On January 23, 2024, there will be discussion of an ongoing problem between neighbors in Nauraushaun, a section of Pearl River. This conflict has been between the VanHouten Family and their neighbors who live contiguously in the hollow along Blauvelt Road. The VanHouten farm was purchased in 1813 by Rulef VanHouten and the remaining acreage has been whittled down over the years through the sale of sections of the property. The last of the acreage was kept as a farm stand selling produce grown on a farm in Pennsylvania. On January 24, 2024, there will be on the agenda the ability for public comment on the down allowing a special permit to run a farm winery and cidery.
The Van Houten family have been fixtures in Pearl River since 1813. During the 1960’s through the 1980’s the family opened the farm to the public having a Halloween display selling cider, pumpkins, and doughnuts during the season topped off by a display of a witch flying on her broom mounted on one of the shocks of corn stalks placed around the grounds. Her name was “Bertha Broomworthy”, and she is part of many adults’ memories of childhood having grown up in town. Like most farm people the Van Houtens have had to be creative innovators in order to make a living and keep one step ahead of the taxman who haunts all of us property owners like the Spector of Death. The Van Houten family is just trying to make a living as family farms all over this country are trying to do as suburbanization marches relentlessly forth.
The neighbors are against the events and programs held at the farm stand. Having spoken to them they have legitimate complaints. Allegedly they have said that there is loud noise past what they feel are decent hours, littering, public urination etc. making it difficult to enjoy a quiet quality of life in this bucolic corner of Pearl River. Due to the large landowners in the neighborhood such as the Henry Kaufman Campgrounds (90 Acres), the Presbyterian Church, the Veolia Water Co., and others. This area has managed to stay sylvan and peaceful. This conflict has been played out all over the country the crash of two lifestyles each claiming their rights, and they both do have rights. Therefore, both sides need to find a way to be respectful of those rights and quality of life issues. It is the sincere hope of this paper that a Solomon-like decision will be come to on the evening of the 24th of January.
Was any decision made?