“This past Monday, our team and numerous agencies throughout the region responded to flash flood conditions that disrupted lives, shut down parkways, and tested the limits of our existing infrastructure. I'm grateful to the remarkable first responders, dispatchers, and DPW crews who worked throughout the storm and its aftermath to ensure the public health and safety of our residents remained protected.

The most significant damage in Putnam County sadly occurred to the construction site at Community Based Services (CBS), 40 Jon Barrett Road in Patterson. Thankfully the construction site was vacant, and no one was injured. Emergency personnel were immediately onsite to ensure appropriate steps were taken to prevent further damage and make sure no one entered the compromised space. This microburst of extreme rainfall had also caused numerous road washouts, downed trees, and damage along Route 22. We are extremely grateful to all those first responders who were working throughout yesterday’s storms.  

CBS has assured us they remain committed to moving forward with opening the Early Learning Center at their location. Putnam County is moving forward with its plan to use the existing InterArts Building this upcoming fall semester which will get the program started. Our team will continue to assess conditions on the ground and work with CBS and its engineers to ensure the program's long-term success. The current InterArts Building is already a place of inclusion and learning for those of all abilities and we couldn’t be happier to continue on with our partnership.  

We are committed to providing the children of Putnam County with a safe, beautiful, inclusive space where they can learn and grow regardless of ability.”