The Hess Farm  --  frequently asked questions

Q. What is the Hess Farm?

A. This 74-acre family farm is located at the intersection of Sand Hill and Marabac Roads in the Town of Gardiner, just across the street from the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and a short drive from both the hamlet of Gardiner and State Route 208.  This family farm has been in operation since the time of the Civil War. Originally a dairy farm, the Hess farm now primarily produces corn and hay, supplying local horse and cattle farms and providing a critical component of the local farming industry. 

Q. Why preserve the Hess Farm?

A. Working farms are vital to our local economy and our sense of community;  local produce and livestock are invaluable ingredients in a sustainable economy and healthy living.  The soils on the Hess Farm are of high quality, meaning a wide range of agricultural uses are feasible in the years to come.  The farm’s location, extensive road frontage and scenic views also make this land potentially prime real estate for future residential development. 

Q. How would the Hess Farm be preserved?

A. A conservation easement will permanently prohibit future development of the land, but will allow and encourage farming to continue there, forever.  Albert Hess will still own the land.

Q. How is a conservation easement obtained?

A. A conservation easement will be purchased from Mr. Hess at fair market value, as determined by an independent real estate appraisal.  This amount is less than the full market value of the land, but reflects the monetary value of the “development rights” which Mr. Hess will permanently convey in the easement.

Q. Will this land then come off the tax rolls?

A. No, the farm will remain on the tax rolls, though its assessment may reflect the loss of development rights conveyed in the conservation easement.  Also, this farm may already benefit from existing agricultural property tax considerations.

Q. Who will pay for this conservation easement?

A.  A $225,000 farmland protection grant from the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) will pay 50% of the cost of this conservation easement.  OSI is also expected to contribute another 25% of the cost, or about $112,500.  That leaves the final 25% of the total cost – $112,500 - to be raised by the Town of Gardiner and others interested in preserving working farms and open space.

Q. How will we raise $112,500?

A. The Town of Gardiner’s Open Space Commission has begun soliciting donations from private and family foundations, and other organizations dedicated to farmland and open space protection.  Contributions from individuals and businesses are also welcome, and are fully tax-deductible.  The Commission is committed to raising as much private and foundation funds as possible toward the $112,500 goal. 

Q. How can I contribute to the effort to preserve the Hess Farm?

A. Checks made payable to “Town of Gardiner” may be mailed to Open Space Fund, Town of Gardiner, P.O. Box 1, Gardiner, N.Y. 12525.  On-line contributions can also be made on the Town’s official website, www.townofgardiner.org.

Will you help?    Thank you!