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In her March 11 address to county residents, the focus was on the fiscal health and wellbeing of Dutchess, but some officials felt county executive Sue Serino missed the mark by avoiding such topics as funding cuts and other concerns.
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HOPEWELL JUNCTION — On Tuesday, March 11, Republican county executive Sue Serino took to the stage at John Jay High School to deliver commentary on Dutchess in her State of the County address.
The evening began with a welcome by Wappingers Central School District superintendent Dwight Bonk and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dutchess County sheriff Kirk Imperati. Ava Dvorak, a senior at John Jay, offered her rendition of the national anthem followed by an invocation from Reverend Dr. Edward L. Hunt of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The Evergreen Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International performed “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American)” with the Roy C. Ketcham High School Step Team closing out the pre-speech segment of the evening with their “Formation” demonstration.
Sophia Puglia, a John Jay junior, then introduced the county executive whom she described as “a role model for women.” Serino then began her presentation, “The Lives We Touch,” by thanking her family, colleagues and those assembled. She pinpointed Dutchess residents as her focus, saying “Tonight is about more than policies and programs. It is about people. Because — at the heart of every decision we make, every dollar we invest, and every initiative we launch — there is a life we are striving to improve.”
Serino’s speech highlighted the expansion of county undertakings for seniors, youths and veterans as well as initiatives in public safety, emergency medical and mental health services, agriculture, housing and childcare. Hoarding, crime and scams impacting seniors were also topics of discussion during her address.She noted the reorganization of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, which has been separated into health, mental health, and veterans’ affairs — an approach which Serino believes has enabled these departments to serve residents in a more productive fashion.
Serino pointed out the county’s Silver Certification from the state via its New York Climate Smart Communities program, and emphasized its position of fiscal strength with its AA+ bond rating status as confirmed by Standard and Poors — the highest rating for any county in New York State.Additionally, Serino noted transit ridership is up with over 880,000 Dutchess residents utilizing public transport services.
She maintained that strategic planning and conservative economics have benefitted Dutchess homeowners and county employees.“I’m so proud that our 2025 budget continues the tradition of fiscal responsibility, cutting the property tax rate for the 10th year while ensuring that there were zero layoffs within county government,” Serino said, pointing out that the county will continue to actively monitor its spending while continuing to steadily grow initiatives.
Serino said she is prioritizing programs to benefit the 55-plus set. She shared the news of the creation of the OFA Ambassador title, a role expected to connect seniors and their families with programs and services offered by the Office for the Aging. “It’s so important that they have the support they need to stay active, connected, and live the lives they deserve,” said Serino, who also announced the Older Adult Skills Fair which will enable older workers to keep their skills sharp and remain connected to their communities.
Enriching the lives of veterans is another area Serino is tackling with the April launch of the first “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony in recognition of Vietnam veteran and First Lieutenant Andrew Doro. She reminded the audience of Veterans One-Stop, which connects former military members to services and benefits such as housing guidance, healthcare options or financial assistance. Serino also announced another new title — a Veterans Outreach role, which will serve as information provider to veterans in need of guidance for supports they may need. Additionally, a transportation initiative, “Go Go Veterans,” has been launched, which provides vets with transport to appointments and gatherings.
More specifically to Northeastern Dutchess, Serino spoke of housing initiatives, pointing out the Habitat for Humanity dwelling recently erected in the Town of North East. At press time, the dwelling remained empty, pending necessary revisions to the property which will enable the owners, the Macagnone family, to finally occupy the premises. Serino also spoke of the need to grow locally owned business, saying, “Our small businesses are the heart of our local economy, and we’ve recently launched our Small Business Roundtables to provide a space for business owners to connect, share challenges, and access resources to help them grow and succeed. Our first two roundtables, in the Village of Millerton and the Arlington Business District, were huge successes.”
One item of discussion undoubtedly of interest to residents of Northeastern Dutchess was EMS services. Extended ambulance service wait times and coverage gaps have long been an issue throughout the region which lacks a hospital. Serino touted the implementation of supplemental EMS coverage, but then segued into a discussion regarding EMS needs related to senior citizen accidents without returning to the topic at hand.
North East town supervisor Chris Kennan, who was in the audience, felt the issue should have been further addressed. “While I was interested to hear what the county executive had to say on a number of subjects, my main interest in being there was to speak with her about EMS services in the Town of North East,” Kennan said. “We probably pay more on a per capita basis for EMS services than any other town in the County... The town is committed to making sure our residents have access to emergency medical services, but it is also my job to look for a less costly way to do it.We need the county’s help on this.”
Throughout the evening, Serino remained upbeat, an approach which, while accentuating the positive, may not necessarily address the fiscal worries of Dutchess residents. While Republican politicos in the audience supported Serino throughout the evening, some Democratic officials had a different take. “The county executive’s address struck an optimistic tone but felt out of touch, given the struggles many Dutchess County residents face, especially as federal funding cuts have started to hit our community,” observed Chris Drago, D-19. “Nearly $3 million in funding has been cut or frozen at Rock Steady Farm in North East, $600,000 at Ronnybrook Farm in Pine Plains and the Cary Institute in Millbrook has already faced layoffs. We’ve heard of individual agricultural grants disappearing, hurting local businesses, workers, and our broader economy … These cuts are happening now, and we need leadership that will fight for our fair share.”
In a March 12 email to the News, county comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair conveyed his own concerns that greater advocacy and more action on behalf of the county executive is needed. “I appreciate that Sue focused on the people we serve. It reflects what I’ve come to know of her,” said Aymar-Blair. “In my conversations with people, non-profits, and businesses, I do not hear a sentiment of hope that was the theme of the speech. There is anxiety everywhere about federal funding being cut off, and what lower federal spending will mean for our local economy. We are heading into choppy waters and people are always asking me, ‘What’s the plan if we lose grants? What’s the plan if sales tax revenue drops off?’”
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One of a dozen artists participating in the Northlight Art Center’s 14th annual student exhibit is Cathleen Halloran, above, who paused for a photo by one of her several works on display. The opening reception at the Sharon Historical Society’s Gallery on Saturday, March 15, brought out a robust group of local art fans.
Leila Hawken
Fans of fine art filed into the Sharon Historical Society’s gallery on Saturday, March 15, for the opening reception of student works from the Northlight Art Center in Amenia, New York.
Northlight was founded in Sharon by Pieter Lefferts in 2010 and later moved to Amenia. This is the 14th year of the annual student exhibit.
“It’s an invitation for people who may never have thought that they might be included in an art exhibit,” said Lefferts about the show that includes 34 works created by a dozen artists. Lefferts added that visitors will see a range of abilities and individual expression.
“I like to draw out innate expression,” Lefferts said. Lefferts said there were 34 pieces as he had hung them all the day before.
Several works on display were inspired by local subjects. For example, Kathleen Kulig’s “Grand Dame of the Orchard” depicts an actual old apple tree found at a friend’s home.
“I’ve actually picked apples from that tree,” Kulig said.
Kathleen Kulig with her “Grand Dame of the Orchard” painting.Leila Hawken
Artist Cathleen Halloran’s acrylic on paper painting titled “Eleven Eleven” is a loving remembrance of her dog, Maddie, whose death was imminent as Halloran created the painting, an expression of her subject’s magnificent spirit.
Variety is evident in artists’ ages, mediums, experience and subject matter.
“It’s always a pleasure to see how the artists grow every year, a fascinating variety,” said Historical Society President Chris Robinson as he dished out the wine and other beverages in the reception area.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the historical society, although not all works are for sale. The exhibit will be open until Friday, May 9, during historical society hours. For additional information, go to www.sharonhist.org.
Coinciding with the gallery show, the Sharon Historical Society’s current exhibit is worth a visit. Titled “Family Collections,” the exhibit shows collective Sharon memories found in the artifacts left by ancestors, remembered now in part by what they left behind. Each is a clue to the town’s historic past, spanning two centuries.
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Century Boulevard’s redevelopment will be partially funded through the Hudson River Green Community Planning Grants Program and the Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Photo by Nathan Miller
MILLERTON — Residents along with nearby neighbors of Century Boulevard received a second presentation of plans to redevelop the village thoroughfare.
Much of the meeting, held on Saturday, March 15 at the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex, focused on parking options that were presented by Brandee Nelson, a senior project manager for Tighe & Bond of Rhinebeck.
The engineering-services firm is preparing a feasibility study for the Village Trustees. Funding for the project has been received from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Northeast Dutchess Fund and from Hudson River Valley Greenway.
Trustees David Sherman and Matt Herzog kicked off the meeting, noting that one of the goals of the 2018 Millerton Pedestrian Plan is to create a design concept for Century Boulevard.
Key recommendations from the Dutchess County Transportation Council call for centerline striping, delineated parking spaces, crosswalks, sidewalks and lighting, along with tree plantings.
Nelson presented options that showed possible parking patterns that were envisioned based on street width as one determining factor. Century Boulevard, which used to be a freight yard for an east-west railroad, ranges from 70 to 93 feet in width and is 1,000 feet long. In the past, it was called ‘Parking Street.’
“There is no defined pedestrian infrastructure,” Nelson said to the group. At a first session held on Feb. 1, the Annex room was filled. Last Saturday, only a handful of residents showed.
At the west end of the boulevard, Dutchess County is proposing changes that will be part of a Maple Avenue sidewalk widening project to give it an accessibility update.
Much of the meeting was devoted to debating the pros and cons of perpendicular versus 30-degree angled parking. The discussion also labored over the expected quantity of parking needed by the Village.
Perpendicular parking could provide up to 151 parking spaces, while angular parking options up to 68 spaces.
A back and forth ensued with Nelson, residents and some of the trustees, including Mayor Jenn Najdek, about the options. Maintenance costs also were targeted in the discussion, because the wider the boulevard the more expense falls to the Village, and the same is true of maintaining green spaces that include trees, shrubbery or even wood chips.
Public comment also drew a bead on the different parking needs on either end of the boulevard, as well as the unique needs of the Millerton Fire Department and the post office.
Plans call for retaining the EV charger, currently located east of the Mane Street Salon.
Consensus seemed to emerge that angular parking seems to make sense, in part because it obviates the need when backing out to enter the oncoming lane. A second common ground seemed to emerge with the notion that a sidewalk should be located on the south side of the boulevard.
Next steps include plans to have the Village Board talk about what might be a preferred approach at its March 24 meeting so that Tighe & Bond can prepare a concept to present to the trustees in April.
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Lance Middlebrook, center, chair of the Village Planning Board, announced his resignation at a regular meeting Wednesday, March 12, surprising other Board members.
Photo by John Coston
MILLERTON — Lance Middlebrook, chair of the Village Planning Board, announced his immediate resignation from the Board at a regular meetingon Wednesday, March 12.
Middlebrook, a 17-year veteran of the Board who has been chair for more than a decade, informed his fellow Board members following a routine meeting which included routine agenda items.
“We have no purpose here.They just want us to rubber stamp everything,” Middlebrook said to the three other Planning Board members in attendance: Carol Gribble, Joshua Schultz and Andrew Rebillard. Board member Patti Lynch-VandeBogart was not in attendance.
Describing the large sign on Route 22 which displays the message “Community+ Kindness” as in violation of village code, Middlebrook said: “That should have gone to us. They just took it upon themselves. That was it for me.”
The sign went up in December with the support of the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights and Townscape, a volunteer group focused on revitalization of the Village.
In an interview, Mayor Jenn Najdek said: “Seventeen years is a long time to commit as a volunteer. We appreciate his time and want to thank him for his service.”
Najdek said she will appoint someone to fill out Middlebrook’s term.
Commenting on the large sign on Route 22, Najdek said “It was meant more as an art installation than anything else.
“We do need to work on our zoning codes. They are outdated in some respects.”
In an interview on Thursday, March 13, Middlebrook hypothetically asked: “What are we supposed to tell an applicant who wants to have a sign that is too big based on our code, when they see a 150-foot sign on Route 22?”
Board members were surprised by Middlebrook’s announcement, and spent several minutes debating their next move, even considering dissolving the current Board.
Middlebrook said the following day that the Board decided to remain intact, acknowledging that someone will have to serve as chair.
However, the sentiment expressed by Middlebrook was shared by other members present, especially with regard to the large sign along Route 22, but also with what they described as lax code enforcement in the Village.
Caroline Farr-Killmer, the Board secretary, said she maintains a spreadsheet of code violations and actions taken.
The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for April 9. Middlebrook said he won’t be there, because he was handing his resignation to Mayor Najdek, which he did the next day.
Members of the Planning Board are appointed by the mayor to five-year terms. Middlebrook’s current term would have expired in June.
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