Skaneateles Press, October 20, 2004

 

Flashlights in the night

To the editor:

It is public knowledge that town of Spafford Supervisor Gordon Ireland admitted in a March public hearing that he had tentatively arranged, on his~own, for the town to purchase the Kissane property next to the historic Grange building in Borodino, which is owned by the Spafford Area Historical Society. The suggested intent was to benefit the Grange building by providing space for parking and an expanded septic system.

During the regular Historical Society meeting on Wednesday night, Oct. 13, members noticed some people with flashlights at the Kissane property, so several went to investigate. They found that local fire department members were taking building measurements to help them with plans for fire training exercises at that property.

At the Spafford Town Board meeting on Oct. 14, Mr. Ireland was asked if he had given permission or requested that the firemen look into demolishing the Kissane buildings. He firmly denied this, but did say that the buildings were in bad shape and needed to be destroyed.

Councilor Joyce Barnett asked: “Is it possible for the town to allow Carl Stearns of Crawford & Stearns, Preservation Architects, to do a walk-through to deter­mine if the building is worth saving. Pro bono perhaps or maybe the town could pay Mr. Stearns a nominal $200 for this walk-through.”

During the discussion Councilor Bill Vinzant stated that he was quite familiar with the high construction costs for the addition to the Town Hall and felt that it would be worthwhile to look into saving this building and using it for the town historian, the town library or perhaps for a small shop, none of which we have room for at this time. After additional discus­sion, Councilor Vinzant made a motion that the town provide up to $1,000 for this proposed walk-through and evaluation. The motion was passed 3 to 2.

I was on the historical board when the Grangers asked us to take over the Grange Hall. I cannot explain the relief I had when this motion was passed to give further intelligent thought to this possible destruc­tion of an old landmark. Perhaps down­town Borodino will come more alive. Come, look, see what is happening here with our dedicated people who love our town and are committed to its future. Our historic structures are really a part of our history, but we have been losing them one by one. They give us a chance to look back and see what others have done. This could be a help to other towns to show what can be done to make their town more inviting.

Interested in helping with manpower? Call Liz Rogalia, president, at 685-7122. If you can support us financially, please send your donation to SAHS at P.O. Box 250, Marietta, N.Y. 13110.

LAURI CLARK

SKANEATELES