It appears South Blooming Grove's "missing mayor" has been found.
Mayor George Kalaj spoke to Mid-Hudson News this week and was pictured online touring a new kosher grocery store that’s opening up in the village.
He told the publication that he has a “personal life” and “obligations,” and has been in “close contact” with his “great” staff.
Kalaj's personal Instagram page shows photos of the mayor in Albania that were posted Dec. 13 and Jan. 22.
During the interview, Kalaj didn’t say where he’s been or why he’s allegedly missed the past four board meetings. He also hasn’t returned News 12's requests for information after residents reached out last week saying he’s been absent from his duties.
Kalaj would not answer Mid-Hudson News’ questions about a county lawsuit against the village after board members allegedly approved the building of an illegal road on county park property.
He did acknowledge in that interview, however, that work is continuing at the Clovewood housing development site despite six stop-work orders by the state, adding the village engineer is working closely with the DEC.
The next village board meeting is Feb. 13. It's unclear if Kalaj plans on being in attendance.