Town Board Meeting — May 7, 2026
The Amenia Town Board met on May 7, 2026, with Supervisor Hamm presiding. Board members Ahearn, Doyle, and Dietrich were present. The meeting began with an executive session for enhancement committee interviews and personnel matters, reconvening publicly at 7:03 p.m.
Supervisor's Report Highlights
Verizon cell service: Following meetings with Assemblyman Beephan and Senator Hinchey, the supervisor has been in contact with Verizon about poor cell service across Amenia. A Facebook survey revealed more areas with little or no service than good service, with responses also coming from Dover, Millerton, and Northeast. A Zoom meeting is scheduled for May 20.
EMS services: A second meeting was held with Northwell Health, the county, and Legislator Eric Alexander to explore how Northwell might assist with emergency medical services. A county-level meeting with Northwell, Empress, and other towns is being planned.
Highway garage: Plans were reviewed page-by-page with the highway crew for the first time. Minor suggestions were made and will be incorporated by CPL.
EV charging station: The ChargePoint station at the rail trail is now operational with a $2/hour idle fee after a 20-minute grace period post-charge, to prevent vehicles from occupying the space unnecessarily. Charging itself remains free for 2 years under the grant.
CDBG sidewalk grant: The Route 44 sidewalk grant (approximately $75,000 remaining) was extended through summer 2027 after expiring April 30. Stricter compliance stipulations apply.
Town hall windows: Of 72 windows upstairs, 24 need replacement. The town is pursuing a CREST grant, though a public commenter suggested an energy performance contract as a potentially cost-free alternative.
Appointments and Resignations
Thomas King was appointed to the Enhancement Committee. The board accepted resignations from Joan Roberts (ZBA secretary), Erica Howard (deputy town clerk, deputy tax collector, deputy registrar), and the retirement of court clerk Maureen Morris after 20+ years of service.
Discussion Items
Tree City USA: The supervisor presented sample tree ordinances from Millerton and Millbrook for the board's review. Key considerations include whether to include enforcement provisions (fines for unauthorized tree removal), the advisory vs. regulatory role of a tree commission, and whether the town can recruit enough volunteers to staff it. Discussion will continue at the next meeting.
Zoning code enforcement: Z3 Consultants flagged that the town's codes on fences, abandoned vehicles, and junk are too ambiguous for effective enforcement. The board agreed to work with the town prosecutor to tighten specific code sections, while being mindful not to undertake wholesale zoning changes that might conflict with the comprehensive plan currently being developed.
Housing board authority: The town attorney confirmed the housing board is responsible for administering all seven provisions listed in code section 121-42K (workforce housing). If oversight exceeds volunteer capacity, the town board can authorize hiring a management consultant. Board members were encouraged to read the specific provisions, which are more limited than managing an entire housing complex.
ADU tax exemptions: The board reached consensus to move forward with two local laws: an 8-year tax exemption (100% of increased assessed value) for creating an accessory dwelling unit, and a separate exemption for ADUs occupied by a parent or grandparent. The Housing Board will use FCH grant funds to cover attorney fees for drafting the laws.
Northern Dutchess Raiders: The youth football organization's request to use Beekman Park was introduced. Concerns include scheduling conflicts with fall soccer, the high cost of field lighting, and lack of storage. The Raiders' president will be invited to a future meeting alongside recreation commission representatives.
Split-rail fencing: Fencing along the Borden Park/rail trail pedestrian path is deteriorating, with posts set too wide and needing frequent replacement. The board will seek quotes from professional fencing companies (Adams Fencing mentioned) for a full replacement, while considering more durable long-term alternatives.
Fountain Square: Two design proposals have been received. The supervisor urged the board to make a selection and begin the project.
Resolutions Passed
- Resolution 41: Appointment of secretary to the Planning Board and ZBA
- Resolution 42: Closure of Mechanic Street for the Amenia Fire Company's July 4th celebration
Public Comment
Ken Topolsky (Cascade Mountain Road resident) urged the board to avoid changing zoning codes piecemeal while the comprehensive plan is being rewritten, warned that the Cascade Creek project has used "workforce housing" and "affordable housing" interchangeably despite their distinct legal definitions, and flagged the onerous administrative obligations the housing board law places on volunteers.
Kenny Merritt (Cascade Road) suggested the town consider a moratorium on development until zoning codes are updated, citing Pine Plains' successful approach with the Carvel Country Club proposal. He expressed concern about the housing board potentially being positioned as an HOA for private developments.
Bill Flood, chairman of the comprehensive plan review committee, raised concerns about hiring the planning board attorney to oversee the comp plan process, citing potential conflicts of interest given committee members with active applications before the planning board. He recommended an independent land-use attorney. The board agreed the full committee should meet soon to review the Pace contract scope and align on the process.
George Bilstrein announced the Amenia Historical Society received a $15,000 Dutchess County Rev 250 grant for the original play "Amenia Spy Catcher," about Ephraim Paine. Auditions are scheduled for May 27 and May 30.
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Watch the full meeting recording on YouTube
This summary was generated from the YouTube recording of the meeting. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.