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The former agricultural weigh station at 7723 S. Main St. in Pine Plains, where the Planning Board approved plans for the proposed Upstate Pines cannabis dispensary.
By Nathan Miller
PINE PLAINS — Planning Board members granted final approval Wednesday, Dec. 17, for two major commercial projects: the proposed Upstate Pines cannabis dispensary and a large lumber mill and showroom.
The site plan for the dispensary was approved by a 6–0 vote.
The proposed cannabis dispensary will be the second location of Red Hook-based dispensary business Upstate Pines, founded by Brian Seiler, Ben Abrahams and Ben Abrahams in 2024. Planning board members approved site plans that propose to utilize the former historic weigh station building at 7723 S. Main St. across from the Pine Plains Post Office.
The proposal, designed by architect Kristina Dousharm, underwent a lengthy approval process that included public comment earlier in the fall. Residents urged the board to be mindful of the building’s historic character — as the community’s former agricultural weighing station — and raised concerns about its proximity to the Pine Plains Firehouse on an adjacent parcel and the Post Office.
Although Pine Plains’ local law prohibits dispensaries within 300 feet of the firehouse or the Post Office, state law supersedes those restrictions. Planning Board members ruled in October that the local provisions are unenforceable, eliminating the need for a waiver.
Board members also approved the site plan and granted necessary waivers to The Hudson Co., which plans to build a 50,000-square-foot lumber mill, office building and showroom just south of Stewart's Shops gas station on Route 82 at the southern entrance to downtown Pine Plains.
Approval was unanimous with a 7-0 vote and no abstentions.
The lumber mill will produce wood beams, flooring and paneling.
Hudson Co. representatives proposed the large mill and expanded campus because the operation had outgrown a manufacturing facility it currently occupies at 2290 Route 199 in Pine Plains. LaBella Associates engineers designed the expanded campus.
The Upstate Pines cannabis dispensary first went before the board in August, and the Hudson Co. mill and showroom has been under review since May.
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Mad Rose Gallery on Route 44 in the Village of Millerton is decked out with lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday season.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton is inviting residents and businesses to enter its annual house decorating contest, with judging now underway through Dec. 28.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including Best Lights, Most Creative, Best Overall and Best Commercial Front.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges using established criteria. Creativity will be judged based on originality, variety of materials used and the use of homemade vs. commercially made decorations. Appearance will consider color coordination, balance and overall attractiveness, while effort will reflect the time and energy put into preparation and presentation.
Judging will be conducted by drive-by observation between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., and displays must be clearly visible from the street side of the house at night. People and pets may not be included as part of the design.
Winners in each category will receive a gift basket, gift certificates and recognition in The Millerton News. Awards will be distributed on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
The contest is open to residents and businesses in the Village of Millerton and the Town of North East. Entry forms can be obtained from Village Hall or at villageofmillerton-ny.gov.
Questions may be emailed to deputyclerk@villageofmillerton-ny.gov
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The Upstate Celtic Allstars perform celtic versions of holiday tunes at Amenia Town Hall on Dec. 15, 2024.
Photo by Leila Hawken
AMENIA — Fast becoming a local holiday tradition, the Amenia Town Recreation Department is presenting a free concert by the Upstate Celtic Allstars on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Amenia Town Hall Auditorium, beginning at 2 p.m.
The five-member Celtic Allstars ensemble will rouse the audience to holiday cheer with a varied program of holiday tunes and rhythmic dance numbers. Appearing in the ensemble are Vermont’s Claudine Langille, vocals and banjo; Dave Paton, hammer dulcimer and concertina, Isa Simon, fiddle and vocals; Joseph Sobol, contemporary cittern (related to guitar); and Ambrose Verdibello, fiddle and guitar.
Refreshments will be served during intermission. Bring the whole family to revel in the lively festivities.
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