HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
P.O. Box 65
Accord, NY 12404
Minutes
September 16, 2013
Present: Bill Collier, Alice Cross, Frank Dannecker, Walter Levy, Ward Mintz, Alice Schoonmaker;
Lynn Archer, TB Liaison
Welcome to new members Frank Dannecker and Walter Levy.
Minutes – of May 20, 2013 were accepted with motion made by Bill Collier, seconded by Ward Mintz and passed.
Correspondence – Communications from the Planning Board with update on approvals for Elm Rock B & B. No action required by HPC.
Walter Levy volunteered to pick up HPC mail that comes to the Town Clerk’s office. This has not been reaching us oftener than every few months.
Signs – Nine replacement hamlet signs made by Johnson Signs have been installed by John Dawson, with exception of Leibhardt which is waiting for property owner to clear out vegetation from around the sign post. Alice C. will contact owner re this matter.
There is state organization that will fund replacement of Historical Markers. Problem is that historical evidence from original sources is required. We cannot provide this in the case of the Colonial Tavern sign that has disappeared from Skate Time property.
Alligerville Historic District Project — Neil Larson is ready to begin the research.
Osterhoudt Home Farm, 167 Lower Whitfield Rd. — Property has been sold by Chris Kelder to Michael Gazal. Restoration and construction is being done by architect Michael McDonough with David Wynkoop as the contractor.
Ward Mintz and Alice Cross met with McDonough and Wynkoop at the site to discuss appropriate restoration plans. HPC is trying to offer guidance, to refer McDonough to references on current practices, etc. Owner is not interested in personal contact. McDonough is generally polite but not very receptive, considers himself the ultimate expert on all matters related to the job.
HPC will send to Gazal a welcoming letter and a copy of the Historic Farmsteads Survey that features his property (p.188 ff.) and maintain contact via e-mail with architect. Walter and Ward will compose the letter to Gazal, to be finalized and mailed by Alice Cross.
Program Planning — Potential topics for programs include: Future types of farming that may develop in the area; farm-based programs being developed at RV High School; Contact with RV Growers Association; Local program to identify “most threatened” historic resources in the TOR; program on the D & H Canal (Richard Rider, Sterrit Smith, Betty Hughes (D&H Canal Society program); historic houses of worship in the TOR.
Related idea is restoration of the Davis Boat Basin in Alligerville. Property owner is Ursula VonRydingsvard (contact person, Brian Drabkin). Tim Tetlow is interested in this project.
Other – Walter Levy suggested that we develop a new section of our web site: “New Technology for Old Houses” to help us with our educational efforts directed at owners of historic properties.
Another suggestion is that we need to establish contact with local realtors in order for us to be alerted when historic properties are about to change hands.
Liaison Report – Lynn Archer brought us up to date on TB activity.
Next Meeting – October 21, 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