Enhancement Committee

Chairman P. Riva opened the meeting at 7:00.

Next meeting is August 4 at 7 PM.

Façade Plan – Erin Rollins reviewed her (3) boards with overlays, continuing

the Victorian theme.  She will provide a color palette for consistency.

Cumberland Gas Station - She showed an example of an attractive gas station,

then incorporated some of those ideas in the roof line, painted sign should

be lit from outside, not back lit, trim would be similar to Cumberland Farm

colors.

Library is in great shape, but shrubs block building, could add a few

planters at entrance.

Repair Garage – Classic 1940’s building remaining virtually unchanged,

except it was in better shape and was the only gas station.  Ms. Rollins

added a red awning across the windows.  Lots of signage, some required, but

building owner might be willing to clean up unnecessary signs, add sidewalk

plantings to hide cars which must remain in front.

Vinyl-clad (need better description) – this building was residential and is

now commercial.  Would like to realign windows, add portico(?) over door,

return back to residence, if possible.

Four Brothers Pizza - If owners ever want to expand, add a hotel, it would

be nice to have this rebuilt as it was:  as a nice hotel.

Law Office – Ms. Rollins added eyebrow windows.  It is good to keep retail

at street level with apartments overhead, as is the case here.  Tried to

keep the colors dark at intersection area because the roadway dirt will be

hard to keep clean.  (Recently, was residential, may be vacant now.  If an

awning was added, drapes could be removed.  The color palette will

coordinate with colors on the other side of the street.

Amenia Variety Store – at one time this building had a picture window.  The

clapboard siding was removed at some point.  Ms. Rollins recommended making

the exterior flush again, adding divided-light windows and reducing signage.

  The brick siding could be replaced with red brick, or painted red.

Sonoco Gas Station – Ms. Rollins recommended corrogated metal be removed. 

Ideally, the building should be moved to front, gas pumps behind.   Mimi will

phone the owner of building and see if he wants to avail himself of Ms.

Rollins’ ideas, such as paint colors.

MOTION MADE TO SEND A LETTER TO MS. ROLLINS THANKING HER FOR HER EXCELLENT

WORK WHICH FAR EXCEEDED WHAT SHE WAS PAID FOR, made by Lisa Coon, seconded

J. Devine.

A VOTE WAS TAKEN AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Streetscape – A surveyor is needed immediately to ascertain the Town’s

right-of-way on Mechanic Street so the contract with the State Office of

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation can move forward. – is this

going to happen on time.  Kevin Cunningham, Kurt Horton will be asked for

quotes, availability (Vicki & Katharine will work on this).   Lyndon Chase,

Peter will get 2 more estimates.  Mark Morrison needs to complete his

estimates by T. Bd.  Town needs to sign off on survey work that is needed. 

Need to get this estimates before next town board meeting in Aug.

Speed limit resolution, cover letter needs to be given to Riva, put into

files.  Signs out in cross walk would be helpful.

Acquisition - Craig Vogel (NYS DEC?) info. is available, 2 potential pond

sites (2-acre pond near Broadway) at Amenia ballfield.  H. Eschbach will

have report for August mtg.

Townscape – Planting has made a big difference to Town.  Should come up with

a budget for next year.  Would like to buy barrels when on sale to be ready.

  Peter:  Can store in his barn if needed. – pots might be more permanent –

need to coordinate with A. Durbridge, Morrison.  Prison crews might make

something suitable.  Five seriously need replacement.

Garden Tour – fewer people, but charged more.   Lots of people from Amenia

rather than out of town.  Someone video-taped all of the gardens, need to

make sure it is aired on our cable channel.  Wayne’s report is ofr last

year’s activities, $6,418.81 is current balance.  The only expense for

beautification Town budget line was to purchase plants for pots.  Diana King

will organize next year’s Garden Tour.  Expenses:  Vicki will get

advertising receipt to Dolores.  Difficult to get volunteers to sit all day

at each of 6 gardens.  Kids might be capable of volunteering.  Lyons Club

might help.  Could tape record each gardeners explanation and print a

history, info.

Streetscape - Signs – Andy should have a streetscape meeting within 2 weeks,

so recommendations reviewed at monthly meeting.  Come in Aug. with what

discussed, particularly options for plants under the signs. Subcommittee

should meet

MOTION MADE TO REPAIR SIGNS AND IDENTIFY WHERE NEW SIGNS WOULD BE PUT, MADE

BY MARYANNE WILKENS, SECONDED BY MIMI BABCOCK.

VOTE TAKEN AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

MINUTES – MOTION MADE TO ACCEPT MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2004, J. DEVINE, SECONDED

BY L. COONS.

VOTE TAKEN AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Communications & Economic Development - Ameniany.com and .org will be split

from ameniany.gov.  Try to avoid three domains, three fees.  $27/mo.  Now, 1

time fee of $50, 1 homepage, easier for programmers.  Anyone looking at

website can print it on their printer.  Committee members should take 10

minutes to critique and bring to August mtg.  Lana is reviewing for

inclusiveness.  Katharine will help with .com links to local restaurants,

businesses, could include Lime Rock, Tamarack Preserve, etc.  Ameniany.gov

will be official stuff only.  Will use bank info, chamber of commerce,

Katherine will help promote.  All schools should go in .org, many private

schools.  This is Town Board decision how far afield we can go from Amenia. 

Town Board needs to make a rule that reports be made regularly from

committees.  Peter has spent about $1200 so far on website expenses, in

addition to all of his time.  Peter:  Charitable organizations must keep

track of its donations.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by,

Vicki Doyle