Friends of Hiddenbrooke

Box 525

Beacon, NY 12508 - 0525

Shannon Murphy: 347-489-8406
Sue Infante   845 831 3494

March 12, 2006

For Immediate Release

Group endorses Beacon open space bond referendum

Introduces Hiddenbrooke Web site

Friends of Hiddenbrooke, a voluntary citizens group supporting land preservation in Beacon and vicinity, has endorsed the Beacon City Council's decision to place the permissive referendum on an open space bond issue on the ballot of the November general election.

The council chose the general election over a spring date, citing likelihood of better turnout and no extra cost for a special vote.

The Friends group, which collected several hundred signatures last fall on petitions urging acquisition of Hiddenbrooke and creation of an open space fund, believes acquisition from a developer of the 103.3-acre parcel will preserve the woods, streams and meadows of a particularly beautiful place for general public enjoyment of passive recreation and will avert potentially serious impact issues, especially with regard to drainage.

“Wonderful things can happen here,” said Shannon Murphy, granddaughter of the late David Burke, who was caretaker of the Hiddenbrooke property for 50 years. “The referendum is a unique opportunity for everyone in Beacon to take part in the shaping of our city's future. What do we want our city to look like? What do we want to have happen here? What kinds of places do we want to exist for our own use and enjoyment, and the enjoyment of our children? The referendum is an opportunity to endorse the actions of our elected officials in seeking to protect Hiddenbrooke and utilize it for the good of all.”

"It is important to vote yes in the referendum because it’s an investment in your city and its future," said Sue Infante, a spokesperson for the group.

Further information can be found at the group’s Web site, www.hiddenbrookebeacon.org

Number 020605

February 6, 2005

Steve Rosenberg, Executive Director

Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc.

RE: Letter of Support Regarding Hiddenbrooke Property

Dear Mr. Steinhaus:

I am writing to extend Scenic Hudson’s vigorous support for the City of Beacon’s application to Dutchess County for Open Space Funding for the protection of the Hiddenbrooke property at the base of Fishkill Ridge in the Hudson Highlands. The City’s intention to protect this I 00+-acre property will preserve the natural and scenic beauty of this mountainside property and will add to the City’s parkland.

The property is characterized by young, but well establish, hardwood forests, open fields, one perennial and many intermittent streams, areas of steep slopes, and wetlands. Formerly the property of the Ursuline Order of the Catholic Church, it has been sold to a developer. Development of the property has the potential to cause erosion and drainage problems, already experienced as the result of development on nearby slopes. Protection of the land offers open space and protection of habitat in a City experiencing intense development pressure.

As you know, Scenic Hudson has made a strong investment in Beacon, spending over $7.5 million toward acquisition and development of parks in Beacon. In addition, we have protected over 2,400 acres of land on Fishkill Ridge. New York State has invested over $4 million on the waterfront, at Mt. Beacon, in Madam Brett Park and in other Beacon open-space and trail projects. Now the City has stepped up to the plate.

Scenic Hudson strongly endorses the City’s effort to play an active role in the protection of open space within its borders. Its move to bond $1 million is a milestone in the proactive planning efforts currently underway in Beacon. The County’s participation in this conservation project will go a long way towards the success of the effort and will encourage the City to continue to plan its future in a balanced way.

Beacon’s revitalization demonstrates the strength of Dutchess County’s tourist and cultural economy. Adding beautiful natural places for visitors and residents will enhance the City’s remarkable renaissance. We heartily endorse Beacon’s application.