Amenia reviews past planning ideas

AMENIA — Seeking to review the contents and positive potential of past town planning proposals, the Town Board heard a presentation by one of the early professional planners at their regular meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, rather than their usual Thursday meeting date.

The change in date meant that a quorum could be present. Councilmember Nicole Ahearn was absent.

Reviewing the highlights of past planning proposals was landscape architect Mark Morrison, who has maintained a studio in Wassaic since 2007. His initial planning study was undertaken in 2002, graphically describing the then-current landscape and introducing possibilities for improvement for public access and aesthetics.

Morrison noted that the playground in Wassaic was created in 2007 and 2008, although the area has suffered from lack of maintenance since.

Morrison reviewed 2004 plan drawings for both Wassaic and Amenia town center, particularly East Main Street — Route 343 — and Mechanic Street. He went on to review 2024 streetscape sketches created by architect and Town Supervisor Leo Blackman.

“The plans were simple treatments,” Morrison said, indicating that Dutchess County had indicated a favorable climate for grant applications at the time.

“A major goal had been introducing plantings that would tie the areas together,” Morrison said.

The Amenia Green Master Plan, divided into four phases, was also summarized as having stalled after reaching the point where a design team would need to be hired.

Any plan would require a design team to create actual surveys of property lines and drainage, hold public meetings to incorporate residents’ input and support the town with grant applications along with providing guidance toward other forms of funding.

“It’s time that we move forward,” said councilmember Rosanna Hamm, reporting that the Comprehensive Plan review committee will soon hold community planning meetings. She recommended that relevant committee heads continue to meet regularly.

Councilman Brad Rebillard said the presentation provided valuable information about past efforts and he reiterated the need for creating parking, both in Wassaic and Amenia.

Blackman agreed that a parking plan is needed, particularly on Main Street and Mechanic Street.

“Some of these things are simple and should be addressed,” Blackman said.

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