HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
P.O. Box 65
Accord, NY 12404
Minutes
October 21, 2013
Present: Bill Collier, Alice Cross, Frank Dannecker, Howard Kagan, Ward Mintz, Alice Schoonmaker;
Also present: Lynn Archer, TB Liaison; Neil Larson, historic preservation consultant.
Minutes – of September 16, 2013 were accepted as corrected with motion made by Alice Schoonmaker, seconded by Bill Collier, and passed.
Hamlet Signs – Final replacement for this year – Leibhardt – has been installed, thanks to John Dawson. The property owner finally cleared away the overgrowth that had obscured the sign post.
Alligerville Historic District Project — Neil Larson is beginning the first phase of the research; laying out the boundaries of the district and initiating research on the community and personal culture of the inhabitants. He will produce a map and chart of the included properties for the District and make a preliminary presentation to the Town Board prior to moving on the Phases II and III of his work. Purpose of this study is National Register Nomination for Alligerville Historic District.
Osterhoudt Home Farm, 167 Lower Whitfield Rd. – Although the architect who is working on the renovation of this house had said to Ward and Alice C. that the frame wing would not be razed, in fact, it has been. Alice C. passed around pictures of the current appearance of the house, minus the wing. A date-stone “1752” was revealed when the wing was removed.
Following this meeting, Neil Larson is going to the property to take detailed photographs that will become an addendum to the Historic Farmstead Survey section on the Osterhoudt Home Farm.
A letter from HPC was sent to owner Michael Gazal, welcoming him to our town and expressing our interest in his restoration project, plus a copy of the Historic Farmstead Survey which includes his new property. No response has been received from him.
Program Planning – Next public program is planned for Spring 2014 after Neil has presented to the Town Board, with the purpose of introducing the Alligerville Historic District Project to the community. We need to build public understanding of and support for this project.
Davis Boat Basin restoration – This would be a very complicated undertaking. Input has been acquired from Highway Superintendent Kelder, Excavator Bobby Lapp, D & H Canal Society. Since this is a wetlands, DEC would have to become involved. At this point, Ward is going to contact Ursula vonRydingsvard to see whether she would allow or encourage going forward with investigation of feasibility for this project which directly involves her property.
Liaison Report – Lynn Archer brought us up to date on TB activity. Frank Dunn house has been bought from the bank by an individual who is rescuing high end properties from the banks. The grounds have been cleaned up, interior deterioration repaired, and the property is now on the market.
It is hoped that this individual might rescue The Brick House with the same procedure.
Next Meeting – November 18, 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