NECC bus offers lifeline

NECC to the rescue! Once again, the North East Community Center has stepped up to the plate in the name of Millerton and its residents. This time, it’s to help fill the void left in the wake of Millerton Fresh Market’s hasty departure.

Since leaving the Millerton Square plaza, located in the Boulevard District along Route 44, on June 17, when shoppers found the word “Closed” scrawled on a makeshift sign that was taped to a glass window, the fresh market has ceased to exist. And that’s meant more to the village than the mere loss of a business. It’s meant that residents who live here have no place to do their local grocery shopping.

The history of supermarkets at Millerton Square has been rocky. First, there was Trotta’s. Then there was Grand Union — which was broadly criticized for being dirty, expensive and low on stock. Then there was the Millerton Fresh Market. The owners, the Cho family, also own Sharon Farm Market in nearby Connecticut. Many thought that would be their business model. But the Millerton store was a different animal, if for no other reason than for the enormity of the space. Sharon Farm Market is small, with independent vendors selling their goods alongside the Chos. There’s a fabulous fish market, sushi, great produce, meats, a deli and a bakery section, an Asian food section, a general grocery, not to mention lovely fresh flowers. And in Sharon, it works. 

But in Millerton, in a 27,000 square foot space (the Sharon store is 13,000 square feet), the Chos faced an uphill battle. They tried. They offered groceries, produce, fish, meats and deli, with prepared foods and also sushi. They were planning for a cafe. But it seems like they overextended themselves, because the grocery suffered. The shelves were bare, the aisles empty, and the prices, well, they were steep. But villagers — especially those who don’t drive — had nowhere else to go. Yes, CVS and Cumberland Farms both sell some grocery items, now more than ever before. But they’re not supermarkets, and shoppers can’t buy the same products there as they can at grocery stores. 

So, for the past month-plus, people in Millerton have been in a jam, with no local shopping options. Yes, there’s Freshtown in Amenia, Peck’s in Pine Plains, LaBonne’s in Salisbury, Conn., and Sharon Farm Market in Sharon. There’s a Stop & Shop in Poughkeepsie, as well as in Canaan, Conn. There’s a Shop Rite in LaGrange and an ACME in Pleasant Valley. There’s even a Walmart in Hudson. Options for those who drive — but again, those who don’t are left foraging for themselves.

So, in steps NECC. The last time this happened, after Grand Union closed, NECC helped coordinate rides to Freshtown and LaBonne’s. It was hugely helpful. Now, again, it’s providing transportation through its Northeast Dutchess Transit, offering biweekly shopping trips to Freshtown, and ultimately, perhaps, other nearby stores. Shoppers can get on the bus at NECC, at 51 South Center St., Millerton, or they can call 518-592-1399, ext. 5, to try to arrange a pick up. That’s also the number to call for a reservation, which is required. After all, there is limited seating on the bus, and lots of people who need to shop. The round trips will cost $5 — a bargain for sure. 

This is just another example of the role NECC plays in our community. Its services and programs are hugely beneficial and provide real solutions in times of crisis. Let’s remember how helpful the community center is all year long — not just when it offers a lifeline. NECC is holding its annual Chef and Farmer Brunch benefit this weekend, on Sunday, July 28, at Millbrook School. We realize not everyone can attend, but we hope it’s a success. We also hope our local towns and villages continue to provide what financial support they can to NECC’s operations and maintenance. The community center makes an annual appeal —  now we can see in real time where some of that money goes and what it can accomplish.

Look for more on NECC’s plans to provide transportation to area supermarkets in upcoming editions of The Millerton News.