housing

Amenia’s housing board supports first affordable unit, elects officers

Amenia’s housing board supports first affordable unit, elects officers
The town-owned parcel of land that Habitat for Humanity plans to buy a half-acre portion of in the Town of Amenia, as seen from the Harlem Valley Rail Trail parking lot on Mechanic Street. The electric vehicle charging station shown above is located on the parcel, and the town will have to divide that portion of land from the rest of the parcel before Habitat for Humanity takes ownership.
Photo by Nathan Miller

AMENIA — Citing recent Town Board action to subdivide a town-owned parcel for a Habitat for Humanity home, the Housing Board on Monday, March 23, applauded what members called a significant step toward creating the town’s first unit of affordable workforce housing.

The board also unanimously elected new officers. Juan Torres was named chairman, succeeding Charlie Miller, who remains on the board.Torres said he will recuse himself from any matters involving Silo Ridge or the Keane Stud development to comply with conflict-of-interest rules. Joshua Frankel was elected vice chairman, and Kenny Merritt was elected secretary.

The board agreed to shift its regular meeting schedule to the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The next meeting is set for April 13.

Members highlighted recent progress by the Town Board in subdividing a parcel on Depot Hill Road, a move intended to allow Habitat for Humanity to purchase the site and construct a single-family home.

If completed, the project would mark Amenia’s first affordable housing unit, an effort several board members noted has been in development for roughly four years.

Miller said Habitat for Humanity has specific criteria for selecting a participating family, including having school-aged children enrolled in the Webutuck School District and a commitment to volunteer service.

Since February 2025, Amenia has been designated a pro-housing community, making it eligible to apply for state funding to support the development of affordable workforce housing.

Looking ahead, board members discussed the potential creation of a Housing Trust Fund and how it could be used to support initiatives such as accessory dwelling units, multi-generational housing, housing for volunteer firefighters, and rental assistance programs for tenants or landlords.

The board plans to further outline ideas for administering a housing trust fund at its April 13 meeting.

housing

Latest News

North East mourns Highway Superintendent after sudden death

North East mourns Highway Superintendent after sudden death

Bob Stevens, right, enjoys the swinging sounds of country and western music during a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, with his son, Robert Stevens Jr., not pictured.

Photo provided

MILLERTON — North East Highway Superintendent Bob Stevens died Monday, March 30, after 20 years in the role and nearly four decades with the town’s road crew.

The sudden death shocked road crew members and town officials, who said they had been speaking with the 63-year-old Millerton native the day he died and he hadn’t shown signs of illness. Town officials said a search for a replacement will start as soon as possible.

Keep ReadingShow less
tributes

Connecticut kratom ban drives cross-border demand in New York

Connecticut kratom ban drives cross-border demand in New York

Packets of Blue Razz botanical extracts in pill form are among herbal remedies offered as an alternative to kratom at The Smoking Ape in North Canaan and Torrington.

Photo by Debra A. Aleksinas

MILLERTON — A new Connecticut ban on kratom — a substance with opioid-like effects linked to dependence and withdrawal — is reshaping border behavior, with some residents crossing into New York to obtain it.

Derived from a Southeast Asian tree, kratom has been marketed across the country as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety and opioid withdrawal. But officials warn it can act like an opioid at higher doses, prompting Connecticut to classify it as a Schedule I controlled substance.

Keep ReadingShow less
drugs

Amenia board approves herbicide use at Troutbeck, awards painting contract

Amenia board approves herbicide use at Troutbeck, awards painting contract
Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.
Photo by Nathan Miller

AMENIA — The Town Board approved two resolutions by unanimous vote at its Wednesday, April 1, meeting, including one authorizing herbicide use at Troutbeck’s spa and hotel facility.

The second resolution awarded a contract to paint the stage area in the Town Hall auditorium.

Keep ReadingShow less
government
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Millerton’s expenses increase 15.8% over last year’s budget

Millerton’s expenses increase 15.8% over last year’s budget
The Millerton Village Offices on Route 22.
Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Board of Trustees approved the coming year’s budget Monday, April 6, following no public comment.

The village’s expenses increased 15.8% over last year’s adopted budget. Board members attributed those increased costs to unavoidable spikes in health insurance rates and retirement payments.

Keep ReadingShow less

Repair cafés set for April 25 in Millerton, Millbrook

Repair cafés set for April 25 in Millerton, Millbrook
The NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex on Century Boulevard in the Village of Millerton.
Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The NorthEast-Millerton Library is set to host a free repair café on Saturday, April 25, in the library’s annex on Century Boulevard.

Fixers will offer free repairs for small electronics, clothing and textiles, and minor bicycle repairs among other things such as lamps and knife sharpening.

Keep ReadingShow less

North East Town Board adds extra meeting to monthly schedule

North East Town Board adds extra meeting to monthly schedule
North East Town Hall on Maple Avenue in Millerton.
Photo by John Coston

MILLERTON — The North East Town Board will add a workshop meeting to its regular monthly schedule after members said an additional meeting could help advance projects more efficiently.

Councilwoman Rachele Grieco Cole first proposed holding two meetings per month at the board’s March meeting. The discussion was continued at a workshop meeting on Wednesday, April 1, with council members agreeing to regularly hold a workshop meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m.

Keep ReadingShow less
government
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.