North East Town Board delays vote on Agricultural zoning amendment

MILLERTON — A handful of residents attended the North East Town Board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14, to hear updates on the Altice/Optimum franchise agreement, up for renewal this fall, and proposed zoning amendments tied to a potential country inn and event venue. No action was taken on either matter.

Thursday marked the third public meeting on the Altice/Optimum franchise renewal, which applies only to cable services, not Wi-Fi or internet. An initial informational session was held June 12, and a representative from Altice attended the last two town board meetings — July 10 and Aug. 14 — to hear public comments. To clear up a common misconception, Town Supervisor Chris Kennan emphasized that the agreement is non-exclusive — other providers can offer service, though that remains unlikely.

The board is expected to vote on the renewal after a formal public hearing and contract negotiations proposed by Town Attorney Warren Replansky, who did not disclose his redline recommendations during Thursday’s meeting.

Also on the agenda was the ongoing discussion around a petition to amend the town’s zoning code to permit a country inn and event venue in the Agricultural District (A5A). The proposal, which involves changes to Code 180-40, is linked to a 36-acre parcel at Route 44/22 and Smithfield Road, where John and Kristen King hope to develop a winery, guest accommodations and event space.

Following last month’s board meeting, there was some expectation that the board might vote to approve the amendment during the Aug. 14 meeting. However, without written feedback from the Planning Board, the town planner or the Conservation Advisory Council, a vote was tabled for a later date.

Nevertheless, applicant John King addressed the board, acknowledging that in trying to avoid the risk of spot zoning, he and his team may have drafted the proposed amendment too broadly. He said he plans to ask his attorney to refine the language to better support agritourism and prevent the possibility of “hotels appearing along Route 22.” Supervisor Chris Kennan pointed out that if the proposal is amended, it has the potential to restart the feedback process, further delaying a vote.

Feedback from the Planning Board, which is not a governing body, and the town planner are expected by the Town Board this week to aid in decision making.

One vote that did occur resulted in the unanimous approval of a local law allowing the Town of North East to exceed the state tax cap, scheduling a public hearing for Sept. 11. This standard procedure takes place annually.

The meeting otherwise followed a typical agenda, including committee and department reports, approval of minutes and budget adjustments.

The highway department reported major road work, including 900 tons of asphalt poured and 4.5 miles of chip sealing, completed through a partnership with Amenia and Ancram based on reciprocal in-kind contributions. Recent improvements include Silver Mountain, Scribner, and Charlie Hill roads.

Town Clerk Tilly Strauss noted that hunting licenses are now available at Town Hall. She also informed the board that cyber security training will become mandatory in January, similar to required harassment training.

The Housing Committee reported progress on pro-housing filings, an effort to position the town for grants and developers to expand affordable housing. Chair Meg Winkler, praised by Supervisor Chris Kennan for leading the labor-intensive work, said required forms for 2019–2023 zoning and residential permits have been submitted. Certification could take up to 90 days, though she expects it sooner. The initiative has grown rapidly, from 75 certified communities when Winkler began to 342.

A newly formed public safety committee has developed an emergency action plan for residents. The initiative is spearheaded by Councilman Chris Mayville, who said the draft will be complete following feedback from fire and first responders. The committee plans to present the final document this fall.