Press Release: New York State, October 15, 1998

Governor George E. Pataki today announced the State of New York will acquire for park purposes a spectacular property on the Hudson River in the town of Mount Pleasant as a gift from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Fund.

The property, called Rockwood Hall, is one of the very few large tracts of undeveloped open space on the lower Hudson River. Rockwood Hall, which comprises 88 acres, affords magnificent views down the Hudson River to New York City and up the Hudson to Bear Mountain.

"The Hudson River is a magnificent national treasure that continues to make a dramatic comeback," Governor Pataki said. "As we continue our efforts to restore the Hudson River, we must also continue to provide the people of New York with the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful resource.

"This acquisition will ensure that the Hudson River is part of our everyday lives, not just as that waterway we see from the car but as a source of family fun, economic opportunity and inspiration," the Governor said. "I want to thank Laurance Rockefeller, whose impact on parks in New York State is unparalleled. His gift of such valuable land is one more example of his genuine love for open space preservation."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "The prospect of acquiring Rockwood Hall is another example of George Pataki doing more about conservation than any other Governor since Theodore Roosevelt. Rockwood Hall has always been high on our list for acquisition and will be a valuable addition to our Rockefeller State Park Preserve."

In addition to being an invaluable addition to the Rockefeller State Park Preserve and to the New York State Park system generally, the property will be permanently protected from residential and commercial development.

The Laurance S. Rockefeller Fund plans to donate an undivided one-half interest in the property to the State of New York and to donate its remaining one-half interest to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Subject to final approval by its Board of Managers, Memorial Sloan-Kettering will then sell its one-half interest in the property to the State of New York.

The property has been appraised at $26,828,500 and the State has agreed to pay Memorial one-half that amount for its one-half interest in the property. As a result of the Fund's gift and this purchase, the State will acquire the entire property at one-half its fair market value, or $13,414,250 using funds from the Environmental Protection Fund. This series of transactions is in process and a closing is anticipated no later than the end of the year.

"Laurance Rockefeller has been an inspiring and visionary leader as a member of the Board of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for more than 50 years," said Dr. Paul A. Marks, president and chief executive officer of Memorial Sloan-Kettering. "He has also had a life-long commitment to preserving and enhancing our nation's natural beauty. In both of these remarkable commitments he has followed the path opened by his father, John D. Rockefeller Jr.

"Through his very generous gift today, Mr. Rockefeller creatively and effectively makes a magnificent contribution to the State of New York and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a contribution that will benefit many through the preservation of wonderful open space and productive cancer research," Dr. Marks said.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., counsel for the Hudson Riverkeeper who heads the Environmental Law Clinic at Pace University, said, "By ensuring that generations of New Yorkers will have the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful natural resource, Governor Pataki has once again demonstrated that he is a true friend of the Hudson River. I applaud Laurance Rockefeller for this far-sighted gift to all of us who cherish the Hudson."

Mr. Rockefeller has for many years made the property available to the public. Westchester County residents have found the property a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and other recreational uses. The transfer will ensure that the property will be available in perpetuity for all of the state's residents.

The new bridge across the Post Road will enhance safe pedestrian access from the trails in Rockefeller Park Preserve and the Old Croton Aqueduct. The property will also be one of three parks in the state parks system that is among the accomplishments of celebrated landscape architecture Frederick Lloyd Olmsted. The other state parks designed by Olmsted are Niagara Falls and Bayard Cutting.

Mr. Rockefeller was honored in 1997 for his lifetime achievements as one of America's pre-eminent conservationists. His activities with the federal government in particular enhanced the National Park System and established the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

In New York, Mr. Rockefeller helped establish The Hudson River Valley Commission and the Adirondack Park Agency. He served for 40 years as a member or president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and served for 30 years on the State Council of Parks.

 Mr. Rockefeller more than any other individual has been responsible for shaping Memorial Sloan-Kettering as a world leader in cancer research and treatment in his more than half century as a member of the board of managers. He is currently honorary co-chairman of the Boards of Overseers and Managers.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering, founded in 1884, is the world's oldest and largest private institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research and education in cancer. U.S. News and World Report has named Memorial Sloan-Kettering the number one cancer center in America for the past six years.

Rockwood Hall has historic significance dating back to the 1800s. The site was originally part of a tract of undeveloped land which extended largely along the present Albany Post Road above North Tarrytown. William Rockefeller, the younger brother and associate of John D. Rockefeller Sr., purchased the land in 1886 for $150,000.

William Rockefeller had ideas of turning Rockwood into the most magnificent mansion along the Hudson River. The name was changed to Rockwood Hall. Some years after William Rockefeller's death, the Rockwood Hall estate passed to a nephew, John D. Rockefeller Jr.

The land was passed to his son, Laurance, the current owner, in 1946. Six miles of roads and drives lead to or wind through Rockwood Hall. Seven bridges cross brooks and drains. The area supports a good wildlife population of gray squirrels, chipmunks, cottontail rabbits, Canadian geese, and deer.

Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Robert Meehan said, "This is a welcome and valuable addition to the State park in the Town of Mount Pleasant, and will guarantee that this pristine land with its spectacular views along the Hudson River will be preserved for the use and enjoyment of the public for generations to come."