HYDE PARK – Federal legislation has been introduced to authorize the acquisition of land by the National Park Service for addition to the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park.
Congressional authorization is required to adjust the boundary of the historic site.
In 2014, Scenic Hudson received by bequest from Gerald Morgan an 89-acre parcel adjacent to the FDR estate. Scenic Hudson and Congressman John Faso have been discussing the benefits of transferring the land to the National Park Service, which is better suited to manage the property.
Faso said he was “humbled by the generosity” of Morgan and he thanked Scenic Hudson for working with him to facilitate the transfer.
“With nearly 200,000 annual visitors, the FDR Historic Site drives visitors to stay in local inns, eat in family restaurants, and support small businesses in the region,” said Faso.
The FDR estate is “one of New York’s greatest treasures,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “With this expansion, New Yorkers and visitors from around the world can continue to learn about the life and legacy of one of our nation’s most important leaders,” she said.
“People who drive by the FDR National Historic Site see a beautiful field at its entrance and probably believe it is already part of the popular park. That’s not the case,” said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan. He said under the stewardship of the National Park Service, “the natural beauty and historic context of the site would be preserved for future generations, recreational opportunities for local residents will be enhanced, and the agency will have greater flexibility in managing one of its most popular sites in our region.”
