Kaplan's Pond and its surrounding property represent a unique natural resource within the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, serving both ecological and infrastructure purposes.

Village Ownership: The Village of Croton-on-Hudson owns both the Kaplan's Pond property parcel and the adjacent Bessemer Trust wetlands parcel. These village-owned parcels form a continuous conservation area that serves as critical habitat and emergency flood control infrastructure.

GIS Mapping & Boundaries: The village-owned property includes the pond itself and surrounding conservation land, with defined boundaries documented in the Town of Cortlandt's Geographic Information System (GIS) records. A small adjacent parcel (the Anton Wilson property slice) is privately owned.

Water Control Features: The property includes critical water management infrastructure including:

• Storm water control systems
• Waterfall structures
• Emergency flood control mechanisms
• Natural drainage systems

Connections: The pond is integrated into the village's broader water management network, serving as a key component of the emergency flood control infrastructure acquired by the village in 1991.

Kaplan's Pond is located within the PRE-1 Parks, Recreation & Education District, as defined in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson zoning code.

Purpose: The PRE District is intended to preserve natural resources, scenic beauty and other land and community resources whose retention is necessary for the continued maintenance of the quality of the environment. It is designed to provide for public parks; recreational activities including all types of athletic activities; schools and other educational facilities; nature preserves; bird and wildlife sanctuaries; and similar uses.

Special Permit Requirements: When installing any structures on PRE-1 zoned property, the Village Board of Trustees must issue a special permit after determining that the proposed activity is not adverse to the general health, safety, and economic and general welfare of the residents of the Village.

Additionally, the Planning Board is required to review site plans in accordance with Article XI of the zoning code. This includes:

• Public utility installations needed to serve properties within the Village
• Verification that no other reasonable location in a less restricted district can be utilized
• Conditions deemed appropriate for the protection of adjoining uses and the character of the district
• Screening requirements (preferably natural screening) for all parking and service areas from view of residential properties

These regulations ensure that any development or infrastructure projects within the PRE-1 district maintain the natural character and environmental integrity that make Kaplan's Pond a treasured community resource.