Sustainable Community: Open Space

RAMS
Open Space (Open Space Plan - See Larger Views, Below)

Section 121-18(C)(4) of the Zoning Law requires that a minimum of 80% of the total land area of the Property be preserved by a conservation easement as open space. For purposes of the RDO, open space may include farmland and farm structures, ponds and streams, and recreational land such as golf courses, cross-country ski trails, equestrian trails, and hiking trails. The Project complies with this 80% protected open space requirement. Sheet SP-5 of the Master Development Plan indicates the Open Space calculations for the +/- 537 acres being preserved.

This open space land will be preserved by a conservation easement consistent with the provisions of section 121-20(K) of the Zoning Law regulating the preservation of open space in conservation subdivisions through the use of conservation easements. All of the open space land will be placed in one or more perpetual conservation easements that fully comply with the provisions of section 121-20(K) of the Zoning Law, and that is deemed acceptable by the Planning Board with the advice and assistance of its attorney. The grantee of any conservation easement shall be a municipal or not-for-profit organization that is acceptable to the Planning Board and that is qualified to hold conservation easements under applicable law.
Deed restrictions shall be added to all deeds for the Property, or any portion thereof, implementing the requirements of the Conservation Easements. Restrictions shall be added to the HOA documents as necessary to implement the requirements of the Conservation Easements.

The deed restrictions and HOA documents shall be in a form acceptable to the Planning Board with the advice and assistance of its attorney. The Conservation Easements, and the deed restrictions and HOA documents implementing the Conservation Easements, shall be approved by the Planning Board during Site Plan review.

In identifying which land should be designated for this open space protection, the RDO requires that priority be given to land in the Scenic Protection Overlay (SPO) (Appendix J), and Stream Corridor Overlay (SCO) districts (appendix I), especially the view to and from DeLavergne Hill, ridgelines, historic resources, unique ecosystems, prime agricultural land, and water resources. Portions of the Property are located in the SPO and SCO districts, most notably the land on DeLavergne Hill including the area inside the Route 44 hairpin turn, and the Amenia Cascade Brook. The Property also contains land in the iconic DeLavergne Hill viewshed, some of which is also visible from Route 22 and Depot Hill Road, as well as additional State and federal wetlands, local wetlands and watercourse, vernal pools, steep slopes, and historic resources.

The following +/- 537 acres will be preserved as open space:
The open fields south of DeLavergne Hill
The open field south of the Winery Restaurant
The open field south of the golf course
The wooded area north of Route 44
The wooded slopes and ridges on the western portion of the property
The wooded knolls north and south of the village core
The wetlands on the eastern portion of the property
The golf course

RAMS
Open Space (Open Space Plan - South Areas)

RAMS
Open Space (Open Space Plan - North Areas)


The Project - Links

Robert A.M. Stern:

"Silo Ridge has been designed as a series of buildings grouped around green spaces which tuck into the natural topography in a manner of historic towns, farmsteads and villages in the surrounding Dutchess County countryside, where small pockets of development preserve open space. The proposed landscape plan builds on goals outlined by Audubon International to create a community that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. This harmony of building siting and landscape design will create the sense of having arisen organically over time." Robert A.M. Stern


"You have a beautiful piece of land in a beautiful part of the world……so, we start with the land, and we try to be light on the land," Robert A.M. Stern.


Ernie Els:

... in order to create classic golf courses of distinction.
"We will achieve this by formulating unique relationships with the world's finest developers who share our lofty ambitions. Together, we will create attractive destinations that adhere to the principles of sustainable development and sound environmental practice."



"Bring the natural look and flare of the site. We really want to make it a world-class golf course." Ernie Els


Leading Hotels of The World



"Throughout its history, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. has been dedicated to delivering an authentic experience of luxury and hospitality to its guests. Above and beyond all of the changes the world has witnessed over eight decades, this commitment has remained the focus of our business," said Ted Teng, president and chief executive officer.