LATIMER ALLOTS $875,000 FOR HILLTOP HANOVER FARM IN 2020 CAPITAL BUDGET

Committed to reinvesting in County infrastructure, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has allotted $875,000 for Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in the 2020 Capital Budget item (Capital Project ID B0121).  The money will be used to fund repairs, rehabilitation and improvements of buildings and infrastructure at the farm located in Yorktown. 

Latimer said: “Hilltop Hanover is a facility that offers much potential and wonder. Rolling hills, fields of produce, wooded trails, historic buildings and so much more. I am proud we are finally giving this facility the resources it needs to function not only as a working farm, but also become a better resource for the residents in the County – especially the young people. We hope to see this farm and environmental center become a resource for all young people looking to learn more about how farms operate, the ecosystem and nutrition.”

Cost Breakdown:

  • Design: $54,543
  • Construction Management: $61,798
  • Construction: $509,926
  • Special study: $200,000
  • Admin $48,733

Project Breakdown (approximate budgets, excluding admin.):

  • Rain Garden: $155,500
  • Parking and Access Roads (porous pavers/pavement and storm water BMPs): $445,500
  • Fencing: $25,500
  • Building and Infrastructure Inventory and Evaluation: $200,000

It also marks a new chapter in the Farm’s history as a new board was recently welcomed.  Additionally, a public input meeting on the future of the Farm will be help at Hilltop on October 19 at 10 a.m., all are encouraged to attend. 

Board of Directors

  • Janet Harckham, Co-President
  • John Bell, Co-President
  • Alexandra Bleser, Treasurer
  • Gwenyth Jones, Secretary
  • Asha Bencosme
  • Nicole Fervan
  • John Kornblum
  • Michael LaMothe
  • Jeanne Lapsker
  • Anne-Marie McGonnigal

New York State Senator Pete Harckham said: “With more and more family farms going under each year, and few New Yorkers understanding how their food is raised and grown, I applaud the County Executive’s $875,000 investment in Yorktown's Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center. Sustainable agriculture and sound environmental farming practices are critical to creating a healthy, safe food system for all. The educational programs provided at the farm will inspire better nutritional practices and a deeper appreciation of farming.”

Former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said: “This farm is a living connection to our agrarian and colonial past. When the County bought it we envisioned a center for related activities that would appeal to all generations. County Executive Latimer’s investment is a giant step in that direction.”

Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz said: “I applaud the County Executive for his commitment to Hanover Hilltop Farm, and know this $875,000 County investment will help the Farm continue delivering on its dual educational and environmental mission.”

Yorktown Town Supervisor Ilan Gilbert said: “After months of discussions and ideas shared by my Economic Revitalization committee and then taking those ideas to the County level, we are thrilled that our County Executive equally shares the vision and is ready to infuse new life into the Hilltop Hanover Farm. Great News for the County and for Yorktown!”

Board Co-President Janet Harckham and Board Co- President John Bell said: “We are thrilled to be part of this vibrant and historic farm. Our shared vision with the County is strengthened by the needed financial commitment made by CE Latimer. In partnership with the County, we are moving toward creating a farm of the future, simultaneously protecting our watershed, farming sustainably to sequester carbon, developing healthy local food systems, and demonstrating practices that others can employ to keep Westchester agriculture a viable part of our economy.”

Hilltop Hanover Farm is a working farm and environmental education center operated by Westchester County in partnership with the Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm. The Farm is dedicated to the development and advancement of sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, community education and accessible food systems for all. A minimum 10% of produce grown is donated to food pantries and soup kitchens. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to take advantage of fresh organically-grown produce at the farm stand, “pick-your-own vegetable gardens,” chat with farmers, visit with animals and attend special events and classes.

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Submitted by Somers, NY

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