Community Health for Empire State College by Colleen Krupski

1. Galway, New York
Windshield Survey
By Colleen Krupski
Community Health
Empire State College

2. 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 located
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)

3. 13 miles to Saratoga
17 miles to Amsterdam

4. Most 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.

5. 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.

6. Homes are clapboard, mostly
single family, well maintained,
with large open yards. Country
charm is maintained with little
new construction. There are no
developments.
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

7. 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.
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.

8. 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.

9. Galway 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. The few abandoned homes or property are very
old and actually add country charm to the area.

13. 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
For a small town, there is a
streetlights only, no sidewalks
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.

14. Businesses are often located in
homes, such as:
Insurance, Winery, Attorney, Dentist, We
lding and Bait shop.

15. “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, extensiv
e 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.

16. 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.

17. Galway Market
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.

18. 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.

19. 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
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

20. 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.

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

22. 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

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.html
http://www.zipdatamaps.com/12074
http://www.galwaycsd.org
http://www.townofgalway.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galway,_New_York