DEP HISTORY OF TAKING OUR WATER AND LAND

From the moment Peter Minuit “purchased” Manhattan Island for beads and trinkets in 1626, New York City has faced water supply problems. Surrounded by brackish rivers that were unsuitable for consumption, Manhattan Island provided its early inhabitants with fresh water from underground springs and surface ponds. Unfortunately, with the growing population in NYC, the ground water sources became intolerably polluted, and diseases spread quickly. 

In 1793 there was Yellow Fever. Then in 1832 the Asiatic Cholera killed almost 3,200 people in NYC. By this time public demand for clean water had reached a fever pitch. In 1834 the NYC Board of Water Commissioners were given permission by the state legislature to regulate land use in the upstate watershed communities. This began a conflict between the city and watershed communities, which has continued for over a century. 

NYC was required by law to compensate the landowners, however the prices paid did not justify the trauma and heartache of having one's land, or entire town, absorbed by the City's water supply systems. The landowners did not want to move. They were resistant because of traditions and centuries of old ties to the land. It is in 1896, when Belden Farmstead became another casualty to the NYC watershed power of condemnation, in order to construct a dam behind the house. 

From 1896 through the twentieth century, NYC Water Department used the Belden House as an office and residence for a site custodian. The photo (right side) was taken around 1990 showing the use of the house and a nearby building. During this time Putnam County Historian’s office was preparing an application for Belden House to be declared eligible for the National and State Historic Site Registries. (See "history" tab - at bottom of page is PDF file)

In 1996, the Belden Farmstead was declared eligible for the registries. In the letter of approval, it was stated: “The Belden House and Farm is both architecturally and historically significant. Architecturally the property is an intact example of a complete farmstead, a rarity in the area.” Unfortunately, to nominate the Belden farmstead it was necessary to have DEP permission. NYC has never given their permission. As of 2023, the Belden Farmstead is still on the list of eligibility for the National/State Historic registries. We are still waiting for NYC-DEP permission. 

Since the late 1990's the DEP has shown little regard for our historic property. Sadly in 1997, an original building of the farmstead, built in the 1830’s, was destroyed by fire. It was a large barn structure behind the house, used by DEP as a garage.  In addition, on April 18, 2017, the Carmel Town Zoning Board gave the DEP permission to demolish an entire structure on the Belden property.  It is obvious, once their staff discontinued using the Belden House as an office and residence, the DEP allowed nature to destroy the exterior.

It was around this time when “Friends of Belden house” began their mission to save this historic dwelling. Their plan - to build up public pressure and along with Putnam County Executive Bondi’s support - it was a success. In 2006 the NYC-DEP agreed to renovate the house. However, government politics and planning moves at a very slow pace. The work, money, and promises disappeared. 

Since then, DEP has ignored their responsibilities to maintain the upkeep of our Belden House. By 2011 the nature worn building had numerous roof leaks and it was covered with a tarp.  Unfortunately, roof tarps cause more damage by trapping moisture underneath, which leads to rot and mold growth. With no access to the interior of the dwelling, it is unknown the condition of the inside. 

Now in 2023, “Friends of Belden House” have entered a new phase in their efforts to preserve and restore this magnificent building, that is the only remembrance of the Belden Family era. Fortunately, “Friends of Belden House” was able to stop the DEP’s plan to demolish Belden House, this year (2023). Now they are determined to have NYC-DEP stand by their 2006 commitment to restore our historic Belden House. In addition, they are requesting that NYC-DEP approve the process of nominating this building to go on the NYS & National registry of historic sites. 

“Friends of Belden House” believe one day our historic building will become an onsite exhibit for all residents young and old to view the inside and outside of this Gothic mansion and learn more of the Belden Family era. Once again, Putnam County residents must oppose NYC from destroying our history traditions and centuries of old connections to the land.