Habitat for Humanity to build home in North East

MILLERTON — At least one customer for an affordable home is going to be able purchase a three-bedroom, two-bath ranch home this year in the Town of North East.

The price will be based on what the customer can afford at the time of purchase and the expectation is that the sale can be completed by the end of the year.

Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County (HHDC) currently is accepting applications for a homebuying pilot program in the Town of North East with a deadline for completed applications of June 10.

On Thursday, May 9, HHDC held an open house at the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex to explain the program and field questions.

Another information sessions is planned for June 3 at the Annex from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Information tables will be set up on May 22 at the NorthEast-Millerton Library, 75 Main St., and on June 8 at the Millerton Farmer’s Market on Dutchess Avenue.

Four families were in attendance at the May 9 event, expressing interest in becoming homeowners. One man said he lives in nice home now, but the landlord keeps raising the rent beyond affordability. Another couple, who came with their baby in arms, hopes to become first-time homebuyers.

The home will be built in the Town of North East on a 1 /2 acre lot. It will be a 3 bedroom, two-bath ranch with approximately 1,400 square feet. It will likely be built on a concrete slab or have a crawlspace foundation due to the high water table. It also will have a septic system.

The building site has been confirmed but has yet to be made public, but it definitely will be in the Webutuck Central School District.

Three representatives from HHDC explained how the program works.

Jenn Radicone, HHCD chief of operations, gave an overview of the program and some detail about the home that will be offered.

The minimum income for applicants to the pilot program is $55,000. The maximum income is 80% of the average median income in Dutchess County based on family size.

Radicone, along with Jennifer Buitrago, a housing and financial counselor with HHDC, explained that prospective homeowners will be expected to contribute in a non-monetary way toward the purchase of the home.

A buyer will be expected to participate with up to 200 hours of work and/or educational time toward the purchase of the home.

Radicone noted that in Dutchess County there are 6,000 families in need of affordable housing, paying up to or more than 50% of their income on housing.

Buitrago emphasized the value of learning about homebuying, and discussed a summer homebuying readiness program that would provide support and information needed to be able to purchase a home.

“There’s a general lack of understanding about the homebuying process,” she said.

Arlette Murrain, who manages a program to advance Black homeownership, also discussed how Habitat for Humanity is working to advance Black homeownership in the United States, where white family homeownership stands at 72% compared to 43% among Black families, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

HHDC was established in 1986 and has since built or repaired 300 homes in the county. It also has programs for home repair for veterans, seniors and mobile homes.

The family for HHDC’s first Millerton home will be selected on July 17.

“We hope it will be the first of many,” said Radicone.

To schedule a video chat about the pilot program, visit www.habitatdutchess.org

Latest News

A scenic 32-mile loop through Litchfield County

Whenever I need to get a quick but scenic bicycle ride but don’t have time to organize a group ride that involves driving to a meeting point, I just turn right out of my driveway. That begins a 32-mile loop through some of the prettiest scenery in northern Litchfield County.

I ride south on Undermountain Road (Route 41 South) into Salisbury and turn right on Main Street (Route 44 West). If I’m meeting friends, we gather at the parking area on the west side of Salisbury Town Hall where parking is never a problem.

Keep ReadingShow less
Biking Ancramdale to Copake

This is a lovely ride that loops from Ancramdale north to Copake and back. At just over 23 miles and about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect route for intermediate recreational riders and takes about two hours to complete.It’s entirely on quiet roads with little traffic, winding through rolling hills, open countryside, picturesque farms and several lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of farmstands that are worth a quick visit. There is only one hill that might be described as steep, but it is quite short — probably less than a quarter-mile.

Keep ReadingShow less
North East town records brought into the digital age

Chris Virtuoso reorganized parcel records in the North East Town Hall basement by parcel number during the process of scanning and digitizing the documents.

Photo by Grace DeMarco

MILLERTON — Within the walls of the two-story Victorian housing the North East Town Hall lies a room-full of town records dating back to the late 19th century. Stored in labeled cardboard boxes and protected by dehumidifiers, the records are in the process of being dated, organized, and scanned into categorized online programs.

As the Town Hall works to relocate to 5603 Route 22 at the former Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, the consolidation and digitalization of records, as well as the disposal of those unneeded, is a time-sensitive project. Marcy Wheatley, the Deputy Town Clerk, emphasized their current heavy focus on organizing and scanning. “Now, when we move, we can get rid of a lot,” Wheatley stated.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Fire Department Carnival returns

The Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue in the village of Millbrook.

Archive photo

MILLBROOK — Summer fun is just around the corner, thanks to the fire department and the return of the Fire Department Carnival scheduled to open on Wednesday, July 9, and continue through Saturday, July 12, on the Thorne Building grounds on Franklin Avenue.

Opening night activities will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. The Carnival will open each night at 7 p.m., remaining open until 11 p.m.

Keep ReadingShow less