Regional approach taken to discuss housing issues

MILLERTON — In partnering with Hudson River Housing, Inc., the North East Community Center (NECC) in Millerton called attention to the connections between housing and the local economy by organizing a Community Conversation on Friday, April 12.

Running from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the conversation was held at American Legion Post 178. By mid-morning, the parking lot at the post was flooded with cars as local residents and officials came out for a thorough exploration of regional housing and its various components. According to NECC Executive Director Christine Sergent, there were upwards of 95 people present.

After checking in and enjoying the free continental breakfast, participants took a seat as Sergent and Hudson River Housing Executive Director Christa Hines began talking. At each table, participants were supplied with a copy of the conversation agenda and a chance to sign up for a regional leadership team to continue their collaboration for better housing opportunities. 

Following opening remarks by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and an introduction to the conversation format by Hudson River Housing Director of Strategic Initiatives Elizabeth Druback-Celaya, participants started their first roundtable at 10 a.m. In discussing housing and its impact on rural communities, the roundtable featured Millerton businessman and Dutchess County legislative candidate Dick Hermans, Wassaic resident, architect and member of the Amenia Zoning Board of Appeals Leo Blackman and Pine Plains businesswoman and town Supervisor Darrah Cloud. The next roundtable focused on attracting and retaining a local workforce and welcomed Wassaic Fire Commissioner Jeff Barnett-Winsby from The Wassaic Project, Maggie Cheney from Rock Steady Farm and Sven Linbaek from Svendale Brewing Co., as speakers to talk about retaining a local workforce in the arts, in agriculture and on Main Street in Millerton.

As one of the conversation’s first case study, RUPCO Real Estate & Community Development Vice President Guy Kempe talked about rental housing and how it can work, using the affordable Woodstock Commons as a prime example.  As the executive director of Rebuilding Together Dutchess County, Christina Boryk discussed how owner occupied rehab works in northeastern Dutchess County.

“Everyone has a personal story about how housing has an impact on our lives,” Druback-Celaya said. “We all share those needs for housing and having it be affordable for us. It’s really hard to isolate housing from what we think of as thriving local communities.”

Participants shared feedback as to how housing plays an indispensable role in the regional economy. 

Sergent identified “a better understanding of the issues” as a first and foremost goal of the event -— and for stakeholders to work together.

“When we work together, there’s not much that we can’t ultimately accomplish,” Sergent said. “Our hope is that we find opportunities for collaboration and that we continue to work with community members to see what their needs are.”

“I think more people need to be aware of other peoples’ situations and get involved in their community to help those in need,” said Tom Bauer, a board member with Rebuilding Together Dutchess County.

Following a break for lunch, participants listened to the luncheon keynote speaker, architect Dennis Wedlick, who discussed his partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Columbia County to develop affordable housing for rural workers through the Ancram Build project. Dividing into smaller breakout groups, participants discussed what they learned from the roundtables and case studies.

For participants who signed up for a regional leadership team at the Community Conversation, the first meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, at NECC.