Historic Preservation Commission
December 17, 2018
Minutes
Held at Franz Dannecker’s House
Members Present: Elaine Laflamme, Franz Dannecker, Wilton Duckworth, Jens Verhaegh, Lindsey Arnold
Members Absent: Alice Cross, Alice Schoonmaker, Town Board Liaison Brian Drabkin
Franz D. presented a superior holiday feast and told us stories of his traditions.
Call to Order at 2:20pm by Elaine L.
Minutes from November were moved to approval by Elaine L. Wilton D. seconded.
New HPC Email Address where correspondence may be dealt with:
hpc@townofrochester.ny.gov
Updates needed for the HPC Website Page:
Orientation Package
Survey Reports
Past/Current/Upcoming Events
Property Owner Resources
Members discussed how to go about identifying a Restoration Project that would benefit the town. Criteria for identification and public support are important components of a successful project.
Elaine noted that this first year of having new HPC Members would be best served by improving communication between HPC and the appropriate town departments, as well as building community awareness of the existence and purpose of the HPC. It was agreed that we choose a “rallying project” on which to focus restoration efforts.
Members reviewed a Chapter 22 Memorandum produced in 2010 by former HPC member Ward Mintz, along with the Preservation League of New York, in which the legal clout and limitations of the HPC are given expression. Elaine suggested current HPC members should review and possibly draft a new version that reflects our current work, as well as establishing new criteria for our town historical surveys. Previously, the only criteria has been pre-1950 structures.
Members also reviewed the established HPC Policies & Procedures and will determine if any changes or updates need to be made.
It was noted by Lindsey A. that the Whitfield hamlet sign has been replaced. The ‘Rochester’ hamlet sign is quite dilapidated and may need replacement.
Alligerville Firehouse/Schoolhouse Renovation- The HPC would like to be involved in consultation regarding this town-sponsored renovation on a historic brick building in a National Historic District. It seems this could be a good test case for communication between the departments, however we may be too late in the process, at this point, to have much effect.
Perhaps we could at least make sure there is a historic designation plaque outside the renovated structure.
Jens V. suggested reorganizing the 2008 Historic Survey of Buildings according to Section-Block-Lot numbers that correspond to the T.O.R. Building Dept, rather than arranged by street address as they now are.
Elaine L. & Wilton D. are interested in a project similar to the Foxfire project of young people interviewing community elders to record their oral history. This would be a fantastic project to involve the Rondout Valley School District with.
It was noted the the Friends of Historic Rochester Museum houses a complete archive of Accordian issues dating back to its founding in 1987. It would behoove the HPC to review these issues for information on historic buildings that may be of interest to current property owners and community residents. Cataloging and making these records digitally accessible may be a great way of engaging the public with the mission of HPC.
Next HPC Meeting was set for January 21, 2019 at 2pm at the Town Hall.
Jens V. motioned to adjourn the meeting at 3:45pm. Franz D. seconded.