It’s more than a start

The hands that put the magic touch upon the once-decrepit Maxon Mills grain building and transformed it into Wassaic’s shining star have returned for a second act. That’s right, developers Tony Zunino and Richard Berry, collectively known as Zuberry, are back for what is actually their fifth property purchase in the tiny little hamlet of Wassaic — The Lantern Inn. (The other three properties are the Luther Auction Barn and two private residences.)The Lantern Inn is not in the best shape at the moment. It’s in need of some cosmetic work and probably more, but once refurbished it will have the potential to really make a difference along Wassaic’s main thoroughfare. In fact, Zunino exhibited some historic photographs of the old restaurant/bar at the Feb. 24 Amenia Planning Board meeting, giving hope to the idea that renovations may mimic some of the aesthetics found in history books. That would be sublime.Certainly if one takes into account the work that was done to Maxon Mills, there’s no reason to doubt Zuberry’s intentions or future results. The partners did a bang-up job on what was previously the hamlet’s worst liability; it is now its best asset. Design, execution, integration with the existing surroundings — all was quality work.Maxon Mills is also home to the very successful Wassaic Project, which has put this modest rural community on the map in a big way. Artists and the cultural elite from around the Tri-state region, with a heavy influx from Manhattan, have been making their way up to Wassaic to witness the art exhibits for a number of years now. But the Wassaic Project is really so much more than a mere exhibition space. The Wassaic Project offers a place for artists in all genres — visual fine arts, dance, film, music, photography — and then there are year-round artists’ residencies offered through the project, too. Bowie Zunino (Tony Zunino’s daughter) and cohorts Jeff Barnett-Winsby and Eve Biddle are among those who help to execute the Wassaic Project each year with growing success. And what’s been really interesting is that they have slowly been reaching out into the surrounding community with each project and its various offshoots. To think about their success while the hamlet has been in its current, lackluster state (Maxon Mills not withstanding) gives one great hope when imagining what can be created if the hamlet is further improved.Truly, to get any investment in Wassaic is more than its residents and Amenia’s leaders could hope for in today’s economy. And to get it from those who have already proven their vision and their commitment is incalculable. So to Mr. Zunino and Mr. Berry — thank you. We wish you well and can’t wait to see the results. And we certainly hope the community will turn out to support your business, and all local businesses, so they, in turn, will be able to support the community.