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

Planning Board closes public hearing on Silo Ridge plan change
Amenia Town Hall
Photo by John Coston

AMENIA — Members of the planning board closed the public hearing on a Silo Ridge site plan adjustment at their regular meeting Wednesday, Aug. 13 due to an absence of additional public comment.

Silo Ridge representatives are seeking to construct ten condo units where townhouses were initially planned.

Keep ReadingShow less
Blues and bloodlines: The Devon Allman Project at Infinity Hall Norfolk

Devon Allman

Venla Shalin

On Friday, Aug. 15, The Devon Allman Project will play Infinity Hall in Norfolk. As the son of the legendary musician Gregg Allman, Devon carries on the family tradition while stepping out on his own.

“We’re honored to keep the tradition alive,” said Allman. “But I don’t play my records and try to compare them to records from 50 years ago. I try to write songs that mean something to me, and hopefully they’ll resonate with other people.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Construction on Main Street disrupts traffic, shuts down water

Fire hydrant replacements in the village disrupted water service for businesses on Main Street.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — Construction on Main Street last week disrupted traffic as crews worked to replace an outdated fire hydrant next to Oakhurst Diner.

The scheduled maintenance, which continued into this week, was part of a 2019 grant awarded by the New York State Department of Health under the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. Since then, the village has been upgrading undersized, damaged and outdated hydrants. A total of 25 hydrants have been replaced.

Keep ReadingShow less
Moviehouse grant totals $150,000 for capital projects

The Millerton Moviehouse was granted $150,000 for HVAC repairs. Moviehouse owner David Maltby said the repairs were needed as the HVAC system in the building is 40 years old.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton Moviehouse announced last week that it received a $150,000 grant from State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-41). Moviehouse Chair Chelsea Altman and Co-Chair David Maltby accepted the check alongside town supervisor Chris Kennan and Senator Hinchey.

The funds will be allocated toward HVAC repairs that were completed in April, a crucial part of ongoing capital projects necessary for maintaining the historic 120-year-old building.

Keep ReadingShow less