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Jeremy Woodoff's avatar

Thank you, Suzanne, an excellent essay, much needed. As the preservation movement has matured, it's lost its most effective advocates, some working as individuals, like Jackie Onassis, some embedded in organizations like the Municipal Art Society, and others even working within government, as in the Parks Department and Landmarks Commission in New York City. We are not in a good place now.

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Valerie Ross's avatar

I think you should go and buy the old Academy building in Gilbertsville and fix it up. It's the most wonderful stone building! The problem with old buildings is EVERYTHING has to be redone to "come up to code." The Academy building has no electrical wiring, insulation, or plumbing, I'm sure.

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Valerie Ross's avatar

I have a terrific historic photo of the Academy, must be mid-1800s judging from the clothing, and it must have been when it was first opened. E-mail me at valerie.ross49@gmail and I can send it to you

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Suzanne Spellen's avatar

Actually, I looked at it about 10 years ago, when I decided to leave Brooklyn, and it was on the market. It was a shell, being used as a workroom and garage. There was a partial second floor. The house was for sale, as well, with it. Unfortunately, it was beyond my budget, especially when one figured on renovating the school. Oh, but had I the cash, what a project that would have been!

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Valerie Ross's avatar

I looked at it at the same time! The ground flooring is still there, but it was taken up and stacked to preserve the wood. When I win the lottery...

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INFO's avatar

You have a lot of interesting things to say!!!

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Mike De Socio's avatar

Fantastic essay, as always, Suzanne. I had no idea that the Signal building in Troy was just torn down. What a loss. I often would see that building, and the county office complex, and think those structures had a lot of potential for preservation and new uses. It's too late now.

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Suzanne Spellen's avatar

Yeah, I was shocked. They could have done so much with it. It was on the National Register, for crying out loud!

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INFO's avatar

As usual, right-on commentary but far too long in this busy world. Anyway, hohoho and all that!!!

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Suzanne Spellen's avatar

Sorry for the length. But you should have seen it before I edited it!

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jzr's avatar

Thank you so much for this post!!!!

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RenoQueen's avatar

Thank you for writing this. I was so sad to find this out today and I’m not sure if anything can be done: https://bkreader.com/2022/03/11/historic-fort-greene-church-to-be-replaced-by-11-story-apartment-building/?amp=1

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Harriet Warnock-Graham's avatar

What is the point of view of the Community Land Bank about preservation? Can the land bank act as a judge in such matters? The city historic preservation committee seems not to be talking to its natural allies.

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O’Malley Linda's avatar

Yes. Thank you, Suzanne. We need you here in Troy and we are lucky to have you with us.

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