This property has been submitted for consideration in the County's Open Space Plan. It is considered by the proposer to meet the checked off open space criteria. Select the Add Comments or View Comments button.

Municipality:	Lewisboro
Location:	"BELL" - Rts 35 & 123,S.Salem
Size:	383 acres

Open Space Criteria:

	Provides a physical buffer and visual relief to developed areas
	Preserves unique physical/environmental characteristics
	Protects unique scenic views of countryside and/or waterfront
	Suitable for active recreation
	Suitable for passive recreation
	Connects village, town and city centers or other population centers
	Connects major employment centers, e.g. office parks, institutions, etc.
	Connects major open space areas, e.g. parks, preserves and trailways
	Provides access to Hudson River, Long Island Sound or other major waterbody
	Helps clean-up deteriorated areas
	Protects unique waterfront recreational or environmental resourcest
	Contributes to economic revitalization of area
	Protects and/or enhances water supply and water quality
	Protects significant streams, wetlands, vegetation or other fragile resources
	Helps restore natural resources that have been altered or damaged
	Protects and/or enhances significant fish/wildlife habitats
	Protects sites listed on New York State or National Register of Historic Places
	Protects a unique and valuable regional historic or cultural resource

Comment:	It would certainly be beneficial to the area to preserve this property. The development of 350 acres could be disastrous to the infrastructure of the area and would hasten the demise of what ever rural character still remains in Lewisboro. The effects of further development on Lake Kitchawan would have dire effects on the resevoirs that it feeds into. It would seem that both New York City and the State of Connecticut Deparrtment of Environmental Protection would/should be very concerned with the future of this property. Its alsoan absolutely gorgeous property that the area's residents would certainly enjoy for recreatin if it were made accessible to them.
Date:	2/27/2005 11:50:00 AM

Comment:	This is a magnificent property that should be preserved not only for it's natural beauty and conservation value, but because of the disatrous impact that development would have on Lake Kitchawan.
Date:	11/30/2003 12:59:00 PM

Comment:	This is a unique and magnificent piece of property with trails already designated in many areas. It would be a crime to see this beautiful open space developed.
Date:	5/19/2003 9:32:00 PM

Comment:	This property needs to be preserved so that more "mini-mansions" and cookie-cutter homes do not mar what is left of this beautiful area. Besides, too many of our properties will be affected by the overrun of construction vehicles and new traffic if Ida Lane is no longer a cul-de-sac. This is a wetlands area that provides sanctuary for many birds and other wildlife.
Date:	5/5/2003 5:22:00 PM

Comment:	Whomever is the writer of this commentary, ... is there a way to further communicate about the property with me? I too would like to preserve this space (with a twist) that I think everyone in the community would enjoy.
Date:	3/24/2003 8:48:00 PM

Comment:	I would consider it a pleasure to introduce you and your staff to The Bell Property. I am considered to be somewhat of an expert on this property, which is one of the largest undeveloped, unprotected parcels eft in Westchester. Incidentally, I think you'll find the public support of this parcel far exceeds many others. This is actually several parcels, the largest of which is 183 acres, beginning at the intersection of Routes 35 and 123 in South Salem. I have many photographs I'd love to share with you, can you can put them on your website. There are 3 historically significant homes on this parcel, including an original carriage house from the 1800's used to house the horse drawn carriages; the living room, where the horses once were, is 1500 s.f., ideal for a community center! There are carriage trails with magnificent old stone walls nearly 20 feet high, ravines, rare glodies and walking ferns, waterfront on Kitchawan Lake a 77 acre glacial lake where the remains of the mastadon housed in the Ward P.R. reservation museum were found. Indian artifacts have been found on this property. There are also the stone remains of a 32 room mansion. It is one of the highest points in Westchester. There are meadows, woodlands, waterfront, trails, ruins, ancient trees, copper beech grove, overgrown vineyards, fox, turkey, coyote, you name it. There are also app. 70 hom
Date:	12/19/2001 8:04:00 PM