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About PGL
Before Pine Grove, it was Ramapo heights
A Brief History of Pine Grove Lakes
Pine Grove Lakes has a rich and fascinating history dating back nearly a century.
On October 1, 1935, the Ramapo Heights Corporation—founded by Senator and New York State Park Commissioner Robert H. Gittins—purchased 225 acres of undeveloped land in Sloatsburg, New York. The vision was to create a unique private residential community just south of Tuxedo Park, an area already known for its secluded and exclusive character.
Originally known as Ramapo Mountain Lakes, the property was developed as the Ramapo Heights Club, a private preserve that operated until 1939. During this period, the Ramapo Heights Corporation excavated and constructed the two lakes that remain the centerpiece of our community today: Pine Grove Lake and Mirror Lake.
On August 4, 1939, the private club concept was abandoned. Gittins instead established the governing declarations that continue to guide the community today. These declarations outlined the preservation of common properties and laid the foundation for the nonprofit homeowners association that would eventually manage the neighborhood.
The community officially broke ground on February 23, 1939, and home construction and sales soon followed. Many of the original homes featured innovative architectural designs and served as weekend retreats for New York City residents seeking an escape from Manhattan. Over time, the neighborhood evolved to include more year-round residences while continuing to operate under the name Ramapo Heights.
On September 15, 1948, the Ramapo Heights development was sold to real estate developer Irving Maidman of Suffern, New York, for $60,000.
The community continued to grow, and on November 7, 1951, the Association of Property Owners at Pine Grove Lakes, Inc. was formally incorporated.
A significant milestone occurred on March 25, 1958, when real estate agent Edward Senft purchased the remaining undeveloped land within the community. On January 31, 1961, Senft amended the original declarations, enabling residents to elect the first Pine Grove Lakes Board of Trustees and transition governance from the developer to the homeowners.
Over the following years, many of the originally planned "paper roads" were determined to be impractical and were never developed. By 1976, Senft had sold all remaining properties. The community roads were ultimately dedicated to the Village of Sloatsburg, which continues to maintain them today.
Learn More
Additional information about the history of Pine Grove Lakes can be found through the Rockland County Clerk's Office, local historical archives, and community records.
Source documents: http://rocklandgov.com/departments/clerks-office/
Rockland Leader Historical Pages: https://news.hrvh.org/veridian/?a=cl&cl=CL1&sp=ifadgbdf
Sloatsburg Historical Society: https://www.sloatsburgny.com/historical-society
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https://news.hrvh.org/veridian/?a=d&d=ifadgbdf19451115.1.1&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------
July 2026
Beach party moved to Sunday 7/19!
Make sure you have your new 2026 member sticker and carry your tag on your beach bag at all times. Lifeguards WILL be enforcing Mirror Lakes Rules. Email the board or pick up from a board member at the beach.