January 12, 2024

Ownership of “King Estate” Given to Town of Bedford so Community Center of Northern Westchester Can Expand Operations

Move Praised as “Superb Example of Assistance for the Greater Good”

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that it is gifting a building and surrounding land known as the “King Estate” in Katonah to the Town of Bedford. This will allow the not-for-profit Community Center of Northern Westchester (CCNW) to continue operating there and to move forward with a planned expansion to keep serving the region’s most vulnerable people.

The “King Estate” was acquired by DEP in 1897 during the construction of the Muscoot Reservoir as part of New York City’s Croton System water supply. Since 1997, DEP has enabled the former residence at the site to be renovated and house CCNW’s operations through a revocable land-use permit with the Town of Bedford. This allowed CCNW to provide vital services including food, clothing, and educational programs. But the land-use permit could have been rescinded at any time, making it difficult for CCNW to secure new financing.

DEP’s decision to gift the building and the surrounding two acres to the Town of Bedford allows CCNW to move forward with plans to more than double in size and improve services to thousands of the most underserved children, families and elderly throughout the region.

“While working to deliver the best quality water to nearly half the State’s population, DEP will remain committed to partnering with and supporting our host communities who help make it possible, and to facilitate services for our region’s most vulnerable populations where we can,” said DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul V. Rush of the Bureau of Water Supply. “Nearly 1,000 DEP employees call the water supply region their home and this property transfer is a prime example of how cooperation, creativity and compassion can help make our jobs so rewarding.”

In 2023, CCNW served more than 3,000 families, provided support to 670 seniors, distributed more than 800,000 pounds of food, and provided school supplies and clothing to more than 1,600 children. At the same time, the organization conducted vocational training, ESL programs, and job counseling, among other services, throughout northern Westchester County.

“This milestone moment is the culmination of years of commitment, passion and partnership with the Town of Bedford and New York City DEP to permit us to right size our facility,” said CCNW Executive Director Clare Murray. “I am thrilled not only to have arrived at this place, but to do so with many who have been part of this journey with us over the last 27 years.”

Under the terms of the property transfer, the Town of Bedford has committed to improving its handling and treatment of stormwater at the site and creating a connection to the municipal sewer. This will ensure there will be no detrimental impacts on nearby waterways, including the Muscoot Reservoir.

“The conveyance of property from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to the Town of Bedford for expansion of operations at the Community Center of Northern Westchester is a superb example of intergovernmental cooperation and assistance for the greater good,” said State Senator Pete Harckham.

As part of its stewardship of the New York City Water Supply, DEP owns and controls more than 230,000 acres in the Hudson Valley and Catskills and pays full property and school taxes on all parcels and structures, including dams and reservoirs, at full assessed value. DEP commits hundreds of millions of dollars each year throughout the water supply region thanks to its status as the top taxpayer in Putnam, Ulster, Delaware and Schoharie counties, and the second highest taxpayer in Westchester. DEP also offers a vast array of programs to protect water quality while promoting local economic vitality.

“The conveyance of the DEP building and land to help the Community Center of Northern Westchester deliver and expand its vital services speaks volumes about the commitment the DEP makes to its water supply host communities,” said Town of Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the DEP for the indelible mark they have made on the most vulnerable residents in our region and to New York State Assemblymember Chris Burdick whose creativity and leadership enabled this successful Town-DEP-CCNW partnership.”

“We are deeply grateful to New York City for its wonderful partnership with Bedford, one of the municipalities I represent in the NYC watershed. With the conveyance of the DEP property to the town, a long-term lease became possible between the town and the Community Center of Northern Westchester, which now enables CCNW to proceed with its expansion project to serve the growing needs of the community," said Assemblymember Chris Burdick.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City and a million more in Westchester, Putnam, Orange, and Ulster counties. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.