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Amenia gifted Westerly Ridge land for protection

AMENIA — A Sharon resident has offered to donate a 27-acre parcel valued at more than $1 million to the Town of Amenia, proposing that the land be permanently preserved as conservation property to protect the final unprotected section of Westerly Ridge.

Carol Flaton, owner of the property at 108 Westerly Ridge near the Connecticut border, presented the proposal to the Town Board during its regular meeting Thursday, July 23. She said she purchased the property less than a month ago with the intention of ensuring it would never be developed.

The 27-acre parcel has a value of $1,014,200.

“I don’t live in New York, I just want you people to have it and to protect the ridge line,” Flaton told the board. She said donating the property would be consistent with the town’s Master Plan, which envisions protecting the ridge line from future development.

“The whole ridge line will then be protected,” she said.

Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm said the proposal would require review and approval from several parties before the town could accept the donation, including the Westerly Ridge Homeowners Association and Dutchess County conservation officials.

Flaton said she hopes the donation process can be completed by the end of the year.

Leila Hawken
amenia

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On Sunday, Sept. 6, Lime Rock Park will host a screening of the documentary “Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman” at the Colonial Theatre in North Canaan at 7 p.m.

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