Goshen Police Officers Honored for Exceptional Service

At a meeting on February 26, 2025, the Goshen town board recognized four officers from the Goshen Police Department for their exemplary service. Officers received certificates of commendation for their courageous actions in two critical incidents that demonstrated their commitment to public safety.

Officers Terrence Moore and Nigel Balgobin were commended for their response to a report involving a violent and emotionally disturbed individual on October 21, 2025. Upon arrival, the officers encountered a man who held a hunting knife to his throat and threatened both himself and the officers. Officer Moore effectively de-escalated the situation by engaging with the individual, ultimately persuading him to drop the knife. The man was subsequently referred to Garnet Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

In a separate incident on January 16, 2025, Officers Antonio Esposito and Ed Edwards, alongside Officer Moore, were involved in thwarting a burglary attempt. A 20-year-old victim alerted the police after someone broke a window in her home. While she hid in a bedroom, the officers employed a drone to locate the suspect, who was found hiding in a basement closet. The individual faces felony charges and had an outstanding warrant from another state.

Town Board Approves Various Initiatives

In addition to the recognitions, the town board made several decisions impacting local development. They approved a tax certiorari claim with Goshen Diner, following a recommendation from the town’s attorney to settle the matter and avoid the expenses associated with court proceedings.

The board also initiated the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process for the expansion of Myron Urbanski Memorial Park. Proposed improvements include the installation of three new athletic fields, over 100 additional parking spaces, and an expanded playground area. The town board has taken the lead in the SEQRA process for this project.

Infrastructure and Staffing Developments

During the meeting, an engineer representing Science of the Soul presented plans for the construction of over 900 new parking spaces. The project will include a new entrance to meet regulatory requirements. The engineer noted that the parking area would see use only two to three times per year. Councilman George Lyons emphasized the need for a floodplain permit and a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) before the project could proceed. A public hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2025, as part of the SEQRA review process.

The board awarded a contract for engineering services related to water treatment improvements in Arcadia Hills to Delaware Engineering. Following a review of bids from four companies, town engineer Sean Hoffman determined that Delaware Engineering presented the most favorable proposal.

Additionally, the town board voted to hire a part-time clerk at a rate of $22 per hour and an acting assessor. The acting assessor will need to complete coursework before being eligible for the permanent position.

Lastly, the board discussed a proposed local law concerning a moratorium on solar energy projects, although no public hearing has yet been scheduled.

This meeting highlighted the dedication of Goshen’s police force, as well as the town board’s commitment to enhancing community safety and infrastructure.