Another look: How to save the Gazebo?

Board of Ed gets involved

Another look: How to save the Gazebo?
The Save the Gazebo float, shown here, was very popular in this year’s holiday Parade of Lights in Millbrook. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK — Ashley Lempka, Chairwoman of the FRIENDS of the Save the Gazebo group, reported on Wednesday, Dec. 8, to the Millbrook Central School District (MCSD) that the Board of Education (BOE) had gotten back to her regarding questions she had about salvaging the aging garden structure. The Millbrook Gazebo has become a galvanizing issue in the village and one that the BOE discussed at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7.   

The MCSD learned it’s actually the owner of the Gazebo, which is located near Elm Drive Elementary School. Questions had arisen about whether the district owned the structure or the village of Millbrook did. But yes, MCSD is the rightful owner.

Now the question the MCSD is asking is whether it should be torn down, and if so, of if it should be replaced? Many in the community believe it has an important place in the village’s history, while others claims it’s in an eyesore and in a sorry state. It is currently closed and some think it should remain so.

The FRIENDS of  the Gazebo arose as a nonprofit group created to save the site. The 501(C)3 is trying to work with the MCSD on measures to preserve it.

Lempka had presented some questions to the district about the group obtaining a 99-year lease for the Gazebo and other was to save the structure. The question about the lease has gone unanswered. Another question also unaddressed is  from the president of the American Country House Foundation, who offered to provide surveying services for the Gazebo.

Yet another query was made about the possibility of purchasing the Gazebo and the small plot of land it sits on. Lempka said she was told that idea is not currently being considered and that any divestiture of real property would require voter authorization.

One problem was settled, however; the MCSD will provide maintenance for the Gazebo during the winter.

Asked if there would be tax write-offs for those who send in donations to repair the Gazebo, the BOE said tax deductions could be available through either direct donations to the district or through a proxy donation through a charitable organization (like the Millbrook Educational Foundation).  

The FRIENDS also asked about getting an independent assessment and their own inspection of the Gazebo. The MCSD replied any work done must comply with state building codes. 

“We will be having the Gazebo assessed along with all of our school buildings, grounds and related structures during a comprehensive architectural and engineering assessment in the coming months,” stated the MCSD. “This will ensure that the Gazebo assessment is in line with the codes under which the district is responsible to adhere to.”  

Lempka indicated it will  take time to learn what the future holds for this much-loved structure, and the FRIENDS will support along the way.

Latest News

Housatonic students hold day of silence to protest ICE

Housatonic students hold day of silence to protest ICE

Students wore black at Housatonic Valley Regional High School Friday, Jan. 30, while recognizing a day of silence to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mia DiRocco

FALLS VILLAGE — In the wake of two fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, students across the country have organized demonstrations to protest the federal agency. While some teens have staged school walkouts or public protests, students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School chose a quieter approach.

On Friday, Jan. 30, a group of HVRHS students organized a voluntary “day of silence,” encouraging participants to wear black as a form of peaceful protest without disrupting classes.

Keep ReadingShow less
activism

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains
The North East Community Center’s Early Learning Program shuttered abruptly last December after nonprofit leadership announced that significant financial strain required the program’s termination. NECC Executive Director Christine Sergent said the organization remains open to reconsidering childcare in the future.
Photo by Nathan miller

PINE PLAINS — Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, will host a public forum later this month to discuss ongoing childcare challenges — and potential solutions — facing families in Northern Dutchess. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Stissing Center in Pine Plains and is free and open to the public.

Drago said the goal of the forum is to gather community feedback that can be shared with county and state stakeholders, as Dutchess County positions itself to benefit from $20 million in state funding as part of a new childcare pilot program.

Keep ReadingShow less
government

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition
A Google Street View image of the former Pep Boys warehouse on Elizabeth Drive in Chester, New York, where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to
maps.app.goo.gl

A proposed deportation processing center in Chester, New York, has sparked widespread backlash from local residents and advocates across the Hudson Valley.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a public notice on Jan. 8 outlining the plan, which calls for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to purchase and convert a warehouse at 29 Elizabeth Drive in Chester “in support of ICE operations.” The facility, located in Orange County, is a former Pep Boys distribution warehouse that was previously used to store tires and auto parts.

Keep ReadingShow less
immigration

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less