Amenia Town Board moves Harvest Festival forward

AMENIA — A varied agenda ranging from approving plans for an October Harvest Festival to accepting a resident’s gift of gravel was considered at the regular meeting of the Town Board on Thursday, Aug. 21.

A presentation by resident Ken Topolsky asking for approval of what is likely to become an annual Harvest Festival event won a favorable response by unanimous vote. Official approval will come once the event committee submits a proposed budget for the event.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, a portion of Main Street (Route 343) between Fountain Square and Mechanic Street will be closed to traffic to accommodate the festivities, Topolsky reported.

The event will “show off our community” to residents and visitors, Topolsky said, asking for prompt approval as the event would be only nine weeks off. Festival hours will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when highway detours will be in effect.

Early planning has yielded participation by food trucks, face painters for the kids, the library and local merchants, a health screening van, the C.A.R.E.S. van from U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan’s office, two bands and the Smithfield Church choir.

“Street fairs mean growth,” said Recreation Commission chairperson Judy Moran, who said that the recreation department is coordinating with the library to offer games and activity stations. “It will be a community event,” Moran said.

“It’s bringing so many of our town-wide committees together, it feels good,” said town Budget Officer Charlie Miller, praising the planning committee chaired by Topolsky.

“It’s gratifying to see the community coming together for a common goal,” commented councilmember Rosanna Hamm.

To assist with budgeted expenses, Topolsky said that he is hoping that residents will provide unsolicited donations along the way, anytime they feel moved to contribute.

Gift of gravel

In other action the Town Board voted unanimously to accept a gift of 600 tons of gravel from resident Craig Youmans, the gravel to be used for road work by the town’s highway department.

Constables hired

Also by unanimous vote, the Town Board voted to approve the hiring of Francis Lansing and Justin Romeu as part-time constables, each serving 20 hours per week. They will also be allowed to carry firearms in connection with their duties, following completion of required training courses.

New town garage

The Town Board approved the seeking of bids to complete grading and site work at the new town garage property. Anticipated work includes cutting a temporary entrance apron off of Route 22, storing topsoil on the site, stump removal and drainage control.

During public comment, a resident voiced traffic safety concerns near the intersection of Route 343 and Mechanic Street, notifying the board of a recent serious collision. He called for parking restrictions at the corner to promote more favorable sight lines for motorists.

Town Supervisor Leo Blackman indicated that a meeting with state officials was upcoming and that he planned to discuss that safety concern along with others during that meeting.