NARROWSBURG — Town of Tusten Councilwoman Brandi Merolla resigned effective immediately at the town board's regular meeting on Tuesday night.

Merolla said over the last four and a half years she was targeted and harassed by “a few very vocal and hostile residents.”

“Recently when I was physically confronted and my life actually threatened by an angry resident, I decided I'd had enough,” she said.

According to New York State Police Public Information Officer Steven Nevel, troopers interviewed Merolla for a vehicle complaint but no charges have been filed.

As the chair of the Tusten Energy Committee she will remain in that role. The board appointed Councilwoman Jill Padua to the committee to keep two board members as representatives.

“I will proudly continue to chair the Tusten Energy Committee. The members of this volunteer committee are the most dedicated citizens I've ever known,” Merolla stated, adding that because of their efforts the town was certified as a Climate Smart Community.

Merolla stated another reason for her resignation is that health and safety have not been recognized at Town Hall due to employees not wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I cannot and will not sacrifice my health for this job,” she said. “I never thought science would be politicized and negated especially at a time when we need to unite to follow the CDC guidelines the most.”

Supervisor Ben Johnson said Town Hall is open to the public by appointment only, and there are generally four to five staff members inside.

Fellow town board members and residents wished Merolla well and said they were sad to see her go.

“It is a great loss to the town board to lose Brandi,” said Narrowsburg resident Iris Helfeld. “I understand that you need to be safe. As another citizen observing what you have done it has been extraordinary; thank you for all that you have done for this town, you will be sorely missed.”

Merolla, a Democrat, was elected first in 2016; this was her second term.

The town will need to appoint someone to the position.

New bar coming to Narrowsburg

It was announced at the meeting on Tuesday night that a new wine bar called Bar Veloce will be opening in the space now occupied by Narrowsburg Motors.

Bar Veloce has locations in New York City and it will serve wine, cocktails, espresso drinks and light food. Construction begins next month.

The owner, Frederick Twomey, has lived in the area for around 11 years and took the opportunity when Narrowsburg Motors became available.

“I've spent a lot of time here; I love the area, and have been thinking for years about maybe doing something,” Twomey said.

Narrowsburg Motors will be moving their operations downstairs and Bar Veloce will take over the main area on street level.

Twomey is working with local architect Karl Wasner. They will leave the landmark building as is, while doing some light work on it.

The project still needs to go before the planning board.

Public hearing on water district set

The town board will hold a public hearing on the proposed upgrades to the Narrowsburg water system on August 25 at 6:30 p.m. over Zoom.

After the public hearing concludes the town board will consider a bond resolution to finance the project, which has an estimated cost of $7.5 million.