Potential Expansion Of Buxton Gorge On The Table In Bedford

Press release from the Town of Bedford:

Potential Expansion of Buxton Gorge

Open Space Committee Proposes Next Steps to Expand Buxton Gorge Preserve

In 2020 the Town Board approved the purchase of 56 acres of land between Buxton Road and Harris Road in Bedford Hills that includes a beautiful, natural gorge and wooded area to be protected as open space known as Buxton Gorge. Trails maintained by the BRLA make this area available for the public to walk, and an agreement with the Bedford Community Church allows vehicles to park in their lot and cross over to access the land. Now we have an opportunity to expand the area to over 80 acres.

The Open Space Acquisition Committee requested that the Town Board signal approval to negotiate for the potential purchase of additional parcels using open space fund reserves. These reserves, designated for the purchase and conservation of open space, have built up due to a special levy approved by Bedford voters in 2017 that is equal to 2% of the general fund and highway fund tax levies annually. On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the Town Board signaled its approval to move forward with contract negotiations, appraisal, and other measures.

The additional parcels could increase protection of the forest and the gorge, provide more area for passive recreation, and make the protected land more accessible for neighbors and the public. Any contract for purchase will need to be for fair market value, undergo SEQRA review, and will require town board approval.

This press release was produced by the Town of Bedford. The views expressed here are the author’s own.