Accessory apartments program now available in Millerton

MILLERTON — During the Millerton Village Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, Jocelyn Ayer from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation presented information regarding the Accessory Apartments program.The foundation has compiled information for interested home-owners regarding turning space in their homes into apartments.“The goal is to help home-owners by providing tools to turn empty space into rentable space,” she said.Ayer presented booklets with information that was specific to Millerton residents.“You’ll find information here that specifically deals with laws and procedures for Millerton. It’s very helpful to see what can be done,” she said.The program offers many support services, including architects and contractors to help with estimates and design elements.“We really want to stress that this service is free and should really be taken advantage of. We’re here to help you along the whole process,” she said.Ayer stressed that the information not sit around collecting dust.“This information should be made available. It’s a way to boost income and home values for homeowners. It’s also a way to provide more rental options in the area,” she said.The brochures were given to the Village Board, which discussed the best way to distribute the information.Trustee Marty Markonic suggested mailing the booklets.“Maybe they can go in with the water bills?” he asked.The board members agreed that this would save on separate mailing costs.Millerton residents can look for the information in the next mailing.There will be a workshop on the issue for homeowners held on Tuesday, May 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Millerton branch of Salisbury Bank & Trust.“We will be going over the steps of the process. You can talk to homeowners who have gone through this process and a bank representative will be on hand to talk about financing,” Ayer said.The Berkshire Taconic Foundation can be reached directly at 413-229-0370 or by visiting www.berkshiretaconic.org.

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