Dutchess County Contributes $550,000 Toward Open Space Preservation at Beacon’s Hiddenbrooke

Dutchess County Contributes $550,000 Toward Open Space Preservation at Beacon’s Hiddenbrooke

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro and City of Beacon Mayor Randy Casale completed the final step to permanently preserve the 103.3 acre Hiddenbrooke property in the City of Beacon as open space during the closing on the conservation easement earlier today. The County contributed $550,000 through the Dutchess County Partnership for Manageable Growth Open Space and Farmland Protection Matching Grant Program to preserve the land following approval from the Dutchess County Legislature earlier this year.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County residents can be proud to know Hiddenbrooke will remain open and free of development, thanks, in part, to our grant. Parks like Hiddenbrooke are important to both the health and well-being of County residents, affording them ample room to exercise, enjoy nature and soak in all that makes our County distinctly Dutchess. This grant will ensure future generations of County residents will enjoy Hiddenbrooke and all it has to offer.”

Hiddenbrooke - MJM and mayor

Photo: City of Beacon Mayor Randy Casale (right) joins County Executive Marc Molinaro for today’s closing on the Hiddenbrooke Property in Beacon, which will permanently remain open space thanks in part to a $550,000 grant from the Dutchess County Partnership for Manageable Growth Open Space and Farmland Protection Matching Grant Program.

The Hiddenbrooke property is located at the southern edge of the city, at the foot of Mount Beacon and the gateway to the Hudson Highlands and Highlands Greenway Corridor. The land is now one of the City of Beacon’s public parks and is open to the public to enjoy for passive recreation.

The City of Beacon contributed $1.1 million toward the land purchase. Other funding included $350,000 from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and $250,000 from the Archdiocese of New York.

“As a city, we appreciate the cooperation of County Executive Molinaro and the County Legislature for their help in securing this land, which will remain open for residents of Beacon and the county to enjoy,” City of Beacon Mayor Randy Casale said.

The Dutchess County Partnership for Manageable Growth Open Space and Farmland Protection Matching Grant Program was established to protect important agricultural and open space resources throughout the County. Since its inception, the program has helped protect more than 3,430 acres of farmland and open space in Dutchess County. The Hiddenbrooke property closing was the last of seven projects authorized through a 2008 bond resolution totaling $1.6 million.

“The preservation of Hiddenbrooke makes Beacon an even more attractive destination for more visitors from around the County and beyond,” said County Legislator April Marie Farley. “I’m happy these County funds will contribute to residents’ quality of life through their enjoyment of Hiddenbrooke, and the increased tourism to Beacon will benefit the local community, as well.”

As part of his 2015 Executive Budget, County Executive Molinaro recapitalized the Dutchess County Partnership for Manageable Growth Open Space and Farmland Protection Matching Grant Program with $1 million capital commitment to focus on infrastructure and agriculture development. These funds will allow Dutchess County to assist municipalities to develop necessary infrastructure in their commercial corridors or to connect sites to municipal systems critical to business development.

Municipalities can submit applications to the grant program, which are reviewed upon receipt, pending confirmation of sufficient primary funding which establishes the basis for the partnership and which is required to make the projects viable. Applications submitted to the Dutchess County Planning Board are reviewed in accordance with the program guidelines and criteria. Public/private collaborations are strongly encouraged for the grant program. Funding award contracts with Dutchess County are based on the specifics of each proposal and the requirements of the primary funding source. Funding is awarded following approval by the County Legislature and execution of the contract.

Author: Harlem Valley News