In 2002, Abele Builders acquired 130 acres of land from the Anusewski family and 82 acres of land from the Gorniakowski family. Several smaller parcels of land were also acquired to total our present footprint of 217 acres that comprise the Sheldon Hills development. 

 

The farmland consisted of mixed use including raising cows and pigs, as well as growing wheat and corn. The Gorniakowski family was once recognized by NYS as one of the state’s best pig farmers.

 

Construction of the Sheldon Hills development began in May 2005, after over 3 years of approvals involving the Town of Halfmoon and many other agencies, including the Department of Health, the DEC, and the Army Corp of Engineers.  Chris and Ed Abele along with Dave and John Michaels teamed up with a local company, Environmental Design Partnership, to layout this development with the purpose of keeping the layout of the roads and homes in character with the area and the vision they had of pasture-like lands with rolling hills in a countryside setting. The topography is almost original in natural characteristics with about 100 acres of green space in its current layout.  

 

The Anusewski and the Gorniakoswki families still live on the land surrounding Sheldon Hills.  Street names came about as the community looked like the rolling hills of an English countryside, hence the English sounding name of “Sheldon” along with the street names following the same guidelines. Of course, the Town of Halfmoon had to approve all street and development names. The name “Sheldon”, as well as the street names, were mostly picked from names in Old Williamsburg, Virginia. “Hills” was chosen to highlight the rolling topography.  

 

Monies were spent on relocation and reconstruction to keep the aesthetics clean and beautiful, all seeking a balance between land preservation and homes. A retention pond was relocated away from the entrance to preserve the beauty of our grand entrance and the view of the land. An access “road” was built for utility access. The walking trail along Route 146 was built to keep our trails connected. 

 

While creating the development, approximately 700,000 to 1,000,000 yards of dirt were moved to create the planned roads as we see them today. All the land clearing is finished and, therefore, while Phase 3 roads are being constructed there will be no further land clearing.  

 

Walking paths were expanded with a total coverage area of more than 3 miles. As you walk through some of the trails you may see, hidden in the woods, the remains of old fence posts and barbed wire that marked off the old farm fields and boundaries, so if you ever venture into those areas - beware!  Small ponds located within our community are called retention ponds or basins. There is a stream running behind the homes on the outskirts of the Phase 2 area. 

 

Studies from an outside source were done to determine the size of the pool and clubhouse according to the density of the project. Some other developments in the area had constructed beyond their means, so that their monthly dues soared to an astronomical price. The original HOA plans were approved by the NYS Attorney General.  Realistic, sound budgeting was done to maintain the integrity of the whole development and a prudent, sensible financial plan.   As per the approved plan, as each unit is sold, the Builders contribute a fee of $5000, which goes towards the Town of Halfmoon’s funds for park fees and other infrastructure fees.