North East and Millerton officials lay out New Year’s goals

MILLERTON — As the year winds down, it’s out with the old and in with the new for Millerton officials. Town Supervisor Chris Kennan and Mayor Jenn Najdek have both been working on their wish lists for 2025 while wrapping up year-end responsibilities.

For Kennan, the end of 2024 means one of his goals for this year has been met with the completion of the new garage in town. He’s going into 2025 with optimism for the creation of a new Town Hall. “For our next capital project we purchased a building on Route 22 — a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall — and we’re converting it,” Kennan said.

One of the reasons for the conversion is due to the current Town Hall not being ADA-accessible. Kennan feels strongly about making this change as his office is one of the most-visited in the building, explaining, “There’s no elevators and the stairs are steep. It’s a problem.” While Kennan is uncertain exactly when work will commence on the new Town Hall, the start of the project is one of his core ambitions for the New Year, saying, “It’s really our number one priority for the next year.”

Another project to be further developed for Kennan is the rezoning of the boulevard, which is the stretch of Route 44 from CVS to the Connecticut border. He wants to prioritize retail shops which enhance the character of the township. “We want to make the best possible use of retail,“ Kennan said, adding that food markets and clothing stores which fill Millerton’s needs are his priorities for 2025, along with further development of town wastewater projects.

Mayor Jenn Najdek, whose 2024 projects include obtaining grant monies, ensuring the installation of new fire hydrants in the village and swapping out streetlights, is also working on multiple goals for the year ahead. Her main concern is reaching the finish line in a timely fashion.

“I’d just like to make sure projects are completed,” said Najdek, who cited several 2025 ambitions she’s currently working towards.

“Wastewater, phase two construction of the park, the swimming pool and the bathhouse.” Additionally, Najdek hopes to wrap up the installation of all LED streetlights, which she acknowledges is a work in progress.

While their upcoming hopes for the village and the town are important to Najdek and Kennan, they’re also focusing at on wishing Millerton residents all the best in December. “It’s a very special time for a lot of people, a great time to get together with family to celebrate the holiday and think about the year ahead,” said Kennan. “We have a wonderful, inclusive and supportive community where we think of each other, especially at this time of year.”

Najdek echoed Kennan’s sentiments, saying, “I want to wish everyone a healthy, happy and safe holiday season. I hope everyone gets to spend time with the friends and loved ones.” Najdek was also quick to convey her gratitude to Townscape, whom she credited with making the season brighter for their work in putting up the village lights. “A big thank you to them for all their efforts in making Millerton look pretty for the holidays.”