At 98, historian Carleton Mabee readies new book on Shawangunk land preservation controversies
There are not many people who can say that they authored a book — even fewer who can say that they’ve authored many. That puts the retired professor, longtime Gardiner town historian and award-winning author Carleton Mabee in an entirely different category: He’s about to publish his tenth book — Protecting Open Space in the...
Less than $10,000 now needed to protect Hess Farm
Preparations are now moving ahead to purchase the development rights on Gardiner’s historic Hess Farm. Many local residents, businesses and farmers have already contributed. Now, with the March 31 deadline looming, $9,500 remains to be raised. “Thanks to many supporters, a federal farmland protection grant and generous support from Open Space Institute and several family...
Gardiner to put former firehouse/library building on market
The Gardiner Town Board voted to put the abandoned old Fire Department station and lot on the market, after some dynamic debate. “We approved a motion to list this property as surplus property,” said Town Board member Warren Wiegand at last week’s board meeting. He went on to state that in his estimation, the abandoned...
Hess Farm open space fundraising enters final push
The rush to save Hess Farm in Gardiner is officially on. Open space advocates only have until March 31 to raise the $27,000 needed to protect the farmland in perpetuity. But they’re hopeful. “We’re optimistic. We have five or six weeks to go,” said Warren Wiegand, who is helping to raise money for Hess Farm....
New apartment complex approved for downtown Gardiner
After more than two years of review before the Gardiner Planning Board, a small development in the hamlet originally intended as a commercial extension of the Gardiner Gables shopping center has finally gotten the green light — as a residential complex. The parcel, located at the southeast corner of Sand Hill Road and Route 44/55,...
Half-mile access road in Gardiner pits neighbors against neighbors
Charles Majestic walks through the old 1740s-era stone house he rebuilt with his father from the pile of rubble it used to be in the 1970s. He points out architectural features as he goes: the Huguenot-style colonial fireplaces, the underground tunnel, the twisting staircase. The way a good rancher knows all his animals by name,...
Looking forward to 2013 with Gardiner Town Supervisor Carl Zatz
As he enters the second year of his current administration as Gardiner town supervisor, Carl Zatz seems to be hitting his stride. If recent Town Board meetings are any indication, this seasoned administrator — who earned a reputation during his previous terms of being occasionally less than diplomatic — has made some sort of vow...
Year in review for the Town of Gardiner
It’s funny how the controversies that tend to dominate the news seem to define how a particular year has gone in the life of a town, when the long-term memories of most residents are shaped more by the happy things that happen. In 2012, Gardinerites had plenty to celebrate: For instance, the 100th anniversary of...
Hess Farm project needs $40,000
A new sign outside Gardiner Town Hall will track the final fundraising needed to protect a local farm for future generations. Members of the newly formed “Hess Farm Preservation Committee” gathered recently to install the sign and kick off the $40,000 winter fundraising campaign. Albert Hess has agreed to sell the development rights to his...
Gardiner Democratic Committee to honor Hinchey at Mohonk
The Gardiner Democratic Committee will honor Congressman Maurice Hinchey on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mohonk Mountain House. Congressman Hinchey is retiring after 38 years of service to the people of the Hudson Valley. Assemblyman Kevin Cahill and Glenn Hoagland of the Mohonk Preserve will pay tribute to him. Environmentalist Cara...
Gardiner Town Board, Planning Board & ZBA meet to streamline communication issues
The statement “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate” has become a touchstone of American culture since it was first uttered by Strother Martin to Paul Newman in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke. Modes of communication have changed radically since then, but the complaint itself never seems to lose its pertinence. On the...
Gardiner supervisor-elect Carl Zatz
While the whole country lately seems to be in a “Throw da bums out” sort of mood, there’s definitely something to be said for an incoming officeholder having a short learning curve. The Town of Gardiner kicks off 2012 with a new supervisor who also happens to be a familiar face: Carl Zatz, who served...