Kathy Chow, pictured here standing, addresses the room during public comment on the proposed overhaul of North East's zoning code. Chow suggested more farming opportunities should be permitted in the code.
MILLERTON – Community members crammed into the North East Town Hall on Thursday, Jan. 8, for a highly anticipated public hearing on the town’s proposed commercial zoning overhaul.
With the 21-seat meeting room at capacity, several attendees were forced to listen from the lobby. After listening to public comments, the town board opted to adjourn the hearing rather than close it, scheduling a continuation for Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m.
The hearing marked a significant milestone in a process that has been four years in the making and represents the first comprehensive rewrite of the town’s zoning code since the mid-1970s.
The proposed zoning overhaul is intended to modernize regulations that have remained largely unchanged for decades, aligning them with the town’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan and current economic and housing needs. The revisions place a strong emphasis on encouraging reinvestment in commercial districts, expanding housing options — including multifamily, mixed-use and affordable housing — and updating standards to reflect modern land uses and technologies. Town officials have said the goal is to support local businesses, streamline approvals, and provide clearer, more predictable rules while preserving neighborhood character and quality of life.
While approximately 35 members of the public attended – not including members of the town board and legal counsel – only seven residents chose to speak. Most expressed general support of the draft, thanking the Zoning Review Committee (ZRC) and town board for their work and volunteer efforts. Some brought up targeted concerns while others made recommendations.
North East resident Tyler Graham – founder of the newly formed Save Millerton group, which has publicly challenged the zoning revision process and specifically the town board – was more critical.
Review of the process
Prior to opening the public hearing, Town Supervisor Chris Kennan summarized the steps that were taken to update the zoning code. He noted the process began with the Town and Village Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted on Nov. 14, 2019, which recommended hiring a consultant and attorney to draft new language to update the zoning and subdivision laws.
A significant undertaking, the board broke the process into two parts. The objective of the first phase was to focus primarily on the commercial districts in the town. Kennan said some aspects of the residential zones, as well as the land conservation zone, were included. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) presented its work on Nov. 14, 2024 and the town board completed its review on Nov. 4, 2025.
Support and recommendations
Rich Stalzer, chair of the town’s Conservation Advisory Counsel, said he viewed the zoning review process as “open and inclusive,” while raising several technical concerns. He asked the town to clarify zoning document provisions related to backup generators and noise impacts, strengthen pedestrian safety requirements for off-site parking and address ambiguities around accessory dwelling units on properties owned by trusts or LLCs. Stalzer also recommended aligning school use requirements across residential zoning districts.
Kathy Chow, a North East resident and chair of the Millerton Climate Smart Task Force, focused her remarks on agriculture and economic development. She said current permitted uses limit farming opportunities and called for greater flexibility to allow market gardens, greenhouses, community gardens and a broader range of farm animals. Chow also urged the town to encourage artisan workshops and food-based businesses in the Irondale area, suggesting it could become a hub for small industry and capture Route 22 traffic.
Other supporters spoke in favor of specific policies that would increase housing opportunities or relax setback requirements and of the nature of the work in general.
Kevin Webb of Skunk’s Misery Road expressed general support for the draft, saying “the spirit of the work seemed good and seems like the product of a lot of hard work.”
“I don’t want to make perfect the enemy of good,” Webb said. “This can’t be a perfect product, but I support it.”
Kathleen Spahn, a member of the village ZBA and who also works at the NorthEast-Millerton Library, expressed support for policies that would increase housing opportunities while protecting the town and village from an influx of short-term rentals and part-time residents.
Rob Cooper said he welcomed the proposed relaxation of setback requirements, supporting changes that would make it easier to build or expand without needing a variance.
Criticism of the process
Ed Covert, a resident of Cooper Road, thanked the ZRC “for their hard work,” and efforts to improve the town. He added, “It’s just a shame that it had to be handed over to the town [board], who added things that the ZRC didn’t even address.”
Covert criticized what he described as a lack of zoning enforcement on Cooper Road, citing years of tension with a neighbor who he said constructed an illegal dwelling and a lack of response to multiple complaints filed by residents. “Fix problems before you change things,” Covert said.
Tyler Graham, founder of Save Millerton, used his allotted time to question the process, including the timing of the draft’s release over the holidays and classification of the rewrite as primarily commercial when, he argued, it would also impact residential zoning. He also criticized the lack of a reader-friendly summary explaining what changes were made and why.
Next steps
The town board will continue to accept written comments in advance of the Feb. 3 continuation of the public hearing, all of which will become part of the official record. Copies of the draft zoning code remain available at Town Hall, on the town’s website and at the NorthEast-Millerton Library.
The board and Dutchess County Planning officials will also review written submissions and feedback provided during the hearing as they consider potential revisions to the draft. The town board will also complete a State Environmental Quality Review to assess any significant adverse impacts before closing the public hearing and adopting amendments with the New York Secretary of State.
Once approved, a committee will be appointed to dive into phase two, an overhaul of the residential zoning code.
Other business
Following the public hearing, the board resumed its regular monthly meeting and routine business. Members voted to sign an agreement with the Town of Pine Plains, designating its facility as North East’s official dog shelter. They also approved minutes from the Dec. 11, 2025, meeting, shared committee reports and agreed upon budget adjustments for the 2025 fiscal year.
Lakeville Journal
Historian Russell Shorto joins local educators Peter Vermilyea and Rhonan Mokriski for a conversation about Shorto’s “Revolution Song” on March 27 at the Salisbury Forum, marking Salisbury’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Register at salisburyforum.org
Millerton News
Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Harlem Valley area activity report March 13 to March 18.
March 13 — Deputies responded to 7 John St. in Millerton to investigate a domestic dispute occurring at that location.Matter resolved without further police intervention.
March 14 — Deputies responded to Ingersoll Chevrolet in the Town of Pawling for a report of a stolen vehicle at that location.Management reported a Gray 2018 Camaro was taken from the lot overnight.Investigation on-going
March 16 — Deputies responded to Route 3192 in the Town of Dover for a report of a suspicious person on the property. Investigation resulted in the arrest of Courtney D. Chappell, age 44, who was charged with burglary in the third degree as well as petit larceny. Chappell was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Dover court at a later date.
March 18 — Deputies responded to Irving Farm Coffee in the Village of Millerton for a reported female causing a disturbance. The female was gone upon patrol arrival.Investigation on-going.
PLEASE NOTE: All subjects arrested and charged are alleged to have committed the crime and are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are to appear in local courts later.
If you have any information relative to the aforementioned criminal cases, or any other suspected criminal activity please contact the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 845 605 CLUE (2583) or Emaildcsotips@gmail.com.All information will be kept confidential.
Christine Bates
Built in 1880, this historic home at 80 North Main St., featuring original details, recently sold “as is” for $520,000 as part of an estate sale.
PINE PLAINS — The 12-month trailing median sale price for a single-family home in the Town of Pine Plains climbed to $548,250 for the period ending Jan. 31, 2026.
That figure marks a 55% increase from the $353,750 median recorded for the 12 months ending Jan. 31, 2025, and a 58% jump from $347,500 for the comparable period ending Jan. 31, 2024.
The annual number of home sales, measured on a 12-month rolling basis, remained within Pine Plains’ three-year range of 12 to 18 sales per year. A total of 18 single-family homes sold in the 12 months ending Jan. 31, 2026, compared with 14 sales in the period ending Jan. 31, 2025, and 18 sales in the 12 months ending one year prior.
The market’s busiest stretch in recent years was during the pandemic-era boom. In June 2021, Pine Plains recorded 40 home sales on a 12-month rolling basis.
Inventory remains limited. As of March 21, there were 10 single-family homes on the market. Of those, four were listed for more than $1 million.
There were also six parcels of land listed on the MLS, along with four rental listings ranging from $2,610 to $6,500 per month.
January transfers
30 North Main St. – 4 bedroom/2.5 bath house built in 1880 on .73 acres sold to 30 North Main PP LLC for $520,000
34 Myrtle Ave. – 5 bedroom/2.5 bath home built in 1900 on .25 acres sold to Travis Angelo for $270,000
Lake Shore Drive (Parcel # 080203) - .24 vacant acres on Stissing Lake sold to Friends of Stissing Landmarks for $5,000
* Town of Pine Plains real estate transfers recorded between Jan. 1, 2026 and Jan. 31, 2026, provided by Dutchess County Office of Real Property. Transfers without consideration are not included. Current market listings from First Key MLS and market statistics from Infosparks. Note that recorded transfers frequently lag sales by a number of days and include properties sold privately. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Salesperson with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in CT and NY.
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Leila Hawken
Women’s History Month was celebrated by the Diversity Club at Webutuck High School on Friday, March 20. Club members and featured speakers at the event were, left to right, Nicole Charriez, co-advisor of the Diversity Club, Betsy Strauss, Anabel Cordova, Marcus Burton, Emely Cordova, Dawn Marie Klingner, Lyla Kern, Brooklyn Talarico, Danielle Mollica-Whiteley, Jaimielee Confesor, and Raquel Singleton.
In observance of Women’s History Month, members of the Diversity Club at Webutuck High School presented a program honoring the contributions of women throughout history and those making a difference today.
The 11-member club gathered Friday, March 20, for the program, which featured speakers from the community sharing personal histories and highlighting women prominent in local history. Common themes throughout the presentation were volunteerism, purposeful living and selflessness.
Joining the students were Brooklyn Talarico, a candidate for the 105th Assembly District; Danielle Mollica-Whiteley, executive director of Angels of Light; Amenia Town Clerk and Court Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner; social worker and Webutuck staff member Raquel Singleton; and Amenia Historical Society representative Betsy Strauss.
Each speaker shared stories of women who looked beyond themselves and found purpose in helping others through public service, nonprofit work, volunteerism, government and education.
The Diversity Club was formed in 2023, according to 10th-grade student Lyla Kern, who said its mission is to celebrate diversity and highlight the range of cultural experiences that make up the student body.
“It’s amazing to highlight what modern women have gone through and to demonstrate for younger generations the importance of these women to the human experience,” said Elisa Silverio, co-adviser for the Diversity Club.
Club adviser Nicole Charriez said the Women’s History Month program had been in the works for two months. She added that past Diversity Club events have focused on Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanic Americans.
Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in California in 1978. The idea spread across the country, and in 1980 President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation establishing the week of March 8 as Women’s History Week. Congress expanded the observance in 1987, designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month.
Aly Morrissey
The Millerton Village Offices on Route 22.
MILLERTON – The Village of Millerton Board of Trustees adopted a local law establishing a tree commission, a move officials said is intended to protect mature trees and strengthen the village’s eligibility for tree-related grants.
The board approved the law following a continued public hearing and a final round of discussion centered largely on enforcement language, including which officials would have the authority to issue penalties for violations.
During public comment, some attendees expressed approval of the commission and asked if the law would help unlock funding to address the pruning of overgrown trees in the village. Officials responded that the law is intended in part to do just that, noting that establishing a formal committee is a prerequisite for some grant opportunities.
After closing the public hearing, trustees voted to adopt the measure as Local Law No. 2 of 2026.
In other business, village officials voted to schedule a special meeting for April 6, which will include a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 budget.
Trustees also finalized a decision on the years-long planning for Veterans Park improvements, voting unanimously to award the contract to Scape Tech Landscape Technology for $240,548. The board agreed to include repairs to the park’s existing stone walls as part of the job, while dropping other add-ons such as a stone veneer planter.
Board members said repairing the walls – which Trustee David Sherman said were built in the 1950s – would help prevent more costly repairs later. With the project supported by a $150,000 Dutchess County Community Development Block Grant, the village will cover the remaining roughly $98,500 from unappropriated fund balance rather than take on additional debt. Mayor Jenn Najdek said the village has more than $400,000 in the fund balance and would still have close to $350,000 remaining after the expenditure.
During the mayor’s report, village officials also discussed a new Dutchess County Municipal Investment Grant program, which they said would offer between $20,000 and $25,000 for infrastructure and public safety projects but requires a full local funding match. Officials said potential uses could include safety projects for Eddie Collins Memorial Park, but agreed to review the opportunity further before deciding whether to apply.
The meeting concluded with public comment largely in support of the tree committee and an executive session regarding a personnel matter.
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