Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes- October 15, 2018
Members Present: Alice Schoonmaker, Elaine LaFlamme, Wilton Duckworth, Franz Danneck-er, Lindsey Arnold, Jens Verhaugh
Members Absent: Alice Cross, Town Board Liaison Brian Drabkin
Call to Order: by Elaine at 2:05pm.
Minutes: September 2018 Minutes were corrected by Alice C. to reflect that regarding the sta-tus of the Accord Train Station, she in fact reached out to Town Of Rochester Code Enforce-ment to request the architect doing renovations meet with HPC. Code Enforcement did not con-tact HPC, as they are supposed to and have done in the past.
Alice S. moved to approve the September minutes as amended. Franz D. seconded the motion.
New Members: We welcomed Wilton Duckworth and Jens Verhaugh as new members of the Commission. Both were sworn in over the past month.
Accord Train Station
How does the HPC approach historic property owners? How can we work with architects to as-sist owners?
What will be our response to the next case of renovation on historical property in Town of Rochester?
Alice S. noted that the planning board is required to send building applications for historic build-ings listed on the HPC survey to HPC for comment. We can draw on the experiences of Harry Hansen and Neil Larsen to learn more about what has been done & recommended in the past.
Wilton D. asked if the Commission has written materials on subjects such as ‘how to replace historic windows’, etc that could assist homeowners. It was noted that Historic Landmark Dis-tricts are recommended, but not required, to follow certain guidelines.
It will take cooperation between Code Enforcement, Town Officials & the Historic Preservation Commission to get our guidelines to homeowners.
The U.S. Secretary of the Interior website offers historic renovation guidelines.
Preparing Resource Guide for Property Owners
The HPC will form a working subcommittee to develop a resource guide that includes historic building renovation guidelines, Ulster County Historical Society resources to educate about the history of the property’s neighborhood, and any other materials that may help increase owners’ understanding of the cultural significance of their property.
1) Gather appropriate resource materials
2) Create a “script” and method for communication with property owners
3) Develop method of knowing when historic property transfers occur. (Alice S. noted that tradi-tionally, the HPC has inquired with the Town Clerk as to new property owners.)
4) Determine how property owners are notified that they are purchasing a historic property.
“Deliverables” for the next HPC Meeting
Alice S. will contact Town Clerk regarding new resident addresses.
Wilton D. will be contact/outreach person to speak & visit with new owners. He will research building guideline materials and draw from the New York State Preservation Commission.
Elaine L. will work with Wilton to pull together guidelines.
Jens V. will help identify 3 houses of historic significance and develop language of notifying property owners that they have a surveyed historic residence.
Lindsey A. will assist Jens in identifying case study properties and fine tuning language for con-tacting owners.
Franz D. will work with Alice S. on gathering Town Clerk property information.
It was agreed by the group to meet at the Friends Of Historic Rochester Museum on Wednesday Oct. 17 at 1:30pm to collect booklets and any helpful materials to aid in our reinvigorated efforts to educate residents.
Gazlay House
This historic property has been in pre-foreclosure and falling into disrepair. The public auction for the property is set for November 1 at 10am in Kingston, NY. It was noted that it’s likely the bank will purchase it to complete their foreclosure process.
What is the likelihood of HPC helping to restore this property? We are hoping to connect with the new owners and help them develop a deep love & appreciation for the property.
Jens suggested publicizing the property’s story in order to attract the appropriate buyer. Wilton suggested writing an article and will look into materials at the Museum.
Andersen Grain Mill
This historic property is in the center of Accord. It is privately owned and has had some land clearing and initial renovations, but most of the large buildings are in disrepair. Attempts were made by previous owner for RUPCO funding to renovate but were denied. (?) Previous owner wanted to turn property into an artist community or Wild Earth learning center. Current owner has not been contacted, nor has contacted HPC.
Jack Schoonmaker, 10th generation farmer in Accord, shared with us the story of Andersen Grain Mill in its heyday, when the O & W Railroad ran through Main St. Accord. The Train would stop through the grain mill to deliver coal and pick up grain on its way from New York City to Kingston. The train also made stops at the Dairy in Accord, as well as the passenger station (Accord Train Station), and all in all took about an hour to make its way through the small town. On Friday nights from the late 1800s until 1954, upwards of 500 tourists would arrive by train from New York City, to make their way by various taxis, carriages, buses and cars to the thriving resorts and bungalow colonies of the Catskills & Shawangunks at that time.
How can we contact current owners to inquire about Andersen Grain Mill renovation status?
What possible purposes would be appropriate for community and/or private use of this property?
Accord Study Update
Neil Larsen needs to take more photos for the Historical Hamlet designation application. Elaine L. asked to join him and all members are welcome to come along. No date was set.
Frequency of HPC Meetings
It was agreed that monthly meetings are sufficient. Next meeting is set for November 12, 2018 at 2pm at the Town Hall.
The Town of Rochester Budget Hearing is scheduled for November 1. We would like to request a budget increase for 2019.
Franz D. warmly invited the Commission to host our December meeting at his residence so we can enjoy a festive holiday gathering together. Everyone gladly accepted.
Adjourn
Alice S. moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:30pm. Lindsey A. seconded this.