Save Kleinke's Farm
Donation protected
Have you driven on lower Kenwood Avenue in Glenmont, NY lately? Some of us consider this a gateway to the Town of Bethlehem. Do you remember the places you pass as you are heading toward Delmar? Tri-Village Little League, aka Magee Ball Park, a few homes and then some of the most beautiful undeveloped land (100+ acres) in the heart of this community.
Many of you recognize the land as Kleinke’s Farm. Some remember it in its former glory days as Glensmere Guernsey Farm, a dairy farm which sold fresh dairy products, eggs and fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving. Some remember open pastures filled with cows and ponies. A few members of this community can still recall the man who started it all, Edward F. Kleinke who came to Bethlehem from the City of Albany to start a new life, a legacy.
Many newcomers to the Town and the younger generation of residents won't remember that the vegetables sold at Kleinke’s Farm were once grown at 65 Kenwood Avenue. They won’t recognize the sacrifices that have taken place on this family farm and will simply take it for granted that the open fields will remain undeveloped.
But, how would you feel if the historic Kleinke’s Farm disappeared? Well folks, this will soon be a harsh reality, and it means that the beautiful open space and historic buildings that you enjoy today may soon be lost forever because the Kleinke family farm at 65 Kenwood Avenue is at risk of being demolished, subdivided and developed. The agricultural land and unique landscape on lower Kenwood Avenue is on the verge of being lost to another residential developer in the Town we call home.
We need your help. We believe this beautiful historic farm has far more potential than what the developer plans to do with it. It is a family legacy and a gem that has the potential to be enjoyed by future generations. Our family members who began farming this land in the early 1900’s would be devastated to know that one of the few remaining farms in Town is on the verge of being lost to development. And it is our hope that you feel the same way.
We would like to open and operate a multi-generational family run facility that includes a wide variety of agri-tourism components. Our goal would be to provide a place for family members (immediate & extended) to start up niche businesses on the farm and help us create a destination place for future generations to enjoy.
For example, we envision that Raeann Kleinke Kitchen could put her Art degree to work by hosting art related events, which include hands on arts & craft classes for children and adults, photography, painting, and artwork / exhibits by local artisans, etc. Rebekah Kleinke Kitchen could put her Travel / Tourism, Event Management & Planning degree to work by hosting special events such as community fun days, family reunions, weddings, etc. Ross Kleinke Kitchen could be involved in outdoor / recreational activities. Ryan Kleinke Kitchen could focus on agricultural components, such as community gardens, farmer's market, historical exhibits, and crop production, etc. This represents only a few ideas. The farm has tremendous potential to be a destination place for residents and visitors alike, similar to the Indian Ladder Farms . The Kleinke property is accessible via the Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail and there are existing features on the property that can be utilized to provide the public with an opportunity to step back in time, relax, unwind and enjoy the beauty of this historic farm.
Our goal would be to raise $2 million dollars and utilize a portion of the money to acquire the land and a portion to make improvements to the existing farm buildings / grounds. We know that open space, historic properties and vanishing farms are important issues for many people in our community / country. We are, therefore, asking the public for assistance in raising awareness about the potential loss of this farm / open space and to help us generate the funds that are needed to save it. Support could be provided in the form of a donation, loan, investment, partnership, etc.
At present, we know the Town of Bethlehem has roughly 11,000 +/- households in it and based on our goal of raising $2 million, we have estimated that each household would need to contribute a total of $15.50 per month, for one year, in order to save Kleinke's Farm. If residents were willing to contribute $15.50 per month on a continual basis the Town would be able to utilize the funds to preserve many other farms / open spaces that are also on the verge of being lost to development.
We need your help to spread the word to make people aware of the potential loss of the farm / open space at 65 Kenwood Avenue. You can help by donating to the cause and reaching out to the Members of the Town Board and attending Town meetings, including Planning Board meetings, to share your thoughts about what this farm means to you on a personal level.
Meeting dates and agendas can be accessed via the Town’s website at: http://bethlehemtownny.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx You can also sign up to receive notifications about upcoming meetings via the “Notify Me” feature at: http://www.townofbethlehem.org/list.aspx
The descendants of Edward Kleinke need your support. They do not want to see this land developed. Ryan, a fifth generation Kleinke has been working on a business plan in hopes of keeping the farm in tact. He believes the farm has the potential to become a gathering place for Town residents and visitors alike; and a unique destination for people to enjoy for generations to come.
Many of you recognize the land as Kleinke’s Farm. Some remember it in its former glory days as Glensmere Guernsey Farm, a dairy farm which sold fresh dairy products, eggs and fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving. Some remember open pastures filled with cows and ponies. A few members of this community can still recall the man who started it all, Edward F. Kleinke who came to Bethlehem from the City of Albany to start a new life, a legacy.
Many newcomers to the Town and the younger generation of residents won't remember that the vegetables sold at Kleinke’s Farm were once grown at 65 Kenwood Avenue. They won’t recognize the sacrifices that have taken place on this family farm and will simply take it for granted that the open fields will remain undeveloped.
But, how would you feel if the historic Kleinke’s Farm disappeared? Well folks, this will soon be a harsh reality, and it means that the beautiful open space and historic buildings that you enjoy today may soon be lost forever because the Kleinke family farm at 65 Kenwood Avenue is at risk of being demolished, subdivided and developed. The agricultural land and unique landscape on lower Kenwood Avenue is on the verge of being lost to another residential developer in the Town we call home.
We need your help. We believe this beautiful historic farm has far more potential than what the developer plans to do with it. It is a family legacy and a gem that has the potential to be enjoyed by future generations. Our family members who began farming this land in the early 1900’s would be devastated to know that one of the few remaining farms in Town is on the verge of being lost to development. And it is our hope that you feel the same way.
We would like to open and operate a multi-generational family run facility that includes a wide variety of agri-tourism components. Our goal would be to provide a place for family members (immediate & extended) to start up niche businesses on the farm and help us create a destination place for future generations to enjoy.
For example, we envision that Raeann Kleinke Kitchen could put her Art degree to work by hosting art related events, which include hands on arts & craft classes for children and adults, photography, painting, and artwork / exhibits by local artisans, etc. Rebekah Kleinke Kitchen could put her Travel / Tourism, Event Management & Planning degree to work by hosting special events such as community fun days, family reunions, weddings, etc. Ross Kleinke Kitchen could be involved in outdoor / recreational activities. Ryan Kleinke Kitchen could focus on agricultural components, such as community gardens, farmer's market, historical exhibits, and crop production, etc. This represents only a few ideas. The farm has tremendous potential to be a destination place for residents and visitors alike, similar to the Indian Ladder Farms . The Kleinke property is accessible via the Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail and there are existing features on the property that can be utilized to provide the public with an opportunity to step back in time, relax, unwind and enjoy the beauty of this historic farm.
Our goal would be to raise $2 million dollars and utilize a portion of the money to acquire the land and a portion to make improvements to the existing farm buildings / grounds. We know that open space, historic properties and vanishing farms are important issues for many people in our community / country. We are, therefore, asking the public for assistance in raising awareness about the potential loss of this farm / open space and to help us generate the funds that are needed to save it. Support could be provided in the form of a donation, loan, investment, partnership, etc.
At present, we know the Town of Bethlehem has roughly 11,000 +/- households in it and based on our goal of raising $2 million, we have estimated that each household would need to contribute a total of $15.50 per month, for one year, in order to save Kleinke's Farm. If residents were willing to contribute $15.50 per month on a continual basis the Town would be able to utilize the funds to preserve many other farms / open spaces that are also on the verge of being lost to development.
We need your help to spread the word to make people aware of the potential loss of the farm / open space at 65 Kenwood Avenue. You can help by donating to the cause and reaching out to the Members of the Town Board and attending Town meetings, including Planning Board meetings, to share your thoughts about what this farm means to you on a personal level.
Meeting dates and agendas can be accessed via the Town’s website at: http://bethlehemtownny.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx You can also sign up to receive notifications about upcoming meetings via the “Notify Me” feature at: http://www.townofbethlehem.org/list.aspx
The descendants of Edward Kleinke need your support. They do not want to see this land developed. Ryan, a fifth generation Kleinke has been working on a business plan in hopes of keeping the farm in tact. He believes the farm has the potential to become a gathering place for Town residents and visitors alike; and a unique destination for people to enjoy for generations to come.
Organizer
Ryan Kleinke Kitchen
Organizer
Glenmont, NY