Data Contained in Draft Generic Environmental Impact Study Submitted to the Town of Saugerties
SAUGERTIES, N.Y. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Development of Winston Farm, a transformative “live, work, play” proposal adjacent to the New York State Thruway’s Exit 20, would generate $457,469,231 in construction spending and an economic impact of $62,653,917 each year after the development’s full buildout, bringing thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue and additional vitality to the Town of Saugerties, according to a study.
The analysis was performed by Camoin Associates, an independent economic-development consultant in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The data are key components of the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement submitted in August 2024 by Winston Farm to the Town of Saugerties as the next step of the town’s municipal review of the proposal.
The $62,653,917 in annual economic impact after construction completion is comprised of $55,088,971 from new jobs’ earnings, $4,465,383 from new tourism earnings and $3,099,563 in spending by new households. In addition, the Camoin study forecasted $13,851,750 in new tourism spending over 125,925 new visitor days each year.
“This comprehensive Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement, detailing Winston Farm’s massive economic impact and thoughtful development vision, underscores Winston Farm as a new, powerful economic frontier for Saugerties and the Hudson Valley,” said Winston Farm spokesman Josh Sommers. “Overall, Winston Farm will be a model of smart, sustainable development that preserves abundant open space and enhances Saugerties’ quality of life for generations to come.”
The 840-acre Winston Farm, at 119 Augusta Savage Road, is best known for hosting the Woodstock ’94 music festival. The Camoin study outlines the 956 construction jobs, 1,253 permanent on-site jobs, significant tax revenue, housing opportunities and smart development possibilities. After full buildout, the owners’ preferred development plan would annually generate:
- $273.9 million to $538.8 million in assessed property value for the Town of Saugerties. The property’s current taxable assessed value is $3.7 million for town and school tax purposes and $5.3 million for fire, ambulance and library taxes.
- $6,241,848 in property tax revenue for the Saugerties Central School District. Winston Farm currently pays $50,087 a year in school taxes.
- $1,308,591 in new property tax revenue for the Town of Saugerties. The property now pays an estimated $24,396.
- $2,788,217 in total new revenue for the Town of Saugerties and municipal services. This includes $2.02 million for the town, including the police and highway departments; $364,565 for the Centerville Fire District; $224,505 for Diaz Memorial Ambulance emergency medical services; and $175,164 for the Saugerties Public Library.
Winston Farm is seeking a zoning change that would create the Winston Farm Planned Development District. Preliminary plans include:
- An array of housing units, including single-family homes on various lot sizes, townhouses and condo/apartment units. The housing would address the persistent housing shortage in Ulster County and the Hudson Valley. Housing also would attract new residents, encourage higher earning potential, and invigorate a community where nearly 60% of housing was built over 50 years ago, Camoin said.
- 250,000 square feet of commercial retail space.
- A 150-room boutique hotel.
- A conference center with 250 hotel rooms.
- An enclosed performance venue.
- 250,000 square feet of lab or light-industrial space.
- A campground with 100 cabins.
The Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement included the results of numerous required studies and reviews of the property’s environment, habitat, traffic, water sources and more. All were conducted over more than a year at Winston Farm’s expense to help determine Winston Farm’s development potential.
The findings are designed to help shape a detailed rezoning proposal for the Winston Farm property and provide data and analysis for the Town Board to consider that zoning request. Municipal review will include numerous opportunities for public comment. Community suggestions already have spurred modifications such as expanded property buffers and smaller lots for homes to enhance the setting of community.
“Throughout this process, Winston Farm’s owners have been committed to community collaboration, and that will remain a priority,” Sommers said. “The vision is for Winston Farm to be an immense point of pride for all of Saugerties, and that vision includes preserving the property’s rich history, character and habitat by allocating substantial acres of land that will be kept undeveloped in perpetuity.”
Winston Farm is owned by long-time Saugerties residents and respected businessmen Tony Montano, John Mullen and Randy Richers. The property has long been deemed a desirable development opportunity due to its location, scale, topography and scenic views. These amenities led the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. to previously designate Winston Farm as the prime development location in the Hudson Valley. The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce called Winston Farm “a visionary proposal that will powerfully energize Ulster County and the entire Hudson Valley.”
Learn more at WinstonFarm.com and Facebook.com/WinstonFarmNY.