News Release
November 24, 2003
County Executive's Open Space Program Will Preserve Linden Farms
Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus submitted final proposals today to secure a matching grant award in the amount of $487,957 for the preservation and purchase of development rights on Linden Farms in Red Hook. Grant monies are available through the Dutchess County Partnership for Manageable Growth/Open Space & Farmland Protection Matching Grant Program. A December 8th public hearing at 4 p.m. in Legislative Chambers, followed by adoption of the measure by the Dutchess County Legislature, are all that stand between protecting this 234-acre parcel in the Red Hook Breadbasket from commercial or residential development.
"Success is all about partnerships," said Steinhaus. "This particular purchase is possible because of our historic farmland preservation initiative combined with the stewardship of Scenic Hudson."
This expenditure will bring the County's commitment of funds to a total of $1,976,673 for eight approved Open Space and Farmland Protection Program acquisitions that protect a total of 1,201.2 acres of Dutchess resources. County Executive Steinhaus initiated the county's Open Space and Farmland Protection Matching Grant Fund, the first of its kind in the Hudson Valley, in 1999.
Dutchess County Legislator Marcus Molinaro said of the grant award, "The County, in partnership with the Town of Red Hook, Scenic Hudson and the agricultural community, once again asserts its commitment to preserving the very quality and character of our community."
"No one entity can afford to purchase the best remaining farmland in the Hudson Valley," said Ned Sullivan, Executive Director of Scenic Hudson, "but in this case, County Executive Steinhaus' Open Space and Farmland Protection Program made a very important purchase possible." In participating with the County's Open Space Matching Grant Program, Scenic Hudson is required to contribute a like amount toward the purchase of this parcel.
County participation in this purchase, along with Scenic Hudson, helped strengthen local preservation efforts in Red Hook and added to the County's ongoing farmland protection work.
The County's Open Space and Farmland Protection Program acquisitions include:
| Property | Municipality | Acreage | Grant Amount | Closing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mead Orchard | Town of Red Hook | 100 acres | $77,729 | Jan. 2001 |
| Bailey Farm | Town of East Fishkill | 401.5 acres | $609,000 | July 2003 |
| Pulver Farm | Town of Pine Plains | 171.4 acres | $236,987 | Sept. 2003 |
| Linden Farms | Town of Red Hook | 234 acres | $487,957 | Pending |
| Peach Hill | Town of Poughkeepsie | 157.6 acres | $252,000 | Pending |
| Carnwath | Town of Wappinger | 95 acres | $280,000 | Pending |
| Stissing Lake | Town of Pine Plains | 41.3 acres | $10,000 | Pending |
| Forbus Butternut | City of Poughkeepsie | 0.4 acres | $23,000 | Mar. 2003 |
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