Letters to the editor — Thursday, Oct. 16

Open houses to learn about library funding

On November 4, the NorthEast-Millerton Library will be asking voters to vote on a proposition to increase library funding by $50,000. Like the members of our community, the library is also feeling the effect of increasing costs.We are pleased to report that library usage, as noted in our Annual Report to the community, continues to rise.For those two reasons, we find it necessary to approach our community this year asking for an increase.

The funding provided by the local voters is only used for operating expenses, which includes salaries, material and supplies, maintenance, and utilities. The library continues to offer free programming to all ages, as well as free access to computers, Internet and Hot Spots, food assistance, and of course books.

To answer any questions you may have regarding the proposition, the library trustees will be holding two Open Houses. The first is scheduled for Oct. 21, from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by another on Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to noon.Please join us in the library to hear more and see some of the wonderful things happening at the NorthEast-Millerton Library.

The proposition will be on the back of the ballot.

The staff and trustees of the NorthEast-Millerton Library appreciate your continued support.

Debbie Ruppel

President, Board of Trustees

Millerton

Town Board’s delay is a failure of leadership

The North East Town Board officially voted to delay our zoning amendments indefinitely. Their rationale was flimsy, inconsistent and deeply disappointing for anyone who cares about fairness, economic vitality and integrity.

We were not asking for sweeping changes. We sought a simple modification to the existing Country Inn code, allowing new construction in addition to the current allowance to convert existing structures. And a separate amendment to permit farm-related events.

These changes are essential for the success of our vineyard and winery project. Without them, the math simply doesn’t work.

For almost a year, the Town Board promised, repeatedly and publicly, that our amendments would be reviewed independently. Then, with no real explanation, they reneged. Now, our amendments are being rolled into the Ag District rezoning, which will take 4+ years, mirroring the glacial pace of the Boulevard District rezoning.

The stated reason? Concern over “spot zoning.” That claim doesn’t withstand even basic scrutiny. Our proposal modifies an existing allowance that already applies to 42 farms. By definition, code that applies broadly cannot be considered spot zoning.

What matters is that the amendment itself was carefully crafted to apply not to just one farm, but to 42 eligible properties. To dismiss that reality reflects a disregard for the facts.

The 2019 Comprehensive Plan, developed through community surveys, workshops, and hearings, exists precisely to guide decisions like this. It explicitly calls for supporting agriculture through farm diversification, agritourism, farm stays, and events. Our proposal mirrors that language almost word for word. Yet the Town Board has ignored its own blueprint, undermining the will of the residents who helped create it.

The economic cost of inaction is real. Moving forward with our amendments would unlock millions in private investment, creating local jobs for electricians, carpenters, farmers, and hospitality workers, while supporting local businesses. Delaying sends the opposite message: that North East is closed to growth.

We’ve followed every directive in good faith — hiring legal counsel at the Town’s request, paying over $30,000 in fees, plus escrow to cover town consultants and lawyers. For the Board to reverse course now, without a public hearing, is irresponsible governance.

The worst part is that I have no recourse. There is no way to appeal. The Town Board has given itself unchecked authority, while leaving residents and businesses powerless to respond. That lack of accountability should concern everyone in the community, regardless of how they feel about my project.

Deferring decisions may feel safe, but it’s not leadership. It’s avoidance. And it leaves North East poorer, both economically and culturally.

So where do we go from here? I am calling on the community for help, ideas, and advice on how to get this back on track. We followed the rules, invested in good faith, and proposed amendments that the Town’s own plan demands. The question is whether North East wants to support agriculture, jobs, and economic vitality, or whether we allow bureaucratic delays and broken promises to define our future.

John King

Millerton