August 28, 2025
Here’s what’s happening…
The Saugerties Town Board, in its capacity as "lead agency" for the Winston Farm SEQRA process, has been reviewing the public comments submitted by Beautiful Saugerties and other agencies and individuals since the end of July (when public comment period ended).
The owners of Winston Farm reduced the amount of open space from 73.5% in the first DGEIS to 50% in the revised version. We have heard that some, if not all, of the board members are now leaning towards a "compromise" figure of 60% (still undefined, but not including recreational space), instead of the 73.5% repeatedly supported by public comment and well-documented by historical precedent and expert opinion.
We need to contact the members of the town board right away to let them know that the figure of 73.5% open space (defined as contiguous undevelopable space that includes the woodlands and wetlands in their entirety and a substantial part of the grasslands) is not a negotiating figure. It is a good faith number that should not be made into a bargaining chip. It is a minimum number that is already lower than biodiversity experts have proposed.
Furthermore, it leaves more than enough of the property available for the owners to make a reasonable profit. Not perhaps the killing they have been planning on (nor is it the responsibility of the town board to ensure that they make any profit at all). Nevertheless, the remaining acreage is ample for solid profits to be realized.
Here’s what you can do…
Please contact all five members of the Saugerties town board, separately, by phone, as soon as possible, and let us know who you contacted and whether you were able to speak directly to the board members or whether you had to leave messages). If you don’t have time to contact all five people, then prioritize the two who are seeking reelection in November - Fred Costello and Zack Horton.
A few people doing this won't make the kind of impact we need to make. We need to flood the phone lines and voicemails. There are hundreds of people on this list. We ought to be able to make a difference. Please step up before it's too late. The board may render their decision any day between now and September 11. So call today! If you can’t call, email!
A list of names and phone numbers is below. And here's a script if you'd like to use one. The points to emphasize are in bold if you’d prefer to speak more spontaneously.
Hello. My name is _______________________. I live at __________________________ in Saugerties. As a concerned citizen and Saugerties voter, I request that you not attempt to reduce the 73.5% open space figure to a lower compromise figure. It is a good faith number and represents the minimum amount of contiguous, undeveloped open space needed to preserve the ecological integrity of the habitat on Winston Farm. Furthermore, recreational space cannot be counted as open space, as (with the possible exception of unpaved walking trails) it would destroy habitat and would not be protected from being repurposed for future development of other kinds. The 27.3% that would remain for the property owners is ample to make a more than reasonable profit. Your attention is appreciated.
Town Board Contact Information
Fred Costello, Town Supervisor
Phone: 845-246-2800 x17
Email: fcostello@saugertiesny.gov
Leeanne Thornton, Deputy Supervisor & Board Member
Phone: 845-246-5652
Email: leanne.thornton@yahoo.com
Mike Ivino, Board Member
Phone: 845-399-3507
Email: mivino@saugertiesny.gov
Zack Horton, Board Member
Phone: 845-750-3287
Email: zhorton@saugertiesny.gov
Peg Nau, Board Member
Phone: 845-246-6929
Email: pnau@saugertiesny.gov
