RE: Angola Road. The comment that a goat farm is *lowering* property values is absurd. If anything, people looking to move into a rural community these days actually LOOK for good, well run farms to participate in, to work with, to get their local produce, meats, dairy and fibers from. If anything, this goat farm *raises* the property values!

Goats, cheese, eggs, vegetables, community participation, educating the community's children through the school - Edgwick Farm is much more than a "goat farm." At a time when green is picking up speed and buying locally is critical, a small, locally-owned business is a welcome addition to most neighborhoods in the US.

Seems like a pretty hard case to make that a goat farm is to blame for a drop in property values that has been going steady for almost three years, especially given the woodland buffer between the farm and the nearest development, the relatively modest size of the operation, and the fact that people (including migrants from New York) LIKE goats and small-scale farming.

We are saddened by this report and by Ms. Luisi's attack on our farm.

Ms. Luisi purchased her home in 2007 well aware we already operating a small scale dairy goat farm near her.

Property values have fallen for three years because of a nationwide housing market slump and losses in mortgage back securities.

Our farm is part of an agricultural district designated by the Orange County Legislature in 2007. New York state farm protection laws pre-empt any local laws. (Despite that fact we have sought and received approval for our operation from the Cornwall Planning Board.) Ms. Luisi has been informed of this pre-emption by the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets and the attorney consultant to the Planning Board.

Her public comments are a personal attack on our farm with no merit.

I have been a frequent visitor to Edgwick Farms and I have always been impressed with the care that the owners take of the land and the animals. I believe that Edgwick farms is a great asset to our community. Small farms and businesses help to create a vibrant community in Cornwall and that is one of the reasons why we moved here. Best, Christine Cameron

Isn't farming a part of living in the suburbs? If someone thinks a farm is lowering their property values, maybe they should live in the city. Edgewick Farm is a wonderful environment that I have visited with my family and plan on visiting again.

The big worry here is changing the zoning for Cornwall Commons to 78% unrestricted. There is no parking for the potential density. Did Mr. Jacobawitz address that? There is no park or place to play for small children, how will the units be taxed? What burdens will this put on our schools? This project was very, very specific when it was approved as a 55+ residential facility. I would like to suggest that they tear down the unfinished foundation / eye-sore that has "squatted" on the property for years and create additional parking, plant more trees and create a play ground and open space to accomodate the newly proposed use. Then start the conversations about changing use.

Unfortunately Ms. McGrade has confused her developments. Cornwall Commons is the project being planned for the vacant parcel on 9W, owned by Joe Amato, not the multi-story building on Quaker, adjacent to the CVS.

The Edgewick Farm is a place we should all be grateful for. Built by long days and hard work. I have visited the farm when I return to Cornwall. May I suggest a visit and make up your own mind.

Thalia,
We support you and your farm. There is no merit to the allegations of declining property values in relation to your operation. Keep up the fantastic work we love your products.

I appreciate the farms on Angola Road. Edgwick Farm, Jones Farm, and the Christmas tree farm all are an added value to our neighborhood and in our lives. We should be thankful to have such resources available to us! Beware of school jamming developments, not our farms!

My wife and I live just across Angola up a private road from Edgwick Farms and we love the fact that they are close. We hear the dogs howl and we laugh. The rooster makes us feel like we are in farm country when we hear him. I have actually inquired about "renting" a couple of the goats to help us control the Japanese Invasive Grass that has invaded our property, (yes goats WILL eat it). Keep up the good work Edgwick Farms and know that we love that you are here and consider you an asset to the community!

oops. Thank you Wynn.