Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) joined Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge, members of the Chester Town Board and local conservation leaders to celebrate the signing of the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) into law—a major bipartisan victory years in the making that will allow Chester residents to preserve their community’s open spaces, farmland and historic character for generations to come.

“This is a shining example of what happens when local and state leaders work together across party lines for the good of the community,” said Maher. “Supervisor Holdridge worked tirelessly to get this bill across the finish line. There are so many ways this fund can be used and leveraged to protect open space, farmland and recreation areas, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same scenic, vibrant Chester we know today.”

The newly enacted legislation allows Chester residents to vote next year on establishing a Community Preservation Fund, which would enable the town to acquire development rights and protect critical open space, trail corridors, farms, parklands and historical sites. Similar programs in neighboring towns have already preserved thousands of acres of land across the Hudson Valley.

Maher also credited Sen. James Skoufis for his partnership in securing passage of the bill in Albany. “This was a true bipartisan effort,” Maher said. “Senator Skoufis played a vital role in moving this legislation forward, and I’m proud to have worked alongside him to deliver this important win for Chester.”

Maher extended his gratitude to local organizations whose advocacy made the initiative possible, including The Preservation Collective, Inc., Preserve Chester, the Chester Conservation Advisory Council, the Orange County Land Trust and Chester Greens.

“Strong community advocacy made this possible,” Maher added. “It took years of persistence, collaboration and grassroots support to get this bill signed into law—and that’s something every Chester resident should be proud of.”

The Community Preservation Fund ballot referendum is expected to appear before Chester voters in 2026.