Cortlandt Seeks Developer Interest In Verplanck Quarry Site

CORTLANDT, NY — The future of a parcel of land on the banks of the Hudson River will likely be determined through expressions of interest from developers.

The town of Cortlandt is asking developers to propose ways they might take 99 town-owned acres in the hamlet of Verplanck and turn it into a recreational, cultural or entertainment site.

Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker said he and the Town Board issued a request for expression of interest for the quarry site in Verplanck that has about 30 acres of fresh water from a natural spring. The spring developed more than 70 years ago when a limestone quarry operation struck the water table.

Becker said the property will be enhanced by a federal grant matched by the town to provide basic infrastructure such as internal road, drainage and build-ready site pads.

He said up to 11 pads are immediately available, although one has a current development proposal for an indoor soccer facility.

Becker said the site could be become a centerpiece for the town if developed within the scope of the town’s master plan.

“The beauty of the Hudson River is unmatched and Cortlandt has the distinct advantage of more than a dozen miles of riverfront unimpeded by railroad tracks,” he said.

Formerly owned by Con Edison, the quarry parcel was acquired by the town in 2016. It was once the site of the Verplanck Quarry.

It closed in 1956 when it began flooding from an underground stream. The resulting 31.66-acre quarry pond has varying depths, some in excess of 150 feet.

The pond is surrounded by rock cliffs about 30 to 80 feet high.

Three concrete buildings related to the former quarry operation are partially submerged and located in the southwestern corner of the pond.

The site also contains the remains of a fishery and electrical infrastructure still owned and operated by Con Edison, including towers and electrical transmission lines.

Anyone interested in reviewing or submitting a response to the request for expression of interest should visit the town website for more information and link to the RFEI.