Rumors of immigration enforcement activity in Amenia began to flurry Tuesday, Jan. 28. "I want anyone who came to Amenia from Central America — or anywhere else — and has become part of the community to feel safe here," Amenia Town Supervisor Leo Blackmann said.
“Our local economy depends very much on the labor of recent immigrants — as America always has.”
— Leo Blackman,
Amenia town supervisor
AMENIA — On Tuesday, Jan. 28, rumblings of the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Northern Dutchess began making the rounds.
While their exact numbers are unknown, an immigrant population lives in Amenia and its surrounding communities, due in part to its rural character and, for some immigrants, the availability of work on local farms.
As the week progressed, the rumors remained unconfirmed. By Thursday, Jan. 30, Amenia town supervisor Leo Blackman had received three separate reports of concerning incidents involving immigrants — including one report of the verbal harassment of a group of immigrants who were taunted by calls of “ICE, ICE, ICE” from unknown persons — but the incidents remained unverified as no police reports had been filed to Blackman’s knowledge as of Jan. 30.
On Friday, Jan. 31, a notice appeared on the Town of Amenia’s website seemingly confirming the rumors of raids, along with a pamphlet of directives for individuals and families who may be potential targets of ICE As part of the notice, a statement from Blackman was included which read, “I am aware that there have been at least two raids here in the last few days by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, I.C.E. Residents of Amenia should not be made to feel unsafe or threatened in our community. Rules that made churches and schools off-limits to I.C.E. have just been rescinded by the Federal government. For the sake of anyone who may be targeted, your rights are attached.”
The accompanying pamphlet, printed in English, Spanish and French, advises immigrants of their legal protections and directs them to contact the Office for New Americans hotline, the Immigrant Defense Project or the New York Immigration Coalition for further guidance. The pamphlet also cautions immigrants to beware of scams and to set up a safety plan for themselves and their families.
A link to the notice has since been removed.
While Blackman has yet to provide specifics regarding the raids in Amenia, he is an advocate of immigrant rights and believes in their value to the local community. “Our local economy depends very much on the labor of recent immigrants — as America always has,” he said, explaining his concerns over the motives of the Trump administration and immigration agents with respect to their targets. “Allegedly, these ICE visits are targeted at immigrants with a criminal record,” he said. “But I expect their mandate will expand. I want anyone who came to Amenia from Central America — or anywhere else — and has become part of the community to feel safe here.”
Maintaining a sense of safety and normalcy is what Webutuck Central School District superintendent Raymond Castellani has been doing while keeping an eye on any local developments involving immigrant students and their families. As with Leo Blackman, Castellani has heard ICE-related rumors in the area. Webutuck, which covers Amenia and North East, is made up of nearly 30% English language learners. Castellani noted that while he has not noticed any significant drops in attendance by immigrant students, he has been actively monitoring the situation and will continue working with his staff to ensure students continue to receive the education and in-school services they require. Castellani said the next few weeks will be critical as rumors continue to swirl, but he remains committed to keeping students on-task while advocating for their security. “Our goal is to keep students safe,” Castellani said. Castellani added that should any incidents involving immigration agents occur on school grounds, he has directed his staff to contact him immediately.
Town supervisor Gary Ciferri of the Town of Washington, however, has yet to notice any immigration enforcement activity in his township. Ciferri’s district, which includes Millbrook, is also a rural community which many immigrants call home. According to Ciferri, though, it’s business as usual in his township. “I haven’t heard of ICE agents in the area,” Ciferri said. “We’re not doing anything differently in Millbrook and the Town of Washington.”
On the county level, Dutchess Sheriff’s Officers reported on Jan. 31 that they, too, were unaware of any ICE presence in the area. “To my knowledge, we have not been contacted by federal authorities,” Captain John Watterson said. Watterson added that any requests for cooperation with Federal agencies by the county would be contingent on the nature of the request and whether a warrant had been issued for a target. “It is possible,” said Watterson, who reiterated he remained unaware of any ICE activity in Northern Dutchess.
Alleged immigration enforcement rumors have also reached Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, whose district covers the Towns of North East, Stanford and Pine Plains as well as the Village of Millerton. Drago has been urging concerned residents to remain calm and logical. Contacted by the News on Sunday, Feb. 1, Drago responded by saying, “I’ve been hearing from a lot of community members concerned about potential ICE activity in Dutchess County, and there are a lot of scary rumors circulating locally about raids. Right now it’s important to distinguish between rumors and verified reports through asking questions and checking sources. It’s also important to know your rights. Here in Dutchess County, we look out for our neighbors and community members because we know we are strongest and safest when we stand together. And our small businesses, farms, families and neighborhoods are better off because of it.”
While immigrants remain on alert in Amenia and Northern Dutchess, Leo Blackman has remained strong in his support for their plight by summing up the town’s history. “Amenia has been a welcoming place for many kinds of people for most of its history,” Blackman said. “I want families here to know we intend to continue that tradition.”
Nathan Miller
Wassaic-based cannabis grower Douglas Broughton in his basement greenhouse at his home on Old Route 22 on Sunday, May 17.
MILLERTON — A cannabis dispensary planned for Main Street is facing lengthy delays that the Wassaic-based grower behind the project attributed to bureaucracy at the Office of Cannabis Management.
Doug Broughton, who operates a commercial cannabis farm at his home on Old Route 22 in Wassaic, plans to open a retail wing of his licensed cannabis microbusiness at 32 Main St. in downtown Millerton. Broughton first announced the plans earlier this year, targeting March and April openings that were later pushed back
He now hopes to open the shop in early summer, but said he can’t peg a specific date due to delays at New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management.
Broughton attributes sluggish administration at OCM to interference from larger cannabis businesses. Those businesses, he said, consume much of the agency’s time and resources, creating delays that can place significant financial strain on smaller microbusinesses like his own.
He said selling his cannabis wholesale to retailers has been keeping him afloat as he pays $1,800 per month on rent for the space on Millerton’s Main Street. Despite that, he’s confident the quality of his products and his shop will make up for the wait once it’s over.
“We have a lot of options and we can be very competitive,” Broughton said, adding he believes his cannabis is of a higher quality and better value than larger, corporate producers. “They threw huge amounts of money into bullying their way into a market and now nobody wants their weed.”
Broughton’s business has also faced other challenges. Rising fuel and commodity prices due to the Trump administration’s conflict with Iran have increased shipping costs, cutting into Broughton’s wholesale profits.
Those price hikes hit Broughton in multiple ways, affecting the cost to purchase packaging for his cannabis and the cost to ship it to retailers.
“I just got containers. I ordered a year ago and the shipping cost would be $2.50,” Broughton said. “Now, it was $6.50.”
The situation isn’t dire, though. Standing in his basement greenhouse in his Wassaic home, Broughton explained that he’s only utilizing just over one-tenth of his legally allowed grow area.
Under OCM regulations, licensed microbusinesses such as Broughton’s are allowed up to 5,000 square feet of mixed-light growing space, his preferred growing method.
Mixed-light growing means Broughton uses a combination of artificial and natural light to grow his cannabis plants. He said he exercises scientific precision over his crops, manipulating artificial light color, humidity levels, nutrients and temperature to ensure his ideal product.
Broughton said he uses just over 600 square feet of his allotted growing space currently, so the business has plenty of room to expand to cover rising costs. But Broughton encouraged proponents of small business and legal cannabis to write to state officials about the effects of long licensing periods on small businesses.
“If people want to get this open, write a letter,” Broughton said. “I’m wholesaling still. It’ll be fine, but I’m excited to get it open.”
Graham Corrigan
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery’s winemaker Ian Bearup surveys ongoing landscaping work from the wedding loft on Monday, May 18.
MILLBROOK — The owners of Millbrook Vineyards & Winery are changing how visitors may use their property, ending a longtime policy that allowed guests to bring their own food, beverages and lawn chairs onto the vineyard grounds.
The changes come as the winery introduces new seating areas, expanded food offerings and updated visitor accommodations ahead of the summer season.
To support the shift away from open lawn-style seating, the winery is installing several designated seating areas across the property. A newly created adults-only patio will feature Adirondack chairs, private tables and sofa seating available for a small table fee that has not yet been finalized. Guests will also be able to reserve tables in advance, though walk-ins will still be welcome.
Additional picnic tables are also being added to the winery’s existing all-ages seating area.
Weekend food trucks are scheduled to return beginning June 1, but they will now be supplemented by expanded local food offerings inside the winery’s renovated tap room space, now renamed The Overlook. Local producers, including Millbrook Beef & Dairy and Chaseholm Farm, will offer cheese, charcuterie and prepared foods.
“We want to reinvigorate the brand,” said Ian Bearup, a winemaker at the vineyards.
The changes come during a period of broader transition for the wine industry, which has seen declining consumption levels following a pandemic-era surge, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. Owner John Dyson recently reduced his stake in a California winery to refocus on Millbrook.
Millbrook’s winemaker Bearup said the renewed focus on Millbrook Vineyards & Winery exemplifies Dyson’s commitment to his hometown. “We take a lot of pride in still keeping agriculture in Dutchess County,” Bearup said. “This pullback has forced us to ask, how can we change things? And how can we still stay authentic to who we are, which is really just a family farm winery.”
Bearup acknowledged some visitors may be unhappy with the changes, but said growing crowds have made it increasingly difficult to manage the property during busy weekends.
“It’s gotten difficult for us to oversee the grounds during busy weekends,” Bearup said. “There’s a lot of liability. There’s a lot of garbage, and the grounds get quite beat up.”
The winery said visitors will still have access to the property’s ponds, trails and vineyard views, but the new seating arrangements are intended to better organize crowds and reduce wear on the grounds.
“We’re already hearing from a lot of upset people, which I completely understand,” Bearup said. “But we can’t operate this business as a park anymore, unfortunately.”
Graham Corrigan
The Washington town pool in the hamlet of Mabbetsville along Route 44 sits ready for the start of the 2026 season.
MILLBROOK — Members of the Washington Town Board are calling for upgrades to the town’s recreation area in Mabbetsville along Route 44, saying the park’s roughly 80-year-old pool is outdated and increasingly difficult to maintain.
Former Washington Councilmember Mike Murphy presented a new report to the Town Board during its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13, detailing the needed updates to the park.
His report is part of a larger Washington project called the Recreation Area Strategic Planning Committee. Starting in 2024, Murphy and a committee of 11 community members undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the property, focusing on the town pool and its facilities. “It’s nobody’s fault,” Murphy said. “But over the years, it’s just aged out.”
The committee was made up of various community experts including contractors and environmentalists. The group used last year’s Community Day to field suggestions from local residents, asking what changes they’d like to see at the park.
An online survey followed, and the committee compiled those suggestions for the town board. Suggestions included indoor facilities, a children’s playground, a dog park and pool improvements.
The Town Park consists of the pool and several athletic fields. The town bought the lower part of the property in 1946 for $16,000, and it became a municipal pool soon after. The athletic fields were added in 2006.
The 29 acres “are a jewel within the town,” Murphy said. “We need to figure out how to get people to use it.” But the pool’s aging infrastructure has made maintenance and upkeep unwieldy. It also lacks modern amenities popular in other municipal pools, like splash pads or fountains. Millerton and Newburgh, Murphy noted, both included those elements in their new pool plans.
Washington has more serious fixes to make, like updating the pool’s filtration system. One estimate Murphy received approximated that cost at six figures. “The tax structure of this community will never be able to handle the major costs that are coming down the road,” Murphy said.
Instead, the Committee to Re-Imagine the Town Park proposed several non-structural ways to stimulate the park’s activity, and resulting revenue: extended hours, a third pavilion, more athletic facilities, and an easier way to access the park.
Currently, there’s only one way in or out of the park. It makes for a crowded drop-off — especially when summer camp is in session. Murphy said connecting the park’s entrance to Little Rest Road to the west is one feasible solution.
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Nathan Miller
A Life Flight medical helicopter carried a man to Westchester Medical Center after he sustained injuries to his foot caused by lawn mower blades.
MILLERTON — A man was flown by helicopter to a regional hospital Friday after a lawn mower caused injuries to his foot.
New York State Police troopers arrived at 43 Scenic View Drive in the Scenic View trailer park at 3:15 p.m. on Friday, May 15, after a 52-year-old man had gotten his foot stuck in the blades of his lawn mower.
A police spokesperson said the man sustained serious injuries. A helicopter operated by private ambulance company Life Flight landed in Eddie Collins Memorial Park to transport the man.
He was taken to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. The man’s identity and current conditions are unknown as of press time.
Leila Hawken
Enhancing educational opportunities for students in the Millbrook Central School District since 2001, the Millbrook Educational Foundation took part in the Millbrook Volunteer Fair on Saturday, May 16. Residents were invited to learn about volunteer opportunities with the foundation and a variety of other local and regional organizations. The event, now in its fifth year, was held at the Millbrook Library.
Christine Bates
Known as the “Ice House,” 12 State Line Road on 3.81 acres was sold by the mortgage holder after standing vacant for years. The property was later renovated and resold for $400,000 on April 15.
MILLERTON — North East’s housing market continued to cool this spring, with home prices holding relatively steady and sales activity slowing compared with the post-pandemic surge that drove prices sharply higher across the region.
The 12-month trailing median sale price for residential properties in the Town of North East, including the Village of Millerton, was $420,000 for the period from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. That figure remained essentially unchanged month-to-month, but marked the second consecutive year of declining annual median prices.
The residential median includes all types of housing sales — from modest village homes to large estates with significant acreage — but excludes commercial properties and vacant land sales. Among the higher-end transactions during the period was the sale of 5-15 Homestead Lane for $3.1 million.
Outside the village, where homes are generally situated on larger parcels, the median sale price reached $575,000. Within the Village of Millerton, where lots are typically smaller, the median price for the 10 homes sold during the period was $410,000.
The townwide median price of $420,000 was down 2% from the $430,000 median recorded during the 12-month period ending April 30, 2025. It was also 4% below the median recorded the year before that, continuing a gradual market slowdown following the price increases seen during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sales activity has also slowed considerably. North East recorded 24 residential transactions on a trailing 12-month basis at the end of April, down from 37 sales during the previous year.
Housing inventory showed modest improvement entering the spring market. In early May, 14 homes were listed for sale in North East, including four properties with asking prices above $1 million. Among them was the Hudson Valley Magazine “design home,” listed for $3.99 million.
Only two residential properties were listed for sale within the Village of Millerton in early May. Meanwhile, four commercial properties remained on the market in the village, along with eight parcels of vacant land throughout the town.
Town of North East March and April property sales
710 Smithfield Road — 23.89 acres were sold on April 20 for $190,000.
26 South Center St. —An investment property in the Village of Millerton was sold on April 15 for $700,000.
12 State Line Road — 3 bedroom/2 bath renovated home on 3.8 acres sold on April 15 for $400,000.
5-15 Homestead Lane — 3 bedroom/2 bath home built in 1950 on 258 acres sold on March 27 for $3.1 million.
Town of North East and Village of Millerton closed sales for March and April from realtor.com with property details from Dutchess Parcel Access. Median price and activity calculations for all residential properties from NY State Sales Web transfers through February 2026 with updated residential sales for March and April. Current market data from One Key MLS. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Advisor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in Connecticut and New York.
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