The recently announced Awosting Reserve proposal calls for more than 300 exclusive homes and a 296-acre golf course to be constructed in close proximity to nationally recognized historic and natural landmarks.
Scenic Hudson - along with U.S. Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey, Mohonk Preserve and the Gardiner Association for Responsible Development - is concerned about impacts that would arise from this sprawling subdivision project. Fragmenting of wildlife habitat, degradation of scenic resources and imperilment of water supplies are among a list of potential negatives.
Scenic Hudson is a long-standing advocate of smart growth principles and promotes a conservation- and community-based model of planning. This approach begins by identifying resources within the project area and its surroundings. Once these areas have been identified, a plan is created that respects and protects resources while permitting appropriate scale and density of development in portions of a site. It is vital that the plan acknowledges and responsibly connects to existing land use in the surrounding area.
Scenic Hudson sees a troubling trend of large-scale development being proposed for environmentally sensitive areas such as the fragile Awosting Reserve ecosystem. We believe that sound, sustainable development can occur in appropriate places and that our communities can protect critical resources while reaping economic benefit. However, this project in the Shawangunks does not meet that objective.
How to Get Involved
Save the Ridge, a grass-roots citizens organization, is leading efforts to oppose the development. Save the Ridge hosts an informative Web site that details events related to this project, including site plans for review. Scenic Hudson supports this group's efforts and encourages interested parties to visit the site.
Scenic Hudson is monitoring this project along with other mega-scale proposals in the Catskills and throughout the Hudson Valley. We are actively reviewing riverfront development proposals in City of Kingston, Village of Sleepy Hollow, Village of Ossining, Village of Haverstraw and City of Peekskill. Scenic Hudson also is a founding member of the Hudson Valley Preservation Coalition, which is opposing the massive coal-fired cement plant St. Lawrence Cement would like to build in Columbia County.
For more information please contact riverfront@scenichudson.org.
Awosting Reserve Project Specifics
The proposal, as presented, would create a sprawling suburban development in an area referred to in the New York State Open Space Plan as a top priority for protection because the Shawangunk Ridge is "a major resource" in the Hudson Valley. Specifically, the plan is calling for:
- 269 "retreat" homes with a maximum size of 4,500 square feet on lots from 2 - 2.5 acres
- 52 "cottage" homes with a maximum of 3,000 square feet on lots averaging 1 acre
- 28 "cabin" homes with a maximum of 2,000 square feet on lots averaging 0.5 acre
- Championship 296-acre golf course
- Wastewater treatment facility
- Several additional "community" buildings
In an area that draws 500,000 visitors who spend an estimated $10 million annually, the resources at risk include:
- The unique diversity of a habitat with 25 known rare plant and animal species
- Water quality and quantity for the surrounding valley areas
- The greenway corridor enjoyed for its scenic quality and recreational enjoyment
|
|
 |
|
