MILLERTON— When the Millerton Fresh Market vacated the space formerly occupied by Grand Union at the Millerton Square Plaza in June of 2019, local residents went into a panic. The harsh reality again hit that easy access to grocery shopping could not be taken for granted. It’s a truth that’s surfaced every time a supermarket in that location has turned over, which has happened more times than some residents would like to remember.
The Route 44 plaza has now seen all of its tenants leave. Riley’s Furniture store closed in November of 2018. Also gone are the stand-alone drive-thru McDonald’s, which closed in 2015, as well as the gas station island, which shut down years before that. In fact, by the start of 2022, only the Davis & Trotta Law Offices and Trotta’s Fine Wine & Liquors, both owned by Millerton attorney Robert Trotta, remained in Millerton Square Plaza, owned by his brother, Joseph “Skip” Trotta, of Sharon, Conn.
By the start of the New Year, both of those businesses had posted signs they are now operating out of other locations, leaving the plaza without any actual commerce taking place.
For more than a decade, Skip Trotta has been working determinedly to draw a grocer back to his plaza. Initially, it seemed as if Hannaford would lease the space; those plans were stymied back around 2011. That’s when a consortium of regional grocers fought Hannaford’s plans before the North East Planning Board under the leadership of Sharon Kroeger, owner of Calsi’s Market in Wassaic.
The battle made it all the way to the courts. Even the Justice Department weighed in, determining Hannaford was becoming too large and the company needed to sell off some of its stores. It did; the Maine supermarket company merged with Stop and Shop in North Canaan, Conn., bringing goods to area shoppers, thus ending its interest in opening a store in Millerton.
“They spent half a million dollars of development money,” said Trotta in an interview on Friday, Feb. 18, still bitter about his plaza missing out on Hannaford becoming a tenant. “So I have some sour grapes on it. The Planning Board should have welcomed them with open arms.”
He noted Millerton was lucky at the time such a large corporation was willing to do business with it. The village of Millerton has a population count of 919, according to the 2020 Census; it lies within the town of North East, which has a population of 3,290, according to the town’s 2021 demographics.
North East town Supervisor Chris Kennan noted local residents have not been without food options; there’s Peck’s Market in Pine Plains; Freshtown in Amenia; Marona’s Market in Millbrook; the Hillsdale Supermarket IGA; and others, but none are as convenient as a food store in Millerton would be.
“There are markets in nearby towns, but we would very much like to have one here in our town,” he said.
Trotta agreed, but said because local towns have such small populations, it’s difficult to draw large grocery chains.
“We don’t have national brands here, and there’s a reason we don’t have them… This is not a terribly strong retail market; it’s a terribly spread out market,” said Trotta. “We don’t have 50,000 people within a couple of miles of the front door, and those are the kinds things they ask when they come.”
Which is why, he said, it makes sense for a buyer to come to Millerton with the intention of opening a smaller grocery market versus a massive supermarket. And that, said Trotta, is exactly what has happened.
A contract is on the table
Last June, said the lifelong grocer and businessman, his plaza went under contract. It has not been sold. Yet. Trotta is hopeful once a few more details are ironed out, the sales contract will be signed.
“It is under contract, and we have still got a couple of little things to do,” he said. “All I can tell you is they work with shopping centers. I know their intention is to put a supermarket in there. That’s obviously the need for the community. I wish I could do it myself — because I would do it myself — but I’m 78… a time comes when you can’t do it anymore.”
Trotta, when asked, would not reveal who the buyer is, where the buyer is from, if the buyer is an individual or a corporation with supermarket experience.
“I can’t speak… due to confidentiality,” he said, adding the contract is for the entire plaza. “The buyer is motivated, and I think it’s going to be a very nice thing for the community.”
Kennan has been keeping track of the negotiations since last summer. He knows the buyer, and is keeping his fingers crossed that all of the details can be hashed out to allow for a smooth sale.
“I’m looking forward to that transaction getting completed,” he said. “I can just say that I’m very much looking forward to the potential of redeveloping not only that property but all of the Boulevard District of Route 44 to be a more vibrant and welcoming commercial district for Millerton.”
He stressed the importance for everyone to keep in mind that while the property is in contract — it cannot be considered sold until that contract gets signed.
He acknowledged that news of the contract will surely be both welcome and exciting for local residents who have been anxiously awaiting a grocery store in the community — especially one within walking distance for villagers without vehicles. Still, he urged patience and caution.
“Just because it’s under contract does not mean it will sell,” Kennan said. “For anyone who has had a house on the market, they know it’s one thing to have a house under contract but until you get it to closing it hasn’t happened.”
When Trotta was asked if he would share the selling price he and the buyer settled on, his was response was as expected.
“Tell you the price?” he said. “Of course not.”
He said he “believes we’re getting closer to bringing things to a head. It’s been a long ordeal because there are a lot of details.”
Among those details, Trotta said the buyer will have to appear before the town’s Planning Board for the requisite environmental impact review of the property.
He noted as of this time the buyer is not looking to raze the plaza, but is hoping “to remodel the face of the building and to expand the offerings there… so it takes a while.”
Trotta added as far as he’s concerned, he won’t have to deal with any local bureaucracies. Bottom line, Trotta said he’s just happy to be under contract and headed toward a sale.
“The town deserves it — you can’t leave a community without a supermarket,” he said. “You have a good buyer; he has what appears to be a very good, strong commitment for the community to improve the shopping center and give the community something nice… I think people will be pleasantly surprised.”
With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.
By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.
Also approved by a margin of 185 to 92 was a vehicle purchase proposal totaling $249,190 to cover the cost of acquiring one 65-passenger school bus and two Chrysler Voyager vehicles to serve the students’ transportation needs.
Two School Board candidates seeking re-election were unopposed. Nichole Reyes received 260 votes and Anthony Robustelli, 234.
“Thanks to the community for supporting our children’s programs,” commented School Superintendent Raymond Castellani, immediately after the vote count was announced. “Thank you to the voters,” he added. “It makes the work so gratifying when you have the support of the voters.”
By a margin of 816 to 331, voters approved the proposed school budget for 2025-26. The budget totals $35,649,651, a 3.1% increase of $1,074,576over the current year. Of the total, the amount to be raised by taxes after expected revenues are deducted, is $27,782,136, a 2.61% increase over the current year.
Extensive repairs and renovations to maintain and improve the middle school and high school at a projected cost of $37,381,383, defined as Proposition 2, passed by a margin of 748 to 399.
Proposition 3 to cover upgrades to the elementary schools at a cost of $1,883,099, passed by a vote of 706 to 439.
“With these results we will be able to ensure the safe and health upkeep of our facilities as we plan for the future of our district,” said Superintendent Caroline Hernandez-Pidala, commenting on the vote. She went on to thank the voters for having come out to vote.
Hernandez Pidala also thanked the students and constituents who helped share information within the community about their schools’ needs and the importance of voting.
Unopposed candidates for re-election for three-year terms as members of the school board were Dena Ghobashy and Jennifer Carnecchia. Voters also approved the election of Perry Hartswick, seeking to continue his service as Board President.
By a margin of 294 to 102, voters turned out to approve the proposed school budget totaling $38,712,336, a 2.71% increase of $1,022,592. The amount to be raised by taxes is $27,885,802, an increase of 3.2% over the current year.
A proposition that will create a Capital Reserve Fund to aid with future expenditures passed by a vote of 309 to 87, and another proposition to purchase two new 71-passenger school buses and an eight-passenger Chevy Suburban passed by a vote of 284 to 110.
Total cost for the two buses and the van is estimated at $396,369. The proposition also added $118,911 in anticipated tariff costs. The proposition costs are to be supported by the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund that had been approved by voters in 2022.
Re-elected to serve three-year terms on the school board were Fred “Chip” Couse with 333 votes and Amie Fredericks with 330 votes. There were 16 write-in votes.
“We greatly appreciate the support of our community and are looking forward to a successful 2025-26 school year,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Timm, commenting on the positive vote result.
A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.
AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.
An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.
“Aware of the dangers but responding to the call of duty,” Woodard spoke of those who bravely served and ultimately sacrificed their lives. On behalf of those gathered, he extended deepest respects and “the highest tribute we can offer.”
VFW Post Chaplain Rick Butler offered a prayer asking for help in supporting families of those who gave their lives for their country.
“How far back are the losses,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, reflecting on the losses over centuries of battle. He spoke of the ongoing historical society project to erect signs at each local historic cemetery where Revolutionary War veterans are buried.
The ceremony included donation of a defibrillator by former local Fire Chief Bob Boyles to VFW Post #5444, Auxiliary President Charlene Mayville.
Closing prayer was offered by Fr. Andrew O’Connor of Immaculate Conception Church who read Psalm 127.
In closing the ceremony, Commander Woodard thanked all who contributed to the ceremony, including the local fire departments, the Honor Guard of the Wassaic Fire Company, the Community Enhancement Committee for Fountain Square floral planting, Vicki Doyle, Leo Blackman and the Honor Guard and Auxiliary of Post #5444.
Jay Dacey of the United Kingdom’s Channel 4 took an unexpected detour to the Village of Millerton on Friday, May 23 to capture footage of a rural American town.
The stop was one of the last on a 10-day trip to the United States to film a piece on American politics.
Other filming locations included Washington, D.C., New Haven, and Shelter Island in eastern New York.
Village Trustees hear call to adopt law to limit local cooperation with ICE
Barbara Graham of Millerton speaks to Village trustees, Mayor Jenn Najdek and Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik during a May 21 special meeting.
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton board of trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 21 that drew an unusually large crowd. Nearly 20 residents and supporters showed up to urge officials to adopt a local law aimed at protecting immigrants, including undocumented community members.
The law, as proposed by meeting attendees, would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
While no resolution was reached, Mayor Jenn Najdek agreed to schedule a follow-up special meeting where the public can speak with Village legal counsel and explore the proposal in a more practical, informed setting. The yet-to-be scheduled meeting is expected to take place sometime in June, according to Najdek.
The meeting addressed ongoing ICE activity in the Hudson Valley and throughout the country, primarily reports of arrests made without judicial warrants and alleged misidentifications. Millerton’s police department, which operates on a limited, part-time basis, is not typically involved in immigration enforcement, but residents said clear local guidelines are necessary before an event or arrest occurs.
“Our village has a moral imperative to do everything in its power to protect the rights and dignity of immigrants who live and work in our community,” said Barbara Graham, a Millerton resident of 14 years.
Graham spearheaded an email to Mayor Najdek and the Village board that to get on the Board’s agenda. Co-signed by six Millerton residents and 11 supporters, the letter urged the board to “affirm its commitment to justice, constitutional rights, and community trust.”
Wearing a homemade lapel pin that read, “Well-being for all beings,” Graham read aloud from the group’s letter. Najdek then opened the floor for public comment.
“I don’t think anybody here is asking the Village to tell the police how to do their job,” said Bill Kish of the Town of North East. “What we’re asking is that the Village provide clear guidance in the form of local law…that unless a judicial warrant is provided, the police will not use any of their resources to help.”
Eliot Ramos, a Village resident, added, “Newcomer or lifelong local, adopting a law that bars our police from collaborating with ICE is an act of partnership and moral leadership that honors due process.”
Trustees and community members alike noted the limited effect a law of this nature might have at the local level. Still, the response from meeting attendees was unanimous. Andres Vialpando, who said he was born and raised in Millerton, noted a law would carry weight even as a symbolic gesture.
“I’d be proud to say that my village is standing up for what I would call good and healthy laws,” Vialpando said. “I support this initiative, even if it seems like, at some level, it could be unnecessary.”
Though the discussion was scheduled for 15 minutes, it continued for nearly an hour. Following public comment, Najdek, the four Village trustees and Police Chief Joseph Olenik addressed the concerns.
They noted the cost of legal consultation — estimated at $5,000 according to Najdek — could strain an already tight budget. Officials also noted the potential repercussions of adopting such a law, including the loss of federal funding for infrastructure projects like sidewalks and sewer upgrades.
“We’re doing our work, applying for grants, applying for funding, getting projects completed,” said Najdek. “My concern is that we’re putting a spotlight on us that could impact funding over the next five years. It’s a real concern for a village of our size.”
Throughout the meeting, questions arose about the legal interplay between local, state and federal jurisdictions. Residents pressed for specifics about what would happen if ICE entered the village. Chief Olenik offered a limited response.
“At this point in time, I would be assisting them,” he said. “I wouldn’t be making the arrests, but I would be assisting them with whatever they would need us to do as Village PD.”
He added that he would not hinder an investigation or withhold information from the State Police, the Sheriff’s Office or ICE.
Weighing the risks and rewards of pursuing such a law, Najdek responded emotionally: “I want to do my job. I want to keep my head down. I want to do the right thing for the Village the best I can.”
Other items addressed during the special meeting included the approval of $99,498.99 in vouchers from April and May; the delivery and acceptance of department reports; approval of previous meeting minutes; and a discussion of Express Bill Pay, a new software system that will allow residents to pay utility bills online by credit card or e-check.