One of the unfortunate by-products of growing up during the 60's is a healthy dose of cynicism towards government. The events of the last couple of years has only reinforced that cynicism, especially when it comes to matters of historic preservation.
One would expect there to be battles between those who want to preserve our local heritage and those who want to remove it for self absorbed profit making. Trying to save unique architecture that took thought in design and real muscle to erect is worth every ounce of battle, especially from those that would replace it with unimaginative plywood boxes, or cement phallic monuments.
But what do you do when it's your own government that's responsible for this mass destruction of our historic resources?
You may recall that in 1996 the Dormitory Authority of New York tried to evade conducting proper archeological exploration on a new building site in Albany. It took a law suit to work things out (DASNY settled out of court). However, part of the agreement was to continue to do more work and submit a report. To this day there is no report, as far as I know.
Shortly after the bad press from DASNY, Governor Pataki announced the State was giving the City of Albany $250, 000 for future archeology projects. That was four years ago. What was it spent on?
A new headquarters building was designed not far from DASNY for NY's Environmental Conservation Department. It was built by a subsidiary of Picotte Real Estate, called Delta Corporation, and owned by former Governor Hugh Carey's daughter Nancy, according to historian John Wolcott, who worked for the project.
This project DID conduct archeological work. However, historian Wolcott feels important features that were found should have been explored further, and some should have been left permanently exposed, such as a row of 18th century building foundations.
Additionally, a fire pit bearing mixed Indian and mid-17th century Dutch artifacts was found and underneath it a surprise in the form of a earlier European wooden structure. It was only partially excavated. The site went through the entire winter months uncovered and with no construction occurring. There was time to explore it more thoroughly, according to Wolcott, who recently was recognized as Lifetime Achievement Award in Historic Preservation by the Historic Albany Foundation.
Last year, a remarkable find took place behind the former post office building in downtown Albany. Archaeologists dug behind Dean Street for a State University of New York project. About 180 feet of the ancient Albany wooden stockade, a defensive wall, was uncovered. Along with that find were extensive wharves and docks and a possible Indian fishing weir or defensive position.
A couple thousand onlookers watched during the weeks of excavation only to be outraged when SUNY built a parking garage on top of it. Even though there was room to redesign the garage, and to accommodate the stockade features, SUNY rebuffed any attempts by preservationists. This is from a university system that boasts a "Public History" Masters Degree program a few miles up the road.
It was revealed last week that the County of Albany had razed 11 historic buildings over the last ten years without obtaining a demolition permit from the city or permission from the city's Historic Sites Commission. This revelation came after the county was caught tearing down a 155 year old historic building in August - without a permit.
Would it matter? The Historic Sites Commission initially denied plans for Lombardo's restaurant on lower Madison Avenue to tear down three historic buildings for a parking lot ten months ago. Last Wednesday, they reversed themselves and granted permission. Why?
Commission members are hand picked by the Mayor, the same Mayor who recently was quoted as saying several historic buildings on State Street - slated for demolition by an British owned company - were eyesores.
Mayor Jennings and Governor Pataki have often been seen eating together at Lombardo's. Am I being too cynical?
DOT is in the process of tearing down several historic buildings in downtown Schenectady for a new office building. It's in litigation, but the judge hearing the case refused to grant an injunction. DOT can tear them down before the case is heard. One of the buildings now covered with a garbage facade may be Hose House Number 1, a historic firehouse.
The last Dutch Barn (built by Benjamin Weaver circa 1790) in the Town of Colonie is being removed on Vly Road, along with another Dutch barn of unknown location, so a wealthy person in Lake George can rebuild them as an exclusive "rustic" estate. The Town's building department never gave a demolition permit. When the Town historian complained they did red-flag it. However, why did town officials not see this? The barn (now skeleton), on the Town's inventory of historic buildings, is clearly visible on the busy road.
Finally, here in the city of Troy, the Chamber of Commerce reported last year that more than 60 buildings were taken down by the city. All "public hazards?" I doubt it. Within the last few weeks, four more were torn down at the bottom of Lincoln. Perhaps there should be an emergency stabilization plan instead of demolition plan. If Troy officials are optimistic about the city's future, as they boast, why are they tearing down potential homes and businesses for future Trojans?
As you can see from these examples, there is a lack of concern among government towards local preservation. Most polls show a tremendous desire by the public to preserve our heritage. Here in the Capital District, with so much history, a lost opportunity in heritage tourism is taking place each day. Politicians talk proudly of our history, then tear it down. They complain about the lack of tourism but don't realize that tourists want to see the roots of our community not a drug store on every corner. One out of every three foreign tourists visiting America come to see a historic site.
There have been rumors abound for the last year of the formation of a new political party, the "Preservation Party," which would run preservation candidates, or a PAC (Political Action Committee) that would raise funds and support preservation friendly candidates.
As one preservationist told me, if our elected and appointed officials do not understand the importance of preserving our history, then replace them with those that do.
Democracy is a great tool - if you use it.
Government's Preservation Conspiracy?
by Don Rittner
One of the unfortunate by-products of growing up during the 60's is a healthy dose of cynicism towards government. The events of the last couple of years has only reinforced that cynicism, especially when it comes to matters of historic preservation.
One would expect there to be battles between those who want to preserve our local heritage and those who want to remove it for self absorbed profit making. Trying to save unique architecture that took thought in design and real muscle to erect is worth every ounce of battle, especially from those that would replace it with unimaginative plywood boxes, or cement phallic monuments.
But what do you do when it's your own government that's responsible for this mass destruction of our historic resources?
You may recall that in 1996 the Dormitory Authority of New York tried to ignore proper archeological exploration on a new building site in Albany. It took a law suit to work things out (DASNY settled out of court). However, part of the agreement was to continue to do more work and submit a report. To this day there is no report, as far as I know.
Shortly after the bad press, Governor Pataki announced the State was giving the City of Albany $250, 000 for future archeology projects. That was four years ago. What was it spent on?
A new headquarters building was designed not far from DASNY for NY's Environmental Conservation Department. It was built by a subsidiary of Picotte Real Estate, called Delta Corporation, and owned by former Governor Hugh Carey's daughter Nancy, according to historian John Wolcott, who worked for the project.
This project DID conduct archeological work. However, Wolcott feels important features that were found should have been explored further, and some should have been left permanently exposed, such as a row of 18th century building foundations.
Additionally, a fire pit bearing mixed Indian and mid-17th century Dutch artifacts was found and underneath it a surprise in the form of a earlier European wooden structure. It was only partially excavated. The site went through the entire winter months uncovered and with no construction occurring. There was time to explore it more thoroughly, according to Wolcott, recently recognized as Lifetime Achievement Award in Historic Preservation the Historic Albany Foundation.
Last year, a remarkable find took place behind the former post office building in downtown Albany. Archaeologists dug behind Dean Street for a State University of New York project. About 180 feet of the ancient Albany wooden stockade, a defensive wall, was uncovered. Along with that find were extensive wharves and docks and a possible Indian fishing weir or defensive position.
A couple thousand onlookers watched during the weeks of excavation only to be outraged when SUNY built a parking garage on top of it. Even though there was room to redesign the garage, and to accommodate the stockade features, SUNY rebuffed any attempts by preservationists. This is from a university system that boasts a "Public History" Masters Degree program a few miles up the road.
It was revealed last week that the County of Albany had razed 11 historic buildings over the last ten years without obtaining a demolition permit from the city or permission from the city's Historic Sites Commission. This revelation came after the county was caught tearing down a 155 year old historic building in August - without a permit.
Would it matter? Ten months ago, the Historic Sites Commission initially denied plans for Lombardo's restaurant on lower Madison Avenue to tear down three historic buildings for a parking lot. Last Wednesday, they reversed themselves and granted permission. Why?
Commission members are hand picked by the Mayor, the same Mayor who recently was quoted as saying several historic buildings on State Street - slated for demolition by a British owned company - were eyesores.
Mayor Jennings and Governor Pataki have often been seen eating together at Lombardo's. Am I being too cynical?
DOT is in the process of tearing down several historic buildings in downtown Schenectady for a new office building. It's in litigation, but the judge hearing the case refused to grant an injunction. DOT can tear them down before the case is heard. One of the buildings now covered with a garbage facade may be Hose House Number 1, a historic firehouse.
The last Dutch Barn, circa 1790, in the Town of Colonie is being removed on Vly Road, along with another Dutch barn of unknown location, so a wealthy person in Lake George can rebuild them as an exclusive "rustic" estate. The Town's building department never gave a demolition permit. When the Town historian complained they did red-flag it. However, why did town officials not see this? The barn (now skeleton), on the Town's inventory of historic buildings, is clearly visible on the busy road.
Finally, here in the city of Troy, the Chamber of Commerce reported that more than 60 buildings were taken down by the city last year. All "public hazards?" I doubt it. Within the last few weeks, four more were torn down at the bottom of Lincoln. Perhaps there should be an emergency stabilization plan instead of demolition plan. If Troy officials are optimistic about the city's future, as they boast, why are they tearing down potential homes and businesses for future Trojans?
From these examples, you can see there is a lack of concern among government towards local preservation. Most polls show a tremendous desire by the public to preserve our heritage. Here in the Capital District, with so much history, a lost opportunity in heritage tourism is taking place each day. Politicians talk proudly of our history, then tear it down. They complain about the lack of tourism but don't realize that tourists want to see the roots of our community not a drug store on every corner. One out of every three foreign tourists visiting America come to see a historic site.
There have been rumors abound for the last year of the formation of a new political party, the "Preservation Party," which would run preservation candidates, or a PAC (Political Action Committee) that would raise funds and support preservation friendly candidates.
As one preservationist told me, if our elected and appointed officials do not understand the importance of preserving our history, then replace them with those that do.
Democracy is a great tool - if you use it.