MABBETTSVILLE — For those who thought the plan to transform the former Migdale Castle — built by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie for his only daughter back in 1927 — into a luxury spa hotel with gourmet restaurants and other top-notch amenities was dead, think again.
NYC restaurateur, author and Kingston resident Will Guidara is still chasing his dream to develop the estate located on roughly 350 acres in the Town of Washington (TOW) hamlet of Mabbettsville. He reached out through his publicist to The Millerton News last week to share his newest plans for the application he had withdrawn from the TOW Planning Board in March 2021.
“Since announcing our plans last March, we’ve focused on listening to local feedback and refining our proposal in response to what we heard,” stated Guidara. “That work is still ongoing, but we’ve made a number of changes that we’re excited to share. At its heart, our project is designed to breathe new life into a historic Millbrook building and bring jobs and investment to the area — while preserving its character and history.
“We look forward to continuing our conversation with Town of Washington residents as we craft our new proposal,” he added.
In early February 2021, TOW residents first heard about the application made to the Planning Board by the holding company Janet’s Farm LLC for Guidara’s project. He was interested in purchasing Migdale Castle for the project, named Second Mountain.
The estate was put on the market by the Wildenstein family, valued at $14 million.
The resorts he compared Second Mountain to in other states later that month before the Town Board easily cost visitors $10,000 for a nice, relaxing weekend. There’s no word that’s what Guidara intends to charge at his hotel, once done, especially now that he is making changes for a smaller footprint.
Of course, initial plans called for the Migdale estate to be converted into a luxury hotel with two restaurants, glamping facilities, guest cottages, an indoor pool and spa, hiking trails, tennis courts and other amenities, according to the original application.
That application immediately became a hot topic at Town Board meetings and around the community. Some of the above features have since changed, said Guidara.
For one, he no longer intends to include glamping on site. Nor did he mention in last week’s interview any outdoor amenities except tennis courts, and the indoor spa and pool, if included, would only be for guests only and therefore not impact neighboring residents.
Guidara appeared at numerous Zoom presentations in 2021 with the Town Board, TOW Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). He needed ZBA approval for a Zoning Overlay District for his original project to proceed.
Community concerns
Some of those virtual meetings drew nearly 200 attendees — quite possibly a town record — as the project quickly became controversial.
In fact, two different residential groups formed to protest Second Mountain; both groups hired attorneys to fight the application.
Immediate neighbors said they didn’t want their pristine woodlands altered, and that such a large project would change the quaint character of the village. They also claimed Second Mountain was not in accordance with the TOW’s Comprehensive Plan (CP).
Some in town said they were overwhelmed by the sheer size and opulence of Guidara’s plans, and feared an increase in traffic, noise and light pollution.
Others were concerned about its impact on the town’s water supply, its production of waste and that it would disturb the local environment.
Others see bright side
Yet some in the community said they favored the project, citing its economic advantages, the number of tourists it would attract to the town and village and the number of jobs it would produce locally.
Application and CP
Washington Town Supervisor Gary Ciferri had received a letter from Joshua Mackey, an attorney representing Guidara, on Feb. 18, 2021. The attorney requested the town amend the CP to allow for a zoning overlay district and that it permit hospitality uses in the restricted zone and in the CP.
By April 8, 2021, Ciferri announced he had received another letter from Guidara’s attorneys rescinding the previous petition for the overlay district that would have allowed the mixed-use zone of the property.
Mackey argued that after hearing from the community and various boards, it seemed the only path toward approving the project demanded the TOW have an opportunity to amend its CP, which was passed in 2015.
A moratorium was ultimately passed by the Town Board to halt all further review of the Second Mountain application or any others seeking to create hospitality uses until the CP could be reviewed, and possibly amended.
CPRC survey results
A Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (CPRC) was ultimately formed, consultants were hired, a survey conducted and an Open House held this February.
The results indicated that the current CP does support hospitality uses. The consensus was that residents prefer smaller rather than larger facilities; the environment must be protected; hospitality businesses must not adversely impact residences and should fit in with the town’s rural character. It was also agreed that emergency services should not be compromised, nor should anyone’s safety or security be threatened by such uses in town.
New project details
Guidara addressed some of these issues with The Millerton News, stating that the new project is much smaller in size than the original application for Second Mountain, with 77 hotel rooms rather than 95.
The accommodation structures are also fewer, down from 77 units to 40 units. Only one new residence is planned, for the Guidara family.
Parking will be moved deeper into the property, though the tennis courts will remain where they are.
The developer said he reached an agreement with the current owners of Migdale Castel to extend the purchase contract as his team moves forward.
The $60 million overhaul to the estate is expected to create 130 new jobs in addition to construction jobs. Guidara also noted that improvements will increase the property value, thereby increasing tax revenue for the TOW.
“The project fits under existing zoning provisions with modifications” and does not require an “overlay district,” he added.
The applicant is working with Chazen Companies for its environmental and engineering designs and details, as well as for environmental and land-use issues.
Mitigation factors
The town’s aquifers and water supply will not be impacted by the project, he added, and all wetlands and related species will be protected and preserved. The project managers plan to have waste treatment equipment on site to properly dispose of all waste, as well, to deal with residents’ concerns.
Also wanting to address concerns about traffic, Second Mountain reps said there should be minimal impact on local roads as the site is located off Route 44, which can easily accommodate vehicles. Additionally, Migdale is set far from neighbors, is surrounded by hilly terrain and is not visible from the road, also mitigating concerns about additional noise and light.
TOW response
When called on Thursday, March 31, Washington Town Clerk Mary Alex relayed she’s heard nothing new about the Second Mountain project recently. Same went for Ciferri. Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector James Finley also said he had no new information to share.
Soon enough…
Guidara said he plans to make his new plans public and available to the TOW, its residents and any interested parties so there can be future discussions. Soon he plans to submit a new application to the TOW so the project can start to move forward through the official channels.
Nathan Miller
Little leaguers run across Eddie Collins Memorial Park in Millerton for lunch, popcorn and ice cream at the pavilion during the Webutuck Little League season opening party on Sunday, April 12. The league has signed up 80 players for the 2026 season comprising six teams, including one tee-ball team, three baseball teams and two softball teams.
MILLERTON — The Webutuck Little League held its season opening party on Sunday, April 12, at Eddie Collins Memorial Park on Route 22.
Players enjoyed free food, popcorn and ice cream and a day of playing in inflatable castles and an obstacle course.
The league has signed up 80 players across six teams — one tee-ball team, three baseball teams and two softball teams.
Leila Hawken
Celebrating the significant history of embroidery and its place within the fabric of the community, an exhibit opening was held on Thursday, April 9, at the Millbrook Library. Millbrook Historical Society secretary Alison Meyer, co-organizer of the event, provided welcoming remarks. The exhibit will continue until Saturday, May 2.
MILLBROOK — A new exhibit at the Millbrook Library tells the story of the Millbrook Needlework Guild, a storied group that has threaded its way through the past century of life in the village.
The exhibit opening was held on Thursday, April 9, attracting residents and visitors to view exquisite historic pieces of needlework art, all linked to today’s Millbrook due to their continuing importance as local works of art.
Assembled by the Millbrook Historical Society in a project that spanned two years, Society Secretary Alison Meyer, co-organizer of the event, welcomed a substantial turnout of residents and visitors. Meyer noted the contributions of her co-coordinator, Society board member Denise Bauer in bringing the event to life.
“It all began with the Millbrook Needlework Guild organized in 1954. The legacy has been preserved in churches, homes and the library,” Meyer said, noting that exhibit pieces have been loaned from throughout the village community.
“It’s gone from a local endeavor to the national scene and now back to local,” Meyer added. Also participating in the exhibit is the area’s Skyllkill Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America that was formed in 1974, continuing the tradition to the present day.
A highlight of the opening was the presentation of a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Millbrook Historical Society to resident Anne Collins who had first suggested the idea for the exhibit.
When it was formed in 1954, the Millbrook Needlework Guild, whose members were local women devoted to the art, was gifted with a house donated by Margaret Thorne Parshall. The house still stands at the corner of Franklin and Maple Avenues. The imposing home also served as an academy for instruction in embroidery, under the tutelage of then Millbrook resident Erica Wilson who came to be known by many as “the first lady of stitchery.” Wilson’s shops still operate in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
In 1958, Parshall helped establish the American branch of the British Embroidery Guild, having traveled to England to meet with needleworkers. That organization became the Embroiderers’ Guild of America in 1958.
The exhibit will continue at the Millbrook Library until Saturday, May 2.
Leila Hawken
MILLBROOK — Among the many activities planned for the Millbrook Community-wide Yard Sale on Saturday, April 25, will be a repair café offered at the Millbrook Library between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The rain date will be Sunday, April 26.
Residents can bring up to two small items in need of attention to the library and find local experts willing to provide free repairs. The event is intended to keep such items from being discarded into landfills, when all that may be needed is a small fix.
Eligible for repair are broken lamps and small appliances, jewelry, wooden furniture, mending, and darning among sewing services. Local repair coaches will either fix the item or provide advice on where to take it next. The community is also invited to bring knives in need of sharpening.
Demonstrations of bicycle maintenance will be a feature. Bring plastic bags and batteries to the library for recycling during the event.
The Community-wide Yard Sale provides an opportunity for Millbrook neighbors to get together and share in finding treasures at yard sales throughout the village, enjoy music, get things repaired at the library, or simply socialize.
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Leila Hawken
Sophia Zhou
AMENIA — The Bang Family Concert Series will feature New York-based pianist Sophia Zhou in performance at The Smithfield Church on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 3 p.m.
Zhou’s program “Into the Light” will include a rare treat — Beethoven’s grandest and most technically challenging piano sonata, “Waldstein,” along with works by Mozart, Chopin, and Debussy.
The concert is open to the public. A suggested donation of $20, payable at the door, will contribute toward funding more concerts. A reception with refreshments will follow the concert.
The Bang Family Concert Series has a tradition of hosting eclectic performances by gifted musicians from the Tri-Corner area. Known to area residents, Zhou has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician in New York, Washington, D.C., Amsterdam and Shanghai. She has played with chamber musicians in New York, Hong Kong and with faculty from The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute and Manhattan School of Music.
Currently, Zhou serves as Founder and Artistic Director of the Millbrook Music Salon.
The Smithfield Church is located at 656 Smithfield Valley Road in Amenia. The church is accessible for people with disabilities.
For more information, go to thesmithfieldchurch.org/concerts.
Nathan Miller
MILLBROOK — Millbrook’s Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution to adopt the 2026-27 town budget following a public hearing at its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 8.
The budget for the coming year totals $2,538,844, up 0.25% from $2,532,541 in the current year.
Mayor Peter Doro said the increase falls within the 2% property tax cap imposed on local governments by New York State since 2012. Budget lines showing anticipated increases include utilities, paid ambulance service and insurance.
“We’ve all worked hard in the past months,” Doro said, describing the budget review process that involves each of the village’s departments.
Separate unanimous approvals were adopted for the 2026-27 water and sewer budgets. The Water Department budget totals $425,500, up from the current year of $411,950. The Sewer Department budget totals $470,425, up from $435,100.
Although no public comment was offered during the hearing, one trustee suggested that the village should remain vigilant about rising costs.
“There are things we could do to mitigate costs,” said Trustee Shannon Mawson.
To view a copy of the budget as adopted, go to www.villageofmillbrookny.com.
Millerton News
MILLERTON — Robert E. Stapf Sr. (Bobbo), a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at the age of 77, happily at home surrounded by lots and lots of love and with the best care ever.
Bob was born Jan. 16, 1949, to the late Peter and Dorothy (Fountain) Stapf. He began working at an early age, met his forever love, Sandy, in 7th grade and later graduated from Pine Plains Central School.
Following graduation, Bob and Sandy (Snyder) were married on Sept. 18, 1971. Bob soon began as a diesel mechanic, working at H.O. Penn and then Dutchess County Diesel for most of his career. He also loved every minute at Orvis Sandanona and all the other clubs where he worked with his dogs for over 50 years.
While Bob was happy outdoors hunting, snowmobiling and playing golf whenever he could and spending a lot of time customizing his 1949 Chevy Pickup, winning a lot of trophies at car shows all around, he was happiest spending time with family and friends. He could be found almost every morning having coffee with his buddies at Talk of the Town where he was “the mayor.”
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 54 years and best nurse, Sandy, of Millerton, his four children; Michelle Cianfarani and her husband Vinnie, Robin Stapf and her husband Rob, Bobby Jr. and his wife Jean and Kristofer Stapf and his wife Lauren, his 7 grandchildren; Zachary, Adriana, Mackenzie, Addison, “Bobcat,” Audrey and Maddie and his 2 great grandchildren; Nevaeh and Leiana. Bob is also survived by his 3 sisters; Barbara Holdridge (Everett), Debbie Bryant (Terry) and Wendy Lind (George), his 2 brothers: Peter Stapf (Donna) and John Stapf (Jane) along with many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to send our love and sincere appreciation to all of the wonderful nurses and doctors at Vassar Brothers Medical Center along with the nurses from Hospice Care who always took such great care of Bob for us.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and offer condolences on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a small donation to Hospice Care for continued support to those who need it most. For directions, share a favorite memory or to leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.peckandpeck.net
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