FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2019
Contact: John Lyon 845-6385645
                Erika Moschetti 845-639-2050

Cropsey Barn Renovation Complete

New City, NY, - Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, Rockland Farm Alliance President John McDowell and other local officials and citizens cut the ribbon on the renovated New World Dutch Barn at the Cropsey Farm property. The total project cost of the renovation was $1.55 million with Clarkstown contributing $604,000 of the cost and the rest coming from the County's Capital Projects Budget.

"Not that long ago there were farms and barns all over Rockland as most people made their living from the land. This barn is beautiful, and its restoration allows us to preserve an important part of Rockland's agriculture past and provide for the County's environmental and recreational future," said County Executive Day.

The Barn was built 223 years ago in 1796 and is a great example of Dutch architecture of the time. Since 2017 it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2006, Rockland County partnered with the Town to take ownership of the Cropsey property in order to preserve it as open space with the County owning 61 percent and the Town 31 percent.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said, "Clarkstown is proud to have partnered with the County of Rockland on the restoration of the historic Cropsey Barn. The Cropsey barn is a true jewel in the heart of Rockland County and the Town of Clarkstown; a glimpse into a period of time that's long gone. I am delighted in all our efforts to preserve and protect this barn and create usable space for the Rockland Farm Alliance and the community. It will continue to be a place for future generations to learn about our Town's rich farming history."

Rockland Farm Alliance President John McDowell thanked the County Executive, County Legislature, Town of Clarkstown and the Cropsey family for their commitment to the preservation of this unique property saying, "As we celebrate the masterful completion of the renovated historic Cropsey Barn, we honor those who toiled to create this farm in the past as well as those who will continue to farm here, with this barn, well into the future. We also congratulate the project's architects and artisans, whose work has resulted in the restoration of this truly "one-of-a kind" barn. Rockland Farm Alliance is committed to making this space one that each adult and child in Rockland County can experience and enjoy. We are honored to be part of the effort to make Cropsey Farm a place where everyone can learn about the value of this precious land and healthy organic food."

The Rockland Farm Alliance will host an open house on Sunday, November 24, 2019, from 11 am – 3 pm. All are welcome.

The County Executive thanked Jim and Pat Cropsey, the Town of Clarkstown, the Rockland County Legislature, the Rockland Farm Alliance, the Departments of Facilities Management and Environmental Resources, the County Agricultural and Farm Protection Board and the Historic Preservation Board along with the Clarkstown Architectural Historic Review Board and Town Parks Board, the architect, Lothrop Associates and the contractors, Yankee Construction of NY, HVS LLC and Hauser Brothers.

"Not that long ago there were farms and barns all over Rockland as most people made their living from the land. Having this barn restored and up and running again soon will allow the Farm Alliance to continue their sustainable farming projects and give residents the chance to eat food that is once again being grown right here in Rockland. We are committed to preserving our past in order to build a future that we can all be proud of," concluded County Executive Day.

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Photos of the ceremony and barn are available upon request. The ceremony is also available for viewing here: https://www.facebook.com/rocklandgov/videos/1300121216809455/

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