Amenia Economic Development Committee agrees on initial goals

Amenia Economic Development Committee agrees on initial goals
Town Hall on Route 22 in Amenia.
Photo by Nathan Miller

AMENIA — Two weeks after its organizational meeting, the Economic Development Committee met on Monday, Feb. 3, to discuss what would be their major goals for 2025.

Following far-reaching discussion, three priorities were identified: cell tower, shortage of parking, and farmers’ market development.

“The nice thing about a farmers’ market is it draws people from all over,” chairman Ken Topolsky said.

“How do we build community? Who and what make up the community?” were initial discussion questions posed by Topolsky.

To explore answers, Topolsky suggested meeting with the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee and collaborating in a series of meetings at various locations throughout the town to measure current demographics and gather residents’ opinions.

“No one in the town knows who we are,” Topolsky said.

Committee discussion focused on how to catalyze economic progress and the committee’s role and limitations the committee will face with fundraising efforts. To gain clarity on fundraising guidelines, the town attorney will be consulted.

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