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

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

North East Town Hall on Maple Avenue in the Village of Millerton.

Archive photo

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.”

Latest News

Governor Hochul implements temporary statewide burn ban

The LED sign in front of Amenia's Town Hall on Route 22 warns passing motorists of the current temporary burn ban, in effect from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A statewide burn ban is in effect as of Thursday, Oct. 2, the New York State Governor's office announced in a press release.

The temporary ban is in effect until at least Oct. 15, and the statement released by the governor's office said the restrictions will be re-evaluated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stanford’s Haunted Fortress gearing up for opening day

Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.

Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Public Works Superintendent resigns, Police Chief takes the job

From left, Jim Milton, Spencer Parks and William J. Clark stand with Joseph Olenik on their first day working under him as the head of Public Works on Monday, Sept. 29.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village announced a leadership change at the Highway Department on Friday following the resignation of Superintendent Peter Dellaghelfa. Police Chief Joseph Olenik will step into the role, effective immediately, officials said.

Olenik will continue to serve as Police Chief.

Keep ReadingShow less