To the editor,
I was disappointed to learn from a news article that Orange County has subdivided their land and is looking to sell 31 acres located on Quarry Road in Goshen. Their asking price: $1.27 million. At the same time, the Tilcon Mining Company, who owns Dutchess Quarry, is looking to expand their operations located on Quarry Road.
As a resident who lives near this site, I am opposed to any expansion. The historical Dutchess Quarry Caves (listed on the National Registry of Historic Places) will be compromised as well as the health and safety of its residents and the environment. [An] Orange County nursing home is also near this site. This expanded mining operation will not provide a healing environment.
The county should lead by example and donate their parcels of land to the Orange County Land Trust organization and/or the Open Space Institute to preserve the Dutchess Quarry Caves now and forever.
“So much of our future lies in preserving our past,” Peter Westbrock said.
Holly O’Hern
Goshen