OUR HISTORIC HERITAGE IN JEOPARDY

October 10, 2017 Dear Friend of Beattie-Powers, It is twelve years since I assumed leadership with our small group of volunteers and large group of supporters. You have always been encouraging and generous with us to help us sustain the property and enrich our many cultural series and lectures. I would like to bring you up to date on an issue that is before us and enlist your support. On October 16 at 7:15 PM in the Catskill Senior Center a Public Hearing is being held before the Village Planning Board regarding James Wagman's request to raze the house to the north of Beattie-Powers and construct another structure on the property.  The house to be razed was once the quarters for the James Powers staff, and may have been a home to family of Aaron Burr. The core of this house is possibly from as early as 1790 and has had additional work to enlarge it in the 1920s. It is within the East Side Historic District that has laws that prevent the demolition of historic structures and the construction of new buildings deemed "incompatible." (Article V of the Review of Historic Properties Zoning Laws.) These laws are important to protect our heritage that remains from the late 18th century and later.  The surrounding houses to this property are largely classical in appearance, but the plan Mr. Wagman has submitted will be very different, and incompatible with the surrounding architecture.  If this happens, we will have a very different view when we drive into Powers Place, and scan the property looking toward the Hudson River and Olana. Currently, we have a sweeping view that shows no buildings, only the meadow, the river and Olana. But, this will all change if Mr. Wagman receives permission to proceed building an incompatible structure at this meeting.  We need your presence to support us, and your voice to protest if you choose. There is power in numbers. I hope you can attend this vital meeting. We can use this as an opportunity to begin to address our common interest in Historic Preservation. And, I hope you can come to Ted Hilscher's presentation of "Lost Catskill," on Saturday October 14 at 2. It is a very informative and timely lecture. Sincerely, Bob Hoven, President of Beattie-Powers Place