The deal comes a year after the Town Board’s unanimous vote to make the acquisition.
The stretch of land, which is adjacent to the Hudson River, is already the location of a sports field and a small beach area.
The property also has a body of water, a naturally filled-in old quarry.
“This is an exciting day for our Cortlandt residents,” Puglisi and the Town Board said in a statement. “We are now adding to our properties we own along the Hudson River for public use.”
Cortlandt’s other properties in the area include Steamboat Dock, Cortlandt Waterfront Park, boat docks for small watercraft and the Cortlandt Community Rowing Association, the Veteran’s Memorial, the flags and historical panels at the Overlook and a nature preserve.
Along with the acquisition of new land, the Verplanck deal brings to a conclusion the Town’s “Stop the Buzz” campaign, which came about after a private company proposed building a 50 foot high electric converter on the property.
The proposed converter, which critics said would create an intrusive – and nonstop – buzzing sound, was among the reasons for the Town’s efforts to purchase the land.
Puglisi and the Town Board are now considering how to put the property to use.
Among the options being reviewed are the addition of more sports fields, a walking/jogging/bicycle trail path, a dog park and an enhanced beach area along the river.
Officials are also considering the prospect of consolidating its Department of Environmental Services operations headquarters to the northern corner of the new property.
Suggestions are welcomed from the community, Puglisi added in her statement.
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