Tax-exempt bond financing will fund renovation of the Nature Center and construction of a new Education Center, expanding environmental education for thousands of Westchester students and families
The Westchester County Local Development Corporation (LDC) has approved the issuance of up to $10.5 million in tax-exempt 501(c)(3) revenue bonds to benefit Teatown Lake Reservation, one of the Hudson Valley’s leading centers for environmental education and conservation. The financing will support a transformative campus renovation, including the renovation of Teatown’s existing Nature Center and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Education Center. Site work on the Education Center is now underway, with the grand reopening of the campus anticipated for mid-2027.
“Teatown Lake Reservation has been connecting Westchester residents to the natural world for generations, and this investment ensures it can continue that work for generations to come,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “Environmental education is how we prepare the next generation to be stewards of the places we all share. By supporting this campus transformation, we are making a lasting commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and the future of our communities.”
The LDC’s bond financing will support two central elements of Teatown’s campus transformation. The existing Nature Center is currently being renovated to create a more welcoming and accessible visitor hub, featuring improved exhibits, enhanced spaces for Teatown’s Animal Ambassadors, upgraded building systems, and new opportunities for hands-on environmental education. The project also includes the construction of a new Education Center with dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces, direct access to nature trails, and a green roof aiming to give Teatown purpose-built facilities to serve school groups, summer campers, and community program participants. Additional campus improvements include ADA-accessible pathways, a new bus drop-off area for school groups, rain gardens, native plantings, parking lot greening, and nature play areas, creating a more walkable, sustainable, and safety-focused environment for visitors of all ages and abilities.
“Teatown Lake Reservation has long been a cornerstone of environmental education in Westchester County, and we are proud to support this next chapter in its growth,” said Joan McDonald, Deputy County Executive and Chairperson of the Westchester County LDC. “This financing enables Teatown to modernize its facilities, expand its educational reach, and serve even more students and families who benefit from connecting with the natural world right here in our region. This is precisely the kind of community investment the LDC was created to advance.”
Together, these improvements will significantly expand Teatown’s capacity to fulfill its environmental education mission. Teatown currently serves tens of thousands of students and community members across Westchester each year through field trips, after-school programs, summer camp, family programs, and science partnerships. The renovated campus will allow the organization to offer more inclusive and engaging programming focused on ecology, biodiversity, climate resilience, and conservation, while also eliminating fossil fuel use and incorporating geothermal energy as part of a broader commitment to sustainability.
“This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our campus in a way that truly reflects our mission,” said Kevin Carter, Executive Director of Teatown Lake Reservation. “With the support of the Westchester LDC, we’re able to create spaces that will inspire students, welcome families, and deepen our community’s connection to the natural world for decades to come. The new Education Center and renovated Nature Center will allow us to do our most important work better than ever before.”
The project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Westchester County. During construction, it is projected to generate approximately 35 jobs, representing $3.8 million in earnings and $5.7 million in economic activity in the county. Upon completion, the project is projected to retain 103 full-time positions, including 70 direct jobs, supporting approximately $4.6 million in annual payroll and $18.1 million in annual economic impact. An independent cost-benefit analysis found a return ratio of 3.73:1, meaning the project is expected to generate $3.73 in new county tax revenue for every $1.00 of foregone tax revenue. The total project budget is approximately $22.77 million, with additional funding coming from approximately $2.9 million in state grant funding through DASNY, Empire State Development, and other sources.
The LDC unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the issuance of tax-exempt revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,500,000, along with a mortgage recording tax exemption of $130,845 if required. The LDC’s financing bridges the receipt of previously awarded grants and pledged funds, enabling the project to proceed on its planned timeline and at full scale. The approval followed a required public hearing.
When complete, the transformed Teatown campus will serve as a more accessible gateway to nature and a stronger platform for environmental stewardship in Westchester County. The project is expected to be complete and fully open to the public by mid-2027.
For more information about the Westchester County LDC, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/programs-incentives/ldc/
