Senator Carlucci Joins John Green Preservation Coalition to Announce Donation of Historic Property

David Carlucci

September 15, 2015

Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester) joined Nyack Mayor Jen Laird-White and the John Green Preservation Coalition to announce the donation of the historic John Green House from Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC.

The John Green Preservation Coalition was formed to provide for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, maintenance, management and/or disposition of historic structures in and around Rockland County, NY and to provide information to the public regarding these structures, their histories and their preservation, all for the benefit of residents and visitors to Rockland County and New York State.

The Village of Nyack will reclaim its oldest Dutch sandstone house from a bank following a complicated negotiation led by the newly-formed non-profit group, the John Green Preservation Coalition. The 1817 house, located at the foot of Main Street has been donated to the coalition by Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC and the trust that they represent.  The John Green Preservation Coalition plans to restore the home and create a historic visitors’ center and venue for community events.

“John Green is a testament to the effect that one man can have on the world around him,” said Senator David Carlucci. He was a forward thinking entrepreneur, who redefined transportation in Rockland County, throughout the Hudson River and beyond. I would like to commend the John Green Preservation Coalition for their commitment to preserving our rich history in Nyack through their relentless advocacy. I would also like to thank Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC for donating this invaluable property to our community."

“Historic preservationists have a habit of falling in love with old houses they don’t own,” said Rick Tannenbaum, President of the John Green Coalition. “That’s how I felt about the John Green House. I’m thrilled our coalition has taken the house back for Nyack, a beautiful historic village.”

Underneath the stucco, which has encased the house for decades, is an architecturally-significant Dutch sandstone structure that represents a typical early 19th-century village house. Though the inside, which had been carved up and severely neglected, needs to gutted, preservation architects believe the exterior of the house can be saved and restored.

The coalition hopes to complete the house in time to coincide with the opening of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, and to use the house to stimulate tourism and cultural activity in Nyack.