Amenia tackles wastewater, parks and affordable housing

AMENIA — Affordable housing and a wastewater project, both long-standing needs of the town, continued to hold the public’s attention throughout 2023.

The two topics have been subjects of discussion for decades. This March, the Town Board voted to promote affordable housing through changes to the town’s comprehensive plan, and alongside those changes, to actively encouraging affordable housing opportunities.

Lake Amenia Road

In May, the Town Board authorized taking first steps toward the purchase of a home and acreage at 74 Lake Amenia Road. If successful, the home would become the town’s first unit of affordable housing, and the property’s acreage would be considered for subdivision to accommodate a town wastewater treatment facility. Many issues would need to be resolved in the meantime. Discussions and evaluations continued throughout 2023.

Housing on Spruce Hill

At a meeting of the Town Board in August, representatives of Hudson River Housing of Poughkeepsie reviewed preliminary plans for the Spruce Hill property across Route 22 from the Town Hall, proposing duplex units and one apartment building for the property. The plans were presented to the Planning Board in October, with the Planning Board attorney suggesting that a zone change be pursued with the Town Board as a way of meeting zoning requirements to permit multi-family housing at the site.

Responding to considerable opposition from neighbors at its December meeting, the Town Board postponed consideration of the zone change proposal for the development.

Greener spaces

In late February, the Recreation Commission held a public hearing to consider a five-year plan for improvements to Wassaic Park. By March, plans had evolved into two park proposals, described at a public hearing: Amenia Green on land surrounding the Town Hall and Wassaic Park plans. Work on those plans continued throughout the year; in January, the town hopes that Didona Architects will come up with preliminary drawings to aid in fundraising for the official design of the proposed parks.

Wastewater planning

In April, the Wastewater Committee agreed to hire engineering services to create a wastewater district, a necessary step toward filing an application for grant funding. The Wastewater Committee continued surveying households to define the boundaries of the proposed district.

November election

The November election vote totals showed a close election with Wassaic resident Leo Blackman defeating incumbent Victoria Perotti to become town supervisor by 26 votes. The other races for seats on town boards were similarly close.