Meridale Farms
In many ways Meridale Farms is at the heart of Meredith. The farms beautiful vistas are at Meredith's geographical center, and also at the center of what Meredith means to many of its residents.
Meridale Farms's role and rich history in the formation of the American dairy industry touches many old time residents directly. The largest farm remaining in Meredith, its beautiful vistas spread across the open hills at the crossroads of route 28 and the historic Catskill Turnpike. But Meridale Farms is also a reminder that the open farm land that we value so highly is endangered.
Meridale Farms has been sold to a developer who wants to divide it into 128 building lots. What comes next is not decided, and is in part up to the residents of Meredith. This plan is presently before the Meredith Planning Board, which has taken on the enormous and complex task of being the 'Lead Agency' in the SERQ process (State Environmental Quality Review). There will be input from a number of state government agencies, some of which have already raised concerns about the impact of the developer's proposal.
This development is by no means a done deal. Projecting a full build out of 128 houses, septic systems and wells there are serious environmental questions and risks that the SEQR process will address. The discovery of unavoidable negative environmental impacts can prevent the proposed subdivision from proceeding. These include negative impacts on the farms rich historical resources, the quality of water in wells and run-off, lowering of the water table, the effect on protected waterways, the loss of precious scenic resources, the impact on the water table, the possible increase of the cost of services and taxes in the town, the loss of over 1200 acres in the agricultural district, and the dangerous road conditions at the junction of 28 and Turnpike Road and along the hill above Meridale.
Involvement by members of the community is crucial. Written comments on the initial SERQ document ('Draft Scoping') must be submitted by October 2nd. If you want Meridale Farms to remain open and in farming, it is important to show up and let your feelings and thoughts about this project be known.
The Planning Board meets the first Monday of each month at 7 pm in Town Hall. Members of the Alliance for Meredith are at each meeting. The more people and community groups who show up and express their desire to preserve Meridale Farms, the more likely we are to be successful.
The Alliance is working to preserve Meridale Farms by actively participating in the SEQR process through research, mobilizing involved government agencies, submitting written comments on the process, and attending all meetings. We are also actively seeking alternatives to the developer's proposal, including options involving land trusts, agricultural easements and minimal development.
