AMENIA — Andrea Kozak, of Wappingers Falls, and her family enjoyed a tradition in the making with a picnic made by her mother atop Delavergne Hill in Amenia overlooking the scenic Amenia valley on Sunday, Sept. 21. Joining her are her husband, John Kozak; parents, Rob and Kim Alfonso; sister Michelle Hinojos and brother-in-law Jaime; and her two daughers, Lorelei and Kayleigh.
Kayleigh Kozak, right, and her sister Lorelei are familiar with the view from Delavergne Hill. Their grandfather, Rob Alfonso brings them to the scenic spot every year. Photo by Nathan Miller
Demolition crews from BELFOR Property Restoration began demolishing the fire-ravaged Water and Highway Department building in the Village of Millerton on Monday, Oct. 27
One village official is particularly invested in seeing the process move forward. Caroline Farr-Killmer, the village’s fire project manager, has been working closely with Mayor Jenn Najdek and the Board of Trustees to oversee every phase of the recovery. She has coordinated contractors and engineers, tracked inventory losses, and ensured compliance with building codes.
Mayor Jenn Najdek noted in a Monday, Oct. 27, meeting of the village's Board of Trustees that air quality management is one of the aspects of demolition that contributes to the price tag.Photo by Aly Morrissey
“This milestone is a significant one,” Farr-Killmer said. “It has been a work in progress that individuals have poured a lot of their time and effort into.” She acknowledged that while it may have seemed like progress was slow, this process required thoughtful and thorough management. “It is not something that can be accomplished overnight. I am grateful for the team effort put in by all of those involved.”
In the weeks after the fire, Farr-Killmer visited the charred building almost daily and documented damage to the structure and inventory. She said the fire itself was only the beginning, and pointed out that navigating insurance, rebuilding plans and deadlines have been hidden challenges.
The demolition marks the first physical step toward rebuilding. Farr-Killmer and Village leaders are developing plans for two replacement facilities — one for the Highway Department and another for the Water Department, designed to meet modern building codes and accommodate future needs.
“For the Village, it means we are starting from scratch, but things will continue to run smoothly, efficiently and effectively,” Farr-Killmer said.
With demolition underway, the Village of Millerton will begin a new chapter — one that will be complemented by the upcoming renovations that are planned at Eddie Collins Memorial Park. Construction for that major project, which will include a short-course Olympic pool and pool house, is scheduled to begin in July 2026 after the 175th celebration.
