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A year for infrastructure in Washington and Millbrook

A year for infrastructure in Washington and Millbrook

Sheriff Kirk Imperati is beneath the umbrella, Rabbi Hanoch Hecht is standing next to him, and Rabbi Mendy Moschkia is on the ladder helping to add the lit candles to the menorah in Millbrook Dec. 10, 2023, the first Sunday after the start of Hanukkah.

Photo By Judith O’Hara Balfe

Water and wastewater

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation awarded the Village of Millbrook a Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant of $1,837,500 toward the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant, or about a quarter of the expected $7.35 million cost. A 30-year, 0% interest loan will cover the rest.

The replacement of the South Millbrook sewer pump is estimated to cost $325,000-$350,000. The pump is already purchased; the village is now waiting for the generator. The installation is expected to be done in the first quarter of 2024.

Sidewalks and accessibility

The first phases of sidewalk replacement on Franklin Avenue are 90% completed, and are expected to be done this spring. In May, new trees will be planted. The sidewalk replacement on the north end of Franklin will follow the same process, starting with applications for grants and funding.

The Town of Washington received a grant for $100,000 for the Recreation Department building at the Town Park, for accessibility and HVAC updates for year-round senior activities, including two accessible parking spots, a new walkway/accessible ramp and a new accessible door.

Environment

The town and village worked together to install an electric charging station at Washington Town Hall. The station officially opened in August 2023.

The village and town joined with neighboring Clinton to create a Natural Resources Inventory of the area, with help from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. It will provide useful information for planning and zoning decisions, said Washington Town Supervisor Gary Ciferri.

Bennett Park

The east section of Bennett Park, which boasts hiking, biking and walking trails, opened Sunday, Nov. 5. The eastern section comprises less than half of the completed 32-acre park planned for the site of the former Bennett College.

In January, the Millbrook Community Partnership will meet with the village Planning Board to determine next steps.

Work on the park and abutting Thorne Community Center will resume in the spring; the western portion of Bennett Park may even open within the year.

Judith O'Hara Balfe

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Lelah M. Somers

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DOVER PLAINS — Lelah M. Somers, 97, a longtime Dover Plains, New York, resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York. Lelah was born on July 3, 1929, in Pawling, New York, to the late Byron and Lelah (Watts) Brill. Lelah grew up in Pawling and on Nov. 22, 1946, in Pleasant Valley, New York, she married James F. Somers, Sr. Mr. Somers passed away on Sept. 3, 1970. Lelah worked for New York State as a therapy aide for thirty-years and as a senior companion for New York State for thirty-two-years, with specific care provided to the mentally disabled.

She enjoyed taking care of the mentally disabled, was a wonderful mother to her four children, always putting her family first. She is survived by her son, James F. Somers, Jr. and his wife Donna of Dover Plains; two daughters, Doreen Monica of Wingdale, and Frances “Fran” Horton of Dover Plains, who was also her caregiver for many years; seven grandchildren, Debbie, Margie, Leah, Stephanie, Deirdra, Benji and Jimmy and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and her step-son, Kenny Elliott. In addition to her parents and husband, Lelah was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol “DeeDee” Maile and Gil Maile, her son-in-law, Stephen Monica, and her son-in-law, Benny Horton as well as her companion of over forty-years, Andrew “Mac” McAlravey and her siblings, Ferris Brill, Eleanor Barryann, Richard Brill, William Brill and Barney Brill.

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