HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
P.O. Box 65
Accord, NY 12404
Minutes
March 18, 2013
Present: Bill Collier, Alice Cross, Ward Mintz, Alice Schoonmaker;
Lynn Archer, Town Board Liaison.
Carl Chipman, Supervisor for part of the meeting
Minutes – of October 15, 2012 and November 19, 2012 were approved with a motion made by Ward Mintz, seconded by Bill Collier and passed.
Correspondence – Communication from Planning Board with reference to re-application by Elm Rock Inn (69.4-2-1.32). HPC response to letter from PB expressed our support of the new application which plans for temporary structures, including large tent for maximum of four days at a time, instead of former plan to erect a large barn to accommodate group events. Design of said barn had been our former concern.
Ward attended a recent event at Elm Rock Inn which was extremely well done.
Signs — Deteriorating hamlet signs Kyserike, Alligerville, Kerhonkson, and Leibhardt need to be repaired or replaced. Alice Cross will communicate with Robin at Johnson Signs and Tees in Kingston who made the signs. If we cannot get a reasonable settlement of this matter from them, we will change to Timely Signs.
Brandon Moyer, on whose property the Leibhardt sign was located, wants the sign replaced if possible. At least the empty post removed. Alice Cross is in touch with him.
Budget — Grant from TOR for 2013 — $5000
Deteriorating Condition of Historic Properties in the TOR – As already is being done in the City of Kingston, and is being considered in the Town of Rosendale, the effort should be made to work with private owners, or banks on the case of foreclosure, to address issues of maintenance, clean-up, and safety at neglected properties. Supervisor Chipman will discuss this with Code Enforcement Officer Gerry Davis about contacting the bank that owns The Brick House on Route 209 which is badly deteriorating, a disgraceful and very public example of serious negligence in our Town. This matter needs to be addressed by an amended Historic Preservation Law for the TOR.
Amendments to the Town Code may be called for – Chapter 66 (unsafe structures?) or Chapter 22 – maintenance of historic properties.
Implementation of ideas presented by Marion DuMond at the November 2012 meeting – The Town of Wawarsing has been able to accomplish significant progress in gaining public support for Historic Preservation in that Town, and has acquired grants for preservation of various public buildings because it became a Certified Local Government by enacting a local Preservation Law that complies with NY State guidelines for a CLG.
The TOR would use grant funds made accessible by CLG status for further research and landmark designation – the most promising next project being establishment of Alligerville Historic District with its critical mass of significant 19th and 20th century structures and commercial history.
Ward Mintz, with support by TOR TB liaison Lynn Archer, will draft a proposed amended Historic Preservation Law for the TOR outlining steps to be followed for achievement of CLG status, by incorporating minimum requirements of NYS, and using elements of the Preservation Laws of the TOM and TOW that are appropriate for the TOR.
For example, in the TOR, final say on landmark designations and other guidelines for maintenance of historic structures would be made by our elected Town Board. The HPC would work with individual owners of historic properties in educational and advisory capacity, preliminary to decisions by the TB.
A motion was made by Ward Mintz, seconded by Alice Schoonmaker and passed unanimously that Ward will begin drafting a more inclusive Historic Preservation Law which will meet the needs of the TOR, align us with the NYS and other local laws, and enable us to qualify for state and federal grant funds for historic preservation. The finalized draft will be discussed with Mike Baden, Planning Board Chair, and then given to the Town Board for approval.
Historic Farmsteads — National Registry Status has been approved for the Jack/Alice Schoonmaker and Appledoorn farmsteads. Applications for National Registry status are pending.
Recent Award – Congratulations are extended to Mike Baden, Planning Board Chair, for his designation as the recipient of the Edward Levine Community Service Award presented by the NY Planning Federation.
Liaison Report – Lynn Archer
Lynn reviewed recent considerations by the Town Board. Of particular interest is the updating and clarification of language of Town codes, and demolition/clean-up of two hazardous properties (historic Mendlesohn Hotel across from A&M Hardware in Accord, and former Rainbow Diner, Route 209, Kerhonkson).
Next Meeting — April 15, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.
Adjournment – 5:45 p.m. with motion made by Alice Schoonmaker, seconded by Bill Collier, and passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Cross, Acting Secretary