Amenia a few steps closer to a new Town Hall

AMENIA — The Town Board took a big step toward a new Town Hall last week, completing work on the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and putting out a notice of the board’s intent to assume lead agency status in the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process.

The town is looking to move into the Amenia Elementary School building on Route 22. Last year school district voters approved transferring the building to the town for $1. The building has been vacant for the 2009-10 school year.

Town Supervisor Wayne Euvrard thanked Planning Board member Nina Peek for all her hard work in compiling the lengthy document. Euvrard and clerk Dawn Marie Klingner also  assisted with its completion.

Webutuck will need to sign off on the Town Board’s intent to assume lead agency within 30 days. As lead agent, the board could then make a determination of significance. It is expected that a negative declaration (part of the SEQRA review) will be made in regards to any environmental impacts the project might have.

More good news on the prospects of a new Town Hall came from Mike Hagerty, the town’s grantwriter. He confirmed at the April 15 board meeting that NYSERDA (the state’s Energy Research and Development Authority) is interested in providing funds for $77,944 of energy efficiency improvements for the building.

The Town Board authorized an energy audit of the building last year. NYSERDA presented the board with a list of possible energy improvements. The board then partnered with the Webutuck Central School District (because the town doesn’t yet own the building) to apply for stimulus package funding.

The improvements to the building include installation of more efficient light bulbs, a new heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, programmable thermostat controls, new storm windows and the elimination of unnecessary windows, extensive attic and wall insulation, a seven-day timer on the water heater and new LED exit lighting.

Hagerty said the improvements would pay for themselves through energy cost savings in just two years’ time. The town is presently working with NYSERDA to enter into a contract for the funds, he added.