ESOPUS/LLOYD SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
I. LOCATION
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS encompasses a seventeen mile stretch of the Hudson River and its shorelands and varies significantly in width from 0.75 to 2 miles. The SASS extends from its northern boundary, which runs from Riverview Cemetery on NY Route 9W to the Hudson River, south of the hamlet of Port Ewen, to its southern boundary on Church Road in the hamlet of Milton. The SASS includes the Hudson River from the mean high tide line on the eastern shore, for much of its length sharing a common boundary with the Estates District SASS on the eastern shorelands of the Hudson River, and land to the west of the Hudson River.
The western boundary of the SASS follows the coastal area boundary south from Riverview Cemetery to the hamlet of Esopus, where it runs five hundred (500) feet to the east of the center line of Main Street, joining NY Route 9W to the south of the hamlet of Esopus, where it runs south along NY Route 9W to the boundary of the Towns of Esopus and Lloyd, where it follows the viewshed of the Hudson River to the junction of Red Top and Bellevue Roads, where it follows Bellevue Road to the hamlet of Highland Landing, where it follows the viewshed of the Hudson River to the intersection with the telephone lines which it follows to the intersection with NY Route 9W, then along NY Route 9W to the junction of NY Route 9W and Milton Road, where it follows Milton Road to the southern boundary of the SASS at the junction of Milton Road and Church Road, in the hamlet of Milton.
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS is located within the Towns of Esopus, Lloyd and Marlborough, Ulster County and the City of Poughkeepsie and the Towns of Rhinebeck, Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County.
It is comprised of 6 subunits:
EL-1 Big Rock and Hemlock Points; EL-2 Esopus Uplands; EL-3 Esopus Bluffs; EL-4 Lloyd Bluffs; EL-5 Highland Bluffs; EL-6 Blue Point.
Consult the Esopus/Lloyd SASS map for the SASS boundary.
II. DESCRIPTION
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS is a highly scenic and valued region of the Hudson River Valley, rich in natural beauty, cultural and historical features.
It is characterized by highly varied topography with steep slopes, thin rocky soils and much exposed bedrock. For its whole length the landform rises steeply from the Hudson River for 100-300 feet to an upland area. Bedrock escarpments are common along the length of the waterfront. Above the bluffs the landscape is dominated by a series of knolls, ridges, and low hills that have irregular or rolling relief, with occasional flat depressions containing surface water features, including ponds and wetlands. Rising up abruptly beyond the SASS are a series of ridges stretching in a north-south direction, a northern extension of the Marlborough chain of the Appalachians. These quartzite ridges include Hussey Hill, Shaupeneak Mountain, and Illinois Mountain which provide an imposing backdrop that frames the SASS.
The entire SASS is underlain by the Ordovician-aged Austin Glen Graywacke. Deposited approximately 430 to 470 million years ago, Graywacke is an extremely hard sedimentary rock characterized by the presence of angular mineral and rock fragments in a dark claylike matrix. This formation has been highly folded and faulted causing the Austin Glen formation to become fairly erodible and permeable. The ridges to the west of the SASS are Quassaic Quartzite outcrops. These were folded at the same time as the Austin Glen Graywacke, but the quartzite is harder and less erodible than the bedrock of the SASS and the ridges remain above the landscape of the SASS. The Pleistocene glaciation covered the area with glacial sediments filling preglacial valleys, modifying the drainage system and leaving the current topography of the SASS.
The most abundant soils in the SASS are those developed on glacial till and stratified drift. These are commonly used for orchards, meadow crops and pasture. In places the hilly topography and rock outcrops are limitations to cultivation. The other soil type was developed on lake bed sediments. These soils are generally poorly drained, with a seasonably high water table. Most of the wetlands scattered throughout the SASS occur on these types of soils.
Most of the natural shoreline of the Hudson River is steep, rocky and, although quite stable, susceptible to erosion due to the very steep slopes, lack of vegetation, thin soils and exposed rock faces. The shoreline configuration is relatively smooth with a few small points and coves while the River makes two gentle turns at Esopus Meadows Point and the Crum Elbow.
Most of the streams that drain the area flow northeasterly, following trends imposed by bedrock topography, and eventually draining into the Hudson River which flows to the south. Black Creek, whose main branch flows north from the Town of Lloyd, drains much of the central part of the SASS. The Twaalfskill Creek is the main drainage system in the Lloyd waterfront, discharging to the Hudson River at Highland Landing. Numerous unnamed streams drain to the Hudson River off the bluff areas.
The rolling upland above the Hudson River is covered with a combination of mixed woodlands and clearings comprised of farms, open pasture and meadows, orchards and vineyards and landscaped estates with formal gardens and sweeping lawns. Scattered development is situated throughout the upland above the bluffs, nestling into the woodland coverage and surrounded by the agricultural landscape. Wooded bluffs and cliffs dominate the Hudson River shoreline, except in the northern portion of the SASS where the relatively large, undisturbed area of shallow, freshwater tidal flat and associated vegetation known as Esopus Meadows spreads out into the Hudson River. Once a meadow where cows grazed, the tidal wetland has become an extremely rare and valuable fish and wildlife habitat.
Land use in the Esopus/Lloyd SASS reflects the historic settlement pattern based around large estates that developed along the Hudson River. A rural pattern of development prevails with a mixture of orchards, fields, estates, religious institutions and seasonal resorts occupying large parcels of land, especially along the steep rugged bluffs and shoreline of the Hudson River. North of Esopus Meadows Point, River Road follows the shoreline. Intermittent residential development is sited along the shoreline and the road frontage. South of Esopus Meadows Point the steep slopes have precluded any shoreline development until the historic waterfront of Highland Landing, where the Twaalfskill Creek breaks the bluffs. The Town of Esopus is fortunate in that it is the first community north of Rockland County in which the railroad tracks move inland and do not impose a physical or visual barrier at the water's edge.
The Hudson River Valley has long been significant in the culture and history of both the State of New York and the United States. The region at the confluence of the Rondout Creek and the Hudson River is known to be an important archaeological area. It has been inhabited at least since the Woodland Period (100 B.C. - 1600 A.D.) and probably since Paleo-Indian times (c. 10,000 B.C.). Although the main concentration of archaeological sites is located north of the SASS, sites have been reported along the banks of the Hudson River, notably along River Road and in sheltered shoreline coves. Indians settled along the Hudson River long before European discovery of the New World. In this area the river Indians were known as the Esopus Indians, a division of the Munsee. The name Esopus is a Dutch word with origins in the Indian language. It means "land of flowing waters and high banks" and is an appropriate description of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS.
The Hudson River came to prominence when Henry Hudson explored the region in 1609. The ship's log describes the spectacular landscape. Hudson named this stretch of the Hudson River "Lange Rack", or Long Reach. Recent settlement of the Esopus/Lloyd area began in the second half of the 17th century and was concentrated around the Rondout Creek. As more settlers moved in, development spread south to Black Creek, known then as the Klyne Esopus Creek. Land grants in the Esopus Colony were given in the name of the Dutch ruler of the era.
The English took control of the Dutch Colony of New Netherlands in 1664, and the area south from the Rondout Creek to Black Creek, known as Klyne Esopus, became part of Ulster County under the jurisdiction of the Town of Kingston. All land in the area had to be reclaimed from the Kingston Commons. The English encouraged further settlement of the area, and land was cleared for agriculture and houses built. In 1811 the Town of Esopus was organized. Land in the southern part of the SASS was part of the Paltz Patent issued by Governor Andros in September 1677, the original Huguenot land grant that reached from the Hudson to the Shawangunks. This tract was sold off in the mid-18th century as small parcels and cottage lots when it became a burden to the owners.
In 1754 Anthony Yelverton came over the Hudson from Poughkeepsie, built the first house in the area now known as Highland Landing, set up a sawmill (1765) and operated the first ferry crossing (1777). His house still stands and is the oldest frame house in Ulster County. For a time this part of the hamlet of Highland was known as "Yelvertons Landing". Around this time other settlements and landings were established along the narrow shoreline of the Hudson River. Scattered development extended south through the Lewisburg settlement, the area now below the western end of the Mid-Hudson Bridge, to Blue Point, and north to Crum Elbow, where there were docks on the river serving the small bluestone quarrying activities in the immediate vicinity. Settlers subsequently moved inland above the bluffs along the early roadways. By 1793 Noah Elting was running a ferry to Poughkeepsie from the base of River Road. This area became known as Eltings Landing, the hub of riverside activity and a populous place. Various docks and landings in the area took the names of their owners, although the riverfront area as a whole was known as New Paltz Landing. Finally, it was called Highland Landing following the formation of the hamlet.
The riverfront and inland settlements continued to grow, with residential and commercial growth accompanied by industrial development based around mills on the many streams in the waterfront area. Orchards were first established around 1774 and spread throughout the area, along with a diversification of the agricultural base to include raspberries, currents, peaches, strawberries and grapes. This part of the Hudson Valley became world famous for its agriculture, reaping natural benefits of soil, situation and climate. The Hudson River provided the main means of transportation of the produce to the metropolitan area of New York City and beyond.
Warehouses, storage for lumber and farm produce, stores, ice houses, factories, iron works, brickyards, stone cutting quarries, mechanic shops, woodworking mills, and coal yards sprang up along the waterfront to accommodate produce and manufactured goods for shipping. The development of commercial activity in the area was influenced by the ease of transportation offered by the Hudson River. Sloops sailed from the area to New York City daily. A thriving waterfront community developed at Highland Landing. Away from the commercial settlements, wealthy families built spacious homes set in landscaped estates of lawns, farmland and orchards, contributing much to the scenic quality of the area.
The development of the West Shore Railroad reduced river traffic and promoted inland development. The railroad changed the character of the waterfront. The narrow strip of land at the base of the steep bluffs was used for the tracks, displacing the waterfront industrial, commercial and shipping activity. Fruit growing became the main economic activity, with the railroad offering fast distribution of produce to a wider market, replacing the Hudson River as the main distribution route. Although active orchards still survive today, the industry is of a much smaller scale, and once active farmland and orchards have become woodland or built development.
Rowing, racing and regattas were a big sport on the Hudson River along the Lloyd waterfront from 1839 to 1950. The best remembered are the Intercollegiate Regattas which began in 1895 and continued until 1950. Crews came from all over the East and spent several weeks in the area. Columbia University's boathouse, built on the site of the old Knickerbocker Ice House midway between Highland Landing and Crum Elbow, is a reminder of this era, although the facility has fallen into disrepair. Painted school emblems, faded with age, can still be seen on the rock escarpments above the Hudson River.
The physical character and cultural and historical development of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS, outlined above, has resulted in the current settlement and land use patterns and led to the present day landscape and architectural character. This includes several historic estates, monasteries and religious schools. These structures, located at the top of the bluffs, establish an historic architectural accent to the natural landscape. The stately lawns of the estates sweep toward the Hudson River. Views afforded from these vantage points are extensive. Most of the recent development has been carefully sited out of the major viewshed of the river, leaving the large historic estates as focal points. The rolling upland hills beyond the bluffs are a patchwork of open spaces, largely maintained as woodlands and farmlands.
The working waterfront at Highland Landing; the well preserved historic estates with their distinctive individual architectural styles; and the active farms, orchards and vineyards represent a remnant of a traditional land use in the Mid-Hudson region. The long history of the evolution of the estates along the Hudson River with their many different owners, all with their own story to tell, gives a sense of continuity and meaning to the landscape. This helps to provide the Esopus/Lloyd SASS with a symbolic link to its historic past.
The association of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS with the author John Burroughs, who lived at Riverby, has symbolic value and meaning for the area. He published his first significant nature essay in the Atlantic Monthly in 1865 and produced numerous articles and books about the natural world until his death in 1921. Burroughs is credited with creating a receptive environment for conservation legislation and establishing the nature essay as a literary form.
III. Aesthetic Significance
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS is of Statewide aesthetic significance by virtue of the combined aesthetic values of landscape character, uniqueness, public accessibility and public recognition.
There exists in the SASS an unusual variety of major components, a unity of major components; striking contrasts between scenic elements and a general lack of discordant features. The SASS is both visually and physically accessible to the general public, and its scenic quality is well recognized by the public. The scenic quality of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS is significant based on the existence of the following physical and cultural characteristics.
A. Landscape Character
1. Variety
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS exhibits an unusual variety of major components. The main variety lies in the topography. The SASS is dominated by a long stretch of bluffs along the Hudson River shorelands. While this is by far the most striking of topographical features, there are also extensive areas of rolling upland behind the bluffs, exposed rock faces along the bluffs and tidal flats and shallows along the base of the bluffs.
Variety also exists in vegetation coverage. Dense and mature mixed woodlands on the rolling uplands are interrupted by a combination of farmsteads, pastures and meadows, orchards and vineyards, and landscaped estates, residences and religious institutions. The bluffs are heavily wooded. A rich and varied wetland vegetation is found along the shoreline of the Hudson River and its coves and creeks, notably at Esopus Meadows. This is a relatively large, undisturbed area of shallow, freshwater tidal flats. The diversity and abundance of wildlife and the changing patterns, colors and textures associated with the tidal flats provide a variety of ephemeral characteristics which enhance the scenic qualities of the SASS.
The land use pattern varies considerably within the SASS. There are a number of dispersed historic estates located on the bluffs above the Hudson River, surrounded by a mix of woodlands, farms, and more recent development. The architectural style of the historic estates and buildings varies considerably throughout the scenic area. This reflects the tastes of individual landowners, the long history and evolution of estates in the SASS and the long standing picturesque movement throughout the Hudson Valley.
2. Unity
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS is unified by its topography, dominated by the bluffs that front the Hudson River. While internally the individual landform components vary, the SASS is a coherent geological feature. The vegetation, dominated by mature, mixed woodland, unifies the various landforms. The presence of the Hudson River is a unifying theme, shaping the topography, influencing cultural patterns and providing a common scenic element central to the SASS.
3. Contrast
There are many striking contrasts between the basic scenic elements in the Esopus/Lloyd SASS. The contrasts in topography and landform are mainly one of contrast in line and form. The rolling uplands contrast with the steep bluffs. The shoreline configuration of these bluffs contrasts with the tidal flats of Esopus Meadows, the mouth of Black Creek and the numerous small points and coves. The Hudson River varies in width and depth; and its currents create varying patterns, contrasting with the surrounding uplands.
There are many textural and color contrasts within the SASS, mostly associated with vegetation and geology. The wooded areas contrast with the open meadows and orchards of the agricultural landscape and the formal landscape estates and open residential spaces. This provides contrasting textures in the landscape composition and rich color contrasts between vegetation types which change with the season. The rock composition varies within the SASS, resulting in many contrasts in surface features, textures and colors, as the natural form is impacted by geomorphological processes such as erosion and weathering, and deposition. The contrast between the colors and texture of the water surface of the Hudson River and the surrounding vegetation and rock composition creates many and varied effects.
Certain contrasts of a more ephemeral nature are to be found in the SASS. The dramatic effects of varying weather conditions enhance the aesthetic feel of the landscape composition as storms, cloud formations, snow, mists, fog and the varying level and direction of sunlight all provide contrasts in line, shape, texture and color, enhancing the contrasts to be found in the area. The speed and pattern of flow of the Hudson vary with the season and weather conditions, providing contrasts in texture and color. The spring colors of apple blossom contrast with the fresh greens of new leaves. In particular, the diversity and abundance of wildlife occurring in the Esopus Meadows area and the changing patterns, colors and textures associated with the tidal flats provide ephemeral characteristics which enhance the scenic qualities of the SASS.
4. Freedom from Discordant Features
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS is generally well-preserved and free from discordant features. The main concentration of discordant features is to be found in the Highland Bluffs subunit, which historically has featured a working waterfront. Recent residential and commercial development has taken place throughout the SASS through subdivision of farmsteads and estates and along major highways. This has occurred with less respect for the topography of the area than was exhibited in the early settlement of the area, resulting in a dispersed settlement pattern and an increasing feel of suburbanization. The physical and cultural components of the SASS are generally well maintained.
B. Uniqueness
The historic estates of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS form part of a series of estates on both sides of the Hudson River throughout the Mid-Hudson Region that is unique in the State. Each estate is unique in its own right with a distinctive individual architectural style and history. Many of the estates have been maintained in their historic form. The well-preserved estates form a unique grouping of historic landscaped estates and religious buildings. Unlike other parts of the Hudson River Valley, most have direct access to the shore of the Hudson River, unrestricted by the railroad. In addition to the estates, the landscape of the SASS is comprised of farms, orchards and vineyards and represents a unique remnant of a traditional land use of the Mid-Hudson Region.
The broad expanse of tidal flats of Esopus Meadows is a unique landform in the Hudson River, and tidal flats of a comparative size are rare in other coastal regions of New York State. Their presence contributes to the scenic value of the subunit. At the border between shallow and deep water stands the only wooden lighthouse on the Hudson River, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, a unique maritime feature in the region.
C. Public Accessibility
The land ownership pattern related to the low density development and large land holdings scattered throughout the Esopus/Lloyd SASS has resulted in few opportunities for public access. Public accessibility is mostly limited to local roads which run through the SASS. Physical access to the shoreline of the Hudson River is limited, both from the upland and from the Hudson River itself.
In the Town of Lloyd the upland parts of the SASS are separated from the waterfront by the West Shore Railroad, limiting physical access to the Hudson River. The Town of Esopus, however, is fortunate in that it is the first community north of Rockland County in which the railroad tracks move inland and do not impose a physical or visual barrier at the water's edge. This increases the opportunity for physical access to the Hudson River in the northern half of the SASS.
The vehicle pull-in off River Road, to the south of Hemlock Point, provides opportunities for public access to the Hudson River shoreline. A small park with river trails, owned by Scenic Hudson, Inc. and managed by the Town of Esopus, is located off River Road at Esopus Meadows Point. Known as Lighthouse Park, it provides access to the Hudson River shoreline. Scenic Hudson also owns waterfront land to the south of the park and has plans to develop an environmental education facility on the property. Scenic Hudson has recently completed the purchase of 142 acres of riverfront land at the mouth of Black Creek. Future plans see the site developed for passive public recreation, improving public accessibility to the subunit.
Views from within the Esopus/Lloyd SASS are extensive and significant. From much of the area, long and broad views of the river and its surrounding landscape are available. Views from the Hudson River include the historic estates, wooded bluffs, orchards, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and beyond the SASS to the Catskill Mountains. These views are often enclosed by the steep bluffs along the river corridor. Cross river views from the upland and shoreline of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS include the Hudson River and the Estates District SASS on the eastern shore. These views are often full and unobstructed.
River Road runs along the bluff top before dropping down to the shoreline and offers extensive views of the Hudson River and the Estates District SASS on the eastern shore. NY Route 9W provides some vistas of the Hudson River and the Estate District SASS. Unfortunately, there are no opportunities to pull off the road to take advantage of this scenery, and the speed and volume of traffic on the road makes it extremely hazardous to view while driving. The Hudson River can be seen from spots along Bellevue Road, notably in the late fall and winter when the leaves have fallen.
The most expansive views from the southern portion of the SASS are available from Highland Landing which provides exceptional views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge, the Railroad Bridge (an engineering landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now under consideration for adaptation as a pedestrian promenade) and the Town and City of Poughkeepsie. The Johnson Iorio Memorial Park is located at the end of Haviland Road, adjacent to the western edge of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and set into the bluffs above Highland Landing. The park has no access to the Hudson River and only limited views due to vegetation, although views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge are spectacular. Views are available to the west and northwest from the pedestrian walkway on the Mid-Hudson Bridge.
The Regent Champagne Cellar, formerly the Hudson Valley Winery, is open to the public for wine tours, special events and functions. The access road, Blue Point Road, winds through the historic vineyard landscape to the main building complex which is set on the bluffs overlooking the Hudson River, the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the City of Poughkeepsie. Trails on the estate lead to Blue Point, which offers expansive views south down the Hudson Valley.
The Esopus/Lloyd SASS figures prominently in the middleground of views from the Estates District SASS. Indeed, many of the finest scenic features of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS are best viewed from the river or the opposite shore. From the Hudson River, the estates and state parks and from local roads the rugged bluffs of the western shore dominate the views, with occasional glimpses of waterfront settlement, bluff top estates and agricultural activity. Views of the western shorelands are significant from the Mills-Norrie State Park and the Vanderbilt Mansion and Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Sites. The Esopus/Lloyd SASS is clearly visible to passengers in the trains on the east bank of the Hudson River. The recent completion of the Hyde Park Trail on the eastern shore linking the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Sites, with plans to continue to the Mills-Norrie State Park, will provide greater public visual access to SASS. The SASS is also dominant as the middleground in views to the west from the City of Poughkeepsie, which has extensive park areas and public land along the River.
The distant Catskill Mountains and the ridges of Hussey Hill, Shaupeneak Mountain, and Illinois Mountain, immediately beyond the Esopus/Lloyd SASS, provide a dramatic backdrop to the many estates and monasteries gracing the landscape. The steep wooded bluffs above the Hudson River and the rolling upland provide a dramatic setting for the numerous landscape features. The composition of the SASS is well balanced with many positive focal points including the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, the Mid-Hudson Bridge, the architecture of the historic structures, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and the estates on the eastern shore. The variety of lengths of views, compositions, backgrounds and significant focal points combines to enhance the scenic quality of the views available in the Esopus/Lloyd SASS.
D. Public Recognition
The scenic and aesthetic quality of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS has achieved a high degree of public recognition. It receives strong public recognition as the view from River Road, a designated Scenic Road under Article 49 of the Environmental Conservation Law. The SASS is well recognized as the middleground of views to the west from the Estates District SASS on the eastern shore of the Hudson River. The numerous estates include Wilderstein, the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Sites and the Mills-Norrie State Park, all of which are visited by large numbers of the general public. The SASS is also recognized as the middleground of views to the west from the City and Town of Poughkeepsie and the Mid-Hudson Bridge, also a designated Scenic Road, and from Locust Grove and the Hudson River State Hospital both National Historic Landmarks.
There are four properties and structures in the Esopus/Lloyd SASS listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, receiving public recognition for their historical and architectural significance. These are the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, Riverby, the Anthony Yelverton House and the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge.
The scenic and aesthetic quality of the SASS has received public recognition through the action of the State and environmental not-for-profit organizations which have sought to protect individual parcels of land within the SASS from development. Land has been purchased at Esopus Meadows and Black Creek, while the scenic qualities of the Regent Champagne Cellar have been identified in the State's recent Open Space Plan.
IV. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Whether within or outside a designated SASS all proposed actions subject to review under federal and State coastal acts or a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program must be assessed to determine whether the action could affect a scenic resource and whether the action would be likely to impair the scenic beauty of the scenic resource.
Policy 24 provides that when considering a proposed action, agencies shall first determine whether the action could affect a scenic resource of statewide significance. The determination would involve:
(1) a review of the coastal area map to ascertain if it shows an identified scenic resource which could be affected by the proposed action, and
(2) a review of the types of activities proposed to determine if they would be likely to impair the scenic beauty of an identified resource.
Impairment includes:
(i) the irreversible modification of geologic forms; the destruction or removal of vegetation; the modification, destruction, or removal of structures, whenever the geologic forms, vegetation or structures are significant to the scenic quality of an identified resource; and
(ii) the addition of structures which because of siting or scale will reduce identified views or which because of scale, form, or materials will diminish the scenic quality of an identified resource.
Policy 24 sets forth certain siting and facility-related guidelines to be used to achieve the policy, recognizing that each development situation is unique and that the guidelines will have to be applied accordingly. The guidelines are set forth below, together with comments regarding their particular applicability to this Scenic Area of Statewide Significance. In applying these guidelines to agricultural land it must be recognized that the overall scenic quality of the landscape is reliant on an active and viable agricultural industry. This requires that farmers be allowed the flexibility to farm the land in an economically viable fashion, incorporating modern techniques, changes in farm operation and resultant changes in farm structures. Policy 24 guidelines include:
SITING STRUCTURES AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS HIGHWAYS, POWER LINES, AND SIGNS, BACK FROM SHORELINES OR IN OTHER INCONSPICUOUS LOCATIONS TO MAINTAIN THE ATTRACTIVE QUALITY OF THE SHORELINE AND TO RETAIN VIEWS TO AND FROM THE SHORE;
COMMENT: For much of the length of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS, the Hudson River is bounded by steep undeveloped wooded bluffs that figure prominently in views within the SASS, notably from the Hudson River, and in views of the SASS from the eastern shorelands of the Hudson River, part of the Estates District SASS. Siting of structures on the slopes or crests of these bluffs would introduce discordant elements into the landscape and impair the scenic quality of the SASS.
Esopus Meadows is a particularly critical scenic component in the northern portion of the SASS. Elimination of the shallow, freshwater tidal flats of Esopus Meadows and the marshy areas adjacent to the Hudson River shoreline through dredging, filling or bulkheading would result in a direct impact on the shoreline, the vegetation of the Esopus Meadows, and the setting of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, changing the character of the relationship between the Hudson River and its shorelands that would impair the scenic quality of the SASS.
CLUSTERING OR ORIENTING STRUCTURES TO RETAIN VIEWS, SAVE OPEN SPACE AND PROVIDE VISUAL ORGANIZATION TO A DEVELOPMENT;
COMMENT: The Esopus/Lloyd SASS features a low intensity pattern of development that includes a large amount of functional open space. Historic farmsteads and estate houses punctuate, but do not dominate the landscape of rolling upland pastures, orchards, vineyards, landscaped estates and woodland. Recent, poorly sited residential development has not respected the traditional patterns of development within the SASS and has disturbed the visual organization that has been established through this traditional development pattern. Further expansion of new development into the open areas of the SASS would replace the varied vegetation types, causing the textures, colors, contrast and expansiveness of the natural landscape character and their interrelationship to be lost, thus impairing the scenic quality of the SASS. The use of topography and existing vegetation and the clustering of new development can assist in maintaining scenic quality.
INCORPORATING SOUND, EXISTING STRUCTURES (ESPECIALLY HISTORIC BUILDINGS) INTO THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME;
COMMENT: The SASS is a unique natural and cultural landscape. The loss of historic structures would alter the cultural character of the landscape, remove focal points from views and diminish the level of contrast between the natural landscape and the cultural landscape, thus impairing the scenic quality of the SASS.
REMOVING DETERIORATED AND/OR DEGRADING ELEMENTS;
COMMENT: The SASS is generally free of discordant features, and structures are generally well maintained.
MAINTAINING OR RESTORING THE ORIGINAL LAND FORM, EXCEPT WHEN CHANGES SCREEN UNATTRACTIVE ELEMENTS AND/OR ADD APPROPRIATE INTEREST;
COMMENT: The landform of the SASS is primarily in an undisturbed state and is the unifying factor in the SASS. The contrast in elevation and the juxtaposition of water and land contribute to the scenic quality of the SASS. The failure to maintain existing landforms and their interrelationships would reduce the unity and contrast of the SASS and impair its scenic quality.
MAINTAINING OR ADDING VEGETATION TO PROVIDE INTEREST, ENCOURAGE THE PRESENCE OF WILDLIFE, BLEND STRUCTURES INTO THE SITE, AND OBSCURE UNATTRACTIVE ELEMENTS, EXCEPT WHEN SELECTIVE CLEARING REMOVES UNSIGHTLY, DISEASED OR HAZARDOUS VEGETATION AND WHEN SELECTIVE CLEARING CREATES VIEWS OF COASTAL WATERS;
COMMENT: The variety of vegetation in the SASS makes a significant contribution to the scenic quality of the SASS. The tidal flats of Esopus Meadows, open farm fields, orchards, vineyards, woodlands, and landscaped estates provide variety, unity and contrast to the landscape. The wildlife supported by this vegetation adds ephemeral effects and increases the scenic quality of the SASS. Vegetation helps structures blend into the predominantly natural landscape and plays a critical role in screening facilities and sites which would otherwise be discordant elements and impair the scenic quality of the SASS.
Clearcutting or removal of vegetation on the wooded bluffs along the Hudson River would change the character of the river corridor and impair its scenic quality. Esopus Meadows is a particularly critical scenic component in the northern portion of the SASS. Elimination of the shallow, freshwater tidal flats and the associated vegetation of Esopus Meadows and the marshy areas adjacent to the Hudson River shoreline through dredging, filling or bulkheading would result in a direct impact on the shoreline, the vegetation of the Esopus Meadows, and the setting of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, changing the character of the relationship between the Hudson River and its shorelands and impairing the scenic quality of the SASS.
USING APPROPRIATE MATERIALS, IN ADDITION TO VEGETATION, TO SCREEN UNATTRACTIVE ELEMENTS;
COMMENT: The SASS is generally free of discordant elements. Existing development generally respects and is compatible with the landscape. The failure to blend new structures into the natural setting, both within the SASS boundaries and in the viewshed of the SASS, would impair the scenic quality of the SASS.
USING APPROPRIATE SCALES, FORMS AND MATERIALS TO ENSURE THAT BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH AND ADD INTEREST TO THE LANDSCAPE.
COMMENT: The existing structures located within the SASS generally are compatible with and add interest to the landscape because they are of a scale, design and materials that are compatible with the predominantly natural landscape. Failure to design new development or alterations to existing structures in a form that complements the scenic quality of the SASS would adversely impact the SASS. Inappropriate scale, form, color and materials which are incompatible with the existing land use and architectural styles of the area and cannot be absorbed into the landscape composition would impair the scenic quality of the SASS. Failure to construct new buildings which are compatible with the cultural fabric of the SASS as represented in these historic structures would impair the scenic quality of the SASS.
Esopus/Lloyd Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
Index to Esopus/Lloyd Subunits
EL-1 Big Rock and Hemlock Points Subunit
ESOPUS/LLOYD SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
EL-1 Big Rock and Hemlock Points Subunit
I. Location
The Big Rock and Hemlock Points subunit is the most northerly subunit of the SASS, and its northern boundary is the same as the northern boundary of the Esopus/Lloyd SASS, which runs from Riverview Cemetery on NY Route 9W to the Hudson River. The subunit extends south for approximately 2 miles to the vicinity of Prospect Hill, south of the hamlet of Port Ewen, and varies in width from one to two miles. The subunit includes the Hudson River from the mean high tide line on the eastern shore, sharing a common boundary with the Estates District SASS on the eastern shorelands of the Hudson River, and land to the west of the Hudson River, with its western boundary being the coastal boundary. It is located in the Town of Esopus, Ulster County and the Town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess County. Consult the Esopus/Lloyd SASS map sheet number 1 for subunit boundaries.
II. Scenic Components
A. Physical Character
The landform of this subunit is dominated by steep wooded bluffs averaging 200 to 250 feet in elevation and the rolling upland atop the bluffs. Vegetation consists of mature woodland, open meadows, secondary and scrub growth and landscaped lawns. The shoreline exhibits a gentle curve and contains small coves and points, including Big Rock and Hemlock Points. The Hudson River is over a mile wide, with marshes and shallows at its edge. Esopus Meadows stretches south along the shoreline from Hemlock Point. This important landscape feature is a relatively large, undisturbed area of shallow, freshwater tidal flat.
B. Cultural Character
The subunit has scattered residential development, although recent subdivisions and the replacement of summer camps with permanent residential structures have led to the spread of residential development in the subunit. River Road runs dramatically along the blufftop in the northern part of the subunit and alongside the Hudson River in the southern section.
Hemlock Point is an Indian burial site, discovered when River Road was widened. To the south of Hemlock Point is another point in the Hudson River. This is the site of the old Schleede Brickyards, which closed in the 1930's, the last of three brickyards in the Town of Esopus to remain in operation. Remains of old kilns and foundations can be seen amongst the vegetation, and broken brick still lies in the small bay, known as Brickyard Cove.
The subunit contains several historic houses and estates located along River Road. At the corner of River Road and Broadway is a wood and stone house built in 1767 and restored in 1941. This was the Van Vliet homestead, one of the early settlers in the area. The house was known as the "Jug Tavern" during Revolutionary times, and George Washington was reputed to have stopped there. Inland from the old Schleede Brickworks is the site of the stone house built in the early 18th century by James Niese on a land grant from Queen Anne. This now is the site of a more modern home. Several of the historic estate structures are intact, set in a well-maintained estate landscape of sweeping lawns. Well-maintained stone walls are an important landscape feature. Some of the estates are being developed, and suburban houses now dominate these properties creating a discordant feature on the landscape.
Many of the summer camps that clustered along the shore of the Hudson River, located on the narrow strip of land below River Road, have been converted into residences. On the wooded bluff and the open meadows of the rolling upland are the numerous deteriorated structures associated with Camp Chi-Wan-Da, a former boys camp. A number of interesting modern designs blend in well with the landscape, respecting the contours, existing vegetation and views from River Road. Despite these examples of good design, the recent spread of residential development in the subunit overpowers the historic settlement pattern and adds an element of discordance to the scenic quality of the subunit. Ongoing construction at the Port Ewen Water Treatment Works alongside the Hudson River just north of Hemlock Point provides a further discordant element. The diversity and abundance of wildlife occurring in the Esopus Meadows area and the changing patterns, colors and textures associated with the tidal flats provides ephemeral characteristics which enhance the scenic qualities of the area.
C. Views
Views from the subunit provide full and unobstructed views of the Hudson River and its eastern bank, part of the Estates District SASS. The views are up to 20 miles long and are very wide to the northwest and southeast. The historic Esopus Meadows Lighthouse is a focal point in the views to the southeast and is important in views from the shorelands and the Hudson River. From the top of the bluff, the Catskill Mountains to the west provide a dramatic backdrop to the rolling woodlands and farmlands that border the western edge of the subunit. The composition of the views is of distinctive quality, with a good balance of foreground, middleground and background components. Views within the subunit are wide and long from the Hudson River, featuring the bluffs on both sides of the river, but are limited and constrained by the woodlands and steep slopes on the upland areas.
III. Uniqueness
The broad expanse of tidal flats at Esopus Meadows is a unique landform in the Hudson River, and tidal flats of a comparative size are rare in other coastal regions of New York State.
IV. Public Accessibility
The land ownership pattern related to the low density development scattered throughout the subunit has resulted in few opportunities for public access, although the subunit is highly accessible from the Hudson River and from River Road, which runs close to the Hudson River throughout the subunit. A parking area located to the south of Hemlock Point provides opportunities for direct public access to the Hudson River shoreline. The subunit can be viewed from the eastern shoreline, part of the Estate District SASS, and is highly visible from the passenger trains on the east bank of the Hudson River and from Wilderstein. Scenic Hudson, Inc. recently prepared detailed, comprehensive viewshed analyses for the Mills-Hoyt State Historic Site and for Wilderstein. This subunit was a focus of this work.
V. Public Recognition
The Big Rock and Hemlock Points subunit is recognized by the public as the view from the scenic River Road and as the middleground of views from the estates on the eastern shore of the Hudson River, especially Wilderstein. River Road, which passes along the shore in the southern half of the subunit and rises to the top of the bluff in the northern half, is a designated Scenic Road under Article 49 of the Environmental Conservation Law.
VI. Reason for Inclusion
The Big Rock and Hemlock Points subunit has high scenic quality and is both physically and visually accessible to the public. It features historic estates located on a long and steep bluff overlooking a wide section of the Hudson River. The landscape composition features a variety of scenic components. A moderate contrast exists between the historic houses in a landscaped setting and the natural wooded areas and between the steep bluffs and the tidal flats of Esopus Meadows. The recent subdivision of the estates has resulted in the spread of residential development, contributing an element of discordance which detracts from the scenic quality of the subunit.
ESOPUS/LLOYD SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
I. Location
The Esopus Uplands subunit is located inland on the western side of the Hudson River. It stretches south along the coastal boundary from River Road to the hamlet of Esopus and continues south along NY Route 9W to Winding Brook Lane. It is nearly six miles in length and up to one mile in width. The crest of the steep bluffs of the Hudson River shoreline creates the eastern boundary, and the western boundary follows the coastal boundary and NY Route 9W. The subunit is located in the Town of Esopus, Ulster County Consult the Esopus/Lloyd SASS map sheets, numbers 1 and 2, for subunit boundaries.
II. Scenic Components
A. Physical Character
The landform of this subunit is the gently rolling upland plateau behind the Hudson River bluffs. The subunit exhibits generally moderate topographic relief at elevations of 100 to 225 feet and features Prospect Hill rising to over 350 feet. The varied vegetation creates a diverse tapestry of mature woodlands, meadows, orchards and landscaped lawns. Water features are not prominent in the landscape.
B. Cultural Character
The land use in the subunit is a mix of farms, orchards, historic and modern residences and religious properties. The landscape and structures of the subunit are generally well-maintained. Stone walls are an important landscape feature and provide a link to the historic landscape pattern of the subunit. Off River Road, just before it turns north to follow the Hudson River, is the old Terpening Cemetery. This is where many of the original settlers of the area were buried in the 18th and 19th centuries. The cemetery is now maintained by the Town of Esopus. At the end of Hermance Road, running through the site of the historic Hermance Farm, is an old stone and wood tavern built in 1807. It was remodeled in 1902 and is now a residence. An 1818 stone house, located on NY Route 9W to the south of the Three Brothers Egg Farm, has an interesting history, having served as an underground railroad for runaway slaves prior to and during the Civil War. Just south on NY Route 9W is an 1837 frame house. Recent residential development mixes with these historic residential structures scattered along NY Route 9W and the few local roads passing through the subunit.
The historic landscape features are generally well maintained in open settings of landscaped lawn surrounded by farmland and woodland. The landscaped setting of the Mount Saint Alphonsus Seminary, built on the historic Pell Estate, dominates the central part of the subunit. Stone walls and trees front NY Route 9W, and long, tree lined driveways lead to the seminary buildings which are located in the adjacent Esopus Bluffs subunit. The face of an old gravel pit, now weathered into the landscape, and a restaurant along NY Route 9W are minor discordant features, but have no significant impact on the scenic quality of the subunit. The farming activities provide an important ephemeral element to the subunit.
C. Views
The Esopus Uplands subunit has limited direct views of the Hudson River. Where these exist, the views from the subunit generally extend in varying directions for up to 2 to 3 miles in length and 90 to 180 degrees in width, although longer and wider views are available in all directions from Prospect Hill. Views within the subunit are across large fields and are contained by the surrounding woodlands and hedgerows which are set against the background of the Catskill Mountains to the west and the distant rolling hills to the east of the Hudson River. The composition of the landscape comprises many positive scenic components including architecturally significant structures, orchards, fields and woods. The scattered farmsteads and neighboring monasteries punctuate the landscape composition, creating strong focal points.
III. Uniqueness
The subunit is not unique. The continued existence of large religious properties within a large estate setting is uncommon in the State.
IV. Public Accessibility
The land ownership pattern of large land holdings and low density development scattered throughout the subunit has resulted in few opportunities for public access. Public accessibility in the subunit is limited to N.Y. Route 9W and local roads. The area around Prospect Hill is visible from the Hudson River and the eastern shore, part of the Estates District SASS. Scenic Hudson, Inc. recently prepared detailed, comprehensive viewshed analyses for the Mills-Hoyt State Historic Site and for Wilderstein. This subunit was a focus of this work.
V. Public Recognition
Public recognition is limited primarily to local and regional knowledge of the subunit.
VI. Reason for Inclusion
The Esopus Uplands subunit has a rich variety of scenic components including woodlands, hedgerows, open fields, orchards and architecture. The components provide contrast, yet are unified because they blend into the landscape. The subunit is moderately accessible to the public and is generally free from discordant features.
ESOPUS/LLOYD SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
I. Location
The Esopus Bluffs subunit is located on the western shore of the Hudson River extending from the base of Prospect Hill in the north to the Cast benchmark at Crum Elbow in the south. The subunit is relatively long, comprising a 7.5 mile stretch of steep bluffs, and narrow, ranging from one to two miles in width. The subunit includes the Hudson River from the mean high tide line on the eastern shore, sharing a common boundary with the Estates District SASS on the eastern shorelands of the Hudson River, and land to the west of the Hudson River, with its western boundary following the viewshed of the Hudson River from River Road south to Winding Brook Lane and south along NY Route 9W to the Esopus/Lloyd Town line. The subunit is located in the Town of Esopus, Ulster County and the Towns of Rhinebeck and Hyde Park, Dutchess County. Consult the Esopus/Lloyd SASS map sheets, numbers 1, 2 and 3, for subunit boundaries.
II. Scenic Components
A. Physical Character
The landform of this subunit consists primarily of steep wooded bluffs overlooking the Hudson River. The shoreline of the Hudson River is curving with numerous small coves and points. The wooded Esopus Meadows Point marks a significant curve in the Hudson River. Off the point lies Esopus Meadows, a relatively large, undisturbed area of shallow, freshwater tidal flats. This area was once a meadow where cattle grazed but rises in the river level have covered this feature. Further south the heavily wooded course of Black Creek winds through the center of the subunit and enters the Hudson River at a small cove with accompanying tidal flats. Black Creek is named for the black coloration of the creek's bottom due to tannic acid from the hemlocks which abound along the banks. Out in the Hudson River adjacent to the confluence with Black Creek is Esopus Island, located in the Estates District SASS. Vegetation in the subunit is varied with good contrast between mature woodland, meadows and landscaped lawns and estates.
B. Cultural Character
The land use in the subunit is a mix of religious institutions, historic estates and residences, and contemporary residential development. The West Shore railroad runs along the shore in the southern part of the subunit before moving inland at West Park.
The subunit is rich in historic mansions carefully sited on the bluffs with sweeping lawns and landscaped woodlands running down to the Hudson River. Many of these structures date back to the late 19th century, although the history of estate development in the subunit goes back to the early settlements and the first Patents. Many of the main houses have been converted for institutional use by religious organizations and continue to be well-maintained today, allowing the traditional estate landscape that has evolved from the early 18th century to continue in a modern day form.
Historic stone and brick walls and gatehouses mark the western boundary of the southern section of the subunit along NY Route 9W. Throughout the subunit stone walls and hedgerows are important scenic features, defining estate boundaries, edging clearings and separating fields, orchards and woodlands. They are constructed mostly of local fieldstone, although there are some more ornate cobblestone boundary walls. The stone walls are generally well maintained.
The historic and religious structures include Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, Mount Saint Alphonsus Seminary, the former Alton B. Parker estate, the former Marist Preparatory School, the former Oliver Payne estate, Ascension Church, Riverby, Holy Cross Monastery, Santa Maria Novitiate, and Mother Cabrini School.
During the 1800's, when the Hudson River was the main traffic artery from upstate to New York City, the United States Lighthouse Service constructed a series of lighthouses along the River to warn traffic away from dangerous shallows. Over time the lighthouses were modernized and automated. Located off Esopus Meadows Point is the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, warning vessels to stay away from Esopus Meadows shallows. Construction of the original structure began in 1838. Damage by ice floes brought the structure to ruin within 30 years. A new structure was built in 1871 on an artificial island. It is the only Hudson River lighthouse to be built with a woodframe and sheathed in clapboard. The lighthouse-keeper was replaced with an automated navigational aid when the Coast Guard acquired the lighthouse service in 1965. Accessible only by water, the lighthouse is in a slightly deteriorated condition, although there are plans to restore the structure since the Coast Guard has leased the lighthouse to the "Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission." The lighthouse is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and is a reminder that the Hudson River has been an important navigation way for centuries.
Mount Saint Alphonsus Seminary is a massive grey stone building that stands out in the center of the subunit overlooking the Hudson River. This religious property is located on the site of the Cliffwood Estate of Robert L. Pell, Esq. To the north of the present Seminary is Pelham Dock, a reminder of the prosperous days of agriculture in the area when Pell ran his expansive model orchard and fruit farm. He had over 25,000 trees in his orchard and also produced large quantities of grapes, currants and small fruit. In his time he was one of the largest fruit shippers in the world. The Pell estate, with its Tuscan Revival Roman Villa set in a landscaped setting, was one of the finest country seats in the region.
The Civil War blockade proved disastrous for overseas trade, and Pell was forced to mortgage his farm. It was acquired by his son-in-law in 1869, and in 1904 the 235 acre Pell estate was sold to the Redemptionist Fathers, who razed the mansion and built their House of Studies and Convent dedicated to their founder Saint Alphonsus. Completed in 1907, the four and a half story granite building is 444 feet long with two wings and a 90 foot high tower. The structure has 200 dwelling rooms and a chapel seating 250. It is located 200 feet above the Hudson River and dominates the blufftop in views from the Hudson River, Norrie Point State Park and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. In 1963 a convent was added to the property.
South of the seminary is Indian Rock, the site of the Walter P. Seaman House, a two story clapboard building constructed in 1870. Indian Rock is so named because it once held a clearly visible carving of an Indian. This so-called "petroglyph" is located on the Hudson River shore across from Esopus Island, where Indian Councils were held. Indian artifacts have been found throughout the area.
Adjacent to Indian Rock is Rosemont, the former home of Judge Alton B. Parker, the presidential candidate who lost to Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. This is the site of an old tavern visited by some of the men from General Vaughn's fleet on the night before they attacked Kingston in October 1777. Rosemont and its gatehouse are situated on Parker Avenue, which winds through orchards and woodland to the Hudson River at the old Esopus or Elmores Landing, located on Rosemont's property. At its height Rosemont was a farm of about 200 acres comprising orchard, vineyards, dairy and livestock and landscaped gardens. Rosemont has been renamed Lamont Landing and is being restored to its former estate use.
South of Black Creek lies the site of the historic Payne Estate, focused on the Payne Mansion built in 1905. The massive Mediterranean palazzo with an open central court is located on a 500 acre estate in a formal landscaped setting with barn complexes, greenhouses, a gatehouse and dock. The main building is constructed of steel reinforced concrete faced with soft imported Italian limestone, which has not weathered well in the climate of the region. Other features of the mansion are a red terracotta tile roof and classic detailing, including balustrades, balconies, columns, and piazza. Oliver Hazard Payne, a leading financier who had been a founder of the Standard Oil Company, commissioned Carrere and Hastings, best known for the Main Branch of the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue, to design the mansion, the last and arguably the most luxurious millionaire's house built on the Hudson River.
The mansion stands on the site of two previous historic estates, themselves located on the site of part of the Pell's large landholding in the area. These were the estates of Colonel George Watson Pratt and Colonel John Jacob Astor, grandson of the famous Astor. Astor built an imposing brick and stone mansion named Waldorf, which was later sold a couple of times, modified and the estate expanded and extensively landscaped prior to being purchased by Payne. Waldorf was razed in 1910, and the only remnants of the earliest era of the estate's development are a stone reservoir, driveways and garden paths, and some old specimen trees.
Payne died in 1917, and the estate went to one of his nephews. In 1933 it was turned over to the City Mission Society of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New York. In 1942 the Marist Brothers bought all of the estate that lay between NY Route 9W and the Hudson River. The property was used as a preparatory school, utilizing Payne's buildings, including the mansion, with new structures added. In 1963 the school moved to Cold Spring, and this property was used over time for a multitude of purposes. Today it is a retreat center and summer camp. The Marist Brothers have maintained the buildings and grounds. More recently the Payne Mansion and the boathouse were sold, and the house has been faithfully restored to its former glory as a private residence.
South of the Marist Brothers Seminary is the historic Ascension Church and Rectory. The fieldstone church was consecrated in 1842, and the rectory was built in 1859. This Episcopal church was attended by many of the descendants of the original settlers in the area and the rich estate owners, who over the years funded improvement works in the church.
The Holy Cross Monastery, located on portions of the former riverfront farm and estate of John Mulford, a prominent figure in the ice house business, and before him by Major General Daniel Butterfield, was established at the turn of the 20th Century by Father John Huntington, founder of the Episcopal Order of the Holy Cross. Father Huntington established the monastery, dedicated in 1904, which has remained the Mother House of the Order and a considerable influence throughout the Anglican world.
South of the Holy Cross Monastery is Riverby, the estate of the writer John Burroughs. In 1873 Burroughs purchased a nine acre fruit farm, including an old Dutch farmhouse and barn. Here he constructed a three story stone house that was to remain his permanent residence for the rest of his life. In his early days at Riverby, Burroughs did his writing in the main house. However, in 1881 he constructed a separate building to act as his study.
John Burroughs' study at Riverby is a small one story frame building with a shingled hip roof, located below the main house and above the riverbank, looking east across the Hudson River. The interior consists of a single room which still contains Burroughs' original furnishings and many of his mementos. The exterior and interior appear basically the same as in Burroughs' day. He later added a further 9 acres from the estate of John Mulford. The study at Riverby is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
John Burroughs published his first significant nature essay in the Atlantic Monthly in 1865. He produced numerous articles and books about the natural world until his death in 1921. Burroughs is credited with creating a receptive environment for conservation legislation and establishing the nature essay as a literary form. Burroughs entertained many famous people at Riverby including Theodore Roosevelt, Oscar Wilde, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Muir.
There is a cluster of historic homes around the junction of NY Route 9W and Floyd Ackert Road running down to the Hudson River. These are close to the site of early farms in the area which stretched along the route of the predecessor of NY Route 9W. Heartsease, although remodelled and enlarged, is in fact based on one of the original West Park farmhouses. This property was owned by Hilda Smith, a significant national figure in the field of education of industrial workers. She opened the Vineyard Shore School on the site in 1929. This closed in 1932, and seven years later the Bryn Mawr Summer School, a summer school for women in industry, relocated to these building and became the Hudson Shore Labor School. The school remained here until 1952 when it became part of the Labor Management Program at Rutgers University.
South of Heartsease is Vinecroft, another site of an old farmhouse. It is a small estate encompassing a late 19th century stone mansion. Lawns now sweep down to the Hudson River where once there was farmland and vineyards. South of Vinecroft, located on the east side of NY Route 9W near the junction of Floyd Ackert Road, is a Greek Revival residence believed to have been designed by Alexander Jackson Davis and built in 1835. It is one of the best examples of this architectural style in Ulster County. The large house has five bays and a portico with Ionic columns overlooking the Hudson River. Later named "Aberdeen", the property was once part of Hilda Smith's Labor Schools, but is once again a residence. There is a stone house down by the dock on the Hudson River. Originally a dock-keeper's home, this building is now a residence. The building resembles the plan of the Ascension Church rectory.
Another large estate was once located in this part of the scenic area. The first deed recording a sale of this property was dated 1729 when the property was bought by Abraham Deyo from the early Patentees. In 1798 it was acquired by John Dumont after passing through the hands of Michael Devoe. The Dumont Estate amounted to over 700 acres around the turn of the 19th century. After further changes in ownership this property became a much smaller riverfront estate of 101 landscaped acres, owned by a Dr. Gill beginning in 1863. The West Shore Railroad split Dr. Gill's property in the 1880's, separating the waterfront parcel from his upland farm. Gill's residence on the property appeared to be one building but was in fact three older historic structures joined together. The house was modified further by the next owner, Frank Seely, "the Soda Water King". Following further changes in ownership, including a spell as an hotel, the property is once again a residence.
South of the original Dumont property lies what were once three estates. The site of Grace Hill, the estate of New York businessman John U. Brookman, lies just to the west of the SASS. Opposite Grace Hill, between NY Route 9W and the Hudson River, is the site of the Glyn Albyn estate. This featured a Gothic Revival residence, an architectural style popular in the mid-19th century, in a landscaped garden setting of 25 acres. This brick house has an asymmetrical plan and features a tower, clustered chimneys, gables, balconies and ornate detailing. Glyn Albyn was once part of the estate to the south which featured a brick building, Malvern Hall, overlooking the Hudson River. This latter estate features the cobblestone wall that fronts NY Route 9W.
Between 1921 and World War II the three estates of Grace Hill, Glen Albyn and Malvern Hall were acquired by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The gothic house at Glen Albyn was modified and became their Novitiate while Malvern Hall was used for classes. In the early 1970's the order sold about 800 acres of land to a development company, and shortly thereafter the former Malvern Hall on the property was destroyed by fire.
The religious property at the southern end of the scenic area is the Mother Cabrini School. Once again the site of an early estate, this property was purchased in 1890 by Mother Cabrini, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. She purchased the property from a Jesuit group which had established a Novitiate on the site in 1873. The Sacred Heart Orphanage which was founded here has grown throughout the years, and the facilities expanded.
Esopus Meadows is a relatively large, undisturbed area of shallow, freshwater tidal flats. The diversity and abundance of wildlife occurring in the Esopus Meadows area and the changing patterns, colors and textures associated with the tidal flats provide ephemeral characteristics which enhance the scenic qualities of the subunit. The area has historically been a rich fishing ground and a popular location for duck hunting. The duck blinds that dot the flats add visual interest.
There are few discordant features in the subunit. The historic relationship of stately mansions with sweeping lawns overlooking the Hudson River, surrounded by woodlands, is largely intact with very few inappropriate structures or clearings. The subunit is very well maintained.
C. Views
The subunit offers full, unobstructed views of the Hudson River, while the Catskill Mountains provide a strong and dramatic backdrop. The many and varied mansions and monasteries set in large well-maintained lawns amid landscaped estates provide striking focal points and contribute to the predominantly pristine character of the river corridor throughout the subunit. River Road offers sweeping views of the river and eastern shore, part of the Estate District. The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse is a prominent focal point in the view across Esopus Meadows, both from the shorelands and the Hudson River. The massive House of Studies at Mount Saint Alphonsus, located 200 feet above the Hudson River, dominates the bluff top in views from NY Route 9W, the Hudson River, Norrie State Park and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and is a prominent focal point in the northern half of the subunit. The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Esopus Island, Norrie Point, the Hoyt property, Mills Mansion, the Locusts and Wilderstein are focal points on the eastern shore which feature in views from the subunit.
III. Uniqueness
The well preserved estates form a unique grouping of historic landscaped estates and religious buildings, and unlike other parts of the Hudson River Valley, most have direct access to the shore of the Hudson River, unrestricted by the railroad. As the only wooden lighthouse on the Hudson River, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse is a unique maritime feature in the region. The broad expanse of tidal flats at Esopus Meadows is a unique landform in the Hudson River, and tidal flats of a comparative size are rare in other coastal regions of New York State.
IV. Public Accessibility
The land ownership pattern of large land holdings and low density development scattered throughout the subunit has resulted in few opportunities for public access. Accessibility is provided by local roads, limited to the designated scenic River Road in the north and NY Route 9W in the south. The subunit is highly visible from the Hudson River within the subunit, the passenger trains that run on the east bank of the Hudson River and from the eastern shorelands which are part of the Estate District SASS. Several public parks and sites, located on the eastern shore, provide visual access to the subunit. These include the heavily visited Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site, Norrie State Park, Mills Memorial State Park, and Wilderstein. Scenic Hudson, Inc. recently prepared detailed, comprehensive viewshed analyses for the Mills-Hoyt State Historic Site and for Wilderstein. This subunit was a focus of this work. The recent completion of the Hyde Park Trail on the eastern shore between the FDR Home and Hyde Park, with plans to continue to the Mills-Norrie State Park, will provide greater public visual access to this subunit. Consult the Estates District SASS, subunits ED-23, ED-24, and ED-27 for the location of viewing areas.
A small park with river trails, owned by Scenic Hudson, Inc., and managed by the Town of Esopus, is located off River Road at Esopus Meadows Point. The "Lighthouse Park" offers public access to the Hudson River, and views from the park include the historic Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and estates on the eastern shore as focal points. Scenic Hudson also owns waterfront land to the south of the park and plans to develop an environmental education facility on the property. Scenic Hudson has recently completed the purchase of 142 acres of riverfront land at the mouth of Black Creek. Future plans see the site developed for passive public recreation, improving public accessibility to the subunit.
V. Public Recognition
The Esopus Bluffs subunit is well recognized as the middleground of views to the west from the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Sites and the Mills-Norrie State Park, all of which are visited by large numbers of the general public. River Road in the northern portion of the subunit is known for its views of the Hudson River and is a designated Scenic Road under Article 49 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Riverby and the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, receiving public recognition for their architectural and historic significance.
The scenic and aesthetic quality of the subunit has received public recognition through the action of Scenic Hudson, Inc., an environmental not-for-profit organization which has sought to protect views and provide access in the vicinity of Esopus Meadows Point and Black Creek. This evidences the importance of the subunit in views from the eastern shorelands, part of the Estates District SASS, and in particular from the Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills Memorial State Park and the Wilderstein Estate. Consult the Estates District SASS, subunits ED-20 and ED-18 for the location of viewing areas.
VI. Reason for Inclusion
The Esopus Bluffs subunit exhibits a variety of landscape components unified by the landform. Vegetation is varied with good contrast between fields, landscaped estates, mature woodland and the wetland vegetation of Esopus Meadows. There is a striking contrast between the architectural form and the landscaped setting of the historic estates and the texture of the wooded bluffs, and between the steep bluffs and the tidal flats of Esopus Meadows. The subunit is an integral part of views to the west from the Estate District SASS on the eastern shore of the Hudson and forms the middleground of views from several significant National Historic Sites and State Parks.
The subunit is recognized by the public through the designation of River Road as a scenic road under Article 49 of the Environmental Conservation Law, and the listing of Riverby and the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. The significant land purchases by Scenic Hudson, Inc. for public access also recognizes the importance of the subunit both as a scenic landscape in itself and as the middleground of views from the eastern shore of the Hudson River. The eastern shorelands are a designated Scenic Area under Article 49 of the Environmental Conservation Law and are included in the Estates District SASS, partially because of the views to the western shores.
The subunit is accessible via the Hudson River, NY Route 9W and local roads and is visible from the railroad trains and estates on the eastern shore of the Hudson, including Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site, Norrie State Park, Mills Memorial State Park and Wilderstein. The subunit is also visible from the Hyde Park Trail.
ESOPUS/LLOYD SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
I. Location
The Lloyd Bluffs subunit is located along Crum Elbow and the western shore of the Hudson River, extending south from the Cast benchmark to the Penn benchmark. The subunit includes the Hudson River from the mean high tide line on the eastern shore, for some of its length sharing a common boundary with the Estates District SASS on the eastern shorelands of the Hudson River, and land to the west of the Hudson River, with its western boundary running south along the viewshed of the Hudson River from the Esopus/Lloyd Town line to the junction of Red Top and Bellevue Roads, where it follows Bellevue Road to the hamlet of Highland Landing. The subunit extends approximately 3 miles along the river and is approximately one mile wide, including the Hudson River and its western viewshed. It is located in the Town of Lloyd, Ulster County and the Towns of Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. Consult the Esopus/Lloyd SASS map sheet number 3 for subunit boundaries.
II. Scenic Components
A. Physical Character
The Lloyd Bluffs subunit consists of steep wooded bluffs rising 200 to 250 feet above the Hudson River and the rolling uplands that flank the bluffs to the west. Vegetation is varied comprising mature woodland, open fields, and landscaped estates and residences. The shoreline of the Hudson River, which is about 1800 feet wide in this area, is curving with small coves and points. The long gentle curve of Crum Elbow shapes the Hudson River as it flows past the subunit. Several small ponds and wetlands are present in the upland areas.
B. Cultural Character
Land use in the subunit consists of an interesting mixture of well-sited historic estates, scattered residential development and open space. These estates and modern residential developments are mostly situated in a well-maintained landscaped setting of woodlands and sweeping lawns within openings in the woodland that stretches toward the Hudson River. Stone walls are an important landscape feature in the subunit. Located on the curve of the river at Crum Elbow was Father Divine's 600 acre estate known as Negro Heaven. Acquired from Howland Spencer in 1938, it was operated as a communal farming project.
The railroad tracks along the Hudson River accent the smooth curve of the shoreline. In many places, the natural rock faces of the steep bluffs have been modified to allow just enough room for the ribbon of track to fit on the narrow band of flat land along the shoreline of the Hudson River. The resulting landscape is a dramatic play of human and natural features.
The bluffs in this subunit are known as the Lange Rack cliffs, referring to the "Long Reach" of the Hudson River identified by Henry Hudson. Rowing, racing and regattas were a big sport on the Hudson River along the Lloyd waterfront. The best remembered are the Intercollegiate Regattas which continued from 1895 until 1950. Crews came from all over the East and spent several weeks in the area. Columbia University's boathouse, built on the site of the Old Knickerbocker Ice House, is a reminder of this era, although the facility has fallen into disrepair. Painted school emblems, faded with age, can still be seen on the rock escarpments above the Hudson River.
Throughout the subunit, recent residential development has taken place on the ridgeline of the bluffs and even on the bluffs themselves, often accompanied by clearcutting. This style of development has a negative impact on scenic quality. In spite of this recent trend there are no apparent discordant features.
C. Views
The subunit offers full, unobstructed views of the Hudson River of five miles or more in length and broader than 180 degrees, taking advantage of the Crum Elbow bend in the Hudson River. The composition of views from the subunit involves a satisfactory balance of fore, middle and background. Visible from the Hudson River are the bluffs and the Crum Elbow bend of the River. To the west the Catskill Mountains are visible and provide a dramatic distant backdrop. Views from and across the Hudson River include parts of the Estate District SASS and the Town of Poughkeepsie. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site, the Culinary Institute of America, the Hudson River State Hospital (a National Historic Landmark) and the historic Poughkeepsie railroad bridge (National Register) provide significant focal points in views to the east and south.
III. Uniqueness
The subunit is not unique.
IV. Public Accessibility
The land ownership pattern of large land holdings and low density development scattered throughout the subunit has resulted in few opportunities for public access. Local roads offer only limited accessibility to the upland of the subunit, with no access to the bluffs and with views enclosed by woodland and topography. The subunit is highly visible from the Hudson River, the passenger trains that run on the east bank of the Hudson River and the eastern shorelands of the river which are part of the Estate District SASS and includes the heavily visited Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site. The recent completion of the Hyde Park Trail on the eastern shore between the FDR Home and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site also provides public visual access to this subunit, as does the Hudson River State Hospital. Consult the Estate District SASS, subunit ED-27, for information regarding viewing locations.
V. Public Recognition
Public recognition of the subunit is limited to the local population. The subunit is also recognized by the general public as the middleground of views from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site on the east bank of the Hudson River.
VI. Reason for Inclusion
The Lloyd Bluffs subunit has a variety of positive scenic components including wooded bluffs, rolling uplands and scattered estates. The wooded landscape provides unity among the components, while the cultural elements are well sited within the landscape and do not dominate the landscape. The landscaped estate openings within the wooded areas provide a moderate degree of contrast. The subunit is accessible from the Hudson River, the passenger trains that run on the east bank of the Hudson River and the eastern shorelands of the river which are part of the Estate District SASS. The subunit is recognized by the public as the important middleground views from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site on the east bank of the Hudson River. There are no apparent discordant features in the subunit.
ESOPUS/LLOYD SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
I. Location
The Highland Bluffs subunit is located along the western shore of the Hudson River. The subunit includes the Hudson River from the mean high tide line on the eastern shore. It extends from the Penn benchmark to its southern boundary at the South Base benchmark. The subunit is approximately 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. The subunit is located in the Town of Lloyd, Ulster County and the Town and City of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. Consult the Esopus/Lloyd SASS map sheets, numbers 3 and 4, for subunit boundaries .
II. Scenic Components
A. Physical Character
The Highland Bluffs subunit consists of steep wooded bluffs that rise 150 feet above the Hudson River. A few rock cliffs and the rock cuts for the railroad tracks accentuate the steepness. The shoreline is accented by the thin hard line of the railroad tracks. The subunit includes a small section of rolling upland above the bluffs in the vicinity of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge as well as the access road to the Mid-Hudson Road Bridge, which approaches the bridge through a rock cutting. Vegetation consists of dense woodland, disturbed by clearing for residential lots. The Hudson River is approximately 2,000 feet wide along the subunit; and it's shoreline is straight, broken only by the mouth of the Twaalfskill Creek, which emerges from a steep but narrow valley.
B. Cultural Character
Land use is a mix of scattered residential development and a cluster of industrial and commercial uses at Highland Landing.
In 1754 Anthony Yelverton crossed the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie, built the first house in the area now known as Highland Landing, set up a sawmill (1765), and operated the first ferry crossing (1777). Yelverton capitalized on river trade and transportation and harnessed water power. His house still stands and is the oldest frame house in Ulster County, embodying the distinctive form and proportions of 18th century vernacular.
The Yelverton House is located on Maple Avenue, situated on a hillside a few hundred feet from the Hudson River. It is a one and a half story three bay frame structure constructed into the hillside, with a shallow horizontal orientation typical of settlement era houses in this part of the Hudson Valley. It's 18th century fabric is largely disguised by a series of 19th and 20th century improvements. These include elements from the Federal and Victorian periods and provide a unique insight into the evolution of the vernacular house over time and the local interpretation of new architectural styles. Despite the additions and alteration, the original frame of the structure is still intact, and it retains important characteristics of its type, form and period of construction.
The Yelverton House is significant as the oldest surviving remnant of this part of the hamlet of Highland, which was known as "Yelverton's Landing" and developed into an important Hudson River landing. By 1793 Noah Elting was running a ferry to Poughkeepsie from the base of River Road. This area then took the name of Eltings Landing and became the hub of riverside activity and a populous place. Various docks and landings in the area took the names of their owners, although the riverfront area as a whole became known as New Paltz Landing. The area was called Highland Landing following formation of the hamlet.
The riverfront and inland settlements continued to grow, with residential and commercial growth being accompanied by industrial development. Warehouses, lumber and farm produce storage, stores, ice houses, factories, iron works, brickyards, stone cutting quarries, mechanic shops, woodworking mills and coal yards sprang up along the waterfront to accommodate produce and manufactured goods for shipping. The development of commercial activity in the area was influenced by the ease of transportation offered by the Hudson River. Sloops sailed from the area to New York City daily. A thriving waterfront community developed at Highland Landing.
The development of the West Shore Railroad reduced river traffic and promoted inland development. The railroad's impact meant that the character of the waterfront changed. The narrow strip of land at the base of the steep bluffs was used for the tracks, displacing the waterfront industrial, commercial and shipping activity. Over the years the growing industrial economy of inland villages was also detrimental to the competitiveness of the landing. The decline of Highland Landing was completed in 1882 when fire destroyed much of the waterfront and was further sealed with the opening of the Mid-Hudson Bridge which saw the ferry close and the landing removed from transportation routes. During his Presidency, Franklin D. Roosevelt customarily used the Highland Railroad Station when traveling between Hyde Park and Washington.
Today only a few older buildings remain of the once active 18th and 19th century commercial waterfront. Now large oil and gas tanks are clustered along the shoreline at Highland Landing. There are also a marina and restaurant on the waterfront, and small residential yards carved out of the woods disrupt the continuity of the wooded bluffs. Though generally well-maintained, the industrial shoreline development, scattered exurban residential development and marinas create considerable visual clutter.
The Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, built in 1888, is an important historic feature on the landscape but is a visually ponderous and rigid structure. Work on the bridge was completed in 1889. The length of the bridge is 12,608 feet with a main span of 2,260 feet. The track is 212 feet above the Hudson River. The bridge has not been in use since the first of two fires in 1974 and is currently unsafe due to lack of maintenance and fire damage. It is a landmark of American civil engineering and is listed on the National Register. The bridge is presently under consideration for adaptation as a pedestrian promenade.
The Mid-Hudson Bridge is a dominating built structure within the subunit. It was opened to the public in 1930. The suspension bridge has an overall length of 3000 feet, with a main span of 1500 feet. It carries two vehicle lanes and two pedestrian walkways. The bridge was designed by Ralph Modjeski.
Discordant features include recent suburban residential development within the historic landscape, the billboards on the approach road to the Mid-Hudson Bridge, the Highland Wastewater Treatment Plant, tank farms and residential development along the shoreline of the Hudson River to the south of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and intrusions into views from the subunit, namely a tank farm and recent residential development on the east bank.
C. Views
The subunit offers full unobstructed views of the Hudson River, although the length of the views up and down the River is constrained by the presence of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. The composition of views both from the shorelands and the Hudson River is linear, influenced by the straightness of the shoreline, the presence of the railroad tracks and the dominance within the views of the two bridges. Views from the pedestrian walkway on the Mid-Hudson Bridge to the north extend to Crum Elbow and are framed by the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge. The composition of views lacks foreground and middleground components. The City and Town of Poughkeepsie are visible across the river. This urban skyline, along with the bridges, provides focal points and provides the backdrop to Hudson River views.
III. Uniqueness
The Highland Bluffs subunit is not unique. However, the presence of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge and the Mid-Hudson Bridge, significant transportation structures in the Hudson Valley, set it apart from other reaches of the Hudson.
IV. Public Accessibility
The Highland Bluffs subunit is accessible via the Hudson River and local roads running through the subunit which provide visual access to the interior. Views of the shoreline, the Hudson River and the opposite shore are available from Highland Landing and the river. There are also some trails along the bluffs which are used by local residents, although they are located on private property and are not officially open to the public. The Johnson Iorio Memorial Park is located at the end of Haviland Road, adjacent to the western edge of the Mid-Hudson Bridge, and is set into the bluffs above the Hudson River. The park has no access to the River and only limited views due to vegetation, although views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge are spectacular. The subunit is visible as the middleground in views from the Hudson River, the passenger trains that run on the east bank of the Hudson River and from the City of Poughkeepsie, which has extensive park areas and public land along the River. It is also visible in views to the west and northwest from the pedestrian walkway on the Mid-Hudson Bridge, a designated Scenic Road.
V. Public Recognition
The steep bluffs of the Highland Bluffs subunit are well known locally and are recognized as the middleground of views to the west from the City and Town of Poughkeepsie and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. The Mid-Hudson Bridge is a designated Scenic Road under Article 49 of the Environmental Conservation Law. The Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge and the Anthony Yelverton House are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, receiving public recognition for their architectural and historic significance.
VI. Reason for Inclusion
The Highland Bluffs subunit has moderate scenic quality. The graceful Mid-Hudson Bridge is an important feature in the Hudson Valley and contributes to the scenic value of the subunit. It provides a dramatic contrast to the wooded bluffs that surround it. Although the subunit has limited variety, unity, and contrast of scenic components and the presence of discordant features along the waterfront at Highland Landing, it forms an integral part of the bluffs that unify the Esopus/Lloyd SASS from Port Ewen to Milton. It is bounded to the north and south by the Lloyd Bluffs and Blue Point subunits, which are distinctive.
ESOPUS/LLOYD SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
I. Location
The Blue Point subunit is located on the western shore of the Hudson River. The subunit includes the Hudson River from the mean high tide line on the eastern shore. The western boundary follows the viewshed of the Hudson River south from the Mid-Hudson Bridge access road to the telephone lines, follows the telephone lines to their intersection with NY Route 9W, then along NY Route 9W to the junction of NY Route 9W and Milton Road, where it follows Milton Road to the southern boundary of the SASS at Church Road in the hamlet of Milton. The subunit extends approximately two miles along the Hudson River and is approximately one mile wide. It is located in the Towns of Lloyd and Marlborough, Ulster County and the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. Consult the Esopus/Lloyd SASS map sheet number 4 for subunit boundaries.
II. Scenic Components
A. Physical Character
The subunit is comprised of tall, dramatic, curving wooded bluffs and gently rolling uplands. The bluffs rise to heights of 200 to 300 feet, and the hills reach an elevation of 350 feet in some areas. Vegetation consists primarily of dense woodland on the steep bluffs and a mix of woodland and cultivated fields, vineyards and orchards on the rolling uplands. The shoreline configuration of the Hudson River is a gentle curve that enhances the bluffs. The hard line of the railroad tracks at the River's edge accentuate the graceful curve of the shoreline. The Hudson River is about 1,800 feet wide in this area and is a very prominent feature in the subunit.
B. Cultural Character
Land use in the area is a mix of historic agriculture, recent suburban residential development and woodland. The subunit consists of an important historic cultivated rural landscape once widespread in the Mid-Hudson region. Several elegant mansions, estates and large farm complexes line the Hudson River and the rolling uplands beyond the bluffs. The surviving mix of vineyards and orchards, originally inspired by landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing, covers the rolling upland and extends down to the Hudson River in the southern portions of the subunit. The farmland is generally well maintained, although the fields of vines off Blue Point Road around Oakes are currently overgrown and untended. The vineyard complex at Oakes is that of the famous Hudson Valley Winery, now known as the Regent Champagne Center. This 410 acre estate has developed since 1907 and features a complex of Italianate buildings. The urban structures of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie provide an element of discordance to the subunit, but do not impair the overall scenic quality of the subunit.
C. Views
The subunit provides broad, full views of the Hudson River enhanced by the open vineyard landscape. There are long views downriver from the bluffs, but the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge block views up the river corridor. The composition of views in the subunit includes a rich foreground of rolling cultivated land, set against the urban background of the Poughkeepsie skyline. The high bluffs are important in views from the Hudson River corridor, the urban character of which stands in stark contrast to the rural nature of the subunit and is a negative element in views from the subunit, particularly from the Hudson River. The Mid-Hudson Bridge provides a positive focal point.
III. Uniqueness
The Blue Point subunit is a unique historic landscape comprised of cultivated farms and vineyards which constitutes a unique remnant of 19th century land use in the Mid-Hudson region.
IV. Public Accessibility:
The Blue Point subunit is accessible via local roads in the subunit and the Hudson River and is visible from the passenger trains that run on the east bank of the Hudson River, the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the City and Town of Poughkeepsie. The Regent Champagne Cellar, formerly the Hudson Valley Winery, is open to the public for wine tours, special events and functions. The vineyard's access road, Blue Point Road, winds through the historic vineyard landscape to the main building complex which is set on the bluffs overlooking the Hudson River, the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the City of Poughkeepsie. Trails on the estate lead to Blue Point which offers expansive views south down the Hudson Valley. The bluffs form a backdrop in views of the Hudson River from the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, and Blue Point is particularly prominent in the views from the city's waterfront parks, Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery and Locust Grove, an historic site listed on the National Register and open to the public.
V. Public Recognition
The subunit is well-known in the region. The vineyards and their associated wineries are promoted as tourist attractions. The scenic qualities of the Regent Champagne Cellar has been identified in the State's recent Open Space Plan.
VI. Reason for Inclusion
The Blue Point subunit has a high variety of positive scenic components including historic estates, vineyards and orchards which are unified by the landform. The contrast between the wooded bluffs and the open cultivated landscape of vineyards and orchards is marked and dominates the subunit. The historic landscape of the Blue Point Subunit is comprised of cultivated farms and vineyards and is a unique remnant of 19th century land use in the Mid-Hudson region. The subunit is generally free of discordant features and is accessible to the public via the Hudson River and local roads. It figures prominently in views from the Mid-Hudson Bridge, a designated Scenic Road under Article 42 of the Environmental Conservation Law. The subunit is also recognized as the backdrop of views to the west from the City of Poughkeepsie and its parks.