Part III
HARLEM VALLEY — Last week readers of The Millerton News caught up with stories from August and September of 2020, as many struggled with the challenges of a difficult year that included not only the coronavirus pandemic and a faltering economy but closed schools and months of quarantine. In this week’s edition, the year in review wraps up with a last look at the headlines between the months of October through December.
October
On Thursday, Oct. 8, the North East Town Board approved a new two-year police contract with the village of Millerton, marking the first time the two municipalities opted for a two-year rather than a three-year contract.
That same day, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-car fatal crash on Route 22 in Amenia that resulted in the tragic death of a 2-year-old girl. The crash involved a 2018 Nissan Sentra operated by Millerton resident Reneisha Johnson who was reportedly struck by a 2000 Ford Explorer operated by Amenia resident Forrest McBreairt. Johnson’s young daughter, Ellie Dunlop, was a passenger in the Sentra. Johnson and Ellie were initially transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, and then flown to Westchester Medical Center, where sadly, Ellie later passed away.
Pine Plains Pharmacy owner Nasir Mahmood was recognized by the National Community Pharmacists Association for his dedication to his work with the 2020 Calvin J. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award.
As local, county, state and national candidates campaigned for office during the 2020 elections, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Millbrook’s Emma Rosi, a longtime scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, had been appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board.
November
Eager to participate in the process, voters swarmed to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to vote in the 2020 elections. Many had voted early through mail-in or absentee voting. After days spent waiting in anxious anticipation for early voting and absentee ballots to be tallied from across the nation, voters celebrated the historic election of former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden as the 46th president over incumbent Donald Trump, and Biden’s running mate, California Senator Kamala Harris, as the first Black-South Asian female vice president.
Despite COVID-19, the Pine Plains Free Library and The Little Nine Partners Historical Society devised a way to host its annual Evergreen Cemetery Tours, both virtually and in-person. The in-person tours were re-scheduled due to inclement weather, but then enjoyed by the community without a hitch.
While local communities organized their respective Veterans Day celebrations to honor those who have served in this nation’s military, local Town Boards adopted their municipal budgets for the 2021 fiscal year.
More than 40 years after it was purchased by the husband and wife team consisting of the late Robert and Carol Sadlon, The Millerton Moviehouse was put up for sale by Carol, who announced she is seeking “new stewards” to lead and guide the theater’s growth and evolution into the future.
Meanwhile, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail opened its new northbound extension, which stretches from Main Street in Millerton to Under Mountain Road in Ancram.
One month after officially opening under a hybrid learning model, the North East (Webutuck) Central School District reported its first case of COVID-19 at Eugene Brooks Intermediate School on Friday, Nov. 6, prompting administrators to close all school buildings and shift to a full remote learning model. A second case of COVID-19 was reported at Webutuck Elementary School on Monday, Nov. 9, and as more coronavirus cases came to light, the district postponed its reopening plans; students and staff didn’t return to campus until Monday, Nov. 30.
The village of Millbrook reflected on the impact that “Living Millbrook” magazine co-founder and publisher Rona Boyer had on the community after her passing on Friday, Nov. 27, from lung and kidney issues at the age of 74.
December
The debate over whether face masks stop the spread of COVID-19 loomed close to home as readers reacted to an article and editorial published in The Millerton News on Thursday, Dec. 10, followed up with more coverage on Dec. 17 and Dec. 24, regarding the Talk of the Towne Deli’s stance against the state mask mandate, a fine issued by the health department to the deli for violating the mandate, as well as a verbal attack on one customer at the deli by another. The deli was later identified as one of many businesses whose signs was damaged by vandals, along with the NorthEast-Millerton Library, the Salisbury Bank & Trust and other businesses on Main Street.
The town of North East and the village of Millerton rejoiced as State Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-106) helped secure a loan worth half a million dollars for building their shared highway garage on Route 22.
The Trevor Zoo at Millbrook School was awarded a $19,000 matching Recovery Challenge Grant to build a new red wolf breading facility.
On Monday, Dec. 14, the Dutchess County Police Reform and Modernization Collaborative released a comprehensive report on police reform as a guide for Dutchess County municipalities to create their own police reform plans. The report was based on months of meetings among police professionals and public forums, which gave community members the chance to offer input.
Construction at the Amenia Free Library continues for its long awaited expansion project, with an opening date for the new addition scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
In Pine Plains, the Willow Roots food pantry and The Stissing House joined forces to cook and distrubute meals for local families during the pantry’s annual Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 20, bringing some much needed cheer to those in need during the holiday season.
Having dedicated seven years of community service as the adult program director at the Millbrook Library, Diana Bontecou retired on Dec. 31. The community expressed its thanks for her years of service.
SALISBURY — Eileen M. Mulligan, 77, of Salisbury, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
She was born in Bridgeport to Edward and Margaret Mulligan. Eileen graduated from St. Ann’s School and Notre Dame High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Quinnipiac College and dedicated 45 years to serving the elderly as the Administrator at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. Known for her kindness, generosity, and impeccable taste, Eileen was an avid traveler and reader. She had a great appreciation for fine jewelry and was a fan of Tom Selleck. Eileen resided at the Mozaic Jewish Home in Bridgeport and previously lived in Salisbury and Naples, Florida.
She is survived by her siblings; Margaret M. Mulligan of Mora, New Mexico, Joseph L. Mulligan of Salisbury, Christine M. Mulligan Firella of Bridgeport, and Edward M. Mulligan of Bridgeport. She is also survived by Catherine M. Trichka and Scott Trichka of Bridgeport, numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Teddy.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret Mulligan.
A Funeral Mass for Eileen will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church, located at 76 Sharon Road, Lakeville, Connecticut. The burial will follow immediately afterward at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Salisbury, Connecticut. For travel directions or to sign Eileen’s online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.
The family expresses their deep gratitude for the staff of the Katie Grace House at Mozaic Jewish Home for the love and care they showed Eileen over the past 4 years. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Eileen can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research https://www.michaeljfox.org/ or the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service https://www.salisburyambulance.org/gifts.
NORFOLK — Edward R. George, 86, of Norfolk, and Key West, Florida, passed peacefully away, Dec. 20, 2024, at Wolcott Hall with his wife Mary by his side. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Welch) George. Ed was born on Sept. 17, 1938, in Torrington during the Hurricane of ‘38.
He was the youngest of six born to Richard and Sophie (Swyden) George. He proudly served 17 years as a Torrington Firefighter, retiring after being injured in a house fire.
Ed owned and operated Merit Quality Pools, a business he started with his son as a service company and built it into a construction, retail store and full-service company for over 45 years.
He was very proud of his Lebanese heritage. Ed was an avid gardener and fisherman. Ed and Mary spent a good part of each year in Key West where they had a wonderful group of friends. There were picnics at the beach every Sunday and holidays. Ed was always ready for a good time or a road trip.
In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his son; Michael R. George (Mary), his daughter, Lynn Colangelo (Peter) and his stepdaughter, Shannon Santoro (Gaetano) of Harwinton; one brother, Fredrick George (Joan) of Torrington; three grandchildren, Michael E. George (Maria) of Torrington, Lauren Santoro and Nicolas Santoro of Harwinton; three great grandsons, Gabriel, Nikolas, and Zachary George of Torrington as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Ernest, Louis and Marshall and one sister, Jeanette King.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at noon at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St, Torrington, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call from 10 a.m. until noon at Cook Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norfolk Lions Ambulance PO Box 399, Norfolk CT 06058.
Condolences may be sent to the George family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
Leap year 2024 was another good year to buy and sell real estate in the North East corner of Dutchess County despite political turmoil and high interest rates; however, recorded results for the year in these four rural towns are distinctly different from one another. The markets of these four small towns — North East, Amenia, Washington and Pine Plains — all saw median prices for single family homes rise compared to last year with the biggest increase of 39% to $487,500 in the Town of North East and the smallest increase of 1.8% to $353,750 in Pine Plains. Both North East and Washington closed the year above the Dutchess County median price of $430,000. A closer look at real estate transfers over the last twelve months, including commercial and land as well as residential housing, reveals the unique dynamics of each town.
With 46 recorded transfers of property, rural Pine Plains is the least active and least expensive market in our readership area with only 46 public and private transactions, fewer than four a month, totaling $18.4 million. Residential sales accounted for 78% of the activity with only two houses selling for over one million dollars. The largest land sale was 174 acres at Pulvers Corners to Carson Power for a solar farm for $1.8 million. The project received approval from the Pine Plains Planning Board at the end of 2023 and beat back a legal challenge over the summer. The most talked about commercial sale was the former Lia’s Mountain House at 7685 Route 82 for $625,000 which is being transformed into an events venue and catering operation. The property was the most expensive of the four commercial properties sold in the town during the year.
North East and the Village of Millerton recorded 62 transactions totaling $34.8 million, almost double that of Pine Plains. Similarly, it had more than double the number of properties selling for over a million dollars. The most expensive was $4.05 million for 1081 Route 83, an architect designed estate with “heart stopping views” on 126.99 acres. The highest sale of a home in the Village of Millerton set a record to date of $670,000 on 38 Simmons St. There were two commercial properties sold in the town during the year. Bank of Millbrook bought the former Elizabeth’s Jewelry store on Route 44 for $890,000 and MadRose gallery purchased 5 Main St. for $469,000. Land sales were limited to six building lots ranging in price from $62,500 to 18 acres on Mountain Farm Road for $365,000.
The Town of Amenia has two separate real estate markets, public and private — Silo Ridge and everyplace else in town. Sales at gated community Silo Ridge of both lots and condos/villas accounted for $52.5 million or 67% of Amenia’s total dollar volume recorded transfers this year. Without Silo Ridge sales Amenia’s transaction volume in 2024 would be only $26.4 million — less than 75% of North East’s sales. One Key Multiple Listing Service reports that the Amenia median home price in 2024 without Silo Ridge was $351,000 – less than the $487,000 in North East, and $353,800 in Pine Plains. Outside Silo Ridge’s stone walls Amenia has many affordable neighborhoods as well as elegant estates like 22 Smithfield Road which sold for $3.7 million or 173 Kennel Road with 107 acres which sold for $3.9 million — the only two transfers in Amenia outside of Silo Ridge this year for over a million dollars. Resales at Silo Ridge are now beginning to happen with over 50% returns on the owners’ original investment. There were four transfers of commercial properties including the most expensive — Seravan Restaurant, now Panacea — which sold for $800,000. Sales of vacant land accounted for 15 of the 69 transfers including a total of $16.1 million for seven lots sold at Silo Ridge and eight town properties sold ranging in price from $45,000 for 3.7 acres to 32 acres for $500,000 on Cascade Mountain Road.
The Town of Washington and Village of Millbrook, collectively known as Millbrook — the Hamptons of Dutchess County — is by far the most active real estate market of the four with total sales of $106 million in 2024. Of the 72 transfers, 15 were over a million dollars, including three estates over $5 million and the median price for the year was $609,000, a 26% increase over 2023. Migdale Castle, built by John D. Rockefeller’s only daughter and renovated by the art-dealing, horse-racing Wildensteins for a rumored $20 million was sold at auction by Sotheby’s for $10.8 million. But Migdale was not the most expensive property. That honor went to an estate at 123 Fraleigh Hill Road with 145 acres, an 8,264 square foot house with six bathrooms, six fireplaces, an equestrian facility, swimming pool and sporting clay range for $12.45 million. Meanwhile three even pricier properties remain on the market at $18 million, $28 million and the Hitchcock estate with 2,078 acres for $65 million. Despite the sales of stunning houses on large parcels of land, approximately 30% of sales — especially on the village’s smaller lots — closed at less than $500,000 in 2024.
*This analysis is based on real estate transfers recorded between Dec. 1, 2023, and Nov. 30, 2024, sourced from Dutchess County Real Property Tax Service Agency. Only transfers with consideration are included. Median residential sales results are from One Key MLS. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Advisor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in Connecticut and New York.
MILLERTON — Katie Cariello, the school-to-work coordinator at the North East Community Center, has moved into a new role as the Town of North East’s Planning Board Secretary.
“I’ve really taken to the North East area,” Cariello said. “I enjoy frequenting the libraries, shops, restaurants, and supporting local farmers and makers. I realized there was a space I hadn’t frequented yet, and that was our local government.”
The part-time position requires Cariello to attend two Planning Board meetings a month and to write the minutes for those meetings.
“When I saw the secretary position, I knew I wanted to throw my hat into the ring,” Cariello said. “I am excited to serve the board in taking notes and providing an accurate account of meetings. I’ve attended a couple of Town meetings as well as the latest Planning Board meeting and am looking forward to taking on the role. ”
Cariello has been working at the North East Community Center for over two years as their school-to-work coordinator. After being offered this position, Cariello and her husband moved to Amenia in 2022, and then purchased their first home in the village of Millerton in 2023.
“As a newer member to the community, I want to be present and be a part of the local fabric,” Cariello said.
