Hudson planning board closes public hearing on Colarusso dock; residents press for strict truck, dust and monitoring conditions

City of Hudson planning board members closed the public hearing on an application by Colarusso (Colarusso & Sons) for a conditional use permit to continue and regulate operations at its commercial dock on the Hudson waterfront, following more than two hours of public comment and presentations from applicant counsel and local residents.

The hearing opened with the applicant’s attorney, T.J. Romaine of White Man Osterman, who said the 2016 bulkhead repair "was completed in 2016 in compliance with state and federal permits" and that the repair did not expand operations. Romaine told the board the repair was a Type 2 action and urged the planning board to limit its review to conditions related to that repair and to avoid imposing broader restrictions on dock operations.

Why it matters: residents and waterfront businesses said the dock’s truck traffic, dust, noise and potential handling of new or hazardous materials threaten public health, waterfront revitalization plans and local commerce. Speakers asked the board to impose clear, enforceable conditions — including trip caps, operating hours, dust mitigation, screening and independent air monitoring — before any final permit is granted.

Residents and businesses said they are not seeking to close the dock but want limits to protect the waterfront’s recreational and commercial uses. Alexandria (Alex) Madero, a Hudson resident and First Ward candidate, said, "we are not here tonight to ask you to shut down... That is not why we're here." Multiple speakers echoed that sentiment while urging conditions to preserve waterfront access and economic…