WURTSBORO  — The Town of Mamakating held a public hearing for the Renewal of the Westbrookville Fire Department Contract during their Tuesday night meeting.

Westbrookville Fire Director Edward Bloom commended the Town Board for giving President and Director Frank Giraldi and himself the opportunity to come to the meeting.

“Feel free at any given time [to ask] any questions,” stated Bloom. “We’re struggling...insurance is killing us. Absolutely killing us.”

Bloom stated that they’re trying everything they can do to cut costs and how it’s a juggle, exampling the ambulance.

Town Supervisor Michael Robbins agreed that the Westbrookville Firehouse is a “very important” part of Westbrookville.

The Contract Renewal was approved by the Town Board.

Formulating a Flea Market

The Sullivan County Democrat previously reported that the Town of Mamakating discussed the opening of a potential Flea Market in the parking lot to the Town Hall. On Tuesday, the motion to have the Flea Market held at the Town Hall was approved.

Emma Dewing, who’s been running the Beacon Flea Market for 15 years, gave further details to the Board on this venture.

“This [Beacon Flea Market] has been my baby ever since then [2012 when she was by herself in the business] and I have stuck it out through thick and thin,” stated Dewing. “It’s a Sunday Market [in Beacon] because the parking lot is full on Saturdays.”

She proposed a Saturday market in Mamakating right on 209 off Exit 113 to get some thru-traffic going from Pennsylvania and Western New York over to the Catskills.

“If we make them very hungry and thirsty visiting the flea market, maybe they’ll make it into Wurtsboro and go and have lunch,” stated Dewing.

This approach to second-hand items was reported by Dewing to work “really well” in Beacon and that she was proposing something similar for Mamakating.

“Because it’s a new market, it would need to have a moment to establish itself,” noted Dewing. “It’s really great for yard sale, cleanout and similar things. I have rules and regulations because I have standards and the market needs to have standards.”

Mordas inquired if the market would be featuring antiques like old clocks, which Dewing confirmed would be the case.

Regarding the name of the market, Dewing noted it had to be location-relative. She is open to any suggestions as they would be “really helpful”.

Robbins agreed that the Board would get together as a Board and “get some ideas” and “send them [Dewing’s] way.” 

Board of Assessment 

Review Appointee

Benjamin Worth was appointed to the Board of Assessment Review with a term ending on September 30, 2026.

Encouraged by the Town Board Worth introduced himself to the community.

“I’ve been a part of this community in the tri-county area for quite some time,” explained Worth. “I’m very excited to spend my time in the Town of Mamakating.”

Robbins emphasized that the [orientation] classes start soon and that they’ll be in touch with Worth.

Rufer inquired as to what made Worth want to help out, with Worth answering that he is a union iron worker down in Manhattan.

“I’m a very big union guy so I’d like to spend my free time in the community and help my community out,” stated Worth.

Mordas inquired on the issues making the meetings if Worth is down working in Manhattan, which Worth confirmed there would be no problem.

Several board members, including Mordas, thanked Worth for stepping up.