Galway ESC CH

Galway, New York

Windshield SurveyBy Colleen Krupski

Community HealthEmpire State College

Galway New York is located

This windshield survey was completed by driving around the

village and town, observing the residents and activities. I also

visited informational websites for data.

Galway, New York is a well kept, quiet rural small town in upstate New York in Saratoga county. Located just 40 minutes north of Albany, the town is bordered by Route 29 to the north, Fulton county to the west and Milton to the east. Galway's beauty is found in its rolling hills and farmland with a mixture of small business. It is just south of Sacandaga Lake. Galway Lake in the west part of town, is also a summer spot for many as well as home for residents who live year-round. As of the 2000 census, the average income is $55,000. Of the 3589 residents, 63% of adults are married, 25 % are under 18 years old and < 12% are over 65 years. (Wikipedia, 2012)

13 miles to Saratoga17 miles to Amsterdam

Click icon to add pictureMost of Galway is open grasslands or

woods. However you never know where or what roads or paths will led to. There are homes with no mailboxes or other

identification.

Click icon to add picture

The village has a population of 200 and an average income of $32000. It is the only place where homes are close together with little land. Although well kept, it is obvious these homes are lower

income than surrounding homes.


Security does not appear to be a problem, there are

neighbor hood watch signs, but no bars, gates, or alarm signs. While no

indication of ethnic groups, there are many political

lawn signs for both sides.

Homes are clapboard, mostly single family, well

maintained, with large open yards. Country charm is

maintained with little new construction. There are no

developments.


Galway has private trash pick up. There are no

signs of any pollution, in fact it is the ideal fresh air spot. Fishing spots

and small game hunting is abundant.

Most homes have a detached garage, sometimes larger than the home. Tractors and farm equipment are required for

upkeep. There are dozens of profitable farms, and roadside

stands.


Many homes are valued over $500,000. Adirondack style,

acreage, ponds, custom stone work and scenic views

add to the value. 20-30 minute commute s to

shopping and work do not seem to be a deterrent.

Click icon to add pictureGalway Lake is a private lake over 500 acres. There are many

year round homes, ranging from million dollar to shacks. There is also a private community where you can only rent the land to

build a home on.


There is a small trailer park, and several trailers in good to fair

condition. There are only a few apartments in town. These are

located behind, or over businesses, or homes.


The majority of property is well maintained with mature

landscape. These two are the exception. Most vehicles are fairly new. While there are

dozens of homes for sale, they are scattered throughout town,

village and the lake.

The few abandoned homes or property are very old and actually add country

charm to the area.


The center of the town is the village, a 0.3 square mile area at the junction of county road 45 and route 147. It contains a

bank, post office, doctors, funeral home, stores, school,

restaurants, and the only park. The village has streetlights

only, no sidewalks

For a small town, there is a lot of traffic. It is

the main route to highways: route 29, & 67 to larger towns, & cities. There is a 35

mph speed zone in the village, with one police

car.


Businesses are often located in homes, such as: Insurance, Winery, Attorney, Dentist, Welding and Bait

shop.


“Chucks Store” is a favorite gathering spot in the village.

They have 4 booths, 6 person counter, and offers burgers, breakfast, and fried snacks. They also sell gifts, lottery,

groceries, extensive magazines, and fishing & camping needs.

There is a regular breakfast group, and is a popular teen

hangout. Located across from the school, recently students were restricted from going to Chucks during school hours due to poor

nutritional offerings.


There is a small strip mall outside the village, containing a wine & liquor store, a pizza place, and a fertilizer business. There has been a frequent turnover in stores over the years. Most within a year of

opening.

Galway Agway

Galway Market & deli, is the only grocery store at 2000 sq ft. There is no public water or sewer in Galway. The Laundromat is currently for sale. The Dugout is a well known BBQ/Take out Pizza. Galway Agway is the only supplier for feed, lawn, garden, fence, and hardware. High prices and limited hours affects these small bussinesses.

Galway Market


The only gas station, located on the outskirts of town, closed last year. It was a major stop for boats going to the lake, and trucks hauling. It was a grocery store, deli, auto repair, gas and diesel..

Rumors say it soon will be a Stewarts.

Bob's Trees, the area's largest grower of Christmas

trees and nursery stock. Also offers x-country skiing,

snow shoeing, hay rides, and gift shop. Open all year,

it extends into much of Galway

Many homeowners own large parcels of land. When hard times hit, logs can be sold off or property split for

new homes. Impact on watersheds are closely

watched by ENCON


The three churches are within a ¼ of a mile of each other. Most offer only one service weekly. Their country look

adds to their charm. Used by the community for parties, garage sales, & festivals.


Some of the community services includes: Galway Volunteer Fire Dept., Food Pantry (located in Lions Club), Ambulance, and

Library


Galway Complex (below) houses all town offices

including court. The DPW (below middle) keep roads

well maintained. Post Office boxes are always rented. The Museum is open by

appointment only.

00.53 white


Galway Public Central School is located in the village. The high, middle, & elementary are all connected. They are well maintained, and used for many community functions. Almost all students are bussed. There is a

crossing guard.

Sports are very popular in town. There are two soccer

fields, two baseball diamonds, tennis courts, track and field complex, indoor basketball , rock

climbing wall, dance, gymnastics, karate,

wrestling.


There are two playgrounds built through community involvement with the school district. It is utilized year round as weather permits. School

grounds and playgrounds are youth hang outs, there is no visible gang or negative activity. The Galway Youth commission has a summer recreation

program & job referral.


Galway Family Health which is part of Saratoga healthcare, is the only medical office. There is one female MD, a NP, and an LPN. There is no alternative medicine.


This daycare just recently opened. While there are several home care sites, few childcare alternatives exist. The only senior services is

Meals on Wheels. The Senior Club is for healthy 55+ who want to go on trips or activities.


The Veterinary Hospital treats numerous animals. Horses-

including stables, work & pets. Dogs- hunting, pets, and breeding kennels. Cats,

Lamas, Farm varieties. Dogs can wander from homes,

leaches are not used, though strays are never seen.

The strength of Galway is their community pride, as evidence by the excellent upkeep of all private and

public property. There is a strong school system with many available activities. There is no evidence of homelessness or criminal influence. There is no

public advertisement. Bulletin boards are located in public areas with small notices. Neighbors talk when

seen but most people keep to themselves. Easy going, overall safe environment, and a friendly atmosphere,

that’s the impression of Galway. Seasonal visitors could bring in revenue, however Galway needs the

appropriate services to offer them, like gas stations.

The challenges of this town are the lack of modern services. There is no pharmacy, public transportation,

no large industry or employers. Teens have no fast food, clothing stores, or job shadowing opportunities. There is no recreation center, or large gathering areas

for public meetings, elderly, or teens. The nearest hospital is 30 minutes away. The one doctor office has lab draws once weekly, yet there are no clinics, and the community has a poor vaccination rate. There is

little preschool/newborn/daycare interventions. Homebound people with no transportation have no

available services.

Cell and internet service is poor. The only higher education is more than 30 minute commute, and bachelor level (other than online) is over an hour

away. It is difficult to separate the town from village data,

as many sources lump them together. Galway appears to be an excellent community, just off the

beaten path.

References: http://www.city-data.com/city/Galway-New-York.htmlhttp://www.zipdatamaps.com/12074http://www.galwaycsd.orghttp://www.townofgalway.orghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galway,_New_York

http://www.city-data.com/city/Galway-New-York.html

http://www.city-data.com/city/Galway-New-York.html

http://www.townofgalway.org/

http://www.townofgalway.org/

Galway ESC CH

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