For decades, various development options for Winston Farm have been considered, including a landfill, incinerator, casino, college and an industrial park. All were rejected as inappropriate fits for Saugerties.

Now, we finally have a plan that makes sense. Winston Farm’s current owners are proposing a dynamic vision with multi-tiered, long-lasting benefits for Saugerties.

The differences are stark: These owners — Anthony Montano, John Mullen and Randy Richers — have lived and worked in Saugerties for decades and have built reputations of trust and integrity. Their plan demonstrates great care for the town they love. It’s not about making a quick buck.

Winston Farm is envisioned to be a “live, work, play” development that would include some much-needed housing options, commercial space, a hotel, conference center, enclosed performance venue, lab or light industrial space and a campground with cabins. Saugerties’ treasured quality of life will be enhanced, and millions in annual tax revenues will greatly subsidize residents’ tax burdens.

In spite of false information being spread by opponents, the following facts have now been submitted and are under Town of Saugerties review:

Fact: Residents need not worry about their water supply. Extensive tests show that Winston Farm will be self-sufficient by obtaining water from an aquifer. The water’s quality is satisfactory or readily treatable, and the water does not draw from the Beaver Kill or from neighbors’ sources. This important solution means there will be no need for Winston Farm to draw from Saugerties’ municipal system.
Fact: More than $62 million a year will be generated after completion of all construction, which will take several years. This creates thousands of jobs and substantial tax revenue for the town, Saugerties school district and fire district year after year — helping keep taxes down and funding crucial municipal services.
Fact: Construction, estimated at $457 million, will create jobs for vital trades workers.
Fact: Winston Farm’s location, adjacent to the Thruway’s Exit 20, is ideal for tourists and residents.
Fact: Traffic lights, turning lanes and roundabouts will mitigate traffic.
Fact: The owners will ensure that substantial portions of their land remain as open space. In addition, the owners are committed to restoring the property’s grand mansion.
Fact: The Town of Saugerties is weighing a zoning change to create a Planned Development District. A detailed site plan would follow.

Winston Farm’s owners are committed to collaboration and already have modified plans in response to public comments. Housing buffers are bigger and home lots are smaller to nurture a sense of community.

The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly endorses Winston Farm as a visionary proposal providing employment opportunities, tax revenue and housing for generations to come. The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. identified Winston Farm as a premier development opportunity.

The owners of Winston Farm have a proven track record of being responsible business owners who want to invest in Saugerties’ future and will protect the environment. The Ulster Chamber urges everyone in our region to support the Winston Farm project.

Ward Todd is President and CEO of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Visit UlsterChamber.org and WinstonFarm.com.