Town of Plattsburgh celebrates 240 years on Charter Day

PLATTSBURGH | The Town of Plattsburgh is proudly marking its 240th anniversary, celebrating a rich history of leadership, progress, and community service. Charter Day provided the town and its officials an opportunity to reflect on its past, recognize dedicated public servants, and unveil a vision for the future—one focused on public safety, accessibility, and infrastructure investment. HONORING THE PAST As the Town looks back on its remarkable history, it paid tribute to former leaders whose legacies have shaped the community. Special recognition was given to Supervisor Art LeFevre, who served for 28 years and is often referred to as the "Godfather of the Town." His contributions laid the foundation for modern governance in Plattsburgh. This year marks 30 years since he left office, making it a fitting time to honor his enduring impact. Former Supervisor Bernie Bassett's service and leadership was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award. As well as former Supervisor Andrew C. Abdallah, though unable to attend, was recognized for their service and leadership with a Meritorious Service Award. "Leadership is about leaving a community stronger than when you found it, and Art LeFevre did just that," said Town Supervisor Michael S. Cashman. "His dedication continues to inspire us as we work to elevate Plattsburgh. I am thankful to all supervisors—from our first supervisor, Charles Platt, to the three living supervisors who preceded me." CELEBRATING THE PRESENT A key highlight of the event was the recognition of Town of Plattsburgh employees who reached milestone anniversaries in their service. Town officials said their dedication and commitment are the backbone of the Town's success. Staff longevity recognition included: -10 Years: Stephen Waldron, Brian Douglas, Dick Brogowski -15 Years: Erin Pangborn -20 Years: Bruce Barber, Tyson Drown, Shelby Wright -25 Years: Stephen Imhoff, Toni Parent "Our employees are the heart of our operations, ensuring that services run smoothly and residents receive the support they need," said Supervisor Cashman. "We are proud to honor their dedication and contributions." Additionally, Paul Wright received the TOP-Notch Award for his outstanding response during a recent medical emergency involving a coworker. His quick actions undoubtedly aided in his colleague's recovery. A nominator stated, "Having a coworker who is compassionate enough to worry about another employee is priceless." An example of the dedication and character of Town employees. "His swift and decisive response exemplifies the very best of public service," said Supervisor Cashman. "His commitment to his colleagues and our community is truly commendable." INVESTING IN THE FUTURE As the Town celebrates the historic milestone, leaders are also focused on ensuring that Plattsburgh remains safe, accessible, and responsive to the needs of today and tomorrow. A recent study of the Town Hall campus identified critical areas requiring investment, particularly in public safety and service delivery. Moving forward, the Town is preparing for the next steps in a modernization plan that will improve infrastructure and strengthen emergency preparedness. While no shovels are in the ground today, the work ahead will lay the foundation for meaningful progress, officials said. Planned improvements include: -A new, fully accessible administrative building designed to enhance public service with ADA-compliant features, modern security measures, and a more efficient layout. -Relocating the Town Court to the Town Hall office complex to improve security, streamline operations, and provide safer access for residents, staff, and law enforcement. -Investing in essential infrastructure for the Highway, Buildings & Grounds, and Water & Wastewater divisions to support safety and efficiency in service delivery. -Enhancing emergency preparedness by incorporating energy-efficient systems, updated security measures, and resilient infrastructure to protect municipal operations. "This is about making responsible, forward-thinking decisions in the best interest of the community," said Supervisor Cashman. "Public safety remains at the heart of these initiatives. As we celebrate our 240th anniversary, we continue to follow the philosophy of 'Plan the Work, Work the Plan.' That approach has served us well, and it will continue to guide us as we move toward a stronger future." The Town is actively pursuing funding opportunities, including grants and state and federal support, to implement these improvements responsibly. Its proven approach to long-term planning is evident in successful projects such as the water and wastewater capital plan. The new building is not being built tomorrow but we are actively planning for the town's future. LOOKING AHEAD The 240th anniversary of the Town of Plattsburgh is a moment to honor its past, celebrate its present, and plan for a strong future. Through continued investment, dedicated leadership, and community engagement, officials said Plattsburgh is poised for a thriving and sustainable future.

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Town of Plattsburgh celebrates 240 years on Charter Day

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