Millbrook approves plan to create new apartments

MILLBROOK — An application to renovate the second floor of the Reardon-Briggs Hardware store on Franklin Avenue to create new apartments was approved unanimously by the Planning Board at their regular meeting on Monday, July 8.

The second floor of the hardware store presently offers two apartments standing adjacent to underutilized space that owner Dawn Carolei intends to renovate, gutting the second floor and creating one two-bedroom apartment and one single-bedroom apartment.

Plans were reviewed by architect Steven Hackbarth of Clinton Corners at a public hearing on Monday, June 10.

The public hearing brought few comments from residents about the plans for the hardware store space, designated as the first phase of a two-phase plan, the two phases considered separately by the Planning Board.

Planning Board Chairman Frank Redl said the second phase will be presented for public hearing at a future meeting. That second phase proposing conversion of an existing garage at 4 Merritt Avenue, expanding the building to create four one-bedroom apartments drew considerable concern from residents at the June meeting.

In a second action, the Planning Board voted unanimously to approve plans submitted by Katherine Fitta to create an accessory apartment at her home, to provide housing for a family member. The garage apartment at 92 Maple Avenue would measure 586 square feet, Fitta had explained.

Comments from neighbors offered at the June public hearing were mostly favorable, although one neighbor was concerned about uses of the apartment in the future.

A public hearing has been scheduled for the next Planning Board meeting on Monday, Aug. 12, on plans to re-establish a restaurant at 16-18 Alden Place, an application submitted by owner Nunzio Incorvaia of Naples, Florida, who operated a restaurant at the location for 30 years.

Latest News

Celebrating agriculture
Photo by Nathan Miller

PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains FFA Ag Fair brought a crowd to the high school on Church Street Saturday, Oct. 11.

Kicking off the day was the annual tractor pull, attracting a dedicated crowd that sat in bleachers and folding chairs for hours watching Allison-Chalmers, International Harvesters and John Deeres compete to pull the heaviest weights.

Keep ReadingShow less
Local and County candidates to hold forum Oct. 24

MILLERTON — Ten candidates for office in the Nov. 4 election will answer questions from Dutchess County voters at a candidate forum on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Annex at the NorthEast-Millerton Library located at 28 Century Blvd.

The forum, which is sponsored by the library, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Keep ReadingShow less
Koi harvest
Photo by Leila Hawken

The “Elusive Ki Shusui” koi were temporarily relocated into a tub before being returned to their home pond at Maxine Pietro’s annual koi harvest at Broccoli Hall Farm in Amenia on Friday, Oct. 10. Speaking of their yellowish beauty, Pietro is pictured pointing out that the fish are scaleless but for scales that grow along the “zipper” on each fish’s dorsal ridge. The koi in the photo are estimated to be 6 or 7 years old.

NECC’s Early Learning Program an oasis in Dutchess County’s child care desert

The North East Community Center's Early Learning Program uses the research-based Creative Curriculum, which features a flexible, play-based approach with lots of time outdoors.

Photo Provided

MILLERTON — In its third year, the North East Community Center’s Early Learning Program has become a vibrant, nurturing space for children and an invaluable resource for families in Dutchess County, an area identified as a child care desert by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. There are openings in both the toddler and preschool rooms for children ages 18 months to five years.

The ELP follows what’s known as the Creative Curriculum, a research-based early childhood program that builds confidence, creativity and critical thinking through hands-on, project-based learning.

Keep ReadingShow less