In recent weeks the Gazette has carried stories about three historic structures in Schenectady — the old Robinson’s building, Silver Diner and Foster Hotel — that were either lost, or are in danger of being lost, to neglect. And they are far from unique; there are many more such buildings in this and other cities across upstate New York. They need to be preserved — not only for historic but economic reasons — and the state Legislature can help by enhancing a historic preservation tax credit that took effect last year. Last year’s legislation was a significant accomplishment, but it was too restrictive, both in terms of the level of incentives and eligibility. For instance, state credits for certified historic commercial buildings are limited to 30 percent of the value of the federal tax credit (which is 20 percent of qualified rehabilitation costs), and they are capped at $100,000. For historic residential buildings there’s a $25,000 cap, and the credit is available only to those living in the most distressed areas. Proposed changes in the law would provide investors in commercial properties, especially, with much more of an incentive. The tax credit would go to a straight 30 percent of qualified rehabilitation costs, rather than a percentage of the federal credit, and the cap would be removed. With these changes the state tax credit on a $1 million rehab project would rise from $60,000 to $300,000 — enough to get many developers’ attention. Flexibility would be added as well, with the credits assignable, transferable or saleable, as they are under the federal program. (Proctors Theatre sold its federal historic tax credits last year to a private investor for $4 million.) New York has many historic buildings, and is adding them to the state and national registers faster than any other state. Clearly, there is a desire to save our architectural and historic heritage. There is also a need: investing in these buildings can spur tax-base growth by increasing property values, and by attracting new businesses to existing commercial districts and new homeowners to existing neighborhoods. The fiscal impact to the state is estimated at $40 million to $50 million a year, which could be substantially offset by gains in state and local tax revenues. The Senate passed the changes before the Legislature adjourned in the summer. The Assembly should now do the same.
For historic residential buildings there’s a $25,000 cap, and the credit is available only to those living in the most distressed areas.
This credit seems to imply to me that a historic residential building is entitled to, and not to exceed, $25,000. It also states that the building must be located in the most distressed areas. If this is true, and if this is the grant that Carolina Lazzari received for her historic barn on her property, how did they determine that she was entitled to this grant? She surely does not live in a distressed area. Unless barns are covered under another grant?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
For historic residential buildings there’s a $25,000 cap, and the credit is available only to those living in the most distressed areas.
This credit seems to imply to me that a historic residential building is entitled to, and not to exceed, $25,000. It also states that the building must be located in the most distressed areas. If this is true, and if this is the grant that Carolina Lazzari received for her historic barn on her property, how did they determine that she was entitled to this grant? She surely does not live in a distressed area. Unless barns are covered under another grant?
I would doubt this is the grant that she got. I've never thought about living in a barn (besides the times my mother asked me if I thought I lived in one). It's not a residential (well, at least it's not a residence), so I would say that this would not be the grant.
I understood it to be a building ON residential property. Whether it be a home or not. As long as it was 'historic'. That was my take anyways. I would like to know for sure.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
There are many very old barns in NYS that have been given grants to preserve them due to their age and unique style such as a Dutch Barn dating back to the early settlers.
This is a bit long, but necessary at this time. I think her PRE-REVOLUTIONARY barn qualifies as over 50 years old. We haven't had a revolution any more recent than that, have we? And I assume that anybody could apply for them. Is this a little barn envy?
Monday, June 25, 2001 Contact: Jessica A. Chittenden 518-457-3136 jessica.chittenden@agmkt.state.ny.us
GOVERNOR, SEN. HOFFMANN ANNOUNCE AWARDS FOR HISTORIC BARNS $2 Million Awarded to Restore and Preserve 113 Barns in 48 Counties Across the State
Governor George E. Pataki joined State Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann today to visit Pushlar Farm in Cazenovia, where they announced the recipients of the first round of grants under the $2 million New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program. The grants will fund 113 barn projects in 48 counties throughout the State, and include a $20,000 grant to the Pushlar Farm to replace the roof on their circa 1920s dairy barn.
"Restoring these magnificent, historic structures will help preserve and celebrate an important aspect of New York's heritage," Governor Pataki said. "Having grown up and worked on a farm, I understand the value of our family farms. They represent a vital part of our State's past and our future, reminding us of the key role that rural life has played and continues to play in our communities.
"Preserving this priceless legacy for our children is central to New York's ongoing renewal, and will ensure that residents and visitors alike will continue to enjoy these scenic landscapes," the Governor said. "I want to thank Senator Hoffmann, who shares my passion for helping preserve our farms, for her leadership and commitment to this issue."
Senator Hoffmann said, "New York Barns are cathedrals on our rural landscape. They symbolize an era of remarkable craftsmanship and ingenuity when agriculture was the backbone of our society. We must preserve this heritage for future generations. When a barn falls or burns today, it simply cannot be replaced with the magnificent building of a bygone era."
The New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program invites barn owners to apply for funding for a variety of capital repairs for agricultural buildings including barns, sheds and silos that are at least 50 years old. Eligible projects include repairs to roofs, foundations, walls, sills, and overall stabilization.
Grant program priorities include projects that ensure the continued use of historic farm buildings, protect properties that are in critical need of repair or preserve particularly significant resources that are listed or eligible for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Senator Hoffmann worked with Governor Pataki to create and fund the program in an effort to help preserve the agricultural landscapes that have become a vital part of Heritage Tourism in New York State. The program also furthers the objectives of the New York State Open Space Plan.
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said, "Our historic barns represent farms that have been owned and operated by families for generations. For many, these structures symbolize a cherished livelihood of hard work, responsibility, and family unity. I commend the Governor for recognizing the importance of preserving such an integral piece of our state's cultural heritage."
State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "This exciting initiative promises to preserve some of our most prized and durable landmarks. Thanks to the Governor's leadership, New York State continues to make important progress on safeguarding and rejuvenating our scenic and historic treasures."
The $20,000 grant for the Pushlar Barn will be used to replace the roof on the historic connected dairy barn. The repair will insure the usefulness, farm viability and structural soundness of the roof. The circa 1920s structure is eligible for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The Pushlar Barn is part of a working farm that was originally built in the 1920s for Henry Burden, a wealthy horseshoe industry mogul who lived in Cazenovia. As a show farm, the structure housed bull pens and sections for breeding champion Guernsey cows. The Pushlars have owned the farm since 1946. The roof project through the grant includes the preparation for and installation of new steel roofing.
Rocco DiVeronica, Chairman Madison County Board of Supervisors said, "Governor Pataki has again shown his dedication to restoration and historic preservation by announcing the Historic Barn Grant. We pride ourselves in the history and heritage of our county and preserving these barns will improve the quality of life for residents and tourists alike."
Thomas O. Dreisbach, Cazenovia Town Supervisor said, "Farming in Cazenovia and Madison County is an integral part of the economy and it is very important for government to encourage this activity. I am delighted with the effort to preserve and restore barns by means of financial grants. Congratulations and thanks to Madison County, Governor Pataki and to all who have led this effort."
Dennis Gregg, Mayor, Village of Cazenovia said, "It is a great honor to have Governor Pataki here in Cazenovia to announce the Historic Barn Grant Awards. This assistance will ensure the preservation of the Village's rich agricultural heritage while improving economic growth in our community."
Governor Pataki first announced the funding for New York's Barn Restoration and Preservation Program last fall, generating interest from more than 4,800 applicants. Proposals were received from every corner of the state and included all types of farm buildings. The $2 million program includes $1 million provided by Governor Pataki and a $1 million Senate appropriation provided by Senator Hoffmann.
State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers said "Agriculture has historically been the backbone of rural New York State and these barns are a true symbol of this state's rich farm heritage. Governor Pataki is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural industry in New York State and through these grants and other programs, he is allowing some of the state's most cherished barns to be refurbished in order to preserve and secure our agricultural legacy here in New York State."
Scott P. Heyl, President of the Preservation League of New York State, said, "On behalf of our partners in the New York State Barn Coalition, the Preservation League of New York State is absolutely delighted with Governor Pataki's and Senator Hoffmann's commitment to protect the defining architectural features of the rural New York State landscape. This grant program for historic barns is unmatched nationwide, and it successfully compliments the Governor's Quality Communities initiative."
New York Farm Bureau President John Lincoln said, "Our members appreciate the leadership of the Governor and Senator Hoffmann in establishing the historic barn preservation grants program. Many farmers own historic barns, but frequently find it is more cost effective to simply tear down a piece of New York's agricultural history rather than repair and attempt to retrofit a historic barn. This program will help keep New York's countryside dotted with the scenic views of historic barns on agricultural land."
An additional $2 million in funds for the second round of grants was included by Senator Hoffmann in the 2000-2001 State budget. Beginning this fall, owners may apply for small grants for the repair of barns, sheds, silos and other farm structures that are fifty years old or older. Eligible work items include repairs to roofs, foundations, sills and framing systems. Grants will fund as much as 80 percent of the project cost, up to $25,000, with the recipient contributing the remaining amount through cash, in-kind services or force account labor.
For more information on the New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program, please call your regional or visit the State Parks website at http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/grants/.
A list of awards listed by region is attached.
While there is a long list, I'll just include the money that went to the Saratoga/Capital District as listed.
Quoted Text
Saratoga/Capital District
Albany
Kevin G. Crosier Helderberg Trail, Berne, $13,800.00 Crosier Barn: German Post and Beam.
Fulton
Steven John Subik County Route 116, Johnstown, $20,000.00 Subik Barn: Post and Beam.
Greene
Norman W. Waterman B.G. Partridge Road, Windham, $16,750.00 Waterman Barn: Storage barn on working dairy farm.
Montgomery
Jon A. Klemme River Road, Fort Plain, $14,000.00 Klemme Barn: Ca. 1890 barn on large dairy farm.
Thomas Lanni Frederick Road, Stone Arabia, $25,000.00 Gremps Barn: Ca. 1750 NRE Dutch Barn.
Robert VanGorder Matis Drive, St.Johnsville, $19,741.00 VanGorder Barn: Ca. 1790 NRE Dutch Barn.
Raymond Briggs, Jr. Rock Dust Road, Cobleskill, $25,000.00 Briggs Barns: Large intact complex including Dutch Barn on NRE farmstead (National Bicentennial Farm).
Wm & Regina Embler Knox-Gallupville Rd, Schoharie, $9,293.00 Embler Barns: 3 Small Barns
Everybody's missing the point.......Nobody's saying Ms. Lazzari is doing anything illegal. But as a elected official, especially a republican, using tax dollars to restore personal property doesn't bode well for her position on pork barrell spending. She benefited from it.
What we don't know is, how many people applied for this grant in Schenectady and got denied. Did Carolina's get any sort of political favor??
Quoted Text
In the 2000 budget, Former Senator Hoffmann created the New York State Barn Restoration and Preservation Program which provides grants for barn repair. With nearly 5,000 applications in the first round, this widely successful program will preserve these "cathedrals on our rural landscape" for many years to come.
WOW...over 5000 applications and Ms. Lazzari was the only one chosen in Schenectady to recieve the max of $25,000. She must just be lucky.
I pasted this from wikapedia
Quoted Text
Nancy Larraine Hoffmann is a former State Senator from New York. She is a Republican and a resident of Central New York. She was first elected in 1984 to the New York State Senate representing Syracuse, New York and the suburban and rural areas surrounding Syracuse as a Democrat and was a Democratic senator until 1999 when she became a Republican. Hoffmann switched parties not for ideological reasons but to gain power and influence from being in the legislative majority.
All of these politicians a good for nothing.....No matter what party is in control, they all want to get their hands on our tax money and give it to those who share the same political ideology, or funnel it back to themselves.
We have two choices when we go to the voting booth:
Kevin G. Crosier Helderberg Trail, Berne, $13,800.00 Crosier Barn: German Post and Beam.
Quoted Text
Berne supervisor to run for County Legislature June 11, 2007 at 11:45 am by Tim O'Brien, Staff writer The Berne town supervisor announced today he plans to run for Albany County Legislature.
Kevin Crosier, who has served two terms as town supervisor, will run in the 39th District in Albany’s Hilltowns. The district includes the towns of Berne, Knox and Rensselaerville.
Crosier is challenging incumbent Alexander “Sandy” Gordon in a Democratic primary to be held on September 18.
In his announcement, Crosier said, “My neighbors and many Hilltown residents have asked me to run for this position. I hear the same concern all the time: We want to save our rural landscape and promote our agricultural economy. As a member of the County Legislature, I will explore, study and bring resources to our area, that have not been adequately utilized. Our region of Albany County is clearly the hidden jewel of Albany County.”
Crosier is a professional paramedic firefighter who has received numerous awards. A lifelong Berne resident, Crosier says he has a proven track record of preserving the unique rural nature of the Hilltowns, while promoting successful business opportunities. He cites hios work on senior housing, summer youth programs, agricultural business and rural economic initiatives.
I found that victor Gush is a developer. He really needed our tax money.
These are minutes from a Schodack town meeting
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WHEREAS, the Highland Hill Subdivision Phase II developer Victor Gush having substantially completed the infrastructure work required by the Schodack Subdivision Regulations and required as a condition of the subdivision on the remainder of the road known as Edinburgh Drive, and
So according to what you're saying Cicero any person who is in politics should not be eligible to get grant money to restore an old historic building and if they do they're doing something illegal. These grants are applied for and given on the merits of the type of building and the rareness of said building. I'm also sure that someone from the state who is educated in appraising these type of buildings have looked at them and made their recommendations to the appropriate officials who award the grants.
I don't think that cicero is saying anything is illegal. I think cicero is saying that each party is right there to say how the other is benefiting from taxpayer money. When in fact, they all are! We must admit that many in politics align themselves to benefit themselves or others by using taxpayer dollars.
I personally am not singling out Ms.Lazzari, but if politicians or a political party is accusing another of dipping into the taxpayer cookie jar for personal gain, than that politician or party better not be dipping either.
So....they ALL do it! ALL OF THEM!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
There is talk around Schenectady County disparaging the now-discontinued state Barn Restoration Grant. I’m no expert on this grant program, but I do know the two Dutch barns in Schenectady County that received these grants. Both are historically significant, and the Lazzari/Wemple barn is one of the most significant, oldest and most recognized barns in New York. Hundreds of people from all across the United States and Europe have come to see these barns. They are icons to preservation groups. Last April, the National Barn Alliance came to visit; next weekend, the state Barn Coalition will tour both barns. Both these barns received grants in years when the maximum grant was $25,000. These are matching grants, so the owners committed another $25,000 of their own money to the restoration work. These grants are considered taxable income, so, in effect, the owners had to give a substantial portion of the grant right back to the government. Some grant recipients refused the grants after learning of this detail, because even the full-grant amount is usually only a small part of the cost of a complete barn restoration. Schenectady’s elected officials should not be using this grant program to snipe at each other. They should be working together to restore this program, and to convince the new administration in Albany that we need more historic preservation grant programs. It should be obvious to these officials that Schenectady County has so many great historic buildings that many of the grants will come here, to your constituents — who you are supposed to be working for. KEITH CRAMER Albany The writer is president of the Dutch Barn Preserva tion Society located at the Mabee Farm Historic Site Rotterdam Junction.
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