Group focuses on affordable housing at Pine Plains gathering

PINE PLAINS — Moving on to the next town in the Tri-Town region, the Northeastern Dutchess Tri-Town Coalition (formerly known as the Regional Housing Leadership Team) met in Pine Plains on Wednesday, June 5, to review its initial priorities for securing an equitable and sustainable future for the region and the steps to making that future possible.

The meeting started with coalition members taking a tour through the center of town to get an idea of the community and what Pine Plains has to offer. After dedicating the first hour to reviewing the town’s assets, the group returned to the Pine Plains Community Room above the library with a greater understanding of the town’s potential opportunities for growth.

Hudson River Housing Director of Strategic Initiatives Elizabeth Druback-Celaya thanked the town of Pine Plains for hosting the coalition.

“This is an important part in continuing to learn about the communities we live in and learn about the needs and opportunities in every town,” she said.

Having completed a community asset mapping exercise at the previous meeting held in Millerton this past April, the coalition generated a list of local assets. Reviewing that list, the coalition considered existing assets that could be leveraged for support in its own projects.

One by one, coalition members read aloud the directional statement, which seeks to “advocate for and undertake direct action to secure an equitable and sustainable future for the Tri-Town region that ensures a continuum of accessible housing options exists for all current and future residents.” 

Included in its initial priorities, the coalition aspires to increase the supply of affordable rental housing; address town infrastructure needs that impact future housing and economic development initiatives; and develop and share a strong vision that engages community stakeholders.

Druback-Celaya talked about the community asset mapping work that had been done as well as grant opportunities shared by Hudson River Housing. Hudson River Housing Executive Director Christa Hines gave an overview of the housing projects and opportunities for affordable housing development.

“It’s really exciting — we’re looking to create as many affordable rental opportunities as we can,” she said.

Hines reported that the state recently announced an opportunity for mobile park revitalization to improve mobile homes that have fallen into disrepair. She added that Hudson River Housing received a grant to work with mobile park owners and mobile homeowners on these issues. 

Druback-Celaya said Hudson River Housing applied in partnership with the group Engaging People In Change (EPIC) at Grace Church in Millbrook for funding to incorporate more people power into their efforts. She added the nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners has funding available, which would allow Hudson River Housing to bring on a full-time fellow to work with the coalition, organize meetings and meet with individuals in the communities.

Following her updates, Druback-Celaya opened the floor to comments from the coalition.

As an alternate member of the Amenia Zoning Board of Appeals, Leo Blackman said he’s asked people on the Wastewater Committee in Amenia about the history of the town’s sewer system. He said the coalition would gain a certain authority in the town to make things happen. Additionally, since the supervisors in all three towns: Pine Plains, Amenia and North East/Millerton, are currently talking about wastewater management, he suggested it might be good if all three supervisors got together for a discussion.

As a suggestion for the coalition’s funding options, North East Community Center founder Sam Busselle said he thought the coalition had a genuine opportunity to attract people to the region, given the area’s rural character and other unique attributes. 

“We should be anticipating investments from people who see that value,” he said.

Speaking as the executive director of Rebuilding Together Dutchess County, Christina Boryk brought up her organization’s partnership with the town of Pine Plains, to bring free home repairs to homeowners who meet the criteria.

The next Northeastern Dutchess Tri-Town Coalition meeting will be held at Amenia Town Hall on Monday, July 8, at 5:30 p.m.