MONTICELLO – A request to purchase a village-owned parcel on Hillside Avenue was ultimately denied during the Village of Monticello’s recent board meeting following a discussion featuring differing perspectives on future land use and preservation.

The parcel, identified as SBL#110-3-51, was discussed after village resident Chaim Cohen expressed interest in purchasing the property.

Cohen told the board that the property had only recently become village-owned through a tax foreclosure and asserted that it had not historically been utilized as part of De Hoyos Memorial Park. He added that the parcel is situated off Hillside Avenue rather than Hay Street, where the main entrance to the nearby recreational area is located, and suggested the property would not practically function as part of the park itself.

He stated that the village already owns several nearby parcels that could conceivably accommodate parking or other park-related necessities if needed. Cohen also pointed to the lot’s depth, which he said would allow for residential development without interfering with the adjacent tennis courts.

“If you have a house, it’ll still be more than 100 feet away from the end of the tennis court,” Cohen pointed out.

The board, however, expressed hesitation about selling the parcel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open space as the village continues to grow. Deputy Mayor John Barbarite noted that the lot acts as a large buffer to the tennis courts and stressed that preserving parkland remains important for future community use. He also expressed concern about placing a residence immediately adjacent to the recreational facilities.

Barbarite added that “they don’t make parkland anymore” while discussing the long-term value of preserving green space within the village. He also compared Central Park to New York City in emphasizing the importance of maintaining open space in the community.

Following the discussion, the request was collectively denied by the village board, with Cohen thanking the board for its time and consideration.