Amenia discusses "opting-in" on cannabis dispensaries

Town Board continues discussion of of state regulations

AMENIA — Preliminary discussion over whether or not the town will “opt in” to state regulations that guide the opening and operation of a local cannabis dispensary continued at the regular meeting of the Town Board on Thursday, March 21.

Town Supervisor Leo Blackman introduced the discussion, noting that to move ahead on zoning questions related to location of a dispensary, the board might need the services of a town planner.

The potential cost for those services was estimated at about $30,000, but following exploratory discussion, it was clear that any planner would need more project detail, particularly state and local restrictions to be imposed.

Following brief discussion, the board agreed that potential locations would be identified in advance of the next Town Board meeting on Thursday, April 4.

Board member Brad Rebillard mentioned required setbacks from roadways.

“It should not be in the town center,” said board member Rosanna Hamm, leading to general agreement that a possible site might be within a shopping plaza. Adequate parking will also be a consideration.


More from Amenia

— The March 21 Town Board meeting included a welcome to interim member Nicole Ahearn, appointed to fill the seat vacated by Leo Blackman when he won election to the post of Town Supervisor.

— In response to a request from the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), the board voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for a grant application the HVA is preparing. If successful, the grant would fund work to improve conditions along and within Wassaic Creek.

“It’s an effort to clear up flooding issues,” Blackman explained.

The Town Board also unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the HVA Ten-Mile River Watershed Management Plan. The plan formalizes a collaboration among 15 towns in two states to preserve and protect waterways within their region.


— Speeding traffic in the vicinity of the Maplebrook School crosswalk was a public safety issue raised by Hamm, who had determined that the Department of Transportation (DOT) could be asked to install speed control devices, but they would need a resolution from the board.

Blackman indicated that he would schedule a meeting with the DOT. Hamm suggested that Maplebrook School should issue a letter of concern and support to assist in the effort.


— Recent years have seen deterioration of the Town Hall gym floor, leading the Town Board to consider options for replacement; in 2023, the Town Board obtained repair or replacement estimates.

Presently, the gym floor tiles are cracking and unstable.

At a regular Town Board meeting on Thursday, March 21, Town Supervisor Leo Blackman noted that the tiles now in place rest on top of plywood.

Under the plywood is a solid maple floor. Under the maple floor is another layer of plywood.

An option to refinish the maple floor was estimated to cost $27,000. A vinyl floor could run up to $55,000, but vinyl wears out, Blackman said. A poured floor of Herculan seamless floors made from synthetic polyurethane- — a.k.a. plastic — is estimated to cost $39,500, but an advantage is that the floor would offer a cushioned surface.

The board voted unanimously to ask the board attorney, Ian Lindars, to draft a resolution to be discussed at the next meeting, which will take place Thursday, April 4.

Latest News

Stephen S. Myers

LAKEVILLE — Stephen S. Myers, 82, of Lakeville, (formerly of New York City, Almond, New York, Kane’ohe, Hawaii, and Fair Oaks, California) passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” (Phelan), his two sons Matthew and Shepherd, two nephews and three nieces.

Stephen was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, on Oct. 29, 1942, the son of the late Elwood Mosman and Donnie Marguerite Myers. Growing up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Stephen struggled with dyslexia in multiple high schools, ultimately graduating from Avon Old Farms High School in Avon, Connecticut.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ella L. Clark

WEST CORNWALL — Ella L. Clark, 83, a social worker, writer, and lover of nature and the Post Office, died Nov. 7, 2024 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, after an acute stroke. Her family was with her in her last week.

Ella was predeceased by her parents, Benjamin S. and Charlotte L. Clark, her brother, Benjamin Clark, and her sister Tib Clark. Ella is survived by her daughter, Cristina Mathews of Fort Bragg, California, and her husband Jason and son Milo, her son Alexander Mathews, of Newton, Massachusetts, and his wife Olivia and children Ariana, Damian, and Torey, her daughter Jessica Meyer, of Pacific Palisades, California, and her husband Tim and children Ione and Nikos; and her sister Charlotte de Bresson of Paris.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Graeme Townsend

SALISBURY — David Graeme Townsend was born July 23, 1930, in Mineola, New York, to Rachel Townsend (Maxtone-Graham) and Greenough Townsend. David and his older brother Antone grew up in New York City and Long Island. Some of his early life was spent in Scotland in his mother’s family home, Cultoquhey, which is near Perth in the Highlands. Here he enjoyed summers with all his Maxtone-Graham cousins. Many of these cousins would remain close with David for his entire life. One cousin, Charles Smythe, even came to America to live with David and his family during the war where Charles became like a brother to David and Antone. David went to St. George’s in Newport, Rhode Island for a while and then on to Lawrenceville in New Jersey. He finished high school at the Basil Patterson School in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Immediately after high school, David enrolled in the US Marine Corps and served two tours in the Korean War. He was always very proud of his military service. After his service David attended the Sorbonne University in Paris for two years and then the University of Madrid for one year. Even though David never finished his formal education, he always remained an avid student of history and language. In his travels his skill with foreign languages was sometimes a problem because he spoke with such a good accent that it was sometimes falsely assumed that he was fluent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Richard George Ralph

EAST CANAAN — Richard George Ralph, 84, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2024, at his home in East Canaan, surrounded by his family. Born on Sept. 23, 1940, in Cornwall, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Marie (Kennedy) Ralph Negri and George Yeaton Ralph Jr.

Richard was the proud owner and operator of Richard Ralph and Son Rubbish Removal for many years. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he built a trusted business that served the community. After his retirement, his son Richard took over the reins, continuing the family tradition. Richard’s friendly demeanor meant that there weren’t many in the area who didn’t know him, and all were met with warm greetings and hearty waves.

Keep ReadingShow less