Amenia wastewater panel seeks Town Board member views

AMENIA — Seeking Town Board members’ thoughts on whether they could consider supporting a plan for a town wastewater project, the Wastewater Committee invited two councilmembers to attend their regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7.

In inviting Republican councilmembers Brad Rebillard and newly re-elected Nicole Ahearn, Wastewater Committee chairman Charlie Miller noted that the councilmembers had accepted the invitation to attend, willing to share their opinions on whether they could support a wastewater initiative going forward, or whether other local issues would preclude their support.

Miller drew attention to a map, plan and report submitted by the engineering firm of Tighe and Bond over three years ago in which various cost and funding scenarios had been presented.

Referring to the current planning firm, LaBerge Engineering Group of Albany, Miller said that they have been asked to find the various ways that a wastewater project could be funded.

To Ahearn’s question about the wastewater district’s composition, Miller replied that 233 properties are included in the district and the majority are residential.

Discussion turned to the siting of the processing facility that would serve the district, possibilities including a location off Lavelle Road or near the Sheriff’s office along Route 22.

“I am not against wastewater; my concern is that we have a Water District needing help,” said Ahearn. She added that she is aware that some residents are unable to afford their quarterly water bills, leading her to wonder how those people could afford wastewater bills.

“We know that a lot of septic systems are failing,” Miller explained, noting that the town is presently classified as a disadvantaged community, a status that will help the town qualify for funding opportunities to assist with both the water and the wastewater projects.

Ahearn asked for a listing of what grant opportunities are available.

“If we get enough petition signatures from district homeowners, do you two see yourselves supporting the project,” Miller asked.
Rebillard said that he was concerned about the potential cost of the imminent water district repairs, possibly including a new water tower to improve pressure and new or repaired valves.

“The whole water system is an unknown,” Rebillard said. “The people in the water district will need to pay for both.”

Rebillard acknowledged that the town does not have the actual cost numbers yet.

Miller replied that within two weeks, the wastewater committee will have the cost and funding figures from the engineers.

The interest on the bonds would be paid by the homeowners in the district, Miller explained, and the district homeowners will need to sign a petition. He indicated that 80% of the residents in the district have indicated being in favor of a project through an early survey.

“Every business owner wholeheartedly supported it,” Miller added.

“If people sign a petition and want it, I would have a tough time not supporting it,” Rebillard said.

Miller indicated that in future meetings, the Wastewater Committee will discuss the various financial scenarios and the breakdown of user fees.

Latest News

Participants at annual conference encouraged to ThinkDifferently by respecting evolving etiquette norms

Top row (left to right): Panelist Shadei Williams; Dana Hopkins, Dutchess County All Abilities Program Director; panelist Johnny Vacca; Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. Bottom row: (left to right): Panelist Wayne Robinson; panelist Tracy Wallace; panelist Samantha Van Alstyne

Provided

HYDE PARK, N.Y. — On Thursday, Dec. 5, the annual ThinkDifferently conference was held at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Educational Center in Hyde Park, New York. The conference strived to enlighten participants on evolving protocols for addressing and collaborating with individuals with challenges.

Hosted by Dana Hopkins, program director of All Abilities at the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, ThinkDifferently is an initiative first launched in 2015 by former county executive Marc Molinaro with a goal to provide services to individuals with varying abilities and guidance for others such as businesses and communities to help create a more inclusive society.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shooting the breeze with Christopher Little

Martin Tandler

Little with his dog, Ruby.

"What I really feel lucky about is having had the chance to meet and photograph so many people who had a real impact on our lives,” said Christopher Little whose new memoir, “Shooting the Breeze: Memories of a Photojournalist” was just released. The book is as eclectic and colorful as the man himself and offers an intimate look into Little’s globe-trotting career spent behind the lens, capturing some of the most iconic figures, events, and human stories of the past half-century.

In 2021, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas acquired Little’s photographic archive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cold Spring, a not-so-hidden Hudson Valley gem

“Cold Spring, NY” depicts life in a notable Hudson River town with a rich history and much natural beauty.

Krista A. Briggs

According to Alissa Malnati, co-creator of the new coffee table tome, “Cold Spring, NY”, after twenty-five years in the urban jungle, it was time to go in search of a cure for the angst which, for some, can come with metropolitan living. “My husband and I were soul sick,” explained Malnati of the couple’s move to Cold Spring, a Hudson River town located in leafy Putnam County. “We were seeking restoration and quiet, and to be in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

The time was right for a move in 2021. The Malnatis relocated from busy Brooklyn to a tranquil mountaintop abode which allowed them to decompress without the intrusion of cell phones and ceaseless city noise. With the shift to the Hudson Valley, Alissa, a writer and fashion executive, and her husband, Will, a podcaster and television producer, found the peace they were searching for in Cold Spring, a semi-rural town known for its boutiques, antique shops, and world-class hiking trails.

Keep ReadingShow less