County Recommends Preserving Village Green, Warwick Lavender Farm
County Executive Steve Neuhaus announced that two properties in Orange County are recommended for permanent preservation through the Orange County Open Space Fund, a move that could protect a village green in Chester and keep a Warwick farm in agricultural use. The recommendations, posted October 29, 2025, signal continued collaboration between the county, local municipalities, and the Orange County Land Trust, and are pending committee approval.
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County leaders have moved to preserve two properties with local significance, using the Orange County Open Space Fund to secure long term public and agricultural benefits. The county release, posted October 29, 2025, by County Executive Steve Neuhaus identified a small 2.10 acre parcel at 74 Main Street in the Village of Chester intended for village green and viewshed protection, and the 62.6 acre Tice Shepard Purple Path Lavender Farm in the Town of Warwick which is intended to remain in agricultural use. Both parcels were noted as pending committee approval.
The Chester parcel is located in the village core and is described by the county as a site for preserving the village green and protecting the visual character of Main Street. For a small community parcel, formal preservation can shape future planning decisions, influence downtown design, and limit pressure for redevelopment that could alter the village character. For residents, the designation could mean continued open space at the heart of the village and stronger municipal tools to manage growth and views.
The larger Warwick parcel, identified as Tice Shepard Purple Path Lavender Farm, spans 62.6 acres and is being preserved in coordination with the Town of Warwick Community Preservation Fund. County officials emphasized the agricultural intent of the preservation, which aligns with broader local efforts to sustain farmland, support the agricultural economy, and maintain scenic rural landscapes that contribute to tourism and quality of life. Coordination with the town fund indicates a municipal partnership that leverages local and county resources to achieve conservation goals.
The county release highlighted ongoing elements of the county open space strategy, including partnerships with municipalities and the Orange County Land Trust. Those partnerships are central to how open space dollars are prioritized and deployed, and they shape which properties move from consideration to formal protection. The recommendations are now subject to additional review, with committee approval required before final actions are taken.
For Orange County residents, the proposal raises several policy considerations. Preserving agricultural land can protect local food production and rural character, but it also involves public expenditure and trade offs with property tax revenue and development opportunities. Preserving village open space supports civic life and local identity, but it requires clear stewardship plans and municipal cooperation. The pending committee review will provide an opportunity for public scrutiny and for municipal officials to explain how the projects fit into broader land use and fiscal plans.
Next steps will include committee deliberations and likely further votes or agreements to finalize preservation. Residents interested in the outcomes should monitor county committee schedules and municipal announcements to follow the formal review process and any public meetings that may accompany it.
