both children flipped him the bird as they kept on walking to their errands.
Austin responded to the children: “Thank you, yeah!”
The man responded by saying what sounded like “…this fucking town.” To which Austin responded: “Get a fucking job, you fucking white supremacist piece of shit.”
“I have a fucking job, you asshole!” the man yelled back while moving his hands from his steering wheel to his lap several times.
“Yeah, so keep fucking driving to it you dumb fuck!” Austin yelled.
This conversation is a classic exchange straight out of Facebook comments, except this was in real life on Main Street in Beacon. People who don’t like the word “white supremacist” anywhere near them, or who enjoy insulting writers or artists, often tell people to “get a job.” But this time, Austin turned around the phrase.
After being told to get a job, the man put his truck in park, presumably took off his seat belt if he was wearing it, and exited his vehicle. Austin remained at his chalking position at the Sun River Health building the entire time, while exclaiming: “Fuck, you mad about this shit?” referring to the chalk art.
The man exited his truck, walked around the back of his vehicle and headed for Austin on the sidewalk, demanding: “Who the fuck do you think you are to put that on that fucking wall!” The man stepped his flip flopped feet onto the curb of the sidewalk, balancing like on a balance beam. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” he continued.
“I think I’m an American,” Austin answered. “That’s what I think I am.”
The man didn’t accept Austin’s answer. “You ain’t no fucking American,” the man insisted. “I grew up in this fucking town 65 years.”
Austin cut him off. “Me too - 34 years, you dumb white prick.”
“Bullshit,” the man screamed. Little does the man know, or maybe he does, Ryan Austin Manzi was born in Beacon, and is in fact the nephew of Michael (Micki) Manzi, Beacon’s current Superintendent of Streets. Though the two do not speak to each other out for personal reasons out of mutual decision from many years ago. Austin’s mother is white and his father is African American.
The man persisted: “Who - That’s not your fucking wall!” His flip flops inched closer to the wall, his toes gripping the edge of the tree plot in the sidewalk as he stepped in time with his yelling.
Austin responded: “Guess what? It’s not yours either! So stop fucking spittin’ to keep…”
But the man would not stop. “And I’m not drawing on it, you asshole!” the man said. As he said those words, the man’s right hand, which was empty and had been flexed into different pointing positions during his verbal expressions, balled up into the position of a hand that was gripping a pencil, then seemed to tremble back and forth. But the trembling was him making the motion of sketching something onto an artist pad.
The man continued, and this time, charged at Austin. While Austin remained at the wall, Austin told the man: “So mind your fucking business.” But the man continued in what at this point sounded like a gurgle from his throat because he was so angry: “I’m not fucking drawing -” as he pointed viciously at his own neck.
As the man got up close to Austin’s face, Austin stopped the man right there. Austin pushed the man away from him. The man fell to the ground and rolled to the edge of the sidewalk, near a parked car.
From the ground, the man said: “You mother fucker.” He got up to return to Austin again.
Now, many locals in Beacon who know Austin know that Austin is in and out of jail, and has been in fist fights on Beacon’s sidewalks over the years. He was recently released from jail, and has been out for two months. This time in jail was for various charges that Austin usually fights on his own, being granted documentation, street camera footage and Police body camera footage to analyze and use to defend himself in court.
As the man charged at him again, Austin said firmly: “Back up.”
“You mother fucker,” the man insisted, and got up into Austin’s personal space. From the video, it appears Austin swung, and then the camera falls to the ground. The two “tangled” or “locked up” on the sidewalk.
The man continued in a muffled voice. “You asshole…You fucking asshole.”
“Get the fuck off me,” Austin told him.
“I’m not drawing on it,” the man continued. “I’m not fucking drawing on it.”
More rumbling can be heard in the video, then the man exclaims: “Oh, you’re getting it. Cops are coming right now you asshole.” Austin can be seen walking back to his position on the wall, as a woman yells to the man: “Stay right there.” Austin echos her, and says: “Yeah, you stay right there you fucking prick. Don’t go anywhere.”
The woman continued to yell at the man: “…in front of my five year old.” The man, who was walking away, responded to the woman: “Who does he think he is?”
Austin responded: “Who the fuck are you? Who the fuck are you, [N-word]!”
Austin took a few breaths, and then continued to the camera: “I just got attacked by a white supremacist in a fucking pickup truck, yup.”
While the Beacon Police responded, the man got back into his pickup truck and drove away. He was not identified that day, though a woman had gotten his license plate number.
That man is lucky that he did not have his flip flop handed to him.
Was This The First Time Ryan Austin Chalked Free Palestine On This Wall?
No. This is the 3rd time Austin chalked “Free Palestine” on this wall. The first time was with a grouping of other chalk art, namely Scooby-Doo and bunnies for Easter. It was in March 2024 and people were getting ready for Easter in Beacon. Israel’s genocide of Palestine was in full force, and people were seeing violence committed on people that had never been witnessed before so easily - live streaming mass murder on social media.
Most people felt - and continue to feel - helpless. Art drawings of Free Palestine began popping up around the region. A giant one appeared in paint on the Dutchess Mall next to Home Depot in Fishkill. It only lasted a few days on that empty building before being painted over. In Beacon, the strip of building that is the back of the Sun River Health building generally feels like an empty strip of storefront on Main Street. It’s like a No Man’s Land, even though there are vibrant health services being delivered inside. Ever since Pizza ‘n Stuff moved from that wall to across the street and down the block, people generally don’t give those bricks a second thought.
Unless they have chalk on them. On March 17th, 2024, Austin chalked Free Palestine on this very spot. But a different person came during a more conspicuous time and threw white paint over it. Didn’t throw water on it to wash away the chalk. This person chose paint. Austin returned to the wall to assess what kind of paint it was, in order to help solve the mystery of who would have permanently vandalized the building. ALBB witnessed him re-chalking it and interviewed him while he drew Free Palestine again. You can read/watch that interview here.
On March 21th, 2024, the Regional Director of Facilities for Sun River Health, Marco P. Faustino, was alerted about the “chalk art and graffiti” on their Beacon location. He was shown pictures of the “white paint splattered on the wall as well as chalk art,” which he stated in a Police Report he filed later. He scheduled a cleaning service to clean off the paint for March 29th, 2024.
On March 28th, 2024, the day prior to the cleaning service coming, Beacon’s Building Inspector, Bruce Flower, contacted Marco of Sun River Health “regarding the chalk art and graffiti.” Marco stated that he told Bruce “that graffiti has been an ongoing issue at the Beacon location, at which point he recommended filing a report with the City of Beacon Police.”
When he did that, the Beacon Police said that they had identified the person who did the chalk art as Ryan Manzi, but did not find the person who splattered the paint onto the wall. Prior to the chalk art of Scooby-Doo and Easter bunnies, there had been no chalk art done to the front or back of Sun River Health. There had been, and remains, no permanent graffiti markings on either side of the Sun River Health building (6 Henry Street or 341 Main Street).
There is one very old graffiti marking on the back of the dry cleaning building next door to the front entrance of Sun River Health. But it has been there before and since this marking, and Building Inspector Bruce Flower appears not to have called the dry cleaner about that marking. Just the splattered paint over the Free Palestine.
Marco did decide to press charges against Ryan Austin Manzi for the chalk art, and admitted that he did not know who splattered the paint. There was no indication in his police report that he or the Beacon Police looked at the camera footage on Main Street at Rite Aid or Sun River Health to see who splattered the paint. Ryan Austin confirms to ALBB that there are cameras there located at the liquor store or former Rite Aid. When ALBB contacted Beacon Police Chief Figlia asking about location of cameras at that location for this article, Chief Figlia did not respond.
Are Beacon Police Bias Toward Ryan Austin?
Yes. ALBB has on two different authorities that the Beacon Police, as of 2024, were actively trying to keep Ryan incarcerated for as long as possible. Any charge that would come his way would be added to his sheet. Once inside, different events can occur to keep a person in jail longer by missing or extending a court date, such as delayed finger printing if the incarcerated person speaks back to an officer during the intake process.
Chris denied calling Ryan Austin a terrorist when ALBB contacted him to confirm what Ryan Austin told ALBB (one of the only times Chris responded to ALBB since his city-wide ban of any department head speaking to ALBB), after which Ryan Austin flipped the bird to Chris, and Chris flipped bird back to Ryan Austin, according to Chris’ Police Report filed April 4th, 2024.
In his Police Report that ALBB has obtained, Chris stated: “As I was leaving the parking lot, I saw a man I know to by Ryan Manzi. I have never had any personal interactions with Ryan before today. I’ve learned of Ryan’s identity from a recent Beacon Blog where he was observed to be chalking a brick wall on Main Street. As I was approaching the traffic light, which meets the intersection of North Ave and Main St., Ryan stopped in the roadway and began to give me the finger. I gave him the finger in return and drove past him as he proceeded to move off toward the sidewalk and descend the staircase toward Beacon Police Station.”
After that incident, Ryan Austin then approached Chris’ car and hit it with a plastic water bottle, which prompted Chris to call Beacon Police to tell them to arrest Ryan Austin. Then, a take-down of Ryan Austin by the Beacon Police in front of Bank Square Coffee occurred, as they arrested Ryan Austin based on Chris’ demand. The Beacon Police’s handling of Ryan Austin to put him in handcuffs hurt Ryan Austin’s already damaged shoulder from a prior arrest by the Beacon Police, and resulted in his vomiting and urinating while handcuffed during that arrest in April 2024.
Ryan Austin confirmed to ALBB that the charges made by Sun River Health for his original chalk art of Free Palestine were dismissed in 2024 as covered by other charges.
About That “Poughkeepsie Journal Article”
Before anyone drops the classic comment in here or in socials about “I read in the Poughkeepsie Journal that he is in a gang…” ALBB will address that article. ALBB finally read that article, knowing it would be nonsense. And it was nonsense. It was created as a plant to further whatever issue the Beacon Police have or had (depending on who is on the force) with him.
ALBB has interviewed his mother, been provided Police cam videos of other incidents, seen street cam video footage of another incident that was at first denied to exist regarding his case in a sidewalk rumble involving a car driving into his car to pin it there, and listened to a 911 call by a woman who was intent upon insisting that his red bandana had significant meaning (like to a gang).
The amount of cleansing facial masks and nail polish that Ryan Austin uses don’t by themselves prove that he’s not in a gang. But ALBB does have confirmation that that story was cobbled together in order to pin charges and brand a fairy tale.
Austin Manzi told the Beacon Police that he does want to press charges on this man for this incident.
After last week's Super Saturday in Beacon (even the City Council Members commented during last week's meeting on how many events they bounced between and attended), followed by yesterday's Juneteenth Celebration, everyone needed to take a breather. But not business owners. They are doing their hustle as they create and respond to new opportunities, which you get to read about below.
PS: Yes, ALBB knows about the Raging White Man In Flip Flops from last week on Main Street in reaction to the Free Palestine chalk art, and will publish an article about it. In the meantime, find out where the Free Palestine chalk art popped up next by reading the business news below.
Dutchess Board of Election Sticker Contest
Students have the chance to enter this sticker contest. Age: Participants ages 9-18 are encouraged to enter. Deadline: June 30, 2026 Information >
Riverkeeper's Fish Migration Celebration Day: Saturday, June 20, 2026 Time: 5:00-8:00pm
Boats decorated to look like fish will be on course from NYC to Beacon to Newburgh. Very festive event to celebrate the northern passage of the fish of the Hudson.
Beacon Open Studios 2026 Day: Friday-Sunday, June 26-28, 2026 Time: 12-6pm Locations Open For Walk-In Viewings Location: All over Beacon. Open Studios will post a map online. Reception: Friday, June 26th, 6-9pm at The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY Information >
Beacon Pool Opening
Rules and Admission details have been released. Information >
Beacon's Fourth of July Fireworks Day: July 3, 2026 Location: Memorial Park, Pop Warner Field, Robert Cahill
Free show of fireworks. All are welcome.
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
This Saturday marked the first time Eggbert's was available to shoppers of the Newburgh Farmer's Market by way of their new pickup stand next to the Manager's Table. Now shoppers of that market can pre-order the week prior, and pick up at the Newburgh Farmer's Market by selecting that market from the Shipping section of Eggbert's website's checkout. Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market 11am-5pm Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Saturdays: Pick-Up Prio-Orders Only at Newburgh Farmer's Market Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm Farm Fridge: Shake and Grind, 190 S. Plank Road, Newburgh SHOP ONLINE:Order Online DELIVERY: 🚚 Free Website >Instagram > Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor!
The Station Dispensary
463 Main Street, Beacon NY
After the Raging White Man In Flip Flops got out of his pickup truck to cause such a scene at the chalk artist chalking Free Palestine onto the Sun River Health Building, the rain came and washed it away. The artist was then invited to chalk it onto the former Police Station, which is now the Station Dispensary across from the Piggy Bank. Website >Instagram > The Station Dispensary is a Sponsor!
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
CARTER'S RESTAURANT 424 Main Street, Beacon NY
Every Wednesday Night is Shelfish Night at Carter's ($2 Oysters, Clams or Shrimp), but every night for the Best Clam Sauce in the Hudson Valley. Fresh linguine tossed in Carter's rich, buttery clam sauce, loaded with sweet Little Neck Clams and fresh clam meat. Enjoy this coastal flavor. Reservations + Private Parties: 845-743-6527 Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY
The Chicken Hummus Platter at Tara Fusion inside of the Food Hall a true combination of delicious flavors and amplified by the toasted Garlic naan! Please have several helpings for us!
PIGGY BANK 2.0 446 Main Street, Beacon NY
Book your next office, business retreat or wedding event at The Piggy Bank. Fits up to 100 guests comfortably inside with room to get fresh air on the patio outside. Instagram > Piggy Bank 2.0 is a Sponsor!
HEALTHY IN COLOR 259 Main Street, Beacon NY
In Beacon, we have the opportunity to watch the fascinating entrepreneurial journey of Angel Rodriguez, owner and creator of Healthy in Color, develop the recipe for, and now the bottling of, Sugar Crusher. “This is how we do this,” he says. ”Labels. Made right here in Beacon, NY.” One step at a time.
The Sugar Crusher is a “wellness shot” designed to help you respond better to the meal. Sip it. Drizzle it. Spread it. However you want it. Especially carbs and other sugary meals. Get it today at Healthy in Color in Beacon, next to Hudson Valley Vinyl and across the street from Key Food. Watch This Video > Instagram > Healthy In Color is a Sponsor!
ZIATUN BEACON 244 Main Street, Beacon NY
The Futur Medley platter at Ziatün is unmatched. Enjoy hummus, baba ganoush, foule, za'atar, olive oil, falafel & pickled turnips served with warm pita bread made in-house. The softest pita bread in Beacon. Instagram > Ziatün is a Sponsor!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193-195 Main Street, Beacon NY
Ahh...that first bite of pancake with smushed, hot blueberries inside mixed with the syrup. Brunch or breakfast all day at Beacon Bread is that relaxed world you have been dreaming about. Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor!
iRunBeacon 5K: Register Now!
I Am Beacon is committed to their mission of offering college scholarships to Beacon seniors. With that, they are excited to announce...15th Annual | I Run Beacon 5K Run/Walk 2026. "We invite you to join us this September as we put on the I Run Beacon 5K Run/Walk. Whether you are an avid runner, beginner, or first timer our race is perfect for everyone. We are back yet again live and also offering a virtual race for those who would like to participate from anywhere!" Register Here >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
In this video, owner Noah demonstrates kobudo (weapons). Kobudo is a martial art that you can take at Mountain Stream Budo with Noah, for ages 8 and up.
No experience necessary; beginners welcome! You are welcome to schedule a free class any time!
Email them at info@MountainStreamBudo.com for more information on the program.
Located on Eliza Street (right between Re:Form Pilates and Oui Oui Café) Learn More >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
Li’l Dragons Karate class (ages 4-6) meets 3 times per week: Tuesdays and Fridays 5pm Thursdays 5:30pm.
Email Noah at info@MountainStreamBudo for more info and to schedule your free trial class! Learn More >
Free Breakfast Program Day: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Time: 6:30am-8:30am Location: 12 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY 12508
They have a Wish List of food items! If you're in the mood to donate, find the list here. Information >
FRIDAYS: Fareground's Free Community Dinner Day/Time: Fridays, 5:30pm-7:30pm Location: First Presbyterian, 50 Liberty Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Information > Volunteer > Donate >
The Marching Cobras kicked off Beacon’s Juneteenth Celebration in Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. 11-5pm. Several vendors participated including Number Seven Sandwich Hub, Pats Kitchen, Fable and Sow, a Vegan option, Riverpool at Beacon, Beacon Library, Desmond Fish Public Library, with Bosco and the Storm and DJ King Cyrus spinning. Games from Beacon LGBTQ, face painting from ALBB were available, and more.
This is your chance to make a kid (and parent) happy this Juneteenth in Beacon! A Little Beacon Blog wants to offer free Face Painting sessions to all of our little friends who come back year after year as regular customers. Some adults even sit at the table, if they are teenagers returning to their childhood, or adults being car-pooled and chaperoned by an adult services agency to enjoy the day. But we need your help. Friends can donate $15 per face painting session.
GOAL: 19 faces, but we might could do 25 faces.
Monies go to ALBB, as this is a fundraiser to power our newsroom and keep us out in the community. ALBB is not a non-profit, so your donation is not a tax deduction, but is greatly appreciated and put to good use.
This is your chance to make a kid (and parent) happy this Juneteenth in Beacon! ALBB wants to offer free Face Painting sessions to all of our little friends who come back year after year as regular customers. Some adults even sit at the table, if they are teenagers returning to their childhood, or adults being car-pooled and chaperoned by an adult services agency to enjoy the day. But we need your help. Friends can donate $15 per face painting session. The event is Friday, June 19, 2026 from 11am-5pm at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park.
GOAL: 19 faces, but we might could do 25 faces.
Monies go to ALBB, as this is a fundraiser to power our newsroom and keep us out in the community. ALBB is not a non-profit, so your donation is not a tax deduction, but is greatly appreciated and put to good use.
Buckets & Brews: Women's Collective Day: Saturday, June 13th, 2026
Time: 9:30am-11am Location: Pete & Toshi Seeger, Riverfront Park, Beacon, NY 12508
Women's pickup basketball, followed by coffee for anyone interested.
Tabernacle Of Christ Prayer Walk & Community BBQ Day: Saturday, June 13, 2026 Time: Prayer Walk: 9am Location: Prayer Walk: Main Street & Cliff Street Time: BBQ: 11am-1pm Location: Tabernacle of Christ Church, 483 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Join Tabernacle of Christ Church for activities, food distribution and fellowship as they launch their fundraising efforts for major improvements on their building, which include upgrades to accessibility, facilities, and more. Information >
City Wide Yard Sale Day: June 13th, 2026 Time: 9am-3pm Location: Beacon, NY
Enjoy shopping from neighbors of the City of Beacon as they dig out their treasures and put them on display for you in their yards, porches and stoops. Anyone can have a yard sale.
"In My Mind" Art Show From Schagganl Brown at Carter's Restaurant Day: Saturday, June 13th, 2026 Time: 1-4pm Location: Carter's, 424 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
An exhibition of color, thoughts and expression. Original art. Bold vision. Pure imagination.
Beacon Litfest (Main Event) Day: June 12th-14th, 2026 (Friday - Sunday) Location: Multiple venues throughout Beacon, NY
Big Literary Voices. Small Town Vibes (c)
Enjoy major award-winning poets and writers, immersive performances, mixers, book signings, special VIP experience, and more!
We are thrilled with this year's line-up! Find out more at beaconlitfest.org Tickets >
Strawberry Festival of the Beacon Sloop Club Day: Sunday, June 14, 2026 Time: 12-5pm Location: 1 Flynn Drive, Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park
Experience strawberries and whipped cream, special strawberry T-Shirts from the Sloop Club, Food, Crafts, Environmental Talent on 2 solar powered music stages. A Little Beacon Blog will be there with face painting! Information >
Figure Drawing Fundraiser for Open Studios Day: Sunday, June 14th, 2026 Time: 4:30-6pm Ages: 18+ Price: $23-$50 Location: 17 East Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Express your drawing self in this (Nude) Figure Drawing Fundraiser with model Genevieve.
Moon, Serpent & Bone: Oddities and Curiosities Night Market
8th Annual Summer Solstice; "Saints & Sinners;" Live Performances Day: Friday, June 19th, 2026 Time: 6pm-10pm Location: Prophecy Hall, 1113 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY 12508
Beacon Open Studios 2026 Day: Friday-Sunday, June 26-28, 2026 Time: 12-6pm Locations Open For Walk-In Viewings Location: All over Beacon. Open Studios will post a map online. Reception: Friday, June 26th, 6-9pm at The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY Information >
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
Announcing Eggbert's Free Farmer's Market Pickup! Buy the week of the Market of your choice, and select to pickup at that location. Options are in their website. Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market 11am-5pm Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm Farm Fridge: Shake and Grind, 190 S. Plank Road, Newburgh SHOP ONLINE:Order Online DELIVERY: 🚚 Free Website >Instagram > Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor!
The Station Dispensary
463 Main Street, Beacon NY
As you head down to the Piggy Bank to cool off with an ice cold glass of lemonade, swing into the The Station Dispensary across the street for the pre-rolled or package of one of their favorite micro batches from Lead Farmer, which is a Veteran-owned company in New York growing smaller batch craft.
The Station loves the genetics of this strain. “It’s a pretty special breed,” the budtender told ALBB. “The best thing about this cannabis are the genetics and practices he uses on his farm.” Comes in the Mac1 strain (miracle alien cookies), Tricho Jordan, and Junky. Website >Instagram > The Station Dispensary is a Sponsor!
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
CARTER'S RESTAURANT 424 Main Street, Beacon NY
FIFA World Cup is playing at Carter's! Enjoy the front room with windows opening to Main Street. Order from the menu and drinks to keep your spirit hydrated. Plenty of gluten free and mocktail options! Reservations + Private Parties: 845-743-6527 Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY
The Roosevelt Bar inside of the Food Hall is hosting the World Cup on TV! And the Knicks. A new TV is going up on their back patio. Order from any of the food vendors listed below to satisfy your appetite as you make it through these games!
PIGGY BANK 2.0 446 Main Street, Beacon NY
FIFA World Cup is on the TVs in the Piggy Bank! Any time a game is on, pull up a chair at Piggy Bank to enjoy with something refreshing to drink and a plate of Piggy Bank favorites. Or sit outside in their lovely patio to people watch and drink lemonade with your BBQ. Instagram > Piggy Bank 2.0 is a Sponsor!
HEALTHY IN COLOR 259 Main Street, Beacon NY
Angel has been devoting a lot of time and study on how you can eat carbs without the sugar crash. Healthy In Color is a functional salad and smoothie place, but core to the menu is educating you in how to eat best for your body, and now, an apple cidar vinegar-based sauce to put on anything that can manage the sugar breakdowns. Watch This Video > Instagram > Healthy In Color is a Sponsor!
ZIATUN BEACON 244 Main Street, Beacon NY
This is the Semolina cookie at Ziatun, which has the date filling inside. In Arabic, this cookie is called "Ma’mol." Baked fresh only at Ziatun for you to enjoy one or a plateful for a catering event. Enjoy! Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193-195 Main Street, Beacon NY
Locals in Beacon see the outside of Beacon Bread often, but we may not see the inside of the second half as much. Next to the Beacon Bread door is the WTF door, which has a totally different decor. Step inside and you can be in booth seating with dimmer lights. Perfect for Brunch. Available for private parties. Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor!
iRunBeacon 5K: Register Now!
I Am Beacon is committed to their mission of offering college scholarships to Beacon seniors. With that, they are excited to announce...15th Annual | I Run Beacon 5K Run/Walk 2026. "We invite you to join us this September as we put on the I Run Beacon 5K Run/Walk. Whether you are an avid runner, beginner, or first timer our race is perfect for everyone. We are back yet again live and also offering a virtual race for those who would like to participate from anywhere!" Register Here >
I Am Beacon Survey For Community Center + Rail Trail
The Beacon City Council is reviewing its five-year capital plan.
Two major projects are under debate. Share your voice before the public hearing on June 15.
Rail trail — $5.4M proposed for 2028. A 3.3-mile multi-use path from the waterfront to the Town of Fishkill. Mayor Kyriacou hopes it will be largely grant-funded.
Community Center — $5.3M proposed for 2031. Advocates have called for this for years; the estimate would fund improvements to the existing 23 West Center St. facility, not a new building. Take the 2 Question Survey >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY JUJITSU CLASSES
Jujutsu (literally translated as “the science of softness”) is a traditional Japanese throwing and grappling art. Matt, a jujitsu white belt student, practices a few throws in preparation for his first rank test. YOU can start any time! No experience necessary; beginners welcome! Jujitsu Schedule:
Mondays 7-8pm Wednesday 6-7pm Fridays 6:30-7:30pm
Located on Eliza Street (right between Re:Form Pilates and Oui Oui Café) Learn More >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
Li’l Dragons Karate class (ages 4-6) meets 3 times per week: Tuesdays and Fridays 5pm Thursdays 5:30pm.
Email Noah at info@MountainStreamBudo for more info and to schedule your free trial class! Learn More >
Free Breakfast Program Day: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Time: 6:30am-8:30am Location: 12 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY 12508
They have a Wish List of food items! If you're in the mood to donate, find the list here. Information >
FRIDAYS: Fareground's Free Community Dinner Day/Time: Fridays, 5:30pm-7:30pm Location: First Presbyterian, 50 Liberty Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Information > Volunteer > Donate >
Interview with Ali Dabashi, one of the brothers behind the Creation of 1450 Mokha, and Ahmed, a family friend and partner. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
The signature drink, the 1450 Latte, made with white chocolate cardamom syrup and seasoned with a shake blend of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg blended in-house, rimmed with honey. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
Katie interviewed one of the 6 Dabashi Brothers, Ali, and their partner Ahmed on the second day of their soft opening of 1450 Mokha at in Poughkeepsie, located across from Marist University in the Job Lots / Home Depot shopping center at 3434 North Road. Many in Beacon have never seen Ali in this setting - relaxed and sitting in the deep red Yemeni style couches that he crafted and built. "Why aren't you in Key Food?" demanded Katie. "Did you get bored?" Ali smiled and shook his head.
"The Dabashi Brothers, along with our partner Ahmed, have opened 1450 Mokha. Our passion is coffee, and we love our culture so much. We wanted to bring something that we always drive an hour and half to every time we are off work - which is the taste of Yemen."
Writing this interview - which you must also watch in video here in this article - required savoring the signature iced drink of 1450 Mokha. The latte is gorgeous in the glass, and the baristas recommend stirring before sipping in order to swirl the flavors, which are traditional Middle Eastern spices composed of white chocolate cardamom syrup and seasoned with a shake blend of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg blended in-house, rimmed with honey. The creme at the top is a secret. This drink is transformative.
1450 Mokha is not just an ode to their ancestral home of Yemen, and is not just a coffee shop. It is their haven to stretch out their creative sides and flavor pallets to welcome all to enjoy and experience traditional Yemeni hospitality.
Located in the parking lot of Job Lots, Home Depot, with a Planet Fitness coming soon, this coffee shop is ideal for being in the center of things. "Home Depot is my home," said Ali during our interview, as he can be often be found envisioning new shelving and building it.
After our interview, a new customer walked through the door, drawn in by the Arabic music playing softly outside. The fact that he could hear the music from the parking lot, while avoiding numerous potholes that frequent most of those shopping market parking lots up Rte. 9, was impressive.
The new customer was beside himself with enthusiasm: "I could hear the music! Did you just open? Is this a new location for you? Do you have other shops? Didn't this used to be the acai bowl place? But they had no foot traffic? Congratulations!!"
This is 1450 Mokha’s first location. Foot traffic might not matter here, with the Arabic community driving up seeking these homegrown flavors and new customers from the medical and student communities becoming regulars. Located across the street from Marist University, and near the Culinary Institute, this little coffee shop will be a must-park-and-sit to study, talk, relax, and develop the next big ideas.
The Meaning Behind 1450 Mokha
The Tres LEche dessert at 1450 Mokha. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
The name 1450 Mokha is especially deep to Ali and his brothers. "Mokha" (also spelled Mocha) refers to the historic port city of Al Mokha on Yemen's Red Sea coast. For centuries, coffee grown in Yemen was exported through this port to the rest of the world, making Mokha one of the most important names in coffee history. The word "mocha" used around the world today traces its roots back to this historic city.
The number 1450 represents the year when coffee began gaining prominence in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen played a central role in cultivating, preparing and spreading coffee culture throughout the world.
Sweet treats can be found inside, which include traditional Yemeni sweets such as Honeycomb bread, Sabayah, authentic Yemeni sweets from Mocha Sweets in Detroit, Michigan (a region with a large Arab community), with many other pastries and desserts.
Desserts Available In The Case
Three pistacchio desserts avilable at 1450 MOkha. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
Sampled for this interview was the Festival (Gluten Free), featuring Vanilla Cream, Pistachio Cake and Almond. Next was the Pistachio Mouse, with a Chocolate Cake crust. And finally, the Layered Pistacchio Stack, with a soft but thick Chocolate on top, Pistachio layered with cream and a chocolate base buried underneath. Best eaten as the row with all flavors on the spoon together into your mouth.
The Origin Of The Coffee
The coffee and espresso is from Moka Origins, which is roasted locally in PA and includes beans from Uganda, Ethiopia, and other regions. Beacon locals have already been exposed to this line of coffee through Junior Zayad Dabashi who has been attached for some years.
The Hudson Valley local painter Mary Mechalakos (Murals by Mary) came up to paint the mural of the logo on the wall. She will be defining the culture and the history of their coffee on the longer wall opposite the barista station soon.
Coffee & Matcha
Many other drinks are available, including the Adeni Tea, which unlike the Red Tea, boils with evaporated milk. It is another Yemeni favorite and will be the next order for A Little Beacon Blog when we plop down into the ugly chair in the front that Ali says is his favorite: "The best, ugliest, most comfortable chair you can have."
Matcha is available as well. But not just any matcha. "I had no idea there were so many versions of matcha," Ali said. "This is ceremonial grade matcha - top of the line straight from Japan." During staff-training, which involved professional baristas from Michigan to train the 7 new staff members, 1450 Mokha gave away the coffee and matcha that they made during training. "Everyone wanted the matcha, and we ran out. I went everywhere to find more,” Ali recalled. “NYC. Walmart. Everywhere to find anything. Finding the ceremonial grade matcha is like a drug market." Matcha at 1450 Mokha is the right color green with no additives. Not sweetened or flavored.
Events like screening of the World Cup will be held in the outdoor seating with a beautiful view of the setting sun and Job Lots. This finely crafted coffee spot is a wondrous addition to Poughkeepsie.
Tin Shingle is a proud sponsor of this series, the Good News Small Business Interview because Tin Shingle knows that belief in an idea and in the self is foundational to making it happen.
Business dreamers and doers often work in isolation, if only in their minds, while dreaming of each component of a business.
Tin Shingle teaches and empowers businesses in getting the word out about their business by getting into the news and making their own social media.
Tin Shingle’s Community Membership is open to all who are doing it themselves or hiring staff to do it in-house. Private services are also available for those who need storytelling produced for them or training to get their staff capable.
Ahead of Democratic Primary, Candidates for New York State Comptroller Commit to Higher Ethical Standards Challengers Goyle and Warshaw Agree on Critique of DiNapoli’s Investments in Israel
Press Release of Break the Bonds Comptroller Candidate Forum that took place June 8, 2026. Video of the forum so you can hear how they will drop the Israeli bonds from New York State pension investments is published in this article below.
Just ahead of New York’s June 23 primary, tonight two candidates for New York State Comptroller committed to implement higher ethical standards if elected to the office, in a 90-minute candidate forum hosted by the Break the Bonds New York State Coalition and New York chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace and Democratic Socialists of America. Candidates Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle fielded questions from voters and participants in the state pension plans managed by the Comptroller. Incumbent Tom DiNapoli did not respond to the invitation from forum sponsors.
“As of March 31, 2025, the New York State Common Retirement Fund is invested in $367.5M worth of Israel bonds. ”
“The winner of this election will have the opportunity to stop funding genocide, and the question is whether he will be committed to doing so,” said Arthur Camins, a Beacon-based member of the Hudson Valley chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace. “New York State is one of the largest US institutional investors in Israel bonds, an investment that is neither ethical nor financially sound. “
The two candidates joined a virtual forum of over 200 participants from the voting public, including public employees who participate in the $273 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund of which the Comptroller is sole fiduciary.
“We aren’t required just because we want a low cost index-like investment to invest in the stuff that is killing people, the planet and our pension fund”
— Drew Warshaw
Both Goyle and Warshaw committed to stop investing in Israel Bonds, if elected. Israel Bonds are loans from individuals and institutions to the Israeli treasury that provide critical financial support for the Israeli military and government–including the Israeli military’s genocidal war on Gaza as well as forced displacement of Palestinian families from their homes, and the Israeli government’s separate-and-unequal system of apartheid. As of March 31, 2025, the New York State Common Retirement Fund is invested in $367.5M worth of Israel bonds.
The two candidates answered questions from participants regarding their approach to investments, ethics in investments, the risks of political pressure to make bad investments, and conflicts of interest.
“We aren’t required just because we want a low cost index-like investment to invest in the stuff that is killing people, the planet and our pension fund” -Drew Warshaw
“Families everywhere just want to trust their leaders are working for them. This is about New Yorkers. This is about a moment when the opportunity to take power and money, and use it for the New Yorkers that don’t have those two things.” - Drew Warshaw
“Tom DiNapoli says you cannot have moral clarity with fiduciary duty. That is simply wrong, they are deeply intertwined. We can act on our values, and I will. We can invest in New York social infrastructure. We can protect the middle class and the pensioners.”
— Raj Goyle
“Tom DiNapoli says you cannot have moral clarity with fiduciary duty. That is simply wrong, they are deeply intertwined. We can act on our values, and I will. We can invest in New York social infrastructure. We can protect the middle class and the pensioners.” - Raj Goyle
The following organizations sponsored the forum: Jewish Voice for Peace Syracuse, Jewish Voice for Peace Hudson Valley, Jewish Voice for Peace Albany, Capital District Democratic Socialists of America, Mid-Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists of America, Buffalo Democratic Socialists of America, Jewish Voice for Peace Buffalo and Jewish Voice for Peace NYC.
“The State Comptroller is such an important position to ensure that New Yorkers’ retirement funds are not invested in genocide, other human rights abuses, or unethical surveillance,” said Lisa Lindsley, Mid Hudson Valley DSA member and participant in the NY State & Local Retirement System. “It is critical that we all vote in the upcoming primary. New Yorkers deserve true leadership in our Comptroller.”
Lawmakers join the Peekskill community in rallying to reject pipeline expansion and calling out Congressman Lawler for putting the oil & gas industry before constituents
Peekskill residents and elected officials gathered today to protest the latest “rebrand” of fossil fuel giant Enbridge’s proposed pipeline project, one that was resoundingly rejected by local communities last year for the skyrocketing utility costs and pollution it would bring to the region.
“Did the last pipeline to come through Peekskill lower our bills? No, it didn’t. ‘Project Beacon,’ aka ‘Project Maple,’ won’t either. Whatever you want to call it, we don’t need the disruption and pollution this pipeline expansion will cause for any reason. ”
— Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg
Local elected officials including Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Tarrytown trustee Effie Phillips-Staley , and Rockland County legislator Beth Davidson rallied with the Peekskill community, calling out the rebranding and demanding an end to the development.
[ALBB Edit: Effie Phillips-Staley appeared in our recent article highlighting campaign money Congressman Mike Lawler AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) accepted from AIPAC as someone running against Mike Lawler. Per her website: “Effie Phillips-Staley is a Tarrytown Trustee and nonprofit executive who has dedicated her life to social justice and public service. Raised in a union household by a public school educator from El Salvador and a blue-collar U.S. military veteran, Effie learned early the values of hard work, dignity, and community. She is running for Congress because this moment demands transformational change, not politics as usual that serve corporations and the ultra-rich while working families fall behind. In Congress, Effie will put people first by fighting for Medicare for All, universal childcare, building five million new homes across America, abolishing ICE and “Block the Bombs” legislation, a proposed Act of Congress introduced in 2025 to prohibit the President of the United States from "selling, transferring, or exporting certain defense articles or services to Israel, except in specified circumstances." She will never take money from corporate PACs or AIPAC.”
‘Project Beacon’? What Is This Oil Company Trying To Sneak In?
Less than three years ago, Enbridge introduced the “Project Maple” pipeline expansion, which residents and elected officials spent years fighting and soundly defeated in 2025. Now, Enbridge is attempting to resurrect the project under a new name, “Project Beacon.” Hudson Valley residents know this will only cause the spread of dirty, fracked gas to the region and will raise already-high utility bills.
Community members called out Congressman Mike Lawler, a former fossil fuel lobbyist who has previously supported dirty, expensive fossil fuel projects, noting the vast donations Lawler has accepted from oil and gas giants to fund his campaign. Advocates have called on elected officials at all levels to put their constituents first and oppose the project.
“Let’s call ‘Project Beacon’ exactly what it is: a corporate rebrand of the same dirty ‘Project Maple’ pipeline expansion that over 200 local and state elected officials already fought and defeated. It is unconscionable to spend taxpayer money on fossil fuel infrastructure that will worsen climate change against the will of the people of NY17. It’s time to put toxic energy behind us and direct our resources toward clean, renewable sources of the future.”
— Tarrytown Trustee Effie Phillips-Staley
"Did the last pipeline to come through Peekskill lower our bills? No, it didn't. ‘Project Beacon,’ aka ‘Project Maple,’ won't either. Whatever you want to call it, we don't need the disruption and pollution this pipeline expansion will cause for any reason,” said Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg. “I remain firmly opposed to this project, because locally-developed clean energy is what we need for lower bills and healthy homes.”
“Let’s call 'Project Beacon' exactly what it is: a corporate rebrand of the same dirty 'Project Maple' pipeline expansion that over 200 local and state elected officials already fought and defeated. It is unconscionable to spend taxpayer money on fossil fuel infrastructure that will worsen climate change against the will of the people of NY17. It’s time to put toxic energy behind us and direct our resources toward clean, renewable sources of the future,” said Tarrytown trustee Effie Phillips-Staley.
“I’m proud to have worked alongside environmental advocates to pass the first countywide resolution in New York State to oppose Project Maple, and I’ll work just as tirelessly to stop Project Beacon,” said Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson. “We’ve sent Albany and Washington a strong message: no more dirty and dangerous pipeline expansions in our communities.”
Photo Credit: New York Community For Change
“Costs are already skyrocketing all over the state, and folks like me just can’t afford another dirty, expensive pipeline. Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel makes nearly $25 million a year. The Con Ed CEO makes $20 million – how is that right when the rest of us can barely get by?” said Jessica Martinez, Peekskill resident and member at New York Communities for Change. “Elected officials at every level up to Governor Hochul and Congressman Lawler must oppose and stop Enbridge's ‘Project Beacon,’ which would raise our bills and add tons of pollution.”
“Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents the parts of Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam county that the existing Enbridge pipeline runs through has not yet spoken out against this expansion and the hardship it would cause his constituents. Why not?”
— Melissa Hoffmann, organizer with Food & Water Watch
“We are disappointed and angry that we have to have this fight. People are paying higher and higher prices for dirty energy, all while fossil fuel CEOs earn millions,” said Shokoofeh Rajabzadeh of Climate Families Westchester. “We are hopeful that after seeing our resilience and determination in the last round, our leaders – including Hochul – will step up and stop ‘Project Beacon’ or any other dirty fossil fuel project that comes our way.”
“There are three large interstate pipelines running through the Indian Point nuclear plant, including the 42-inch AIM pipeline that was added beginning in 2015. Based on New York State’s own independent safety analysis, the Homeland Security department wrote to FERC in 2018 expressing the view that any increase in capacity would be unacceptable and that Enbridge might need to ‘temporarily cease gas operations during the decommissioning activities,’” said Nancy Vann, President of Safe Energy Rights Group. “It makes no sense to increase the risks to our community by any expansion like ‘Project Beacon’ now or for the foreseeable future.”
What Else Has Congressman Mike Lawler Voted For?
"Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents the parts of Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam county that the existing Enbridge pipeline runs through has not yet spoken out against this expansion and the hardship it would cause his constituents. Why not?" said Melissa Hoffmann, organizer with Food & Water Watch. "Maybe it's because he voted for legislation that would fast track pipeline approvals and drastically limit state’s rights to have a say in fossil fuel projects. Maybe it’s because he also voted for legislation that would limit the ability of local communities that will be most affected by fossil fuel projects to speak out. If Lawler wants to do right by his constituents, he must end his record of prioritizing corporate polluters over the health and economic well-being of his constituents and oppose the Enbridge pipeline expansion."
Background On “Project Beacon” Pipeline
While Enbridge has yet to disclose full details of their proposed “Project Beacon,” it is nearly identical to the “Project Maple” pipeline expansion they proposed in 2023, which was eventually blocked by citizens and elected leaders concerned with the pollution and utility bill increases the pipeline would bring.
News Channel 7 Interviewing a spokesperson about the Algonquin Gas Transmission line. Photo Credit: New York Community For Change
The expansion would drastically increase the gas flow from the Algonquin Gas Transmission line, transporting fracked gas into New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Enbridge is currently in the “open season” phase, meaning the company has announced the proposal and is soliciting bids from gas and power companies to gauge interest in buying the gas the expansion would bring. The company will then need to secure financing and permitting.
Residents of the areas affected by the pipeline expansion say it’s vital to stop this project before it gets any further along in the development process, as they managed to do with Project Maple. They note that the pipeline would be expensive to build, raise already sky-high utility bills, pollute the communities through which it runs, and further our dependence on dirty energy sources rather than investing in clean energy solutions.
On May 11th, 2026, A Little Beacon Blog submitted a FOIL request for any complaints made against Chris White, age 56, Beacon’s former City Administrator who recently and unexpectedly retired in March 2026, his last day to be in June 2026. No reason was given, but during a following City Council meeting, Chris stated he wanted to make a Zoom cameo appearance on a City Council Meeting while hiking on the Appellation Trail to warn people of their 15 second mark during speeches made during Public Comment, which is when they get cut off.
Deputy City Administrator, Ben Swanson, was promoted to City Administrator upon Chris’ absence. The Deputy position was created out of thin air during Chris’s time as City Administrator. One month after his retirement announcement, the City announced that Chris was taking a leave of absence in April. Chris made no more appearances at City Council Meetings after that.
On June 8th, the City of Beacon’s Clerk, Amanda C. Caputo, responded to ALBB’s FOIL request stating that the request may or may not be granted: "Please be advised, the City requires additional time to complete your FOIL request due to the time it takes to locate and retrieve responsive records, the number of FOIL requests recently received, the breadth of the request, and the need to review certain responsive records to determine whether such records are subject to an exemption, in part of full, under FOIL.
“As such, the City anticipates you will be contacted on or about Wednesday, July 22, 2026 (i.e. thirty (30) business days) regarding the extent of which your request is granted or denied. We will notify you in writing if the City requires additional time to locate, assemble, and review records.”
Select other FOILs that ALBB has requested have also not been answered, which include:
How much money did the City of Beacon Get per year for the MTA Newburgh Beacon Bridge License?
Receipts from any scrap metal earnings to the City of Beacon around the time of March - July 2023. If money was received to the City of Beacon in exchange for any scrap metal from any company in New York or the tri-state area during that time, please submit receipts for which company, and for how many dollars were received per exchange. Thank you.
The percentage of Beacon’s sales tax that Beacon receives back from Dutchess County that Mayor Kyriacou negotiated, as well as the full contract that this sales tax percentage is discussed.
Please send video or link to video for City Council Meeting from August 6, 2017. This was the meeting where Michael Manzi was appointed to Superintendent of Streets, thereby dissolving and replacing Rueben Simmon's department head position of Highway Superintendent. Then City Councilmember Jodi Mcredo turned to the audience and asked if they were happy now. She was met with cheers of hoots and hollers. Then Mayor Randy Casale shushed them and told them this was not a football game. Then Councilmember Lee Kyriacou responded by saying he may have preferred watching a football game to this. This video of this City Council Meeting It used to be in Vimeo and re-cast on A Little Beacon Blog, but the video has since been removed. The video was removed under former City Administrator Chris White’s tenure.
That video of that meeting is public record, and we need it back.
Commissioner Glenn R. Scofield Jr. of the Village of Fishkill Police Department responded to A Little Beacon Blog’s inquiry on the response of law enforcement based on the actions of Daniel Mandia, sole owner of Mandia Construction and Sons, where he stepped into the TikTok video being made by two girls of color, performed a Nazi salute, stepped out of the camera. He then allegedly asked the girls if they knew what the salute meant, and allegedly encouraged them to post it to the Internet.
Commissioner Scofield Jr. said: “The Village of Fishkill Police Department has completed its review of the video circulating on social media. Following investigation & consultation with members of the District Attorney’s office, it has been determined that the individual's actions, while deeply offensive and disruptive to community values, constitute speech protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Because the behavior did not include a direct, credible threat of violence or physical harm, it does not meet the statutory requirements for criminal prosecution. Our agency remains committed to ensuring the safety of all community members within the boundaries of the law.”
UPDATE 6/8/2026: A Little Beacon Blog wrote to the Village of Fishkill Police with the following question, and received the following response:
Can you speak to why this law does not refer to Daniel Mandia’s actions? How he gave a salute that is known to be extremely divisive and inciting, and then allegedly made sure the girls did not know what the salute meant, and encouraged them to post it online. Which has resulted in a region-wide disruptive reaction.
From the law: "He or she knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than seventeen years old or directs or authorizes such child to engage in an occupation involving a substantial risk of danger to his or her life or health”
It certainly seems like Daniel intentionally was "injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare” of the girls, which can lead to "substantial risk of danger to his or her life or health” of the girls.
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Forever important to ALBB is informing you, the reader, community, and outside the community who also love Beacon in an easy and accessible way. A website producer for 20 years, Katie majored in Communications in Media Studies, and one class shy of a minor in Creative Writing from the College of Charleston (SC). Her favorite class was Ethics in Communication.
The dream was to to work in magazines, but there wasn’t enough money in that to afford her NYC apartment. So she worked for a national nonprofit specializing in evidence-based maternity care, where she designed and managed their website and donor database. Taking fashion drawing classes at night at FIT, she also began blogging. Blending visual and written storytelling was always a match for her.
Katie started blogging before Google went public, on their platform Blogger. She even helped the nonprofit install a Google Search Server onto their very large and resourceful content website. That’s why you find ALBB everywhere in Google. She knows how to weave her creative writing with SEO and website analytics. It’s a special combination of an art.
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by Arvind Dilawar Arvind Dilawar is an independent journalist. His articles, essays and interviews have appeared in The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Daily Beast and elsewhere. Find him online at: adilawar.com
The members of the House of Representatives, whose districts include Dutchess County, voted to send $4.4 billion to Israel, as well as to punish United States citizens for criticism of its government.
House of Representative members Pat Ryan and Mike Lawler together received nearly $1.5 million in campaign contributions from pro-Israel lobbyists, according to the most recent campaign finance data filed with the Federal Election Commission. Ryan received nearly $380,000 from the American Israel Political Action Committee, better known as AIPAC, and Lawler received more than $1 million. Ryan, a Democrat, also received $5,000 from Democratic Majority for Israel, and Lawler, a Republican, received $20,000 from the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Although AIPAC, DMFI and RJC target different segments of the political spectrum, they function identically: funneling campaign financing to politicians who commit to sending billions in US tax dollars to Israel, as well as deploying US military assets to fend off challenges to Israel’s ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, occupation of Palestinian territory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and aggression against Lebanon, Syria and Iran. Politicians backed by the lobby have also attempted to legislate against growing criticism of Israel in the United States and abroad.
In 2024, Ryan and Lawler voted in favor of House Resolution 8034, which approved sending $4.4 billion to Israel. Lawler also introduced — and Ryan voted for — House Resolution 6090, which advocated for criticism of Israel to be punishable under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additionally, Ryan and Lawler signed onto a letter encouraging the State Department to undermine South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for committing genocide in Gaza.
Both Ryan and Lawler represent portions of Dutchess County and are currently up for re-election. According to FEC data, Ryan's re-election committee received nearly $140,000 from AIPAC during the current election cycle, and Lawler's committee received more than $630,000. The two incumbents are running unopposed for their respective parties' nominations in the primaries, for which early voting will begin June 13 at sites designated by the Dutchess County Board of Elections. Effie Phillips-Staley stands out as one of Lawler's potential Democratic opponents who has explicitly rejected funding from AIPAC.
(Both Ryan's and Lawler's re-election campaigns failed to respond to requests for comment from A Little Beacon Blog.)
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
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