New York Champion Butternut Poughkeepsie, New York Robin Poritzky stands guard beneath the State Champion

POUGHKEEPSIE, New York—Time is running out on a City of Poughkeepsie neighborhood group trying to save two acres acres of land they love from being developed.

The Forbus Butternut Association has 60 days to come up with the money to purchase the property-bounded by Forbus, Gray and Cherry streets-or it will be turned into a five- home subdivsion. No price has been set. A county open-space protection matching grant is a possibility.

"I wish them well. All we can do is wait and watch," said builder Milton Maybaum.

Largest tree in state

The development proposal came into the spotlight in July when residents found out a butternut tree that hangs over the southeastern corner property near Poughkeepsie High School was the largest in the state, according to measurements from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Maybaum, who has been praised for his cooperation with both the city and residents, agreed not to take the tree down, which cost him one buildable lot.

Earlier this week, about 40 neighborhood residents came to the city planning board to voice their concerns in an attempt to get the planning board to delay its decision on a declaration of negative environmental impacts.

The board approved the negative declaration, a requirement under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, which allows Maybaum to begin construction.

The group, led by Robin Poritzky, was unhappy the planning board didn't delay its approval.

"It's just sad. We haven't given up," said Poritzky.

The residents say the tree and the property contribute to the quality-of-life in their neighborhood. Some of them said they would consider selling their homes if the development gets under way.

"I don't see any reason why any person would want to destroy that property Look in your hearts and make a moral decision, not a financial one," said Inmaculada Broadie, who added the lot was the reason she and her husband bought their house across the street.

Robert Watterson, who lives on Cherry Street next door to the property, invited the planning board members to come to his house and experience the beauty of the property before they decided how to vote.

"It's really nice. Look, sit, think. Before you make your decision, see the beauty," Watterson urged.

The entreaties of the neighbors lasted for more than 30 minutes, but to no avail.

Board followed protocol

City Planner Susan Sanderson said the board followed all the requirements in its review of the project.

Graham Jones, chairman of the planning board, was unhappy with the board's decision. "To see this kind of development is very sad for me. This is a classic example of a neighborhood being changed," he said.

Meanwhile, a local environmental group, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Inc., has jumped into the fray, although the group has not taken an official position on the project.

Forbus Butternut Assoc. of Poughkeepsie P.O. Box 5058 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-454-2349 President Gary Privratsky

The group has arranged a meeting for mid-October, which would include city Mayor Colette Lafuente, the developer, and residents.

"We want to find the solution that's best meets all the stakeholders' interests," said Manna Jo Greene, environmental director for the group.

For more about this New York Champion, and the neighbors trying to save it: Neighbors fight for nut tree A Champion for Open Space Save Our State Champion Butternut Loan Approved Battle of the Butternut