Historic Preservation Commission
P.O. Box 65
Accord, NY 12404
Minutes
June 18, 2018 at 2:00pm
Members Present: Alice Cross, Alice Schoonmaker, Franz Dannecker, Elaine Laflamme, Lindsey Arnold.
Others Present: Jay Anania, Jens Verhaugh
Absent: Town Board Liaison Brian Drabkin
Call to Order: Lindsey called the meeting to order at 2:10pm.
Minutes: April 16 Minutes were circulated prior to the meeting. Alice C. moved to accept the April Minutes. Frank seconded the motion. All in favor. None opposed.
Prospective Members- Lindsey introduced HPC/HARP/FHR Orientation packet to prospective members, briefly describing the different programs. Elaine added that HARP (Hamlet of Accord Revitalization Project) came up with many great ideas and there was enthusiasm for town revitalization projects. Progress stalled, however. Ideas that had been generated were difficult to put into action. There was some organizational delay as the lead co-chair began campaigning for public office. It is a great time to jumpstart HARP and adopt a clear plan for reinvigorating downtown Accord. Several ideas that were suggested were: Rail Trail improvement, Boat Launch/River Access improvement, D & H Canal Artifacts & informational signs need to be revamped.
Jay inquired as to why Accord was chosen as the focus for revitalization, rather than downtown Kerhonkson or Ellenville.
Alice C. responded that Accord has been the historic center of this area. She added that historic buildings are sometimes tucked behind existing structures/businesses etc. When HPC worked to designate Alligerville as a historical district, many NYC transplants and second home owners were enthusiastic to learn of the historical significance of their homes. She noted that Milton, NY has experienced revitalization due to wealthy investors who created the Buttermilk Falls Spa, which has not happened yet for downtown Accord. The Railroad Station is a cultural high point.
Other buildings like the Anderson Feed Mill and the former Barley’s General Store were mentioned. Barriers to revitalization may include polluted sites, e.g., the Barley General Store had a gas pump and there may be an underground storage tank.
Jay noted that Accord is gorgeous & spectacular. Alice S. noted that the new bridge on Rt. 209 cost $42 million dollars.
Elaine noted that the plans for the bridge called for 6 foot wide pedestrian lanes on both sides which could be used by bicyclists. The hope is to connect the Accord-Kerhonkson Rail Trail to the High Falls Rail Trail, following the route of the old O & W Railroad and D&H Canal, which follows the Rondout Creek.
Alice S. explained that HARP grew out of Friends of Historic Rochester, as a means of implementing goals of FHR & HPC that fall outside of the specific confines of FHR/HPC’s scopes. Elaine added that HPC is limited under statute to three purposes: conduct historical surveys, review for informational purposes only those development plans that border on Historic Districts or historic properties for possible impact on the historical asset, and provide historical information to TOR.
Alice C. added that education is a large part of what we do on the HPC. She noted that the historical surveys we have completed so far are very important- the 2008 Reconnaissance study and the 2010 Farm Survey. Both played into the application for Alligerville to become a national historic district.
Friends of Historic Rochester is the center of Archives and Activities that draw community involvement. FHR has more ability to raise funds and seek grants. FHR is truly the educational “arm” of HPC’s mission.
HARP has the broader mission of promoting tourism based on historical and natural cultural resources. This group is intended to bring “stakeholders” together, such as Main St. business owners, residents, professionals, etc. etc.
Alice C. thanked Elaine for preparing the HPC/FHR/HARP Orientation packet. She noted that new members bring new perspective and energy that we need. E. Laflamme said we need to bulk up the commission to at least 7 members, from our current 5. At that point, we can begin seeking individuals who can have one foot in HARP or FHR and one foot in HPC to decide on some projects with which to move forward on.
Alice C. added that this is a time of rejuvenation for all three of these organizations, including the FHR Museum.
Elaine inquired of the prospective members their reasons for interest in HPC.
Jens Verhaugh stated that he has lived in the area for several years in Rosendale, Kingston, High Falls & now owns a historic farm in Accord. He loves exploring ruins & stories and believes passing on historical stories is very important. He is particularly interested in Rondout Waterfront history and the passing of the brick industry. He is a builder and has restored his 19th century farmhouse on Queens Highway- the old “McGeary” place. He has a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Building Design. He looks forward to meeting more people and becoming a deeper part of the local community.
Jay Anania has a Master’s Degree in Design. He is also a filmmaker. He moved here 2 1/2 years ago with his family. Their intention was to be half time upstate and half time in NYC, but fell in love with the area and moved here permanently more or less right away. He now feels he truly is at “home” here in Kerhonkson/Accord. He owns the old Jacob Hornbeck House, also known as the Stubby Dunn farm. Stubby’s son, Frank Dunn, an architect, rebuilt and restored the house. Jay has read many obscure books on Ulster County history, including the history of the Esopus Wars, the last of which took place in the area known as Patukunk in Kerhonkson. The battle may have been fought over Mombaccus Creek, which runs through his property. Jay looks forward to being a deeper part of the community.
L. Arnold noted that we need to produce presentational speakers for community engagement, most notably for the Annual September FHR Meeting. Last year’s presentation on the Navigating Segregation: History of African-American Tourism in Ulster County was a smashing success. We hope to create a topic that attracts a full house this year as well.
Alice C. brought up that Supervisor Baden was awaiting the 2008 Alligerville Historical Survey information & photos to be added to the Town of Rochester Comprehensive Plan. Elaine replied that she gave Mike a copy of the report and asked whether HPC had filed it with the Town Clerk. Alice C. said the Clerk did have a copy and that she has sent Supervisor Baden photos of the historic Alligerville houses.
Hamlet Sign- Lindsey Arnold will order the Whitfield Sign and post from Johnson’s Signs and Tees and arrange the volunteer installation of said sign. The Accord Rural Cemetery signage and installation is proposed to be paid for by Friends of Historic Rochester, subject to a vote of approval by the FHR Board.
Town Board Liaison- It was noted that someone was supposed to speak to our Town Board liaison, Brian Drabkin, regarding the reduction in HPC’s budget from $5,000 to $2,000 this year. HPC Members should attend budget meetings in October 2018 to advocate for an increased budget.
The role of the Town Board Liaison was discussed. Elaine noted that among other things, the Liaison was important in keeping HPC informed of pending legislation and changes to zoning laws that may impact Historical Districts and other historical assets. Lindsey offered to contact Town Board member, Chris Hewitt, regarding his interest in filling in as HPC Liaison.
Alice S. presented a framed letter from President Dwight Eisenhower congratulating the 250th Anniversary of Accord, NY. She also presented a letter from Thomas Dewey. These letters were sent to the HPC from Carolyn Wood, a daughter of longtime Reverend Wood (circa 1953) of the Dutch Reformed Church on Rt. 209 in Accord.
Next Meeting was set for July 16th at 2:00pm at Town Hall. Alice S. let prospective commission members know they are welcome to become FHR members for $25/yr.
Action- Alice S. moved to adjourn at 3:25pm. F. Danneker seconded it and passed by all.
Respectfully submitted, Lindsey R. Arnold, Recording Secretary