Passenger train talk; parking crusade

The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.

July 12, 1934

‘$2,315.69 Earned By Clerk’s Office’; The Dutchess County clerk’s office turned over to the county treasurer last week a check for $2,315.69, this amount representing the earnings of the county clerk’s department during the month of June. Of this, $917.42 was earned by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the balance represents fees received for filing and recording papers and other services, Besides this, a check was also transferred to the county treasurer in the amount of $758.36 for mortgage tax collected during the month of June.

Making a comparison with last year, it is found that the earnings of the clerk’s office are about $300 higher than last June.

Frederic A. Smith, county clerk, also announced that in accordance with a new law passed by the Legislature at its last session, the automobile bureau will be closed at four o’clock during the months of July and August.

‘About Millerton’; Worthey J. Pulver and family and Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Keller left Saturday for a two weeks’ stay at Silver Beach, Milford, Conn.

Mrs. E. S. Simmons is spending a few days at Port Chester, N. Y.

Mr. and Mrs. Frederic A. Smith returned to their home here Sunday after a wedding trip to Essex on Lake Champlain.

July 10, 1975

‘Passenger Trains’ Return Certain, Officials Say’; Passenger trains definitely will return to Millerton, Lettie Carson, president of the Harlem Valley Transportation Association asserted again this week.

Mrs. Carson cited renewed and detailed assurances from New York State officials to support her statement.

Separately Assemblyman C.D. “Larry” Lane of Chatham stated Monday that reports that he doubted passenger service would return to Millerton were inaccurate. Mr. Lane’s letter appears on page A-4 of this issue.

Mrs. Carson and Assemblyman Lane were both responding to a story in this paper last week which reported widespread difference of opinion on the revival of Dover Plains—Millerton passenger traffic. No passenger trains have made the 16-mile run since 1972. Even Mrs. Carson is now quoted as expecting their return may not come before early fall, 1976.

Though the New York State Assembly has budgeted only $100,000 specifically for restoration of the Dover - Millerton tracks, an estimated $2.5 million will be provided for the work, Mrs. Carson said Tuesday.

The New York State Department of Transportation has $250 million to spend for upgrading of rail service statewide. Dutchess, Columbia and Putnam counties have applied to the State for $4.5 million in all to upgrade the tracks, signals and stations north at least as far as Millerton, and if matching Federal funds are forthcoming, all the way north to Chatham.

Several officials interviewed last week had expressed confidence that passenger service would return to Millerton in “12 months or so.” But Lane was quoted as saying DOT Commissioner Raymond Schuler “told me it does not include passenger service,” in reference to the $100,000 set specifically set aside for track restoration.

In his letter this week however, Lane said that Mr. Schuler had assured him that passenger service to Millerton was definitely in the DOT program. John Tone, director of Commuter Services for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which operates passenger service to Dover now, was also quoted last week as being skeptical that $100,000 would be adequate to restore the 16 miles of track.

July 13, 2000

‘Flea Market Slated For July 15’; MILLERTON - The NorthEast-Millerton Library flea market will be held Saturday, July 15, on the lawn of the library.

The flea market includes a tag sale, book sale, bake sale and the raffle of a hooked rug and handmade baskets.

Refreshments of coffee, doughnuts, hot dogs and cold drinks will be available.

In case of rain, the flea market will be held Saturday, July 22.

‘Foursquare Gospel Tent Vandalized’; MILLERTON The Millerton Foursquare Gospel Church tent in Railroad Plaza was vandalized both Monday and Tuesday nights this week, said the Church’s Pastor, Floyd Rosini.

According to Mr. Rosini, vandals threw material around the tent, which is normally left unattended after 9:30 p.m. Nothing was stolen.

The vandalism was reported to the Dutchess County sheriff, but there are no suspects.

The church issponsoring a week-long series of speakers and Bible study with the theme “Unity in Our Community.”

‘Millerton Townscape Continues Parking Crusade’; MILLERTON — Millerton’s Townscape continued to push forward the agenda for parking in the village and for the Rail Trail at its meeting at the North East Community Center last Monday.

One of the priorities this summer is getting parking spaces “striped” on Main Street, John Street and Century Boulevard. Village trustee John Scutieri said a striping machine could be rented inexpensively, and that the village crew probably had the resources to do the work. The issue will be brought up at the next Village Board meeting, Monday July 17, and Townscape members figure to be there to ask the village to move forward on the plans.

One of the advantages of striping out spaces is that it would make Main Street look narrower, which might encourage truckers and other traffic to slow down while passing through. Also, without markings, Century Boulevard, while providing plenty of space for parking, can be chaotic as cars pull in and out near the post office with nothing to guide them.

Traffic patterns in the village were also an issue. Townscape Chairman Renee Vollen asked whether the Village could set up a committee to be in regular contact with the State Department of Transportation about the intersection of Route 44 with Route 22, among other things. Two possibilities that are currently being pursued are a left turning lane southbound at the light, as well as markings to distinguish a parking lane from a driving lane at the turn onto Route 22.

The Harvey house to the south of the Rail Trail and behind the Brick Block building has attracted considerable interest. Townscape has had its eye on the property for its value as a potential parking area, or as a park for Rail Trail users. There appears to be at least one other party interested in purchasing the house for commercial purposes.

A list was circulated of some 200 potential members of the Millerton Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s imperative to get the chamber reinstalled,” said Ms. Vollen. Among the priorities is choosing a slate of officers.

Townscape meeting was set for Monday July 17 at 6 p.m.