Amenia board hears Troutbeck’s revised plans

AMENIA — Responsive to concerns raised by residents during public hearings, adjustments made to Troutbeck’s adaptive reuse plan were introduced as a preliminary proposal at the regular meeting of the Planning Board on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

“What can we do to consolidate and have less impact?” was the overriding question that led to the proposed changes to Phase 8 of the Troutbeck plan as described by project engineer Rich Rennia of Rennia Engineering, Dover Plains.

Changes include outdoor pool renovation, introduction of a bathhouse, relocation of a snack bar and the construction of an indoor pool, all in the vicinity of the present Wellness area, while using existing structures rather than building new.

An existing barn would house the new year-round indoor pool with a short connector built between the barn and the wellness center, Rennia said. The existing snack bar would be moved to be convenient to the outdoor pool.

“We are not creating a new footprint,” Rennia said. The new indoor pool would require a new septic system, but it is slightly smaller than originally envisioned, using less water.

Planning Board engineer John Andrews indicated the need for Dutchess County approval of plans for water supply usage, septic system and the creation of a public pool.

Planning Board member Ken Topolsky, mindful of adherence with the intent of the town’s comprehensive plan, asked about planning for renewable energy sources.

Rennia indicated that the presentation’s purpose was to present the new layout, seeking Planning Board input. A future presentation will go into greater detail, he added.