TOWN OF ROCHESTER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Meeting, August 17, 2020

PRESENT: Wilton Duckworth, Alice Cross, Alice Schumacher, Elaine LaFlamme,
ABSENT: Franz Dannaker, Francesca Noble, Jens Verhaegh
GUESTS: Joan Ewing, awaiting approval to become a member, taking notes for this meeting

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

2. CHECK-IN: Elaine L: is able to remain on the HPC, as long as she recuses herself on issues of zoning. Court is very busy and Elaine is no longer able to take minutes. (Wilton has requested that in general the check-in will not be in the record, so that people can feel free to speak personally if they wish—this can be discussed at the next meeting.)

3. REVIEW AND APPROVE MINUTES: Elaine noted that I had referred to her in the minutes of the previous meeting as “Secretary”. She noted that she was not serving as secretary at the time. Alice S. proposed that, with the above exception, the minutes be accepted. They were approved by all.

4. OLD BUSINESS—HAMLET SIGNS: Wilton: the signs have a weak connection, but are made to be seen on both sides. He noted that he believes the signs themselves are nicely made. He will talk with the sign people. Alice C: The only way signs could be more permanent is to be made of metal, or possibly find an alternate way of mounting. Alice C noted that the sign people can come out and that there also may be some financial help from the Town. Elaine asked whether posts come with signs. I recall that the answer was “yes” Elaine asked whether there are invoices. I don’t recall the answer to that, but Alice C said that the existing signs cost $300.00/each. She also noted that some signs like the Clove sign, have been vandalized. She suggested that we also should check the sign in the museum. (Note: Wilton and I went with Alice C to the museum after the meeting. The sign for Mombaccus, which was there, is now in our home at her request.)

5. GAZLAY HOUSE FINDINGS—Francesca: Francesca was not present to give a report, but the following information was mentioned: The house had gone to auction. There was some question about who is currently the owner. The name, E. Jamual was mentioned as a possible owner, but it was not clear whether this person was still the owner. Alice C noted that there was a big mess to clean up at the house and that someone had broken in and stole the copper piping.

6. ROCHESTER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Alice C said she had received a communication from Kate Gumberg, Town Clerk with the Town of Rochester re the Comprehensive Plan of 2008, currently being amended. Kate G asked whether the HPC would approve the inclusion of the “Historic Resources Report” in the Comprehensive Plan. A vote was taken and the motion was approved.

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7. HISTORIC CANAL WALKS—Survey walk and Culture (Songs, poems, stories) Wilton: Bill Merchant of the D and H Canal Museum, Wilton, Francesca and her husband Charles took a walk from Kerhonkson to Accord on the trail. Wilton spoke with Elaine, who originally had offered the idea for these walks. Elaine: suggested exploring the segment of the trail between Kerhonkson and Ellenville. She said there are remnants of the old canal along that segment. Some descriptive signs along the way have been vandalized. Elaine noted that people can use their phones, I believe, as they walk to have virtual communications about the trail. She noted that Marbletown Library is doing book walks (reading segments of books posted along various trails). Also, there is a replica of the Canal on Google Maps. Elaine noted that other counties kept the land public along the Canal, but that Ulster County was slow and lots of land along the Canal path was sold to private owners, making it more difficult for the public to utilize land adjacent to the trail. Alice S: in the 1980s the Girl Scouts had done a cleanup. She suggested that the Scouts could possibly help out now.

8. PROTECTING 5 ENDANGERED BUILDINGS: Wilton suggested putting on our thinking caps and at the next meeting, choose 5 endangered buildings for HPC to adopt for protection. Various people shared some thoughts: the Post Office, which in its current location, Alice S noted, has bad parking. Possible location, where the tin building is in the location of the old elementary school that burned down. That building currently makes boxes. Alice S noted that the tin building sits next to some good farmland. Alice C: The post office could also be at the stone quarry. Alice S: the Feed Mill, which is beautiful and someone noted is possibly being looked at for purchase. Elaine spoke about “restoring community through restoring government buildings/communal space.” Wilton noted that in terms of further creating Accord as a hamlet, that there are some hilly areas nearby, which could have denser growth.

9. HISTORIC MARKER FOR THE ACCORD HISTORIC DISTRICT: Alice C said that Catskill Castings in Bloomville, NY might be able to make a sign for about $1,200. She added that Supervisor Mike Baden said that the Town of Rochester may be able to pay for the sign. Alice S mentioned another company, Pomeroy Co., which would require advance proof of the approval of the sign. Three votes were taken: 1. Does the HPC agree to have a sign for the Accord Historic District? Unanimously agreed. 2. Does the HPC agree to have Catskill Castings make the sign? Unanimously agreed. 3. What is the best location for the sign? It was agreed that further exploration of possible sites is necessary and consultation with the Highway Department would be helpful.

10. MEETING ADJOURNED: Alice S proposed, Elaine seconded