Amenia Town Board creates Economic Development Committee

AMENIA — Seen as essential to attract and develop business interests in the town, the Town Board agreed to form an Economic Development Committee at its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Councilwoman Rosanna Hamm spoke briefly of the advantages of the new committee. Resident Ken Topolsky, a member of the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee agreed, feeling that the committee will improve the quality of life and identify grant opportunities.

Topolsky urged the town to pursue a policy of “Amenia First,” aiming to use local businesses and hire local services. He suggested that interns be recruited from Webutuck High School to help local businesses to hire and train local workers.

Town Attorney Ian Lindars cautioned the board that if a new committee is to be formed, the board needs to define a scope for that committee, including number of members, how those members are to be appointed and their terms of service.

To move ahead on the committee’s formation, Town Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner invited anyone interested in serving to send her office a letter of interest in advance of the next Town Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3.

Trail to Train

Town Supervisor Leo Blackman announced that town crews have repaired the warped handrails along the rail trail and mowed the brush alongside in response to reported concerns that the boardwalk needed immediate maintenance.

Councilmember Paul Winters noted that the structure has only existed for six years. Stating that the pressure-treated wood will continue to warp, he recommended replacing the wooden handrails with steel.

“In its current state, we will have continuing issues,” Winters said.

Finance director Charlie Miller confirmed that the Trail to Train is the town’s responsibility and that winter plowing may have caused some of the damage.

Cannabis

The board continued discussion of locations where retail cannabis distribution might be allowed, and also response to a request by a grower for a farmstand to sell his product.

Present at the meeting was Alicia Moore, senior partner at AKRF, municipal planners. She indicated that any retail dispensary application would need to be considered and approved by the Planning Board.

Speaking of the location, Supervisor Blackman noted that retail dispensaries are not generally permitted in a residential district.
Councilmember Winters noted that the grower operates on a large plot of land. He also pointed out that any retail sales outlet would not allow for use of the product on or near the premises.

Councilmember Hamm expressed concern about increased traffic.

“We don’t want a store along the commercial strip between the town traffic light and Mechanic Street,” Winters emphasized.
The board asked Attorney Lindars to draft a resolution to be considered at their Thursday, Oct. 3 meeting and Lindars recommended that the board continue to gather information.