Town of North East: Developers interested in Boulevard District possibilities

NORTH EAST — One of the major changes sought by the North East Zoning Review Committee (ZRC) is allowing the possibility of mixed-use development in the Boulevard District on Route 44, east of the Village of Millerton.

In recent months, that conversation has included developers like Charlie Bendit, the co-chief executive officer of Taconic Partners of New York City, who has attended several ZRC meetings.

“We’ve let every developer around here know that they can attend these meetings and bring their thoughts,” said North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan.

“We use them as a resource, because they’re very knowledgeable,” said ZRC Chair Edie Greenwood.

Bendit, who owns a house in Salisbury, was introduced to the development possibilities in North East by Peter Braus, a commercial real estate broker; Braus’s firm is the retail leasing agent representing Bendit. The pair were the developers interested in the site of the former Millerton supermarket before discussions were broken off with the owner, Skip Trotta.

During the public comment section of ZRC meetings, Braus and Bendit have described a proposal to build three low-rise buildings on Route 44 with retail close to the road and multifamily structures in the back. Any actual site acquisition would be contingent on having access to a sewer system, they said.

Included in their preliminary plan are 60 rental units in all, with six or more affordable units. The inclusion of affordable housing will depend on the subsidies and tax relief programs that become available, and the development group is potentially willing to include 10% or more affordable units for renters with 60% of AMI (adjusted median income). Plans remain in the conceptual stage.

During public comment periods they attended, they have made suggestions to the ZRC from the perspective of real estate developers.

They have urged selectivity in mandated requirements and explained that the apartments, which would be financially feasible to build, would have two bedrooms, not three bedrooms, which are not economic, or studio apartments, which have limited demand. They also inquired about whether or not indoor recreation facilities might be permissible in the district under the new zoning codes.

Asked to comment on whether the ZRC is listening to their suggestions, Bendit replied: “The ZRC has been very supportive of the types of mixed-use development plans that we have proposed. They have been very focused on seeing development on Boulevard East.”

The general public is welcome to attend the meetings in person at 4:30 p.m. at the Town Hall every second and fourth Monday of the month.

Those interested in learning what the ZRC does at their bi-weekly meetings may consult the minutes posted on the Town of North East website at townofnortheastny.gov/meeting-minutes-agendas

Latest News

Serino highlights Dutchess gains as officials press for EMS, funding solutions

In her March 11 address to county residents, the focus was on the fiscal health and wellbeing of Dutchess, but some officials felt county executive Sue Serino missed the mark by avoiding such topics as funding cuts and other concerns.

Photo Provided

HOPEWELL JUNCTION — On Tuesday, March 11, Republican county executive Sue Serino took to the stage at John Jay High School to deliver commentary on Dutchess in her State of the County address.

The evening began with a welcome by Wappingers Central School District superintendent Dwight Bonk and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dutchess County sheriff Kirk Imperati. Ava Dvorak, a senior at John Jay, offered her rendition of the national anthem followed by an invocation from Reverend Dr. Edward L. Hunt of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The Evergreen Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International performed “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American)” with the Roy C. Ketcham High School Step Team closing out the pre-speech segment of the evening with their “Formation” demonstration.

Keep ReadingShow less
Northlight art show opens at Historical Society Gallery
One of a dozen artists participating in the Northlight Art Center’s 14th annual student exhibit is Cathleen Halloran, above, who paused for a photo by one of her several works on display. The opening reception at the Sharon Historical Society’s Gallery on Saturday, March 15, brought out a robust group of local art fans.
Leila Hawken

Fans of fine art filed into the Sharon Historical Society’s gallery on Saturday, March 15, for the opening reception of student works from the Northlight Art Center in Amenia, New York.

Northlight was founded in Sharon by Pieter Lefferts in 2010 and later moved to Amenia. This is the 14th year of the annual student exhibit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Century Boulevard redevelopment session focuses on parking options
Century Boulevard’s redevelopment will be partially funded through the Hudson River Green Community Planning Grants Program and the Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — Residents along with nearby neighbors of Century Boulevard received a second presentation of plans to redevelop the village thoroughfare.

Much of the meeting, held on Saturday, March 15 at the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex, focused on parking options that were presented by Brandee Nelson, a senior project manager for Tighe & Bond of Rhinebeck.

Keep ReadingShow less
Grocery, new fast-food restaurant advance in hearings

Signs have gone up in the window at the Millerton Square Plaza advertising a grocery store is coming to the site soon. The North East Planning board continued the public hearing for the project until their next meeting at the North East Town Hall.

Photo by John Coston

MILLERTON — The Town of North East Planning Board held two public hearings on Wednesday, March 12, to air plans for a new grocery market and a healthy fast-food restaurant, both in the Boulevard District.

Kim and Chris Choe, owners of the Sharon Farm Market, are developing a supermarket in an existing site in the Millerton Square Plaza which will offer meat and produce, a deli, bakery and outside dining.

Keep ReadingShow less