Episode 48 - Building Hope: Dan Roth, Dutch Hollow, and the Spirit of the Season

Episode 48 – Building Hope: Dan Roth, Dutch Hollow, and the Spirit of the Season

 

Recorded: November 18, 2025

Guest: Dan Roth, Principal of Dan Van LLC

 

 

 

Episode Overview

 

In this holiday-season edition of Montgomery County Now, Sheriff Jeff Smith brings listeners essential winter safety reminders, community updates, and an inspiring conversation with Air Force veteran and local developer Dan Roth. From housing challenges to economic revitalization, Dan shares the story behind Dutch Hollow Apartments and his new development, Maple Hollow. The episode closes with a roundup of November and December’s biggest community events.

 

 

 

County Updates & Highlights

 

 

Winter Weather Safety

 

• Upstate NY weather shifts quickly; expect sudden snow, wind, and freezing rain.
• Slow down, plan ahead, and travel with caution.

 

 

Years of Service Awards

 

• Staff recognized for 1–30 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office.
• A community reminder to thank officers and county workers for their dedication.

 

 

Hunting Season Reminders

 

• Firearm safety and legal regulations emphasized.
• Tips include weather prep, trigger discipline, knowing your target and beyond, and honoring trespass and distance laws.

 

 

No Shame November

 

• Annual facial-hair fundraiser benefiting local causes.
• Donations already made to Santa’s Sled and Hunter’s Elves at Albany Med.

 

 

Scam Prevention

 

• Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact.
• Delete suspicious texts, emails, and calls.
• When in doubt, call the Sheriff’s Office.

 

 

Honoring Veterans

 

• Multiple ceremonies attended throughout the county.
• “Every day is Veterans Day” at the Sheriff’s Office.

 

 

Accreditation Progress

 

• 911 Dispatch Division newly accredited.
• EMS, Civil, and Patrol Divisions already accredited.
• Jail accreditation currently underway.

 

 

Major Projects at the Sheriff’s Office

 

• EMS house and garage under construction (USDA/BABA compliant).
• Cold-storage building installation.
• Verizon cell tower being built on-site, adding county revenue.
• Visitors warned of heavy truck and contractor traffic on campus.

 

 

 

Featured Guest: Dan Roth (Dan Van LLC)

 

 

About Dan

 

• Air Force veteran (2001–2019).
• Owner and principal of Dan Van LLC.
• Developer of the new Dutch Hollow active‑adult apartments in the Town of Amsterdam.

 

 

The Dutch Hollow Project

 

• 40-unit, 55+ active adult community located near Aldi/Burger King.
• Units include:
•  
• Private garage
• Private entrance
• Patio or deck
• Two bedrooms, one bath
• Full appliances
• Internet and cable
• $1,650/month (market rate)
• Built to be:
•  
• Energy efficient (triple-pane windows, spray foam insulation, ERV systems)
• Locally sourced — 90% of materials and labor from Fulton & Montgomery Counties
• Affordable for seniors while helping younger families purchase existing homes
• A catalyst for school district stabilization, as families move into newly available housing

 

 

Community Impact

 

• Residents forming new friendships and social groups.
• Older adults downsizing → younger families accessing homes → increased school enrollment.
• Dutch Hollow becoming a model for sustainable, local-first development.

 

 

Maple Hollow Project (Announced)

 

• New development underway off Maple Avenue.
• Will not be age-restricted.
• Mirrors Dutch Hollow’s design philosophy:
•  
• Private garages
• Private entryways
• Green space
• Energy-efficient technologies
• Infrastructure and environmental surveys currently in progress.

 

 

Building With Purpose

 

• Dan credits the military with instilling discipline, planning, and determination.
• Emphasis on:
•  
• Supporting local trades
• Creating dignified, affordable, energy-efficient housing
• Leaving Montgomery County better than he found it

 

 

 

Community Events (Holiday Season 2025)

 

 

November 28 – Amsterdam Tree Lighting

 

• South Side, City of Amsterdam
• 4 PM at the Gateway Bridge entrance

 

 

November 29 – Salvation Army Toy Drive

 

• Starts at FMCC, ends at Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
• Unwrapped toys accepted in the Sheriff’s Office lobby

 

 

December 5 – Light Up the Night (Village of Fonda)

 

• 6–8 PM at Annex Building & Village Park
• Holiday displays, decorated vehicles, and community activities

 

 

December 6 – Canajoharie Elves Day Out

 

• Beginning at 11 AM
• Holiday events throughout the Village of Canajoharie

 

 

December 6 – Tractor Light Parade & Farm-to-Table Tour

 

• Fonda Fairgrounds
• 2–5:30 PM
• Tractor parade, local vendors, and family activities

 

 

December 13 – Fort Plain Lights Parade

 

• 6 PM in the Village of Fort Plain
• Festive lights and Santa’s park arrival

 

 

Sheriff’s Office: Shop With a Cop

 

• 20 youth across the county receive $125 each
• Gift shopping at Walmart, Town of Amsterdam
• A beloved annual tradition supporting local families

 

 

 

Closing Message

 

Sheriff Smith reminds listeners to:

 

• Leave early
• Drive slowly
• Show empathy
• Be respectful
• Take care of one another during the holiday season

 

For emergencies: 911

For non-emergencies: 518-853-5500

 

The Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. The next episode will return in early 2026.