New York City's environmental protection department has completed a $12.56 million acquisition of 48 acres in New Castle, marking what officials describe as a record investment in land preservation for water quality protection.
The property, previously held by the Legionaries of Christ religious organization, borders Westchester County's Kensico Reservoir. This reservoir serves as the final collection point for water traveling from the Catskills before distribution to New York City and Lower Hudson Valley communities.
During a December 22 press conference held at Kensico Dam in Valhalla, municipal and county representatives explained that this purchase prevents potential contaminants from reaching the Kensico watershed. This approach eliminates the need for an expensive filtration infrastructure.
"We are navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, climate change and changing developmental pressures in the region," said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. "We also have to be mindful that every dollar we spend comes out of the water bills that New Yorkers pay."
For over two hundred years, the city has accumulated more than 200,000 acres, mostly in the Catskills region, and maintains ownership along reservoir shorelines. This latest acquisition enables enhanced control and natural filtration of water entering from the Kensico River Basin's streams and hillsides.
Constructing a filtration system for the extensive Catskills water supply would have required tens of billions of dollars, potentially becoming the city's most expensive capital project ever undertaken, according to city officials.
Since 1993, New York City has obtained consecutive ten-year exemptions from clean water regulations by demonstrating exceptional protection efforts for its water sources. The department allocates approximately $100 million yearly toward safeguarding these water supplies, Aggarwala noted.
The approaching expiration of the current waiver in 2027 contributed to the timing of this land purchase agreement.
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins praised the investment as "smart policy" that secures water resources for coming generations. "It not only safeguards New York City's drinking water but also strengthens local communities in Westchester by preserving the natural resources that keep our region healthy," Stewart-Cousins said.
Mount Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi highlighted that the transaction will generate additional revenue for the town. The property had been tax-exempt during its ownership by the Legionaries for over two decades, following earlier ownership by IBM.
"This acquisition, 48 acres of the former Legionaries property, is especially meaningful to us and puts this property back on the tax rolls after many years," Fulgenzi stated. "Our community also receives water directly from the Kensico outlet works, and the preserved land will also create valuable new green space for our residents."
The environmental protection department ranks as Westchester County's second-largest taxpayer. Recent records show the agency paid over $7 million in property taxes and $41 million in school taxes last year. Mount Pleasant collected about $5.6 million in municipal taxes from 39 agency-owned parcels.
