MBA talks about Earth Day, Rail Trail and wastewater

MILLERTON — The Millerton Business Alliance (MBA) wasted no time in addressing activities scheduled for Earth Day 2020,at its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 5. Since then, much has changed in the world with the outbreak of the coronavirus and the social distancing rules.

Earth Day celebration?

MBA members had planned a lot for this year’s 50th anniversary of Earth Day. North East resident Jennifer Dowley and the Town of North East and Village of Millerton Climate Smart Task Force created a comprehensive list of “informative and accessible activities” planned throughout the village on Saturday, April 25. Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22.

Many, if not all, of those activities may now be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Look for updates at www.villageofmillerton.net and www.townofnortheastny.gov.

Village merchants had also planned to offer insulated water bottles in their businesses on Earth Day, as  well as let shoppers refill their water bottles, but again, that may now be moot.

Rail Trail extension

At the MBA’s February meeting, Oblong Books & Music owner and Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association Chairman Dick Hermans gave an update on the trail’s northward extension. Passing around visuals of the different project components, Hermans reported that paving on the trail will be completed this fall and pointed to the boardwalks that will be installed later this year. Hermans said construction is expected to be completed by October. He added that he’d like to mark the end of construction with some sort of celebration — if possible.

In addition to discussing Rail Trail parking, MBA members discussed possibilities for future community events on the trail. Hermans mentioned the annual Roe Jan Ramble in Hillsdale as a fun community event that’s also a great fundraising opportunity. Again, any  events will depend on the COVID-19 situation.

Wastewater

Delivering an update on the presentation given on the proposed village wastewater treatment facility on Thursday, Feb. 27, Jeanne Vanecko from Townscape said, “I really believe we’re on the cusp of making this happen.

“We have to have real energy to do it,” Vanecko said as she relayed the details of Tighe & Bond Senior Project Manager Erin Moore’s presentation.

Vanecko personally recommended that the MBA look into upcoming grant opportunities to fund the project.

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