Amenia poised for more projects after 2024 initiatives

AMENIA — Stepping back to examine an entire year within the town of Amenia, progress has been seen in efforts that would benefit current residents and future generations.

With restoration work now completed on two historic charcoal kilns standing west of the hamlet of Wassaic, the Town Board in January began considering the next steps in accepting the owner’s gift of the site to the town.

Discussions about the site near the intersection of Route 22 and Deep Hollow Road had begun 18 months earlier when reconstruction work on the 150-year-old stone structures began, symbols of the start of the 19th-century industrial revolution when the kilns made charcoal to fuel the Gridley blast furnaces in Wassaic.

By December, the town was nearing the end of required steps to complete the gift of the kilns to the town by owner Eric Bommer.

After much publicity and then disappointment, Tarts and Bread bakery failed to open in late April. The space is expected to open as a bakery in mid-February, 2025.

In the spring, the former Seravan restaurant was purchased by new owners, Chef Jacob Somers and Khendum Namgyal. The new restaurant, Panacea, opened in late summer.

Le Jardin opened in October, bringing a flower shop to the commercial center, and is thriving.

Restoration work on the Town Hall gym floor was completed during the year. The solid maple floor that was uncovered during the process was able to be restored and is in use today for a variety of activities.

After three years of work, a paving and drainage project improving 1.9 miles along Tower Hill Road in Wassaic was completed during the summer.

The Silo Ridge Masters event in October marked the first year of a local equestrian center joining the competitive Hudson Valley Show Jumping circuit for their fall calendar. Silo Ridge served as a sponsor for the show jumping competition, held at the Keane Stud Farm Equestrian Center. The proceeds would benefit the Silo Ridge Foundation and the Amenia Wassaic Community Organization.

In December, the Town Board voted to proceed with a $6.3 million bond issue to construct a new town garage and salt storage shed to be located on the east side of Route 22 between Sinpatch Road and Tower Hill Road. The old town garage had been constructed in 1955.

Latest News

School budgets pass amid strong turnout in May 20 polling

With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.

Webutuck Central School District

By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook names top-ranked scholars

Amber Concannon

Photo provided

MILLBROOK — Strong leadership skills and confidence in communication are evident contributors to Amber Concannon having earned her designation as Valedictorian of the Millbrook High School Class of 2025.

“I have truly loved my time at Millbrook,” Amber said of her Millbrook schooling that began when she was enrolled in kindergarten.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village Trustees hear call to adopt law to limit local cooperation with ICE

Barbara Graham of Millerton speaks to Village trustees, Mayor Jenn Najdek and Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik during a May 21 special meeting.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton board of trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 21 that drew an unusually large crowd. Nearly 20 residents and supporters showed up to urge officials to adopt a local law aimed at protecting immigrants, including undocumented community members.

The law, as proposed by meeting attendees, would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia gathers at Fountain Square

A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.

An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.

Keep ReadingShow less