TOWN OF ROCHESTER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION, Monday, September 21, 2020, MINUTES

PRESENT: Wilton Duckworth, Alice Cross, Elaine LaFlamme, Franz Dannecker
ABSENT: Alice Schoonmaker, Jens Verhaegh, Francesca Noble, Adam Paddock
GUESTS: Joan Ewing, taking minutes, awaiting confirmation to the Commission

The meeting was called to order.

CHECK-IN: The check-in was explained as a possible optional part of each meeting, which could either be something related to the work of the commission and included in the minutes or a sharing of a personal nature, which could be left off the minutes. There was no vote on this, but it was left for consideration.

REVIEW AND APPROVE MINUTES: The minutes were unanimously approved, with a correction of the spelling of Town Clerk Kate Gundberg’s name, the mistake brought to light by Elaine L.

FINDING NEW MEMBERS: The names of some possible new members were suggested. Among them were Ryan Fitzgerald, Kerhonkson resident, suggested by Alice C, Jonathan Nedbor, Blacksmith, resident of Alligerville, Mark Greene, our next door neighbor in Kerhonkson, Bill DeGraw, also of Kerhonkson, who previously was not available to attend, but perhaps might be able to with his current work schedule, Maryann Bresciani, who had attended one previous meeting. All of the people mentioned have expressed an interest in the history of our local area.

OLD BUSINESS: HAMLET SIGNS AND BUDGET

Hamlet Signs: Wilton and Joan took pictures of hamlet signs. Some signs, like the Veterans Park sign, have fasteners, which could strengthen the other signs. Alice C noted that metal signs are generally stronger, but are not immune to vandalism.

Budget for Coming Year: Alice C said that she was notified by Town Supervisor Mike Baden that the budget for HPC for the coming year was due to him on September 15. Alice volunteered to contact Mike with HPC’s budget request-to be approved at this meeting. The current year’s budget was $1250. Alice noted that she was informed that any funds left over at the end of the current year cannot be carried over to the next.

Wilton suggested that the group consider that the funds for the coming year would need to cover hamlet signs, a possible party to commemorate the approval of Historic Accord and publicity and expenses for the canal walks.

Alice C suggested the amount of $2500 to be requested, considering HPC’s upcoming projects. I recall that this amount was approved by those present. This amount would then have to be approved by the Town Council.

2

Elaine L suggested that someone contact Adam Paddock, liaison to the Town Council, letting him know what issues from HPC need to come before the Town Council for approval. His e-mail is apaddock@townofrochester.ny.gov.

HISTORIC CANAL WALKS AND RAIL TRAILS:

Elaine L announced that Bob Anderberg of Open Space Institute could come to the next meeting to talk about his work his on the Accord Rail Trail and the work to connect rail trails throughout the region. She noted that historic Accord was both a canal town and a rail town, with the local rail trails and canal paths running side by side in many areas.

Elaine noted that Bob A, along with Adam Paddock and Peter Beanstalk through OSI have been working on rail trails for many years. In general, she said, the rail trails are mostly in public hands and New York State has taken up rail trail development as a priority. She noted that it is currently possible to ride the rail trails from New York City to here. She offered that Bob A. can bring maps to show during his presentation.

Re Guides for walks along the trails: Elaine spoke about a trip to Storm King. She said that Storm King had set up technology to do audio presentations for smart phones as people walked around Storm King. There were signs on a map with numbers to call in for the audio presentations at each point. She said she found these presentations very effective and noted that there are grants available to set up these systems.

Alice C noted that Marbletown has a website set up for their section of the canal walk. Elaine suggested collaborating with Marbletown and Wawarsing, noting that a number of ruins remain unearthed on the section of the trail going toward Ellenville.

HOME OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION: Wilton introduced the subject of a possible Accord Community Association, which could bring people together to get to know each other, support each other in the hamlet and do events together.

Elaine said that this kind of thing has been tried before and spoke about HARP (Hamlet of Accord Revitalization Program), which came together in 2016-2017. She said that the group planned field trips and other activities and had meetings. These meetings were first attended by about 18 people, then attendance dropped off. Elaine suggested that HPC look at what happened before to inform how we might go ahead.

Suggestions: there were a number of suggestions about how to possibly move ahead. Elaine noted that there were businesses at the time of HARP that are no longer there, but possibly new opportunities. Suggestions:
• Speak with the man (name), who purchased Maria Reitelbach’s building and has plans to create a grocery store.
• Call Maria for any wisdom she has to share.
3

• Ask Francesca Noble about buildings that are for sale
• Speak with the men, who live in the old railroad station and are dancers and choreographers about any ideas they might like to see happen.
• Consult the list, assembled by Neil Larsen, of Historic Accord homeowners to reach out to people
• Have a party first and then build an association from that.
• HPC needs to figure out what the Ask is.

MEETING ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned with much food for thought.