Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Bank of Millbrook eyes North East site

Bank of Millbrook eyes North East site

The Bank of Millbrook may be opening a Town of North East branch on Route 44 at the location of Elizabeth’s Jewelry and Fine Gifts, according to bank president George Whalen III.

Christine Bates

MILLERTON — The Town of North East is abuzz with the probability that The Bank of Millbrook is in talks to open a branch locally.

George Whalen III, president of the Bank of Millbrook, was introduced around at the Millerton Fire Company pancake breakfast on Sunday morning, April 7, by Town of North East Supervisor Chris Kennan. Kennan commented he “wished more business people would reach out to residents of our community. I’m happy that they want to come to our town.” Asked for specifics about the purchase of property in town he replied, “It’s really premature. The bank hasn’t bought anything.”

Whalen himself was more forthcoming when questioned. “Yes, we have applied for approval to open a branch on Route 44 with the New York State Department of Financial Services which regulates state-chartered banks like ours.

We’re not sure how long it will take to secure permission. When we moved from the parking lot at Fresh Town in Amenia to our new branch at the light it took them about 30 days.”

Whalen confirmed that the bank is in the process of preparing a site plan to present to the Planning Board which will include a drive through window and will be meeting with architects to modify the interior.

“The bank has been looking at Millerton for some time but with the acquisition of Salisbury Bank by NBT it seemed like the right time to move forward. It’s a beautiful, light filled building.”

Regarding the possible sale of her building Elizabeth Trotta, said only, “There are two parties involved in negotiations with lots of boxes that need to be checked. I will not be closing my business, but I may relocate. I love Millerton.”

The 2,479 square foot store on one acre was built in 2007 and comes complete with a sprinkler system, village water, and even a safe. When the Bank of Millbrook opens in the Town of North East consumers will have two banks to choose from and the Bank of Millbrook will expand its branch network which now includes, in addition to their Village of Millbrook headquarters, locations in Pine Plains, Amenia and Stanford.

Latest News

Classifieds - July 9, 2026

Classifieds - July 9, 2026

SERVICES OFFERED

Héctor Pacay Landscaping and Construction LLC: Fully insured. Renovation, decking, painting; interior exterior, mowing lawn, garden, stone wall, patio, tree work, clean gutters, mowing fields. 845-636-3212.


Keep ReadingShow less

Firefighters’ Fourth of July

Firefighters’ Fourth of July
Photo by Nathan Miller

The Amenia Fire Co.’s Fourth of July parade, fair and fireworks extravaganza drew a crowd of over 100 people to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, peppers, fried dough and a fireworks display that carried on despite heavy rain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton gets ready for 175th anniversary celebration

The Millerton 175th Anniversary Committee's logo.

Illustration Courtesy Village of Millerton

MILLERTON — Months of planning will culminate this weekend as Millerton kicks off nine days of events celebrating the village’s 175th anniversary, with festivities running from July 11 through July 19.

Lisa Hermann, a veteran festival organizer who has been leading the planning effort for Millerton 175, said the process intensified this year as the July start date crept closer.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Dover Stone Church reopened to the public

The public entrance to the Dover Stone Church hiking trail sits on Thomas Whalen’s property along Route 22 in Dover Plains.

Photo by Lucia Iandolo

DOVER PLAINS — Dover Plains resident Thomas Whalen has reached a final settlement with the town to permanently restore public access to the Dover Stone Church hiking trail.

Whalen, who owns the property containing the only entrance to the trail, barred hikers from his land in March 2026 amid a dispute with the town over maintenance costs and safety. The closure came after the town’s license to use the trailhead — granted under a September 2024 settlement agreement, which also included a financial settlement — lapsed in October 2025 without being renewed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook sidewalk improvement’s final phase awaits additional funding

A traffic cone draws attention to a sidewalk hazard along Franklin Avenue in Millbrook on July 4, 2026. The final phase of a sidewalk-improvement project for the north sidewalk on Franklin Avenue is expected to begin by the end of the summer.

Photo by Eloise Pickering

MILLBROOK — The final phase of a three year long sidewalk-improvement project on Franklin Avenue is slated to begin later this summer with funding almost in place.

The fourth and final stage covers the north side of Franklin Avenue from Friendly Lane to Front Street. According to Millbrook Mayor Peter Doro, the focal point of the project is to improve safety and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As of Tuesday morning, July 7, a detailed funding plan for the construction has yet to be announced.

Keep ReadingShow less
Libraries, Town Halls open as cooling centers during heat wave

Community cooling centers opened across Dutchess County last week as temperatures climbed into the upper 90s, prompting officials to warn residents about dangerous heat just days before the powerful July 4 storm swept through the region.
Many libraries, town halls and community facilities offer cooling center services during heatwaves, offering air-conditioned spaces, drinking water and restrooms. Temperatures reached into the triple digits in some areas of the county on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3.

Northeast-Millerton Library, located at 28 Century Blvd., is open and air-conditioned during its normal business hours during heatwaves, offering an air conditioned space and drinking water. The North East Town Hall, at 19 N. Maple Ave., is also available during normal business hours.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.