North East Board will weigh ‘Country Inn’ zoning change

MILLERTON — The North East Town Board agreed to consider a petition for a change to Agricultural District zoning that would accommodate the construction of a new country inn on Tuesday, April 15.

Existing zoning regulations in such a district allow for “repurposing an existing structure” for overnight accommodations.

John and Kristen King,owners of a 36 acre parcel located at Route 44/22 and Smithfield Road, want to build a winery that also would feature 24 rooms for overnight guests, with some number of the rooms as separate from a main building.

“Weddings and other events would take place,” the King’s indicated in a letter from their attorney. “A modestly sized restaurant is being considered which will offer farm fresh food.”

Workforce housing would be available on the property.

John King addressed the Board, noting that the plan calls for a couple of staff houses, and that their proposal would bring jobs to the community.

In agreeing to accept the King’s petition, the Town Board acknowledged that zoning amendments can be lengthy engagements.

“I do see a benefit to the community,” Supervisor Christopher Kennan said before the Board voted in favor of accepting the King’s requests.

King told the Board that it was not feasible to operate a winery without the auxiliary income that would be possible from a country inn facility. He said the project would have phases — building the winery, followed by planting the vineyard and constructing the guest house and individual villas.

The King’s petition for a change to so-called A5A Agricultural District zoning would apply to all such districts in the Town.

“Allowing overnight accommodations, weddings and other events as proposed will help farmers sustain their agricultural and ‘protect valuable farmland’,”
Joshua Mackey, attorney for the Kings, wrote in a supporting letter to the Board.

Extensive

Zoning Review

The King’s petition landed as the Town has been undertaking a years-long review of its zoning with a current focus on the commercial districts.

Public comment at the meeting raised concern about resource constraints associated with a zoning amendment processs that would coincide with the massive project to review zoning in the commercial district. Other comment noted that agriculture has changed since the current regulations were adopted, and recognized change that needs to be made to increase affordable housing in the Town.

The bulk of the Board’s meeting was a working session with Nan Stolzenburg, a professional planner, who reviewed amendments fromthe Zoning Review Committee.

“We’ve been working on this for four years,” Kennan said at the beginning of the meeting, as he thanked everyone involved.A goal of the work aims to permit housing in commercial areas and the discussion led by Stolzenburg focused on defining how that would be done.

Definition of terms, such as accessory dwelling units, and other guidance on language in the Town’s code, was viewed as key to successful amendingof the code. The Board aired discussion on a variety of topics, such as short-term rentals, manufactured homes, conservation subdivisions, and Stolzenburg’s consistent comment was “don’t create vagueness, be specific.”

“Make it clear what your expectations are,” she said.

Latest News

Road crews start new sidewalk to Amenia's Beekman Park
Photo by Leila Hawken

Sidewalk construction that will extend the town sidewalk to Beekman Park got underway this week along Route 44.

On Wednesday, August 20, the crew was checking excavation lines.

Keep ReadingShow less
Backgammon series begins at Hotchkiss Library of Sharon
Backgammon lessons kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 13, at The Hotchkiss Library. Instructor Roger Lourie works with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, while his wife, Claude, assists at a second board with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury.
Leila Hawken

In light of rising local interest in the centuries-old game of Backgammon, Wednesday afternoon backgammon instruction and play sessions are being offered at The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon. The first such session was held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, attracting two enthusiastic participants, both of whom resolved to return for the weekly sessions.

Expert player and instructor Roger Lourie of Sharon, along with his equally expert wife, Claude, led the session, jumping right into the action of playing the game. Claude chose to pair with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury, a moderately experienced player looking to improve her skills, while Lourie teamed himself with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, who was new to the game.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dugazon opens in Sharon, blending Southern roots with global style

Pantry essentials at Dugazon

Jennifer Almquist

You are invited to celebrate the opening of Dugazon, a home and lifestyle shop located in a clapboard cottage at 19 West Main Street, the former site of The Edward in Sharon. The opening is Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m.

After careers in the world of fashion, Salisbury residents Bobby Graham and his husband, Matt Marden, have curated a collection of beautiful items that reflect their sense of design, love of hospitality, and Graham’s deep Southern roots. Dugazon is his maternal family name.

Keep ReadingShow less