The town of Berne has purchased 350-acres in the town with plans to convert it into park and recreational space that will be used for youth employment programs and private and public events.
The Game Farm Road property was once the Buddhist-run Center for Wisdom & Compassion. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy applauded the sale as a chance to use existing buildings and land as both a public resource and a way for the town to generate revenue.
“The property, including a 5,000 square foot lodge and a retreat house, is amazing and presents a chance for our Hilltown communities to conserve 350 acres of open space as well as to find ways to capitalize on recreational and tourism dollars,” said McCoy.
With a purchase price of $475,000, The town of Berne received assistance funding from the Albany County Capital Resource Corporation and the Open Space Institute. Sale of the land includes an easement held by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy to allow both active use and park-like use for the property.