The State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation office is re-evaluating the needs of Knox Farm State Park after public outcry against a plan to create a brewery there. Time Warner Cable News reporter Rebecca Vogt has reaction from park-goers, who offered up their ideas for the East Aurora gem.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. -- It may be East Aurora's best kept secret - the 633-acre Knox Farm State Park has been utilized for the last 15 years as a place where people can let their dogs roam, catch a polo match, or just get wrapped up in its rich history.
"The landscape is gorgeous, it's very open. It's perfect to take pictures,” said photographer Dawn Woodhouse.
But when New York State Parks put out a request for proposals in June to develop stable barns on the property, it received some negative feedback. The document suggested things like a brewery or distillery and retail concessions. A change.org petition slammed the state for potential private industrialization.
"I think the basis for the Knox family not to commercialize the farm. They wanted to keep it as a green space and give it back to the state and community. I think this is a violation of their basic premise,” said John Hatcher of The Stables at Knox.
Last week, after only receiving one proposal for a farm market and small brewery, state parks said they'll reassess the needs for Knox Farm. In a statement, they said, "At no time has or will parks structures or land ever be sold to accommodate future proposals. Once a reevaluation occurs all future proposals will be reviewed and thoroughly vetted to ensure that the not only the integrity of the property is maintained but that there is enough of a financial benefit to the taxpayers of New York state."
"Very happy about it,” said Hatcher of the state’s response. “We need to look at the Knox stable from a historical standpoint, a legacy standpoint, and a philanthropic standpoint."
Hatcher and The Stables at Knox would like to see this portion of the park rehabbed and repurposed for horse therapy. Seymour Knox IV even threw out ideas like a polo hall-of-fame, a nod to his family's equine past.
"If we have the opportunity to talk to people around town or talk to interested parties I think we may be able to come up with some really good ideas," he said.
As to the future at Knox Farm, folks said they hope the state will support projects that consider historical significance and benefit the public in the long run.