Town Board authorizes right-of-way agreement to secure pedestrian access to Stone Church Preserve

The Town Board of Dover on June 24 voted to authorize the town supervisor to execute a recorded right-of-way agreement with the Whalen family to provide permanent pedestrian ingress and egress to Stone Church Preserve.

Councilman Maluda, who brought the resolution, described the agreement as the culmination of "several years of negotiations" and thanked town counsel and the Dutchess Land Conservancy for their roles. Town counsel Tom Jacabellis confirmed in the meeting that the Waylands (recorded in the resolution as the Whalen family) had the legal right to post signs and that the negotiated agreement reflects an outcome the town and property owners accepted.

The resolution specifies that the right-of-way will be recorded in the Dutchess County Clerk's office and authorizes the supervisor to take any steps necessary to effectuate the terms, including payment to the family identified in the resolution. The motion was seconded by Deputy Supervisor Murphy and carried unanimously.

Members of the Dutchess Land Conservancy, including Becky Thornton, attended the meeting and were thanked by board members for their assistance negotiating the access agreement. The board indicated the resolution was intended to provide clarity for future board members and residents and to ensure continued public access to the preserve.

The board moved on to other business after the vote. A related matter involving litigation had been the reason for an earlier executive session; board members stated in open session that no decisions were made and no money was spent during the executive session.

Next steps: the agreement will be recorded with the county clerk and the supervisor is authorized to execute any required documents and payments to implement the right-of-way.