Stop the Keane Stud Subdivision Development in Amenia
The Issue
As someone who has been thrilled by the vistas along Depot Hill Road, I am deeply concerned about the proposed development of 605 acres of agricultural land, known as the Keane Stud Subdivision. Located in the heart and center of Amenia, these lands are situated at the foot of Rattlesnake Mountain, for which the Dutchess Land Conservancy has recently allocated funds to preserve as scenic and wild. Putting a development in the foreground will detract from the area's scenic beauty and lessen the value of this gift. The proposed development will also most likely remove 223 acres of prime agricultural land from farm production.
The development's luxury housing will dramatically alter the rural character of Amenia, a place cherished for its natural beauty and agricultural heritage. The properties make up a major portion of the Delavergne Hill viewshed--one of the most important vistas in the county, often visited and appreciated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
A luxury housing subdivision benefits a small group while irreversibly damaging a space that should be shared by all inhabitants of this region. In addition, the owners of these properties have benefited by being assessed millions less through their Agricultural exemption from local taxes and should, by rights, be held to keeping this land agricultural. The Plan calls for the non agricultural use of 66 acres of prime agricultural land. We are told another 157 acres will be used as residential lots with no assurance that this acreage will be farmed. The plan actually proposes to save this prime agricultural land, including those with soils of state wide importance, by removing it and reusing it--presumably for suburban lawns.
The area is a major wildlife migration route and an important link in the continual forest from the Highlands into the Adirondacks and Vermont. This development will be a break in the link.
You can show your support for protecting the natural and agricultural heritage of Amenia, and challenge the proposed Keane Stud Subdivision by attending the Planning Board public hearing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 7- 8 pm at the Amenia Town Hall, and by signing this petition. Your signature can send a powerful message to the Amenia Planning Board. Please, sign this petition today.
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The Issue
As someone who has been thrilled by the vistas along Depot Hill Road, I am deeply concerned about the proposed development of 605 acres of agricultural land, known as the Keane Stud Subdivision. Located in the heart and center of Amenia, these lands are situated at the foot of Rattlesnake Mountain, for which the Dutchess Land Conservancy has recently allocated funds to preserve as scenic and wild. Putting a development in the foreground will detract from the area's scenic beauty and lessen the value of this gift. The proposed development will also most likely remove 223 acres of prime agricultural land from farm production.
The development's luxury housing will dramatically alter the rural character of Amenia, a place cherished for its natural beauty and agricultural heritage. The properties make up a major portion of the Delavergne Hill viewshed--one of the most important vistas in the county, often visited and appreciated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
A luxury housing subdivision benefits a small group while irreversibly damaging a space that should be shared by all inhabitants of this region. In addition, the owners of these properties have benefited by being assessed millions less through their Agricultural exemption from local taxes and should, by rights, be held to keeping this land agricultural. The Plan calls for the non agricultural use of 66 acres of prime agricultural land. We are told another 157 acres will be used as residential lots with no assurance that this acreage will be farmed. The plan actually proposes to save this prime agricultural land, including those with soils of state wide importance, by removing it and reusing it--presumably for suburban lawns.
The area is a major wildlife migration route and an important link in the continual forest from the Highlands into the Adirondacks and Vermont. This development will be a break in the link.
You can show your support for protecting the natural and agricultural heritage of Amenia, and challenge the proposed Keane Stud Subdivision by attending the Planning Board public hearing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 7- 8 pm at the Amenia Town Hall, and by signing this petition. Your signature can send a powerful message to the Amenia Planning Board. Please, sign this petition today.
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Petition created on November 15, 2024