Millerton is ‘last in line’ for major fiber optic upgrades

MILLERTON — Village of Millerton Board members met on Sept. 9 for their monthly workshop, which included routine business, a public hearing on the Altice franchise agreement renewal and a presentation on the wastewater system.

The presentation on the wastewater project provided an optimistic look at the timeframe and funding. Construction could begin in early 2027 and wrap up by the spring of 2028, according to Erin Moore of Tighe & Bond, an engineering and environmental consulting firm.

During the public hearing regarding the renewal of the Altice/Optimum franchise agreement, it became clear that Millerton is last in line for major fiber optic upgrades intended to improve cable service.

Altice has committed to going 100% fiber but said the work could be several years away for Millerton and North East. A company representative explained that upgrades begin at “head ends” located in White Plains and Wappingers and progress outward, making Millerton a low priority. The representative added it would be extremely difficult to have crews “jump the line.”

The village attorney will review contract revisions with Altice, with a final draft potentially presented at the October meeting. Meanwhile, the Altice rep says the company is addressing individual customer issues on a case-by-case basis, meaning residents experiencing poor service can request replacement drops directly from the provider.

In routine business, trustees unanimously renewed a one-year contract at a 3% increase with the Village of Rhinebeck for utilizing the services of zoning administrator, code enforcer and assistant building inspector Justin Noyes, who splits his time between villages.

Deputy Mayor Matt Hartzog highlighted the upcoming Sept. 30 business forum to discuss plans for the village’s 175th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for July 11–19 of next year.

Mayor Jenn Najdek announced that the engineer for the delayed Eddie Collins Park renovation will provide a status update at the October board meeting.

Najdek also requested approval to file an extension for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Veteran’s Park, citing difficulties locating CAD design files from the previous engineers. The project will include one remaining section of sidewalk on Main Street, from the bank to the library, completing the full stretch of the street that was not included in the earlier sidewalk project.

New trustee Katie Cariello said she will be available at the North-East Millerton Library Annex on October 16 and 23 from 4–6 p.m. to assist residents with the new online water payment system. Cariello said the sessions will provide tech support and give her a chance to connect with residents personally.