Woodbury seeks county help to buy 25.6 acres for park; village clarifies wells removed after hydrogeology review

The Orange County Legislature on May 21 held a public hearing on a Village of Woodbury application to acquire 25.6 acres for a community park. The public notice listed a maximum county contribution of $225,000, not to exceed 50% of the project cost, to be paid from the 2024 Orange County Open Space Fund.

Alan Sorensen, commissioner of planning, told legislators the parcel was formerly a small black‑dirt farm off Smith Clove Road and sits east of property owned by the United States Military Academy at West Point. “So just to give you some context. The village is seeking actually slightly less than the 50% of the project acquisition cost. So they're requesting $225,000,” Sorensen said. He said the review committee recommended funding the application.

During public comment, Sandra Capriglione, identified as from the Town of Woodbury, asked whether county funding would require the park to be open to all Orange County residents or remain limited to village residents. Sorensen answered, “I believe it's it'll be a public park, so it'll be open to the public.” An unnamed member of legal counsel then confirmed that, saying yes.

Town of Woodbury resident Brandon Calorie said he was concerned about vehicle speeds on Smith Clove Road, which is currently posted at 50 miles per hour, and asked whether the county would help facilitate lowering the speed limit. Legal counsel responded that the purpose of the day’s public hearing was to receive comments on the acquisition and that the legislature would consider questions and comments before final approval of any acquisition.

Andrew Giacomazzo, mayor of the Village of Woodbury, said the village envisions community uses such as a community garden, expanded composting and food‑pantry support. “Because it's a black dirt farm and because it was organic, there was no chemicals used there, we think it's going to be a perfect location to use for a community garden, be able to grow vegetables and whatnot for our local food pantry, but also to expand our composting program,” Giacomazzo said.

Legislator Feller asked whether references to wells would be removed from the application. Mayor Giacomazzo and village representatives said the site was not suitable for wells after consultation with the village hydrogeologist, and that a prior attempt to bring a municipal well online in the area showed elevated PFAS. One speaker stated, “We're deleting wells,” indicating the application will be limited to park acquisition.

The presiding officer closed the hearing after public comment.