Colonial-era Residence of New York’s First Lieutenant Governor Awarded $600,000 From Regional Economic Development Council
Van Cortlandt Manor’s Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Event Attracts Over 150,000 Visitors Each Fall
See Event Photo Here
Empire State Development (ESD) announced that New York State, in partnership with Historic Hudson Valley, will undertake a significant project to improve safety and accessibility at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County. Addressing the National Historic Landmark’s infrastructure issues will create a more welcoming and secure environment for visitors.
The renovation of Van Cortland Manor will remediate the section of the former Route 9 road belt that bisects the site and reconfigure the manor’s entrance to enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety. Upon re-opening, the property will welcome school groups once again, cementing itself as a thriving 21st-century historic landmark. New York’s funding is part of Historic Hudson Valley’s multi-million-dollar multi-year renovation effort, which will create and retain sixty jobs in the region.
The restoration was announced at Van Cortlandt Manor this past Monday, July 29, 2024 at a special event attended by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, other state and local elected officials, representatives of Historic Hudson Valley, and community members.
"The Van Cortlandt Manor National Historic Site has served as a pillar of our democracy since our country's founding," Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said. "We are proud to have invested $600,000 in this project through Empire State Development to ensure the sustainability, safety, and tourism attraction of this historic landmark."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Sited on the frontline of the American Revolution, Van Cortlandt Manor is a key part of New York State’s history. With these upgrades, Historic Hudson Valley will continue to share its story with the many thousands of people who visit this important National Historic Landmark each year. This will boost the region’s economic vitality by drawing in visitors who support jobs not only at the Manor, but across the Mid-Hudson region.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Van Cortland Manor is one of the great historical treasures of New York State and an economic engine for the Hudson Valley, attracting visitors from near and far for its many wonderful events, including The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze during the Halloween Season. The Department of Transportation is proud to support this restoration effort, which will enhance safety and make it easier for motorists and pedestrians alike to visit and explore this National Historic Landmark.”
State Senator Pete Harckham said, “Van Cortlandt Manor is one of the most historic and culturally significant sites in the 40th Senate District, as well as a major tourist destination and integral part of our local economy. The major improvements planned for this much-loved Colonial-era property to ease vehicular entry and mitigate climate change effects will benefit visitors greatly. I am proud to have been able to secure State Senate funding for these projects and appreciate the Governor’s investment as well.”
Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg said, "Historic Hudson Valley's efforts to bring forth our area's untold stories from the past are commendable. Even more so is their work to make history accessible, both figuratively and literally with these new infrastructure improvements. It is an honor to support this worthy organization, and I look forward to returning once these renovations are complete."
Waddell Stillman, President of Historic Hudson Valley said, “This project is a testament to the invaluable support from Governor Kathy Hochul's office, New York State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, New York State Senator Pete Harckham, Westchester County, and the village of Croton-on-Hudson. We are so pleased to be able to contribute to the economic health and cultural vibrancy of the region. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our funders, and we look forward to welcoming a wider audience to Van Cortlandt Manor in the future.”
Constructed in the 18th century, Van Cortlandt Manor was the home of New York State’s first Lieutenant Governor, Pierre Van Cortlandt. Situated on the frontlines of American Revolutionary War, Van Cortlandt Manor was a pivotal hub for information exchange, ranging from patriot politics to opportunities for resistance among enslaved communities.
Benefits of addressing infrastructure challenges include:
- Mitigate recurring car crashes through the entry gate
- Upgrade vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow to ensure public safety
- Improve comfort and increase enjoyment of visitors
- Enhance drainage and storm water management
- Suppress invasive species and replant native trees and shrubs
- Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to the Metro-North/Amtrak station and downtown Croton-on-Hudson
The Historic Hudson Valley organization has received nearly $3 million in funding for this restoration project comprised of a $2.2 million appropriation from the Federal Highway Administration and administered through the New York State Department of Transportation, a $600,000 Empire State Development grant, with additional help from the Indian Point Community Fund.
Additionally, the project will receive money through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program with the assistance of New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg in the amounts of $100,000 and $125,000, respectively.
Construction is set to conclude in 2026 with hopes of welcoming the public back to the manor in time for its semi quincentennial celebrations.
Every year, the Van Cortlandt Manor is home to one of the country’s greatest Halloween celebrations, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. This event draws over 150,000 people and is a major driver of the region’s economic development as attendees stay in local hotels, shop at local businesses, and explore other attractions the Lower Hudson Valley has to offer. In all, this event and Historic Hudson Valley’s other events and programs contribute over $10 million to the region annually. Renovations will have no impact on The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, which will still be taking place this fall.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About Historic Hudson Valley
Historic Hudson Valley, Westchester County’s largest cultural organization, educates and entertains hundreds of thousands of visitors a year through school programs, tours of National Historic Landmarks, and large-scale events like The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. From its lower Hudson Valley base of operations, the organization focuses on delivering quality educational and entertaining experiences, striking a balance between tradition and vision, from preserving the past, to contextualizing it in creative ways for 21st-century audiences. For more information about Historic Hudson Valley, please visit www.hudsonvalley.org.
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Contact: ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313