After months of discussing it, and more than a year of staring into a computer screen, Newburgh City Council members will finally return to city hall and face a live audience.

Beginning with the June 10, City Council work session, and again on Monday, June 14, the council will meet in a hybrid session, it was announced last week. All meetings will continue to be livestreamed via Zoom videoconference, the City’s website, and Facebook pages, as well as recorded. Both the recording and a transcript will be made available at a later date.

Discussion of in-person meetings has been on the table since at least this past March, when Councilman Omari Shakur complained that people were having trouble with the remote access and urged that citizens be allowed to voice their concerns in person. The council hasn’t met in person at the city hall chambers since March of 2020, when the State of Emergency was declared, allowing municipalities to conduct their meetings remotely in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though the council chamber seats 100 people, only 18 visitors will be allowed in. They will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents who cannot get inside, or wish to continue viewing council proceedings from the comfort of their home, may continue to do so.

To access the Thursday, June 10, 2021 Council Work Session remotely at 6 p.m.: join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device using this URL: zoom.us/j/95538836930 or visit cityofnewburgh-ny,gov.

For remote access at the June 14, council meeting join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device by registering via the following URL zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GdD4y4FtRqiZSThDVVeSWg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the regular council meeting. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments regarding the agenda and general matters of City business