Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, left, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, second from left, and Assemblymember Didi Barrett, D-106, right, flank incoming Dutchess County comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair, second from right, at his oath-taking ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 4, in LaGrangeville, New York.
LAGRANGEVILLE — At a ceremony to cement his win as Dutchess County comptroller, Democrat Dan Aymar-Blair was officially sworn into office on Saturday, Jan. 4, by New York State comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli as family, friends and supporters enthusiastically cheered him on.
The ceremony marked both a new beginning for Aymar-Blair and the end of a challenging chapter which pitted him in a very tight race against incumbent Republican Gregg Pulver, who was appointed to the position approximately two years ago by former county executive William F.X. O’Neil.
The well-attended event was hosted by former county comptroller Robin Lois, who stepped down from the role in 2023 prior to Pulver’s appointment to accept a position with the state as deputy comptroller. Political notables such as Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, D-106, County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, and Republican county executive Sue Serino joined Aymar-Blair and his family for the ceremony which emphasized integrity, accountability and bipartisan goodwill with a mindset toward the needs of Dutchess County residents.
The ceremony began with a display by the color guard as the U.S., state, and county flags were carried forth for the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the national anthem and an invocation. Robin Lois provided the opening remarks, reminding the audience of what the position entails. “The comptroller is the watchdog,” Lois said. “Dan will do a fantastic job.” The following speaker, Rebecca Edwards, the town supervisor of Poughkeepsie, agreed, listing the traits which she believes distinguishes Aymar-Blair. “Dan is the perfect person,” Edwards said. “He’s experienced, qualified … dedicated.”
Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, also praised Aymar-Blair in her remarks while acknowledging the audience for making his victory possible. “Government, politics and running for office is a team sport,” said Hinchey, who conveyed her gratitude to guests at the nearly full Large Hall at Tymor Park in LaGrangeville while explaining the under-the-radar role of the comptroller who is tasked with office responsibilities, constituent outreach, oversight and operating in fair-minded, nonpartisan fashion, regardless of the obstacles ahead. “You need a comptroller with the courage to stand up to both sides of the aisle,” Hinchey said. “That is Dan Aymar-Blair.” State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli agreed with Hinchey, citing the comptroller’s need to serve as a beacon, emphatically stating “The most essential qualification is being independent.”
While independence and fearlessness are assets for the position, cohesiveness and collaboration is equally critical. Aymar-Blair feels strongly about serving all county residents in a positive, productive manner, especially when his intervention is clearly needed. “I’m motivated by the belief that government can — and must — help out,” the incoming comptroller said. “People are hurting. People are struggling … The prescription is good management.”
Tallow founder Austin Cornell, right, and head chef Nate Long opened Tallow — now Pasture Kitchen — in May.
MILLERTON — Just four months after opening a fast-food eatery in the former McDonald’s on Main Street, Tallow co-owner Austin Cornell has rebranded the restaurant as Pasture Kitchen and expanded the menu, following customer feedback on pricing and dietary options.
“We had a very small menu that a lot of people came to love, but we realized we weren’t serving the full breadth of dietary needs people were looking for,” said Cornell, who opened the restaurant alongside head chef Nate Long in April.
While the rebrand comes on the heels of the official opening, Cornell joked, “Patience isn’t one of my virtues.” When he realized the restaurant was quickly outgrowing its original identity, he acted with urgency. “I felt like there was no time to waste.”
Early feedback from customers catalyzed the team to rethink their identity as a fast-food brand. With elegant dishes popping up on the menu — like grilled peach burrata salad and steak frites — Cornell said the evolution was natural. “We decided to rebrand according to who we already were, but who we wanted to be in the future.” The duo also expanded the menu to increase options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
Cornell describes his partner Long as the creative force behind the menu. The two first met during the pandemic in Virginia, where Long, with 12 years in fine dining, had made a name for himself with elaborate 12-course private dinners. In the summer of 2024, when Cornell decided to open a restaurant in Millerton, he immediately thought back to that dinner — and to Long.
Within weeks, Long agreed to take a chance on the venture and relocated to the Hudson Valley. “He took a huge leap moving here and joining this project,” Cornell said. “I had the ingredient standards and the name, and Nate designed the entire menu from there.”
With Tallow’s original tagline, “Real Food, Real Fast,” Pasture Kitchen will stay true to its founding mission but broaden its horizons. Their commitment to organic, “real food” without the use of pesticides or artificial ingredients persists. The new name aims to evoke nature and scratch-cooked food — sourced from the earth and made in-house.
And made in-house it is. Pasture Kitchen receives a 100% grass-fed cow every two weeks and uses the whole animal to honor its life. Delivered fresh in 80-pound parts called “primals,” the meat is butchered in-house into ground beef, the fat is rendered into tallow and the bones are simmered for bone broth. Premium cuts go into steak frites, while brisket and short ribs make up The Melt. They also make their own buns, sauces and pickles.
That whole-animal approach connects directly to Cornell’s own food journey. His passion developed in high school while working at Subway. “While you can’t classify that as ‘real food,’” he said, “I switched from eating really gluttonous, ultra-processed food to minimally processed real food.” In six months, he lost 60 pounds, alleviated chronic health issues and watched his energy and metabolism skyrocket.
After learning more about the problems with the food system and the impact of ultra-processed foods on metabolic health, Cornell was inspired. “I wanted to play a part in fixing our food system. And I wanted to start small and local, right here where I live.” He considered creating an app or social group but ultimately decided he wanted to make and serve real food directly.
“That’s when I realized I had to start a restaurant because it felt like the highest impact I could have on a local level.”
Asked why Millerton was the perfect spot, Cornell responded passionately. “It’s got a great community and we’re surrounded by regenerative and organic farmers, which is very rare in the country. It’s such a blessing to be surrounded by farmers who are growing according to nature.”
Pasture Kitchen’s roster of farm partners is growing steadily. What began as a 12-farm partnership has expanded to about 30 since April. Two of the main partners, Chaseholm Farms in Pine Plains and Autumn’s Harvest Farm in Romulus, employ 100% grass-fed practices that prioritize both the environment and animal welfare, with regenerative agriculture methods at the core of their approach. Pasture Kitchen sources produce from local farms like Thistle Pass Farm right in Millerton.
In addition to a new name and more diverse menu, visitors will notice a wall-sized mural on the outside of the building. Commissioned from Texas-based muralist Cade Kegerreis, the artwork depicts a realistic scene honoring the animals and the land.
Looking ahead, Cornell says the rebrand is just the first step. “Our long-term vision for Pasture is to have many Pasture Kitchens and to try different variations of restaurant concepts, like Pasture Steakhouse or Pasture Diner,” he said. “We want to sell Pasture goods like beef jerky and frozen tallow fries, and we really want to drive down the cost of real food so we can serve amazing ingredients at a price that’s affordable.”
AMENIA — Continuing to seek town guidance toward completing a state-mandated environmental assessment form, developers proposing a subdivision of the Keane Stud property received a clarifying listing of pertinent sections at the regular Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
By unanimous vote, the board approved both the listing of the sections to be completed and a resolution indicating that the environmental assessment study needs to be submitted as part of the process. That study is considered to be the first step in the environmental review requirements. Planning board member Jamie Vitiello abstained from the vote; James Walsh was absent.
Representing the Keane Stud developers was attorney Diana Kolev, Partner of DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise Wiederkehr LLP of White Plains. Since June, the developers have sought to understand the steps necessary to define environmental and visual impacts of the proposed subdivision.
The developers asked for the board’s advice about relevant sections of the state-mandated Full Environmental Assessment Form, a 13-page form that asks for impact determinations within a variety of categories.
Planning Board engineer John Andews reviewed which categories the developers should focus upon, encompassing impact on the land, whether through construction or re-contouring plans, although no impact on geological features is foreseen. Impact on surface water is expected but rated as a low impact.
Planning Board chairman Robert Boyles asked that storm water runoff be identified.
No impact was expected to affect the air, plants and animals.
Since it was first envisioned, the developers have reduced the total Keane Stud development acreage from 704 to 605 acres and the number of proposed lots has been reduced from 27 to 23.
Owner Juan Torres noted that 90% of each parcel will be reserved for conservation; 10% will be allowed to be built upon.
In fact, the eventual owners of the proposed lots may never build on some of them, planning board engineer John Andrews told the board.
During public comment, resident Sharon Kroeger submitted a packet of summary materials supporting protection of the viewshed from DeLaVergne Hill. She also determined that multiple public hearings will be held as the review process progresses through the environmental impact and the visual impact stages.
Red Oak Trails Project
Having presented plans for the Northern Red Oak Trails Project to a recent meeting of the Town Board, following presentation of a preliminary plan to the Planning Board on June 11, the developer returned to the Planning Board. The Town Board has advised the developer to ask the Planning Board to provide comments for the Town Board to consider.
Andrews noted that it is likely that the Town Board will refer the plans on to the Zoning Board of Appeals for comment, although the Town Board remains the final approval authority.
Lauren Zane of the Northern Red Oak Trails Project was present to answer questions about plans for 426 Old Route 22 that would create 10-12 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails on a 450-acre parcel that would combine three properties.
Andrews noted that one of the properties is encumbered by an easement held by the Dutchess Land Conservancy.
Parking for 24 cars and restroom facilities are envisioned.
An existing dilapidated structure on the property that was once a home but is now deemed uninhabitable would be demolished. That site is likely to serve as parking for 24 cars and restroom facilities for visitors to the trails.
Maintenance of the trails would be ensured by the nonprofit Hollyhock Foundation. That foundation supports environmental projects that battle greenhouse gases.
“This project has the health and beauty of the community in mind,” said planning board member Ken Topolsky and chairman Boyles expressed concern about plans for emergency access.
To accommodate a holiday, the next meeting of the Planning Board is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, departing from the usual Wednesday meeting night. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
MILLERTON — Village of Millerton Board members met on Sept. 9 for their monthly workshop, which included routine business, a public hearing on the Altice franchise agreement renewal and a presentation on the wastewater system.
The presentation on the wastewater project provided an optimistic look at the timeframe and funding. Construction could begin in early 2027 and wrap up by the spring of 2028, according to Erin Moore of Tighe & Bond, an engineering and environmental consulting firm.
During the public hearing regarding the renewal of the Altice/Optimum franchise agreement, it became clear that Millerton is last in line for major fiber optic upgrades intended to improve cable service.
Altice has committed to going 100% fiber but said the work could be several years away for Millerton and North East. A company representative explained that upgrades begin at “head ends” located in White Plains and Wappingers and progress outward, making Millerton a low priority. The representative added it would be extremely difficult to have crews “jump the line.”
The village attorney will review contract revisions with Altice, with a final draft potentially presented at the October meeting. Meanwhile, the Altice rep says the company is addressing individual customer issues on a case-by-case basis, meaning residents experiencing poor service can request replacement drops directly from the provider.
In routine business, trustees unanimously renewed a one-year contract at a 3% increase with the Village of Rhinebeck for utilizing the services of zoning administrator, code enforcer and assistant building inspector Justin Noyes, who splits his time between villages.
Deputy Mayor Matt Hartzog highlighted the upcoming Sept. 30 business forum to discuss plans for the village’s 175th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for July 11–19 of next year.
Mayor Jenn Najdek announced that the engineer for the delayed Eddie Collins Park renovation will provide a status update at the October board meeting.
Najdek also requested approval to file an extension for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Veteran’s Park, citing difficulties locating CAD design files from the previous engineers. The project will include one remaining section of sidewalk on Main Street, from the bank to the library, completing the full stretch of the street that was not included in the earlier sidewalk project.
New trustee Katie Cariello said she will be available at the North-East Millerton Library Annex on October 16 and 23 from 4–6 p.m. to assist residents with the new online water payment system. Cariello said the sessions will provide tech support and give her a chance to connect with residents personally.
Pine Plains Planning Board holds first cannabis public hearing
The proposed site of the Upstate Pines cannabis dispensary is the site of a historic weigh station where farmers would weigh their crops for sale.
PINE PLAINS — Planning Board members and residents gathered for the first round of public hearings concerning a proposed cannabis dispensary.
Upstate Pines, a Red Hook-based cannabis retailer owned by Brian Seiler and Ben Abrahams, is seeking to open a second store in the renovated weigh station building on South Main Street in Pine Plains.
Architect Kristina Dousharm of KDA detailed specific plans for the weigh station building — including six gravel parking spaces and a wheelchair-accessible entrance on the south side of the building — and some suggestions for future uses for other buildings on the site including a grocery store.
Public comment on the business was mixed, but generally criticism centered around the location rather than the nature of the business itself.
Sarah Jones of Pine Plains spoke in opposition, saying that as a member of the town board she voted to approve the town’s cannabis law and cited the ordinances distance requirements. That law requires cannabis retailers be at least 300 feet from an “essential service.”
“It’s really disheartening to me that those restrictions would not be complied with on the first dispensary application to this board,” Jones said. “We thought they were necessary, we thought they were reasonable.”
Jones and other critics also focused on the historic significance of the site, cautioning that the building ought to be preserved.
Supporters of the project touted the fiscal benefits the dispensary would provide to the town, including Town Board member Kevin Walsh.
Walsh also praised the efforts of Upstate Pines in restoring the building. “A great amount of effort has gone into preserving that building,” Walsh said. “It’s in now currently a far better state than it was prior.”
Owner Brian Seiler spoke up in support of his proposed store, also promoting the tax revenue benefits to the town.
“What comes with a cannabis store is positivity,” Seiler said.
The Pine Plains Fire District and the Hose Company submitted identical letters to the board objecting to the proposed site. The letters cited community events where children play on the fire house property as their chief reason for opposing the project.
“There is a law in place for a reason about the distance away from such buildings and it is our stance that the law was made for this very reason,” the letter states. “At no time are we objecting to such business, we are objecting to the location that is being presented.”
Planning board members decided to hold open the public hearing for the dispensary until the following meeting on Oct. 8. Members expect to be able to issue a decision on the distance waivers at the next meeting, pending clarification from the fire department on potential compromises with the developers.