Clarkstown supervisor: Town to buy Grace Baptist Church's land for $4.5M

A controversial fight for a historic church's land in Nanuet has finally been won.

News 12 Staff

Oct 3, 2019, 9:39 PM

Updated 1,664 days ago

Share:

A controversial fight for a historic church's land in Nanuet has finally been won.

Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann announced Thursday that the town will buy Grace Baptist Church for $4.5 million.
Clarkstown had eyed the property, which is only a block away from downtown, for years. 

The price was too high, and then a girls yeshiva tried to buy it before its deal fell through. The yeshiva is now suing the town, claiming Clarkstown blocked the deal due to discrimination.

“They weren't able to close. You can't come back after the fact and say we couldn't close because of the town. It had nothing to do with the town,” says Hoehmann.

Hoehmann says the yeshiva didn't have the money. 

Now that Clarkstown has the cash - and will borrow money, too - Hoehmann says the town intends to use the church for parking for nearby schools, possibly a community center and housing for certain groups.

“It's in such close proximity to our downtown area. It's a walkable area. A lot of seniors don't want to use their cars, first responders need a place to live and millennials that can be able to go to the train station,” says Hoehmann.

The commuter train to New York City is only two blocks from the church.

The town board will first vote on the resolution to buy the church later this month, but town officials say it's expected to pass the board unanimously. 
 
 


More from News 12
0:28
Police officer's conduct under review following shoplifting incident at Newburgh Walmart

Police officer's conduct under review following shoplifting incident at Newburgh Walmart

2:15
Pop-up showers with breaks of sun today, mostly sunny for the rest of the workweek

Pop-up showers with breaks of sun today, mostly sunny for the rest of the workweek

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

2:22
Proposal for Putnam County lithium-ion battery storage station raises concerns in Westchester

Proposal for Putnam County lithium-ion battery storage station raises concerns in Westchester

News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley Daily Poll

News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley Daily Poll

0:18
President Biden to deliver commencement address at West Point

President Biden to deliver commencement address at West Point

0:26
Spring Valley man convicted for violating order of protection and resisting arrest

Spring Valley man convicted for violating order of protection and resisting arrest

0:28
President Biden's visit prompts early dismissals in Westchester schools

President Biden's visit prompts early dismissals in Westchester schools

0:32
US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered

US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered

0:28
Dutchess County bus driver honored as Bus Driver of the Year

Dutchess County bus driver honored as Bus Driver of the Year

1:23
Headlines: Child sex crimes, 70-year-old scammed out of $28,000, crackdown on scooters and motorcycles

Headlines: Child sex crimes, 70-year-old scammed out of $28,000, crackdown on scooters and motorcycles

0:21
Traffic Alert: Bridge replacement in Dutchess County to begin May 1

Traffic Alert: Bridge replacement in Dutchess County to begin May 1

0:49
Yonkers charter school launches automotive career exploration program

Yonkers charter school launches automotive career exploration program

0:23
'Inappropriate' behavior by students causes increase in Crawford police patrols

'Inappropriate' behavior by students causes increase in Crawford police patrols

1:02
Composting can save money, help gardens and save the planet. Here are 10 tips to get you started

Composting can save money, help gardens and save the planet. Here are 10 tips to get you started

0:37
Authorities: Man severely burned outside sports complex in Warwick

Authorities: Man severely burned outside sports complex in Warwick

2:01
Orange County hosts crime victims' vigil

Orange County hosts crime victims' vigil

1:45
A closer look at 4 laws in approved NY state budget designed to combat retail theft

A closer look at 4 laws in approved NY state budget designed to combat retail theft

2:41
Kindness never goes out of style: Social media request helps provide prom dresses for kids with special needs

Kindness never goes out of style: Social media request helps provide prom dresses for kids with special needs

State police: Victim of I-684 car crash identified as convicted murderer in country illegally

State police: Victim of I-684 car crash identified as convicted murderer in country illegally