Town Board approves plan for Wassaic road closure for classic car show

AMENIA — Officials approved the closure of Main Street in Wassaic ahead of a car show and flower event.

Anticipating the classic car show and flower event to be held on Saturday, June 13, the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution to close Wassaic’s Main Street to accommodate the event and visitors. Hours of the closure will be from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. This will be the second year of the popular event that combines classic cars and floral displays in profusion.

The board also looked ahead to another upcoming road closure. Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm announced that the town has secured state permission for the closure of Route 343 in Amenia for the Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17.

In other business, the board considered maintenance needs at one of the town’s historic cemeteries. Concerns about the condition of the Old Burying Ground on Old North Road brought George Bistransin before the board to request funding for tree work at the cemetery. Bistransin said overhanging shade trees are encouraging lichen growth on historic gravestones and preventing grass from growing in some areas. The lichen is damaging the stones and obscuring their inscriptions, he said.

One full day of tree work by Lee’s Trees, tree experts, would cost $2,700, and get a lot done, Bistransin said.

The Town Board voted unanimously to proceed with the tree work.

“It needs to be done,” said councilmember Walter Dietrich. “It’s only going to get worse.”

The discussion then turned to planning and personnel matters.

Councilman Dietrich spoke in favor of awaiting completion of the review and update of the town’s Comprehensive Plan, which is nearing its final draft. Once approved, the plan is likely to lead to clarification of the town’s zoning regulations. He felt that a short delay in consideration of applications would benefit the town’s residents.

Dietrich also favored implementing of town employee performance reviews. He emphasized that reviews are not opportunities to criticize employees, but rather to praise their accomplishments and the talents they bring to their work. Such reviews can also give employees a chance to express concerns or ideas.