GC Residents Support Open Space Acquisition

From left, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hussey (Bob and Debbie), Mrs. Doreen Banks, Old Westbury Gardens Director of Development, President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, John Norbeck: pose for a photo outside Garden City residents, Mr. and Mrs. Hussey's home where the reception was held.

Senator Kemp Hannon and wife, Browyn Hannon joined other Garden City residents on Sunday, September 30th to enjoy a reception to raise awareness of Old Westbury Gardens acquisition of 35 acres of land and former home of Peggie Phipps Boegner, "Orchard Hill". The reception, held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Hussey, joined Garden City residents in hopes of preserving and protecting Open Space on Long Island and an assemblage of Quaker Farm structures. "Orchard Hill" and the surrounding 35 acres lay contiguousto Old Westbury Gardens and are located adjacent to the most notable gardens.

As a result of the 2004, Open Space Bond Act, Nassau County agreed to purchase the development rights of the estate in partnership with Old Westbury Gardens. John Norbeck, President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens said, "We are thankful for the continued support of Garden City as Garden City residents make up the second highest constituency of members to Old Westbury Gardens."

From the left, Senator Kemp Hannon's wife, Mrs. Bronwyn Hannon, Mr. Frank Harder, Mr. Robert Weber, Mrs. Roberta Schroder and Mrs. Laureen Knusten listen as President and CEO, John Norbeck, explains the many benefits of preserving Orchard Hill.

The many reasons for preserving this property include future accessibility to the public and public's use, the scope of the property and its open space, its listing as a Special Groundwater Protection Area (SGPA) within the Old Westbury Gardens Enhancement Area in the NYS Open Space Conservation Plan, and the proven track record of Old Westbury Gardens in preserving and providing the public with outstanding visitation experiences and educational programming.