Clarkstown Buildings Added to Historic Register

NEW CITY, NY — The New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended that the Onderdonck-Tallman and Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen Houses be added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. After review, the Blauvelt-Cropsey Farm has also been approved and will be added to the New York State Register of Historic Places.

This has been forwarded to Washington D.C. and the Blauvelt-Cropsey farm is also up for consideration to be listed on the National Register, said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann in a joint announcement.

After the Board for Historic Preservation recommends a property to the registers, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), who is also the Commissioner of Parks, must approve the nomination to be listed on the NYS Register of Historic Places. The State then forwards the nomination to the Keeper of the National Register for review and once approved, it will appear on the National Register.

“It is extremely exciting news that Cropsey and Traphagen are being recognized for their historical significance not only in Rockland but as landmarks of New York State. These properties have been a symbol of Rockland’s heritage for centuries and adding their names to the State and National Registers of Historic Places would only solidify their history and ensure that they will be preserved for generations to come. I’d like to thank Supervisor Hoehmann and the many local groups that have selflessly worked for the restoration of these historic properties, and of course the State Review Board for their nominations,” said Zebrowski.

Once the Commissioner approves the nomination by the board, the Traphagen and Onderdonck-Tallman houses will appear on the State register for immediate consideration of the National Register as well. As for Cropsey Farms, the Division for Historic Preservation will announce if the Keeper of the National Register has made a determination for Cropsey, and if approved, it will appear on both registers.

“Traphagen and Cropsey Farm are the historic jewels of Clarkstown and I will continue to make the rehabilitation of Traphagen a priority,” said Hoehmann. “The recognition by the Board of Historic Preservation and their consideration for National designation is acknowledgment of the impact Clarkstown has made not only on the history of our great State, but of our great Country as well. I’m honored by this decision and thank Assemblyman Zebrowski for his efforts in this great endeavor.”