Letter to the Editor: Saving the Croft House Would Benefit Teatown

To whom it may concern:

The Yorktown Historical Society is a not for profit organization run entirely by volunteers, devoted to preserving and promoting Yorktown’s history at the local, County, State and National level. Our BOD works hard to achieve our goals with limited funds and resources. We have recently been following the Croft House controversy with interest and dismay.

Much has been written, spoken, and discussed recently concerning the Croft House and the various actions and proposals to sell it for dismantlement. Many local preservation groups, architects, conservators and concerned individual citizens have expressed their objections to this proposal and have offered alternate choices. On behalf of The Yorktown Historical Society’s board of directors and its members, we also wish to voice our concerns and express our desire to save the house.

As has recently been documented by several noted architects and historians, the Croft house is both a significant architectural and historical home in the heart of Westchester County. The virtues and importance of the house have already been detailed and discussed by experts far more knowledgeable than me. Succinctly put, the Croft House in the Teatown Preserve is an extraordinary structure that exemplifies the BEST relationship and union of Man and Nature, and demonstrates and symbolizes the perfect balance between the two.

Observing, understanding, and appreciating the problem from many points of view, and noting the many proposals and options put forth by various concerned groups and individuals, has lead me to believe that an appropriate plan and resolution can be reached that will satisfy everyone’s needs and wishes while conserving and sustaining the Croft House at its current location at the Teatown Preserve. It is our belief that a suitable resolution can be achieved if all parties work amiably with each other to find an acceptable solution. Successfully preserving the house will create a positive outcome for Teatown, and the Yorktown and Westchester communities as a whole, and will preserve a significant local historical landmark for generations to come.

On behalf of the YHS and its board of directors I thank you for the opportunity to express our concerns. We believe the total preservation of the Croft House is an effort worth undertaking. Please contact us if there is any way the YHS can assist in this regard.

Thank you again for your consideration in this matter. I can be reached at any time to further discuss this situation.

Respectfully
Paul R. Martin III
President, Yorktown Historical Society