5/8 Letter from Hudson/Park NA highlighting age of buildings

May 8, 2008

Michael Apostol, Chairman
Board of Zoning Appeals
Department of Development and Planning
21 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207

Re: 118-120 Washington Ave. – Application for Parking Lot Permit

Dear Mr. Apostol:

On April 23, 2008, the Board of Zoning Appeals met to consider the application of the Fort Orange Club to demolish two buildings on Washington Ave. to enlarge their existing parking lot. The BZA tabled decision on this proposal and it currently appears as pending on the agenda for May 14, 2008. As you are aware, Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association ("H/PNA"), along with the Center Square Association, Washington Park Neighborhood Association, and Councilmember Richard Conti oppose this proposal.

At the April 23, 2008 meeting, the applicant represented that these structures are not "historic." Since the hearing, H/PNA has learned that at least one of the structures (118 Washington Ave.) dates from prior to 1833. A copy of the Building Inventory Form on file with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is attached to this letter. Given the significance of this additional evidence, we believed it important to bring to your attention as the BZA considers its decision.

Sincerely,
/s/
Roger Bearden, President
Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association