Bank of Millbrook still seeking OK for new branch

MILLERTON — The Bank of Millbrook’s site plan for a drive-through bank is still seeking approval after the Town of North East’s planning board’s public hearing on Aug. 28.

The application was to open another branch on Route 44, where Elizabeth’s Jewelry and Fine Gifts is located. The bank is planning on converting the 2,500-square-foot store to host different amenities for the public.

“Part of the conversion is reconfiguring the existing parking lot and the driveway. So what is proposed is that we are going to add a through-lane which would allow patrons to access the proposed teller window,” said Peter Cody, a representative of the bank. “Also included is a new exterior ATM, which will be in front of the building, and a new septic and canopy.”

At the last planning board meeting, the board members had issues with the lighting surrounding the outside of the building and asked for it to be looked at again.

“There were some clarifications we needed for lighting, which we reconfigured to be more uniform throughout the site, providing adequate lighting for all the parking areas,” Cody said. “As well as in compliance with New York banking regulations.”

According to Bill Kish, the planning board’s lighting expert, the Bank of Millbrook’s proposed lighting is six times the amount New York State requires.

“When I hear them say it’s six times the amount New York requires, that does seem excessive, and it does seem like it would be too bright for our community,” said Leslie Farhangi, a board member. “I don’t think we want to create more work for you, but on the other hand it seems silly to be putting something that is six times what is needed.”

The board asked the Bank of Millbrook to return to the next meeting with a plan to lower the 100-watt lights on the perimeter of the building to 50-watt in order to reduce the amount of light radiating from the plot, which is similar to the first proposal they brought to the board.

“I hate to get stuck in a position where it’s like ‘here is something bad’ today, then come back with, excuse me, something worse,” Kish said.

With the news of the Bank of Millbrook taking over the previously owned lot of Elizabeth’s Jewelry and Fine Gifts, the jewelry store announced that they are not closing down for good.

Elizabeth’s Jewelry intends to move into Trotta’s Fine Wine and Liquors on Route 44, and a community member at the planning board meeting said, “I think it will be great to have the jewelry store moving up to where it is. It’ll make that area better. So it’s a win-win question.”

The planning board approved phase four of Buddhafield’s residence site plan.

The 42-acre site completed phase four of its “master development plan,” which had previously been approved by the Zoning Board for the Town of North East. This phase consists of a single-family residence with a 2,900-square-foot layout containing four bedrooms.

The main question regarding the construction of the home was what materials would be used, which was brought to the board’s attention during this meeting.

“What we have are a slate roof, a limestone veneer, and some ship siding between doors,” said Cody. “Also included in this submission package is a lighting plan because it is a single-family residence on an isolated spot.

“Thank you so much everyone,” Cody said. “It has been quite the journey with this one. We have more pieces. We will be back.”