Amenia Town Board creates Economic Development Committee

Town Hall on Route 22 in Amenia.

Photo by John Coston

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.

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Amelia R. Wright

Falls Village – Amelia Rosalie (Betti) Wright, 91, of Falls Village died September 30, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Robert Kenneth Wright.

Amelia was born September 6, 1933 in Torrington, CT, daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary Eliza (Passini) Betti. Amelia worked at Camp Isabella Freedman as the Head Housekeeper. She was employed there for 35 years. She attended the Falls Village Congregational Church and had been very active at the Senior Center in Falls Village. She enjoyed collecting. She also enjoyed the craft classes offered by Adult Ed at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the Cape, Vermont and New Hampshire. An avid flower person, Amelia had traveled to the major flower shows in both Boston and Philadelphia.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Osborn and her husband David of Falls Village, her son, Robert H. Wright of Falls Village and her son, Donald Wright and his wife Kate of Millbrook, NY; her sister, MaryAnn Betti of Falls Village; her grandchildren, Benjamin and Katie Osborn and Jacob Wright. Amelia is also survived by her great grandson, Gunner Osborn. Amelia was predeceased by her brother, Donald Betti.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in the Mountain View Cemetery, Sand Road, North Canaan, CT. Calling hours will be held at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, North Canaan, CT 06018 on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Falls Village Volunteer Ambulance Association, 188 US-7 South, Falls Village, CT. 06031

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