MECHANICVILLE - A resolution adopted by the Knickerbocker Historical Society of Schaghticoke could pave the way for preservation of the Old Fort Cobblestone House at 19 North Main St. in Mechanicville. The resolution came after Charles Keppel expand the Hudson River Valley Commission's interest in the matter.
He told the society's meeting at Schaghticoke Thursday night that while state funds for to aid such projects as are contemplated are proposed under recently enacted legislation, the bill was not yet law and the measure had not been signed by the Governor who was on vacation. He pointed out to the group, legislation which would be submitted to the voters in the state at the November elections which could also aid in the work.
There was a woeful lack of Mechanicville support at the gathering. Members of the society question Mechanicville's interest in keeping the old building preserved. Keppel noted that it was a building described by Bernard Forest of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as worth saving solely on the basis of its architecture.
As passed by the Knickerbocker Historical Society which is seeking desperately on their own to preserve for posterity the old Knickerbocker Mansion in Old Schaghticoke, the resolution is a stop gape measure to gain time to put potential forces to work until state or federal funds become available.
It placed the society on record as being in favor of attempting to retain the Old Fort Stone House and authorized the Society to write Mayor John H. Connors, Urban Renewal Director Frank Yankowski and the New York State Office of Urban Renewal as well as the Hudson River Valley Commission noting that they are asking for delay on demolition of the building until more possibilities can be investigated.
The resolution does not place the society under any financial obligation. If funds are available in the near future and the delay is okayed, this would be the method of financing any moving of the building. It is proposed to move the building to the Knickerbocker site.
Keppel explained the purposes of the Hudson Valley Commission and its outgrowth, the New York State Historical Trust Fund which becomes effective in October. He explained that the most the society could do at the present time was to institute a delaying action on demolition, which he explained would not actually interfere with the widening of Hill Street.
He pointed out that through his studied, the Stone building was not in the way of the proposed project, but was part of the overall property and under the urban renewal plan, had to be taken down or the plan amended.
The Hudson commission member said the historic trust fund was available for buildings which had historical value, military history or contributed to the lore and growth of the Hudson Valley, because of its architecture. "One year from now, we would not have any problem," Keppel said as he explained that a deadline had been given the commission until July 19 "to come up with something definite."
He noted that if the society could secure additional time, he would work to get money for the removal and renovation project.
The speaker said he did not come to the meeting "with a blank check," but felt something could be worked out if there was working time.
Five Mechanicville people were at the meeting, four of whom were society members. Richard Palmer blog.