New City, NY — Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann have announced the purchase of 101 Old Rt. 304 in New City, known as the DePew House, under the County’s Open Space Acquisition Program. The 32.2-acre property, which includes a historic house and barn, was acquired for $2.9 million using a combination of County American Rescue Plan Act funds and capital funds.
“This latest acquisition is a major bonus to the 55 acres we’ve secured since last year, and the ongoing purchase of the 235-acre Eagle Valley Assemblage from the Open Space Institute,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Our county is making good on the promise I set when I first took office in 2014: to safeguard Rockland’s natural beauty and environmental integrity for generations to come. I appreciate our partnership with the Town of Clarkstown which allows us to stretch our Open Space Acquisition dollars further and acquire additional worthy properties.”
The Town of Clarkstown will contribute approximately $1.131 million for a 39% share of the property, reflecting a similar partnership that preserved the historic Cropsey Farm property on South Little Tor Road in 2006.
Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann emphasized the importance of preservation. “By saving the DePew House and property, we honor the stories of those who came before us and ensure that future generations can experience the richness of our past. We are proud to partner with the County to preserve this important piece of history for our Town and County.”
The 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.
Kevin McGuinness, Coordinator of the County’s Division of Environmental Resources, highlighted the ecological value of the property. “The forested wetlands on the DePew farm are not only valuable to Rockland’s primary source of drinking water, Lake DeForest, but they also serve as a sensitive, and disappearing, ecological habitat for woodland animals, birds, and amphibians.”
The DePew property ranked highest among 17 nominations reviewed by the County’s Open Space Advisory Committee, which assesses potential acquisitions based on criteria such as ecological sensitivity, historical significance, and recreation opportunities. Top-rated properties are presented for funding approval by the County Legislature following an extensive review process.
This acquisition underscores Rockland County’s commitment to preserving its natural and historical assets, ensuring they remain protected for future generations.