Hudson City schedules bike rodeo, reboots fishing derby; cooling center open during heat

City organizers told the Hudson City services meeting on July 2 that a bike rodeo is planned for July 9 to teach road skills, provide helmet education and collect donations, and that the event will include food and a group ride supported by HPD.

"They're going to close off Glenwood and conduct road skills... It's open to the public," a committee member said. Organizers said the group ride is scheduled from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., and they plan helmet-safety talks and helmet distribution at the site.

The meeting also reported the return of the community fishing derby, organized with backing from the Bauer family. Participants said the pond was stocked this year and turnout was good; prizes included bikes, tablets and Bluetooth speakers.

Officials announced a cooling center at the central firehouse as a heat response resource, available from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with water in refrigerators, and urged residents to check on neighbors.

Participants raised several local safety concerns: one resident said they had "watched two kids almost get hit" near a blind corner and urged broader education around helmets and safe riding. Committee members said they would ask the safety committee to follow up on a reportedly malfunctioning blinking crosswalk light (discussed as a potential solar-positioning or maintenance issue).

The group also discussed a recent bear sighting; speakers said they coordinated with the DEC and named Jesse Burge as a DEC point person who advised residents to make noise and give the animal space. The bear was described as a younger, timid animal that moved through Greenport and Underhill before authorities intervened.

All items were presented for information; there were no motions or votes in the informational meeting.