Amenia wastewater panel discusses funding strategy

AMENIA — Working to develop a logical timetable for planning and funding of a wastewater project for the town, the Wastewater Committee discussed the next steps at its regular meeting on Thursday, April 4.

Committee chairman Charlie Miller reported those planned steps to the Town Board at its regular meeting later in the evening.

Essential to the planning process for the wastewater project is funding application strategy. Miller described the work of the state Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) through which federal funding is channeled to a local wastewater project.

Miller reported the results of a recent telephone meeting with the EFC during which he and local town officials, including Town Supervisor Leo Blackman had sought information on the process of successfully applying for maximum federal funding.

“We need a higher score,” Miller said of the importance of documented surface water contamination caused by failed or failing septic systems locally and a demonstrable adverse effect on local streams and waterways.

The EFC relies on test results prepared by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), but the DEP only conducts testing during even-numbered years, and two years’ worth of sampling is needed. Surface water testing currently underway through the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) can also be helpful.

Miller reported to the Town Board that early results of HVA testing has shown the presence of the E. coli bacterium in surface waterways, indicating the likely presence of failed or failing septic systems.

Committee member Shannon Roback suggested that additional sampling might be advisable to strengthen any funding application, that if successful can fund up to 75% of project costs.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less