Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann have announced the acquisition and preservation of the DePew House property, located at 101 Old Route 304 in New City. The 32.2-acre site, which includes a historic house and barn, was purchased for $2.9 million as part of the County’s Open Space Acquisition Program. Funding for the project came from a combination of County American Rescue Plan Act funds and capital funds.
“This latest acquisition is a significant addition to the 55 acres we’ve secured since last year, as well as the ongoing purchase of the 235-acre Eagle Valley Assemblage from the Open Space Institute,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Since taking office in 2014, my administration has been committed to preserving Rockland’s natural beauty and environmental resources for future generations. Our partnership with the Town of Clarkstown has been instrumental in maximizing our Open Space Acquisition funds to secure properties of high environmental and historical value.”
The Town of Clarkstown is contributing approximately $1.131 million to purchase a 39% share of the property. This collaboration mirrors a similar partnership in 2006 that preserved the historic Cropsey Farm property in New City.
Supervisor George Hoehmann emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Preserving our town’s history is an investment in our future. By saving the DePew House and its surrounding land, we honor the stories of those who came before us and ensure future generations can experience the richness of our past. We are proud to work with the County to protect this vital piece of history and open space for both Clarkstown and Rockland County.”
The Peter DePew House, a 1,485-square-foot sandstone dwelling built in the early 1700s, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. The property also includes forested wetlands that provide critical ecological functions, such as supporting woodland wildlife and safeguarding Lake DeForest, Rockland County’s primary drinking water source.
“The forested wetlands on the DePew property are essential to protecting our water supply and provide a disappearing ecological habitat for woodland animals, birds, and amphibians,” said Kevin McGuinness, Coordinator of the County’s Division of Environmental Resources. “The property was the highest-ranked among 17 nominated sites, based on an evaluation by our Open Space Committee.”
The Open Space Acquisition process involves rigorous vetting by an advisory committee comprising representatives from the Division of Environmental Resources, Department of Planning, Department of Health, and the Finance Department’s Tax Enforcement Unit. Each property is scored using a point system based on criteria such as environmental sensitivity, historical significance, recreational potential, and watershed protection.
Top-rated properties are then reviewed by the County Executive’s team and presented to the County Legislature for funding approval.
The DePew House acquisition underscores Rockland County’s ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and historic preservation, ensuring that vital resources and cultural landmarks are protected for generations to come.
