Hastings Schools Closed, Many Businesses Open

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON. N.Y. – Village Mayor Peter Swiderski posted a letter Tuesday evening detailing the cleanup and other information that might help residents get through the aftermath and cleanup following Monday's Hurricane Sandy:

Hastings public schools will be closed Wednesday and all after-school and evening activities are canceled as well. The Hastings High School is opening its library Wednesday to all residents for reading, charging phones  or linking into the Internet.

The village warns that most downed power lines remain powered and could be lethal if touched. Resident are asked to respect the yellow police tape and steer clear of anything hanging.

Two-thirds of the village remains without power. Three Con Ed crews, including a one from Tallahasee, Fla., are focused exclusively on de-powering the live downed lines. Their efforts will continue through Wednesday. Power for some will begin to return Thursday, but others may take several days to restore, according to Con Ed, the mayor said.

The A&P on Main Street remains closed, but several restaurants and retail stores are open in the village along Warburton Avenue, including Prime Meats, Hastings Diner and others.

Hastings water is safe to drink and there is no health advisory, the mayor said.

All parks in the village were closed due to dangerous conditions and the Hastings Recreation Department office at the James Harmon Community Center was still without power but opened for essential business only. The senior citizens bus was also not in service.

The village asks that residents do not call the police with an expectation of updates on power or other services like cable television. Emergencies can be reported to 478-2344.

Those wishing to charge phones may feel free to drop them at the Municipal Building and the village will accommodate as best it can. There is also a wifi connection available at the Village Hall on the top floor between 8 am. and 3 p.m.

The village has not determined a Halloween criteria, but if families wish to trick or treat, the police request that parents accompany children between 4 and 6 p.m. The Mayor has requested that the Hastings police declare a curfew after dark (6:30 Wednesday) for anyone under 21.

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