The 43 year old Durland Scout Center, a remarkable piece of waterfront property on Stuyvesant Avenue on Milton Point used as a public facility by the boy scouts and the local Rye Schools, is slated to be torn down and replaced by a Mc-Mega Mansion expected to fetch a "Super-Sized" $10 million dollars. If no white knight appears and this is indeed the outcome, this will be a real loss for Rye and the surrounding community.
The developers, who have paid $6.2 million for the 2.7 acre property tried to turn around and sell part of the property back to the City of Rye for $5.2 million. The Rye City Council balked at the price last month. Rye resident Ward Urban has lead a group to try and save the center and has a website posted called savethedurlandcenter.com. The center contains an indoor pool, classrooms and 138 feet of waterfront footage on Milton Harbor.
One would think between Ward Urban’s financing proposals, the Rye City Council, all the schools and community groups that could use such a facility and our 15,000 residents, we could find a way to creatively finance $5.2 million or $346/resident.
Where is our white knight? You better show up quickly. It is a minute to midnight.
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MY FATHER WAS THE CARETAKER,HE HAD PREVIOUSLY WORKED FOR MRS. DURLAND.
I,AND MY FAMILY HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF DURLAND,BUSTER CRABB AND OTHER CELEBRITIES USE TO SWIM IN THE POOL,WHICH WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR,AS ALL OF THE PROPERTY,BY MY FATHER.IT IS SICKENING,THAT REAL ESTATE HAS GOTTEN SOOOOOO OUT OF HAND IN RYE.I LIVED IN MILTON POINT,AS I ALWAYS SAY”THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS” ITS A SHAME THAT ALL OF THE CITIZENS IN RYE CANT BAND TOGETHER,WITH ALL THEIR MONEY,AND SAVE THIS LANDMARK,FOR A GREAT FACILITY FOR ALL!!!!
In 1970, I participated in the explorer scout program and learned to sail at the Durland Scout Center.
I am an avid sailor to this day because of the people of Rye and Durland. I met Buster Crabbe while earning my lifesaving merit badge there.
I also took a ham radio class at Durland and I still enjoy the hobby.
My life was made much richer because of the people and experiences I had at Durland. I cannot believe that the Scouts decided to sell the property and worse yet the city of Rye has not purchased the property. In these days of so many kids having problems, it is a terrific resource to help them grow into productive adults.
I hope it is not too late to save Durland