The developer of the proposed Winston Farm project had planned to file its full draft general environmental impact statement with the Town of Saugerties tonight, which shows the project will have an annual economic impact of $62 million.
The 840-acre Winston Farm property is located just off Exit 20 of the New York State Thruway. Longtime Saugerties residents and business owners Anthony Montano, John Mullen and Randy Richers purchased Winston Farm in 2020 from the Schaller family, who had owned it since 1961. Development of the site would include residential units, commercial space, a hotel, conference center, event venue, laboratory or light industrial space and a campground. A portion of the property would be retained as open space. A mansion on the property would be retained and likely repurposed as part of the development.
“Winston Farm is an opportunity to help shape the future of the area in a dynamic way, and the developers are committed to working with the Saugerties community and local leaders,” said project spokesman Josh Sommers. “The development will be a robust economic engine for Saugerties and the Hudson Valley, and the tourist attractions will attract new dollars and visitors. This will grow the economy exponentially, support local merchants and suppliers, and position Saugerties as a destination for the entire Northeast.”
Details of the proposal include single-family homes on lots of various sizes, townhomes, and condos/apartments. The developer says the housing will help address the ongoing housing shortage in Ulster County and the Hudson Valley, and that it also includes workforce and inclusionary housing. There would be 250,000 square feet of commercial space, a 150-room boutique hotel, a 250-hotel-room conference center, an enclosed event venue, 250,000 square feet of lab or light industrial space, and a 100-cabin campground.
The developer points out that the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. recognized the Winston Farm site as a prime development opportunity due to its location across from the Saugerties entrance of the Thruway, as well as the property’s size, topography and scenic views. In addition, the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce endorsed Winston Farm as a visionary proposal that would powerfully revitalize the Hudson Valley as a deep source of culture, jobs, tax revenue and housing for generations to come.
According to a preliminary estimate, construction costs for the project could be around $475 million.
