MECHANICVILLE - Monday has been set as the deadline for the private interests seeking to preserve Mechnicville’s celebrated cobblestone house to file an acceptable plan for its relocation.
Doomed for demolition under the city’s urban renewal program, the landmark, formerly the Fort residence, has had several stays of execution as several groups have sought its preservation as an historical oddity.
Latest and, perhaps the last, of these efforts is the proposal of Drs. Paul and William Gratan of Waterford to by the old residence an move it to a new site for development into a professional building.
Can’t Wait Longer
Urban Renewal Director Frank Yankowski said today he had advised the Waterford men that the agency could wait no longer the Monday for them to determine the costs involved and decide definitely whether they planned to proceed.
If their decision is negative, the director indicated the original demolition plans for the unique cobblestone house would be put into effect immediately. He pointed out that while urban renewal could turn the building over to a bonafide historical society and pay for moving it and development of a new location, no such group has asked this action.
The director stressed that the building could not be preserved where it is as that would requite a major amendment of the urban renewal plan. Also it would snarl the agency’s agreement to sell a portion of the site to the adjacent First Methodist Church for expansion of its parking lot, he noted.
It is understood that a local group is preparing to submit a proposal of a different nature which might affect the future of the stone house. Details of this plan are expected to be revealed Friday. Richard Palmer blog.