HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
P.O. Box 65
Accord, NY 12404
Minutes
Monday, September 15, 2014 – 3:00 p.m.
Present: Bill Collier, Alice Cross, Frank Dannecker, Walter Levy, Ward Mintz, Alice Schoonmaker.
Others present: Sherry Chachkin, TB Liaison.

Minutes – of May, 2014 were accepted with motion made by Bill Collier, seconded by Ward Mintz and passed.

New Town Website
This is a disaster. Impossible to find information. Much of the old information seems to be missing. It is unclear just what the problem is or how it can be fixed. Each group, commission, etc. needs its own page with appropriate links for access. Sherry Cachkin will convey our dismay and concern to the Town Board.

Schoonmaker Commercial Stables
Hearings have gone from PB to ZBA and back to PB; issues are conflict between state and local laws that pertain to agricultural district properties. HPC did not offer any input in this matter, as it was not within our mission to do so because the Building Inspector did not refer the application to us for consultation at the outset of the project.

Alligerville Firehouse/Schoolhouse
Meeting scheduled between HPC members, Bill Krattinger, and Board of Fire Commissioners to discuss future of the schoolhouse was held on August 22nd. Present were Bill Krattinger (NYS Preservation), Neil Larson, Ward Mintz and Walter Levy. Unfortunately no fire commissioners came, although they knew of the meeting. Bill K. found the building to be fundamentally sound. Repairs to brick walls have been made with the wrong mortar, and other relatively minimal problems exist. Ideal would be for fire district to depart the site and sell it back to the Town for $1.00 which is what it paid for the property. Supposedly the fire commissioners want to eliminate the Alligerville fire company. No alternative site has been identified.
The Town has applied for a grant from NY Rising – NYS Office of Storm Recovery; $50,000 for a new roof and mortar for repair of brick walls for this building which would be used as an emergency shelter in the event of another weather event.
This is an important building and centerpiece of potential Alligerville Historic District.

Alligerville Historic District Project
Ward Mintz is asking for anyone who has photographs of Alligerville, old or current, to send them to him for installation on a Facebook page for Historic Alligerville.
Ward has sent to Carl the contract for payment to Neil Larson for the remaining phases of research and writing in preparation for the nomination application for the Alligerville Historic District.
Next steps: completion of background work by Neil; request for State Historic Register Nominating Committee representatives to visit Alligerville (hopefully by December); second meeting with Alligerville residents to maintain community support, and to gather information that is needed to complete the application.
Watering Trough, Alligerville
Bill Collier has researched and found that an aluminum historical marker can be made for $1025, plus $114 for a pole. Possible wording: “This 1917 triangular spring-fed watering trough was used during the era of horse-drawn transportation.” Further discussion and decision pending at next meeting.

Welcome Signs for highway entrances to Town of Rochester (209N, 209S, 44/55)
The HPC has been asked to give to the TB recommendations for design of these signs. Discussion resulted in the following suggestions: Text – Entering the Historic Town of Rochester; Est. (town seal) 1703.
White sign. Shape similar to other signs at intersection of 209 and Main Street. Letters in color (maroon or dark blue or dark green) for main words; black for lesser words; Color and black for accent lines around edge of sign. One sided recommended. If TB wants double-sided, message would be Leaving Town of Rochester Please come back soon.
Alice C. will e-mail Carl with these recommendations. Sherry Chachkin will explain at TB meeting.

Other
The Brick House – Alice C. has information on the Brick House (former Gazlay) for Ward Mintz to use for a local newspaper story on the deteriorating property and if he can contact the bank that holds the mortgage regarding its responsibility to maintain the exterior of the property.
Accord Railroad Station is for sale by Verna Gillis. Brenda Striano at the Code Enforcement Office has information on several prospective buyers. The neighboring former laundromat/stone counter business plus the house next door is in the possession of Ulster County.
Walter would like us to find a way of drawing attention to the need to upgrade the appearance of Main Street, Accord. Letter of concern from HPC to the TB might be a way to start. Motion made and passed.

Liaison Report – Sherry Chachkin
Cindi Fornino has been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Tavi Cilenti on the Town Board. She will stand for election in November, against opponent Greta Baker.
Liaison Report issues were covered in the course of the meeting; Sherry offers very helpful input to the HPC.

Next Meeting – Monday, October 20, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Adjournment – motion made by Bill Collier, seconded by Alice Schoonmaker and passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Alice Cross, Acting Secretary