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Rockland County Purchases Historic Peter Depew House for $2.9 Million For Continued Preservation Efforts
Rockland County has purchased the historic Peter Depew House, a sandstone Dutch house from the 1700s situated on 32 acres in New City, for $2.9 million. The county of Rockland acquired the home and farmland through its Open Space Acquisition Program to ensure that this heritage-rich property continues to serve as a symbol of Rockland’s history and a resource for community engagement, according to a statement by Howard Hanna Rand Realty and Rand Commercial.
The transaction was facilitated by Rita Van Buren of Howard Hanna Rand Realty’s Nyack office.
The Farm Alliance will use the property for farming and educating the community about local food production and environmental stewardship.
“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.”
The Peter Depew House is a testament to architectural craftsmanship and historical significance. The local red sandstone main house and Dutch frame barn represents an early art form of building and architecture in New York, and both buildings were recognized with a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places.
“Rockland County’s purchase of the Peter Depew House is an extraordinary step in our efforts to protect and maintain the cultural legacy of our area,” said Van Buren. “By preserving this property for future generations, the county is safeguarding an invaluable piece of our past while working towards a more sustainable future.”
The Peter Depew House offers a blend of historic character and modern amenities with its preserved exterior, wide plank flooring, exposed structural beams, and recent modernizations. The county plans to keep the property for agricultural use, respecting the sellers’ wishes, who requested that the land remain unspoiled by subdivision. In addition to the main house and Dutch barn, the property includes several outbuildings that support various potential agricultural and educational activities.
Matt Rand, CEO of Howard Hanna Rand Realty, commended the county’s commitment: “The Depew House is a beautiful example of our region’s heritage, and it’s reassuring to see it become a protected resource for our community.”
The property’s 32 acres offer an exceptional opportunity for Rockland County to foster public appreciation of history and agriculture. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with the county’s vision to enhance community spaces and celebrate our rich history,” added Van Buren. “The home offers a connection to centuries past. I became personally connected to the story when I researched the Depew house’s unique history. Facilitating the sale of the farm was a gratifying experience, and I look forward to seeing how it will serve the community under its new stewards.”
Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt Sell Eight Buildings To St. Dominic’s Family Services for $6 Million
The Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt have sold eight buildings on nearly seven acres to St. Dominic’s Family Services for $6 million.
“This transaction entrusts these beloved spaces to St. Dominic’s Family Services, ensuring that the mission of providing essential support to children, young adults, and families in need will continue to flourish,” said Sr. Mary Flood, OP, Prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt.
St. Dominic’s Family Services provides supportive care for 40 mentally and physically challenged individuals on the convent grounds, some of whom were formerly residents of Letchworth Village. Additional developmentally disabled clients are serviced in smaller residential units throughout Rockland County. In addition, St. Dominic’s Family Services, operates a school for children with special needs and has extensive outreach services in the area of mental health and support services in Rockland, Orange, and Bronx Counties.
The Sisters of St. Dominic and administrative staff of St. Dominic’s Family Services last month gathered to commemorate this pivotal moment, reflecting on the countless lives touched within these walls.
Sr. Mary said, “Over generations, the Sisters and committed laypeople have tirelessly served society’s most vulnerable, offering a sanctuary of hope and healing to those in need. This transition symbolizes not just the sale of buildings but the continuation of a mission, sustained by the dedicated efforts of St. Dominic’s Family Services and the visionary leadership of its board, administration, and staff”.
During the celebration, the congregation paused to honor the moments of love, resilience, and community that these buildings have witnessed. During the celebration, Sr. Mary stated, “Each space stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Sisters of St. Dominic and to the spirit of care that will carry forward through St. Dominic’s Family Services.”
“We are committed to the continued success of St. Dominic’s mission and for the well-being of all the children, young adults, and families who will benefit from the ministry that will continue to take place in these buildings,” said Dr. Diane Aquino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Dominic’s Family Service.
To commemorate this sacred moment, the Congregation presented to St. Dominic’s Family Services a wood carving of their Congregational shield. In the Bible, shields symbolize protection, faith, and longevity and this particular shield embodies the rich and shared history of the Blauvelt Dominican Congregation and St. Dominic’s Family Services, dating back to the late 1800’s.
“The black and white colors of the shield reflect the traditional colors of the Dominican Order, symbolizing joy and penance,” said Sr. Mary. “These colors also remind the agency that St. Dominic’s Family Services was born and nurtured in the Dominican tradition, built upon the four pillars of prayer, study, community, and service, a tradition that will continues to shape the future of St. Dominic’s Family Services. The eight-pointed star represents divine light and revelation, guiding us to bring the light of truth to the world. The book of Scriptures symbolizes our commitment to study and live the Gospel message. Finally, the Greek symbols, alpha and omega, remind us that God is the beginning and end of all things.
“We presented the shield as a lasting symbol of our shared history and mission, confident that St. Dominic’s Family Services will continue to serve as a beacon of care and compassion in the years to come.”
The sisters extended a blessing to Dr. Diane Aquino and to all those who will carry forward the work of St. Dominic’s Family Services.
$237,000 in College Tuition Assistance Awarded to Volunteer First Responders: Volunteer Emergency Responders Encouraged to Apply
County Executive Ed Day and Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear have awarded and reimbursed over $237,000 in college tuition to 124 emergency volunteers under the Higher Education Recruitment & Retention Opportunities, or H.E.R.R.O. program, since its inception in 2023.
The County of Rockland launched the college tuition assistance program for volunteer fire fighters and emergency responders as a way of recruiting and retaining volunteers. “This is our way of saying thank you to our first responders,” said County Executive Ed Day.
“These programs are a great way to assist fire departments and ambulance corps in recruiting and retaining volunteers,” explained Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear. “Supporting our volunteers is also crucial to maintaining these voluntary services which saves our taxpayers money.”
EMS agencies respond annually to over 40,000 calls per year and fire departments respond to over 10,000 calls per year. Both industries have been experiencing difficulties recruiting and retaining volunteers, and the County of Rockland launched this program both as an incentive for county residents to serve as a volunteer first responder and as a thank you to those already serving.
The County encourages Fire & EMS volunteers to learn more about the program on its website.
