Residents praise open space plan

By: Jeremy Schwartz Voice Ledger March 24, 2005

The time to act is now.
That was the general sentiment at Monday's public hearing on the town's proposed open space plan.
The long-term goal of the plan is to protect approximately 2,500 acres of open space, including water resources, farmlands, scenic hillsides, forested ridges and walking trails.
The plan was more than a year in the making. It was crafted, with substantial public participation, by an Open Space Committee, appointed by the town board, working with town planning consultants, Behan Planning Associates LLC.
Committee chairman and Councilman Werner Stiegler noted the plan's genesis dated to the process of producing the town's comprehensive plan in 1998 and 1999.
"One of the goals was for the town to draw up a plan on how to preserve open space before it gets developed," said Stiegler.
County Legislator Gerald Hutchings (R-Beekman), chairman of the comprehensive plan committee, said the open space plan was compiled with participation of a broad cross-section of the town.
"This plan is a consensus of all the information we have gotten back," he said.
The response to the plan at the hearing was overwhelmingly positive.
The only resident to speak in opposition was Robert (Butch) Allen, who said he had lived in the town for more than 60 years and was wary about spending tax dollars to pay for open space preservation.
"They want to take our taxes and buy open land. We should let the government handle it. We can't afford any more taxes. Just keep saying 'yes' and see what will happen: You can't afford to live here anymore," said Allen.
Former Dutchess County Farmland Protection Board Chairman Thomas (Doc) Sanford said farmers were willing to listen to offers to sell their development rights.
"Many farmers have taken money for development rights over a period of five years. Most of the land is valued the same after they sell development rights," said Sanford.
Stiegler said although the town might need to make a financial contribution to protect open space, the long-term savings outweighed short-term costs.
"Developed lands require more in services than they take in on taxes," he said.
Resident Leonard Jerram said he moved to the town from Westchester County a decade ago to escape high prices and overcrowding.
"We've got to draw a line in the sand. Most people would spend extra money to make sure we don't become another Westchester. Without open space, we might as well put lower Manhattan here," said Jerram.
Councilman Dan French, a supporter of the plan, said an open space protection fund should be established for the purpose of meeting matching grant requirements and purchasing development rights.
"Without funding in place I fear the plan will just be words on paper. We can become a model for Dutchess County, but we must put our money where our mouth is," said French.
Resident Chris Carlucci said he would be willing to absorb an increase in taxes to pay for open space protection.
"I applaud Werner and the board. It's a small price to pay in order to protect what's a beautiful area, said Carlucci.
Former councilman and Barton Orchards owner Peter Barton said the time to act is now.
"If we don't step up, we won't get the dollars that other towns will," he said.
Marsha McDonald, a 10-year resident, said encroaching development threatens the character of the town.
"I love this area, but the new homes are permanently changing the landscape of our beautiful countryside," she said.
Stiegler said time is of the essence. Developers are targeting the property of landowners feeling the pinch of higher taxes.
"We still have time to do something. I would rather we get one or two farms than the developers. This plan will give us the tools to do that," he said.
The open space plan is available at town hall and at the town's Web site, www.townofbeekman.com.

©The Voice Ledger 2005

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