Amenia Trails — Special Use Permit (Northern Red Oaks)

February 19, 2026

Public hearing held and closed. Dutchess Land Conservancy representative Erin Hoband spoke in support, saying the project is consistent with the conservation easement and uses sustainable trail-building practices; multiple residents spoke in favor, citing benefits for exercise, tourism, local business, property values, and youth recreation. Neighboring property owner Doug Brown raised concerns about a downhill mountain bike trail roughly 80 yards from his residence and requested setbacks. Organic farmers Bruce and Susan Thompson asked that any future east-side trail expansion require a new application, that the emergency access gate on Amenia Union Road be secured, that trail boundaries be clearly demarcated or fenced at property lines, and that only organic-approved herbicides be used; Susan Thompson also raised wildfire prevention, after-hours access control, noise, treated-wood use near trails, and preservation of the tree line along the mountain crest. Attorney Anthony Plumb clarified the permit limits the applicant to the proposed trails, that the property is fully posted, and that natural contours serve as buffers. The board received 10 letters of support and 2 emails with questions before closing the hearing. Full meeting summary →