Prep Work Begins For Demolition Of Two Main Street Buildings

Preparatory work has begun for the demolition of two buildings at 37 South Main Street in New City to make way for a new parking area and improved access for the Dutch Garden adjacent to the Rockland County Courthouse.

The garden, a hidden landmark that few Rocklanders even know exist, will have improved access with the project. Two buildings taken over by the county several years ago are being dismantled to create the parking area.

County Director of Facilities Management Robert H. Gruffi, P.E. said before demolition of the buildings can begin, asbestos abatement must take place. The roof and shingles need to be removed separately, process that will take approximately two days.

By midweek an excavator machine will be delivered and the actual demolition is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 29. Gruffi said the site is difficult to work in because there is limited access with just one driveway.

The county is preparing for the next phase of the project."We're in design stage for the parking lot and entrance gateway to Dutch Gardens," Gruffi said.

The initial design concept proposes 12 parking spaces in total: four handicapped spots and eight regular parking spaces. The design, which will take about six months to finalize, will include a transition from South Main Street to the park to encourage greater usage. Once the design is finalized and approved by the county executive and county legislature, it will go out to bid.

The park was built from 1934 to 1936 as a memorial to early Dutch settlers. The extensive brickwork within the three-acre park serves as a reminder of the importance brick-making once played in Rockland's history. The park was restored by the county several years ago. It includes a gazebo, brick tea house with a fireplace, bandstand, arbor, brick-lined paths and serpentine brick fencing which surrounds a flower garden.

"It's going to add some flavor to New City," Gruffi said of the future changes.