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MILLERTON — The North East Town Board agreed to consider a petition for a change to Agricultural District zoning that would accommodate the construction of a new country inn on Tuesday, April 15.
Existing zoning regulations in such a district allow for “repurposing an existing structure” for overnight accommodations.
John and Kristen King,owners of a 36 acre parcel located at Route 44/22 and Smithfield Road, want to build a winery that also would feature 24 rooms for overnight guests, with some number of the rooms as separate from a main building.
“Weddings and other events would take place,” the King’s indicated in a letter from their attorney. “A modestly sized restaurant is being considered which will offer farm fresh food.”
Workforce housing would be available on the property.
John King addressed the Board, noting that the plan calls for a couple of staff houses, and that their proposal would bring jobs to the community.
In agreeing to accept the King’s petition, the Town Board acknowledged that zoning amendments can be lengthy engagements.
“I do see a benefit to the community,” Supervisor Christopher Kennan said before the Board voted in favor of accepting the King’s requests.
King told the Board that it was not feasible to operate a winery without the auxiliary income that would be possible from a country inn facility. He said the project would have phases — building the winery, followed by planting the vineyard and constructing the guest house and individual villas.
The King’s petition for a change to so-called A5A Agricultural District zoning would apply to all such districts in the Town.
“Allowing overnight accommodations, weddings and other events as proposed will help farmers sustain their agricultural and ‘protect valuable farmland’,”
Joshua Mackey, attorney for the Kings, wrote in a supporting letter to the Board.
Extensive
Zoning Review
The King’s petition landed as the Town has been undertaking a years-long review of its zoning with a current focus on the commercial districts.
Public comment at the meeting raised concern about resource constraints associated with a zoning amendment processs that would coincide with the massive project to review zoning in the commercial district. Other comment noted that agriculture has changed since the current regulations were adopted, and recognized change that needs to be made to increase affordable housing in the Town.
The bulk of the Board’s meeting was a working session with Nan Stolzenburg, a professional planner, who reviewed amendments fromthe Zoning Review Committee.
“We’ve been working on this for four years,” Kennan said at the beginning of the meeting, as he thanked everyone involved.A goal of the work aims to permit housing in commercial areas and the discussion led by Stolzenburg focused on defining how that would be done.
Definition of terms, such as accessory dwelling units, and other guidance on language in the Town’s code, was viewed as key to successful amendingof the code. The Board aired discussion on a variety of topics, such as short-term rentals, manufactured homes, conservation subdivisions, and Stolzenburg’s consistent comment was “don’t create vagueness, be specific.”
“Make it clear what your expectations are,” she said.
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Volunteers for Amenia’s Earth Day clean-up event last year were supplied with bright orange trash bags and safety vests before dispersing throughout the town on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Providing bags and helpful tips to volunteers Luke Capozzola and Alyssa Versace was Polly Pitts-Garvin, at left.
Leila Hawken
AMENIA — The town’s annual observance of Earth Day includes town-wide environment-aware activities, including the Annual Town Clean-up Day, and a Garden Club event, both scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
Volunteers participating in the clean-up day by picking up litter may gather at either of two locations — Fountain Square in Amenia or Borden Park in Wassaic at 9 a.m. The event will continue until noon.
Volunteers may sign in at either location and designate the locations where they will tidy up the roadsides. Trash bags will be provided.
Filled bags and large items will be picked up at various locations. To arrange pick-up, call Conservation Advisory Council member Vicky Doyle at 845-489-7826. The event is sponsored by the council.
Continuing Earth Day festivities, the Amenia Garden Club will hold its Annual Meeting and Earth Day Celebration at the Amenia Free Library at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend the program featuring Sharon Audubon Center’s naturalist Bethany Sheffer, whose talk is titled “Backyard Birdscaping—How to Support Birds Year-Round Using Native Plants.” The program will present tips on providing food and habitat for birds in every season using native environmental resources.
A native plant sale will be hosted at the library by local grower Litchfield & Greene.
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Amenia reviews past planning ideas
Apr 23, 2025
Amenia Town Hall
Photo by John Coston
AMENIA — Seeking to review the contents and positive potential of past town planning proposals, the Town Board heard a presentation by one of the early professional planners at their regular meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, rather than their usual Thursday meeting date.
The change in date meant that a quorum could be present. Councilmember Nicole Ahearn was absent.
Reviewing the highlights of past planning proposals was landscape architect Mark Morrison, who has maintained a studio in Wassaic since 2007. His initial planning study was undertaken in 2002, graphically describing the then-current landscape and introducing possibilities for improvement for public access and aesthetics.
Morrison noted that the playground in Wassaic was created in 2007 and 2008, although the area has suffered from lack of maintenance since.
Morrison reviewed 2004 plan drawings for both Wassaic and Amenia town center, particularly East Main Street — Route 343 — and Mechanic Street. He went on to review 2024 streetscape sketches created by architect and Town Supervisor Leo Blackman.
“The plans were simple treatments,” Morrison said, indicating that Dutchess County had indicated a favorable climate for grant applications at the time.
“A major goal had been introducing plantings that would tie the areas together,” Morrison said.
The Amenia Green Master Plan, divided into four phases, was also summarized as having stalled after reaching the point where a design team would need to be hired.
Any plan would require a design team to create actual surveys of property lines and drainage, hold public meetings to incorporate residents’ input and support the town with grant applications along with providing guidance toward other forms of funding.
“It’s time that we move forward,” said councilmember Rosanna Hamm, reporting that the Comprehensive Plan review committee will soon hold community planning meetings. She recommended that relevant committee heads continue to meet regularly.
Councilman Brad Rebillard said the presentation provided valuable information about past efforts and he reiterated the need for creating parking, both in Wassaic and Amenia.
Blackman agreed that a parking plan is needed, particularly on Main Street and Mechanic Street.
“Some of these things are simple and should be addressed,” Blackman said.
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A landscaping truck got stuck in West Cornwall’s covered bridge Thursday, April 3.
Photo by Shepherd Myers
CORNWALL, Conn. — Another truck got stuck in West Cornwall’s covered bridge this month, prompting the town selectmen to discuss solutions at a meeting of the Board April 15.
The bridge, located over the Housatonic River on Route 128, is maintained by Connecticut Department of Transportation.
“Luckily, it was not damaged heavily,” said First Selectman Gordon Ridgway. “I have contacted our liaison with the state about trying to get something better, or different anyway, warning motorists.”
He explained the bridge is tallest at the entrances and structural supports in the middle can snag trucks halfway through.
Suggestions to the state included better signage, laser beam height detectors, flashing lights, sound triggers and metal beam rails.
Ridgway said solutions may be somewhat restricted because the bridge is listed on the state’s historic registry.
Selectman Rocco Botto proposed a sensor prior to the bridge that can warn and redirect drivers of vehicles exceeding the height limit.
“They call it an ‘over height warning system,’” said Botto.
Selectman Jennifer Markow encouraged residents to submit letters of support or suggestion to Town Hall.
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