2015 HPC Meeting Minutes – December

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
P.O. Box 65
Accord, NY 12404

Minutes

Monday, December 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

Members Present: Alice Cross, Frank Dannecker, Walter Levy, Ward Mintz,
Others present: Bill Woods, NYC Planner; Sherry Chachkin, liaison to Town Board; Carl Chipman, Supervisor and Mike Baden for specific topics of discussion.

Revitalization of Accord Main Street – In preparation for this meeting, Ward Mintz had invited Bill (Wilbur) Woods (who owns property in the TOR) to help us with discussion of this very important project. Bill’s field of expertise is planning for revitalization, preservation and development. As Director of the NYC Department of City Planning for Waterfront and Public Space, some of his recent projects have been Fresh Kills Park on Staten Island and public space development on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Yesterday, Bill, Ward, and Walter walked Main Street to make note of historical assets, existing businesses, and deteriorating structures. The following are ideas expressed by Bill during our opening discussion for Accord Main Street project:

Main Street effects and reflects the conditions of the economy and development of the Town.
Potential for basic development includes water and sewer systems and multi-family residences.
The need is to change the interest in, attitude toward, and attraction of this area of the Town.

The “bones are good”. Main Street can become a vibrant cul-de-sac for the Town.
Focal point – Railroad station. End of the RR era was the death knell for many small towns.
Rail trail
Community Center – green open space; parking
Laundromat – need to bring back activity to the area
Mill
Creamery
Rondout Creek waterfront – Berme Road entrance

Need to develop public awareness of potential for the street and support of property owners through brainstorm sessions based on the Town Code.
Need to fill the underutilization and vacuum with a Plan.
Coalition members need to feel that revitalization is in the best interest of each one.

Who could convene brainstorm sessions – RVBA?

Coalition of stakeholders list for invitations:
Britt Baker, Verna Gillis, Ed Fehring, Bill Philliber, Ron Sharkey, Maria Reidelbach, David Stokes, FHR Museum, Main Street private home owners.
Town Board, Mike Baden/Planning Bd., ECC/Laura Fineberg, Lynn Archer, Elaine LaFlamme Fabio Chizzola, Schoonmakers, Kelders, David O’Halloran, Floyd Lattin

Homework – come up with other names and plans for meeting with coalition to revitalize Accord Main Street

Whenever possible, Bill Woods will be present for meetings that pertain to the revitalization of Main Street, Accord.

THANK YOU, BILL, for giving us your time and expertise for a project that is crucial to the revitalization of our Town. (Bill had to leave the meeting at this time.)

Minutes – Minutes of meeting on October 19, 2015 were accepted with motion made by Ward Mintz, seconded by Frank Dannecker and passed.

Correspondence – Planning Board requests comment from HPC regarding application by Marie Christina Hellin (Bert Winnie, agent) for Minor Subdivision of her property at 90 Upper Whitfield Road (68.4-3-13). This is National Register property with stone house and outbuildings.
Alice C. will write letter to the PB expressing HPC’s concern that Lots 1 and 2 being separated from the original property could have detrimental impact on the historic assets. HPC requests conversations with Marie-Christina Hellin Bert Winne, architects and contractors regarding the existing historic assets vis a vis new buildings and landscaping that are planned for these lots.

Budget matter — Current balance in HPC account is $4098. Invoice from Catskill Castings for Alligerville Historic District Historical Marker is being submitted for $1194 to be paid out of 2015 balance. This will leave an unexpended fund balance of $2904 which will be returned to the TOR general fund. The new historical marker is to be delivered to Town Hall in about two months. Installation details still to be decided by HPC.

Alligerville Schoolhouse/Firehouse – Resolution of several aspects of this issue is in the hands of Carl Chipman who is working with NY Rising Grant process.

Next Meeting – Monday, January 18, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., Town Hall.

Adjournment – motion made by Walter Levy, seconded by Ward Mintz and passed.

Respectfully submitted,
Alice Cross, Acting Secretary