Long disputed Silo Ridge appraisals progress toward court resolution

AMENIA — A long history of litigation between Silo Ridge residents and the town is progressing toward a court resolution of disputed property assessments, as the Town Board acted on a resolution to hire a court-mandated independent assessor on behalf of the town. The action was taken at a Town Board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, before the board continued annual review of the town’s preliminary 2025 budget.

A ruling from the state Supreme Court ordered both the town and Silo Ridge to obtain what the court termed “trial-ready assessments” and exchange those assessments between one another in preparation for a court decision.

By unanimous vote, the Town Board agreed to hire Michael Bernholz of Hudson Valley Appraisal Corp. to conduct the appraisals and determine a market value.

“We have been sued by members of the Silo Ridge community over the past four years, paying high legal fees. The town assessor and the attorneys have been trying to reach an agreement,” Town Supervisor Leo Blackman said. Currently, 88 cases are still active.

During discussion, councilmembers considered estimated total cost for the appraisals to run between $32,000 and $40,000. One Silo Ridge home will be selected for appraisal from each of the neighborhoods within the development.

Continued preliminary budget discussion

Review of the preliminary 2025 budget continued for the balance of the meeting.

The Recreation Department budget was amended following councilwoman Nicole Ahearn’s comment calling for elimination of the Summer Camp program for the coming year and instead hiring two part-time Recreation Supervisors. She noted that summer camp has experienced waning interest in past summers, with many local youngsters opting to attend other programs in the area.
Summarizing changes to the budget approved during the previous budget meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, Finance Director Charlie Miller reported $108,130 in increases to the budget and $60,271 in reductions, for a resulting total increase amount of $47,859, leading into this week’s meeting.

“We don’t have the volunteers we used to have,” councilmember Paul Winters said, discussing the budget implications.
“If we want recreation services, we will have to charge people to participate and the town will need to budget for that,” Winters said.
By unanimous vote, the Town Board agree to forgo raises for 2025, keeping their stipends level.

Discussion turned to Building Inspector Mike Segelken’s request for a truck to conduct town business. For several years, he has been using his personal vehicle.

“We need to invest in our community,” Winters said, favoring the truck request.

A question to be considered, Miller said, is whether the expense will have a benefit to the community; will the truck improve service to residents? The consensus was that the truck would be additive to the town.

Councilwoman Rosanna Hamm noted the importance of the health and safety of town employees.

The potential for vehicle sharing entered the discussion. Blackman suggested that if the town hires a deputy building inspector, the two positions could share the truck.

“But we have to justify the expense,” said councilman Brad Rebillard, adding that a policy for the truck’s use would need to be developed.

Once the Town Board completes its budget review process, the budget will be presented at a public hearing in November, giving residents an opportunity to offer comments.

Latest News

Pine Plains Bombers take home Section IX title

Michelle Blackburn, no. 12 of Pine Plains, helped lead the Bombers to victory over S.S. Seward Institute as point guard for most of the Section IX Class C tournament finals at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y., on Wednesday, March 5. The Bombers took home the title after winning the hard-fought game 55-42.

Photo by Nathan Miller

NEWBURGH, N.Y. — The Pine Plains girls varsity Bombers won the Section IX Class C girls tournament Wednesday, March 5, at Mount Saint Mary College.

The Bombers took an early lead against S.S. Seward's Spartans and didn't let off the throttle for the rest of the night, wining the game 55-42.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sign-ups encouraged for 2025 Webutuck Little League

Ben Coon, 10, on the “mound,” practiced his pitching on Tuesday, March 4, in the Webutuck Elementary School gym, with Coach Colby Dunlop, left, giving pointers.

Photo by John Coston

AMENIA — The 2025 Webutuck Little League season is around the corner and the League said players are still needed to fill out teams for games to be played in Millerton and Amenia.

Registration remains open for T-ball, majors, minors, seniors and girls’ softball teams. Some scholarships are available to cover costs.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lent: Time to consider social gospel movement

We are entering the annual Christian season of Lent this week.With its 40 days of contemplation and “little Easter” Sundays, it is a time to remember the healing ministry and the sacrifice of Jesus.During this season, we are invited to think deeply about our role as agents of grace and love in our hurting world.

There is a long history of making sacrifices and commitments for Lent, modeling our discipleship and hopes for a more heavenly world. It is through this lens that I invite you to join us in considering what gifts and services the community needs that we can commit to bringing forth in the weeks leading up to Easter.While many lean into solitary introspection during Lent, it may be particularly advantageous to use our meditations and sacrifices for the greater good this year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Citywide Automotive is up and running on all cylinders
Citywide Automotive North has opened its wide doors in Amenia, ready to serve the community’s service needs. Owner Toby Kiernan, foreground, is ably assisted by his uncle, Peter Kiernan, in the full-service enterprise situated on Route 343.
Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — A well-appointed automotive service establishment with accommodating staff is ready to serve the area’s automotive repair needs. Citywide Automotive North, located at 3387 Route 343, has been open for business since Feb. 1, following a few months of building renovation.

“I grew up around the automotive industry,” said owner and chief mechanic Toby Kiernan during a conversation on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Keep ReadingShow less