Board approves nonbinding MOU to advance Scenic Hudson trail on former Allen property

The Highland Falls village board on Thursday authorized the mayor to sign a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with Scenic Hudson to advance planning for a roughly 0.7‑mile trail on a 31‑acre riverfront parcel formerly associated with the Allen estate.

Cindy Hudson, speaking for Scenic Hudson, described habitat inventories, interpretive signage and a small two‑space trailhead off Havens Road as part of an initial phase that would avoid sensitive rock ledges. "We've planned, a 1 a 0.7 mile trail," the presenter said, and added the group has sought a Hudson River Valley Greenway grant and lined up volunteer labor and a local match while Scenic Hudson would provide part of the grant match. Trustees probed easement and management agreement language and discussed how the village would support maintenance in kind and with modest stipend arrangements once improvements are complete.

Mayor (speaker 2) said the MOU is intended to help the planning‑board review and stressed that it is not legally binding. Trustee DeSalvo encouraged the board to authorize the mayor to sign the nonbinding document to enable the project to proceed to the March 20 planning‑board public hearing. The motion to authorize the mayor to sign the MOU was moved, seconded and carried by majority vote.

Why it matters: the parcel is riverfront residential land that Scenic Hudson acquired as a nonprofit; turning part of it into a managed trail would add passive recreation and interpretive opportunities while raising questions from residents about long‑term management, taxes and the village's contribution of staff time and in‑kind services. Scenic Hudson and the village will continue negotiating the management agreement and any revenue or maintenance provisions.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 114; topfinish SEG 679