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Legislature approves $4 million for open‑space program and sets public hearings on three land acquisitions
Summary
Lawmakers approved a $4 million supplemental appropriation for the county open space program and authorized negotiations and public hearings for three land acquisitions including the 136‑acre Gibraltar Rock Community Forest.
The Orange County Legislature on Thursday approved a $4 million supplemental appropriation for the county open‑space program and directed staff to begin negotiations and document preparation for three land acquisitions, including a 136‑acre community forest in Warwick.
Legislators voted 17‑0 to make the $4,000,000 supplemental appropriation to the 2025 county budget for the Department of Planning's open‑space work. The appropriation was described by supporters as a county commitment to preserve parks, protect watersheds and support farmland protection.
The Legislature also authorized the county attorney and planning staff to begin negotiating documents for the Gibraltar Rock Community Forest Project in the Town of Warwick (136 acres) and set a public hearing for May 21, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. Two additional authorizations directed the county to begin preparations to acquire an 18.5‑acre community park in the Town of Walk Hill (public hearing set for May 21 at 3:00 p.m.) and 25.6 acres for a community park and wells in the Village of Woodbury (public hearing set for May 21 at 3:15 p.m.). Each of those resolutions passed by roll call vote, recorded as 17 ayes.
Legislators and several public commenters emphasized the importance of preserving green space as development increases. Tracy Hsu, a lifelong county resident and cofounder of a local preservation nonprofit, praised the investment and urged outreach and education so municipal officials and residents understand the open‑space program's benefits. "There needs to be a balance of growth and preservation when meeting the needs of current generations without jeopardizing the capability of the next generations to meet their goals," Hsu said during public comment.
Sponsor remarks noted the program will rely on municipal participation and cooperation from willing landowners. The motions authorized preliminary negotiations and set public hearing dates; they did not finalize purchases or identify final funding sources beyond the $4 million appropriation.
Next steps described in the meeting include negotiating purchase documents, holding the scheduled public hearings on May 21, and returning any final acquisition agreements to the Legislature for approval after hearings and due diligence.
No vote tallies indicated dissent; no amendments were recorded on the floor. Specific appraisal amounts, purchase prices or closing schedules were not provided at the meeting.
