Our Environment, Animal Tips & the Great Outdoors

Townscape, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that focuses on community beautification and revitalization in Millerton, NY, is celebrating its 25th year! Townscape was originally founded by Catherine Fenn – along with Renee Vollen and Jan Gilmor – as a volunteer committee in 1998, and was adopted by the Village of Millerton as a nonprofit entity in 2006. Its goal was, and still is, to enhance existing recreational and public spaces; to work as a catalyst amongst Millerton’s community organizations; and to promote projects that benefit the entire community. 

Putting Millerton on the map

One of Townscape’s most impressive initiatives was the restoration in 2006 of the Benedict Hall Clock Tower at the Moviehouse on Main Street. Board member Carol Sadlon headed up the project and a huge re-dedication celebration was held in the village, at which Townscape and Carol and Robert Sadlon were officially recognized by the Dutchess County Planning Department. Townscape also conducted a historical survey of all of the buildings in the village, and acquired Main Street’s official listing on State and Federal National Historic Registers. 

In 2007, the Village of Millerton approved Townscape to be a liaison with the Dutchess County Planning Department to develop a Village Center Revitalization Plan. This plan outlined a vision for Millerton’s future as a vibrant, healthy and walkable community. It addressed the streetscape, which included parking, pedestrian crossings, parks, benches, lighting, signage, and other amenities. Townscape also designed and installed four “Welcome to Millerton” signs, and purchased and installed park benches with dedication plaques throughout the village. 

“Townscape has been very important to Millerton over the years,” says Catherine, who still serves on the board for the organization. “It’s not just about planting flowers. We do so much more, including serving as a collaborative umbrella for other community initiatives and improvements.”

Annual beautification projects

Each year, Townscape oversees the installation of the holiday lights on Main Street and on the large fir tree at the intersection of Route 22 and Route 44. They also organize the spring planting and maintenance of annual flowers at the memorial in Veterans Park and on the bridge coming into town. Townscape identifies locations around the village to plant trees, selects appropriate varieties, and purchases and maintains them. Most recently, they sponsored the planting of shade trees and boxwood shrubs in Eddie Collins Memorial Park and the flowering pear trees along Main Street. 

They also fund Accessible Millerton – an initiative that provides a QR code, map and entryway bells to Main Street businesses, allowing access and assistance to patrons with mobility challenges. 

“Townscape sets the table and then we encourage others to bring something of their own to the table. That’s how I see it,” Catherine says. “As we look to the future, we are enthusiastic about the support Townscape has received and we hope to continue our work to make a real difference, and have some fun along the way!” 

Keep an eye out for Townscape at the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat and the Haunted Irondale Schoolhouse at Railroad Plaza. If you would like to make a donation to continue the work, or want to find out more, please visit their website www.townscapemillerton.org . Checks can be sent to: Townscape, PO Box 835, Millerton, NY 12546.