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About - History
In 1999, the Winsbergs generously sold 175 acres of their 300 acre farm to Palm Beach County. The land was sold for $2.9 million (1/3 of the appraised value) with the condition that it be made into a wetland. Construction began in July 2003 and was completed in February 2005. The resulting wetlands is now known as the Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center and is located on Hagen Ranch Road. In 2005, the Winsbergs sold 43 acres at the corner of Jog and Flavor Pict roads for $4.2 million or $97,500 an acre when similar land in the fast-growing western part of the county was selling for more than $150,000 an acre. The stipulation was that the land be used to create affordable housing for teachers, police officers and other workers priced out of homeownership in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. The land was purchased by Randy Rieger, a principal of Miami-based Housing Trust Group in partnership with Jerry Goray, president of Goray Communities of Boca Raton. Together, they have been responsible for making affordable housing a reality in Palm Beach County. What remains of the original 300 acre farm is not large enough for a conventional commercial farm. So, the Winsbergs are supporting the transition to a smaller farm that will market its diversified vegetable crops through local channels. Charlie and Nancy Roe, of Farming Systems Research, Inc., are working with the Winsbergs to introduce these new systems of growing and selling vegetables to the area. |
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