POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County’s Partnership for Manageable Growth Program is going to provide more than $2.2 million to permanently protect four farms, preserving working agricultural lands for years to come, and assist a community organization in converting the deteriorated former Bennett College property into a new community park.
The 215-acre Hahn Farm in the Town of Pleasant Valley has been owned by the Hahn family since 1798. A 100-acre portion will be protected through the award. The family had previously donated an easement to protect 98 acres of farm from development.
The Heritage Acres/Fishkill Farm project property is a 105-acre parcel is across a road from the Fishkill Farm’s core operation in the Town of East Fishkill.
Obercreek Farm is located along the eastern banks of the Wappinger Creek just before the confluence with the Hudson River. The 186.5-acre farm is owned by individually and collectively by Alexander Reese and his siblings, who are the sixth generation of the Reese family to own and steward the lands. The grant partially funds the purchase of a conservation easement on 144 acres, protecting the property from development.
Primrose Hill Farm in the Town of Clinton supports two agroforestry operations – Woodland Farm Products and a Christmas tree operation.
The former Bennett College is at the gateway to the Village of Millbrook. The 32-acre property is highly visible. The Millbrook Community Partnership submitted an application to assist in the redevelopment and adaptive use as a public park.
