Transformational Project Promises Vast Economic Benefits Including Vitally Needed Housing; Traffic Solutions; and Providing its Own Water
SAUGERTIES, N.Y. (Nov. 18, 2024) – An update on proposed development at Winston Farm, a transformative “live, work, play” proposal adjacent to the New York State Thruway’s Exit 20, was well received by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 13, 2024.
Representatives of the multifaceted project are now collaborating with the Town of Saugerties regarding Winston Farm’s application for a zoning change to create a Planned Development District. A PDD is a thoughtful land-use planning and regulatory approach designed to provide broad benefits contributing to the creation of a sustainable, vibrant and well-balanced mixed-use neighborhood. The Town and Village of Saugerties’ Comprehensive Plan specifically recommends a PDD for Winston Farm.
A crowd of 175 attended the Chamber breakfast at the Diamond Mills Resort & Spa in Saugerties. The Chamber previously endorsed the project. Winston Farm’s presentation was led by spokesman Josh Sommers and consultant Daniel Ahouse.
“The Winston Farm team is pleased that the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed this update, and we are appreciative of its support,” Sommers said. “The Chamber team shares Winston Farm’s vision that Winston Farm will energize Ulster County by creating smart development in collaboration with the Saugerties community.”
“What a great presentation from the Winston Farm team,” said Chamber President Ward Todd. “We are very excited for this project and embrace the vast positive benefits Winston Farm would create for generations to come. We also are glad that Winston Farm welcomes community input as its municipal review progresses.”
The 840-acre Winston Farm, at 119 Augusta Savage Road, is best known for hosting the Woodstock ’94 music festival. Winston Farm’s residential, commercial, tourism and hospitality uses would generate $62 million in annual economic impact after full buildout. It would be constructed in phases and would create $457 million in construction. The project would create thousands of jobs and substantial, consistent tax revenue for the town, Saugerties school district and fire district year after year – helping keep taxes down and funding municipal services Saugerties residents rely on each day.
Development concepts include protecting the property’s rich history, including its mansion, wetlands, aquifers, habitat, waterways and other sensitive environmental resources – and preserving substantial open space. In addition to housing, conceptual plans include 250,000 square feet of retail; a boutique hotel with 150 rooms; a conference center with 250 hotel rooms; an enclosed performance venue; 250,000 square feet of lab or light-industrial space; and 100 cabins in a campground.
As part of Winston Farm’s application, a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement was submitted to the Town of Saugerties on Aug. 15, 2024. It includes the results of numerous required studies and reviews of the property’s environment, habitat, traffic, economic impact and more. All were conducted at Winston Farm’s expense to help determine development potential. The Town has requested additional information, which Winston Farm is now compiling. This is a common component of the review process. Development opportunities outlined in the DGEIS are not a site plan. They are conceptual, for further consideration.
Winston Farm is owned by long-time Saugerties residents and respected businessmen Tony Montano, John Mullen and Randy Richers. The property has long been deemed a desirable development opportunity due to its location, scale, topography and scenic views. These amenities led the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. to previously designate Winston Farm as the prime development location in the Hudson Valley.
Ahouse outlined previously suggested uses for the Winston Farm property, including a landfill and casino, that were rejected as poor fits for Saugerties. The current development plans, he said, “hold enormous potential for Saugerties and the Ulster County community,” noting that plans already have been adjusted in response to community feedback.
“What we’re trying to do is work with the community and the Town to put together a plan to activate the property to maximize value for the community,” Ahouse said.
Saugerties Town Supervisor Fred Costello also briefly addressed the audience. “We need to embrace this opportunity to work with our neighbors and embrace goals of the community,” he said, noting that Winston Farm’s current zoning permits uses such as a strip mall. Costello said that option would not optimize the property’s potential.
“This is a pretty unique opportunity,” Costello said. “Let’s take this opportunity to make the most of it.”
Learn more at WinstonFarm.com and Facebook.com/WinstonFarmNY.
