Village of Schoharie Receives Preservation Funding

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The Village of Schoharie has secured a $10,000 Preserve New York grant.

• The Village of Schoharie has secured a $10,000 Preserve New York grant.

ALBANY, NY (10/15/2015)(readMedia)-- The Preservation League of New York State will make a grant of $10,000 to support the cost of a reconnaissance level survey of historic structures in the Village of Schoharie at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16 at the 1743 Palatine House Museum, 102 Warner Hill Road in Schoharie.

Schoharie was not incorporated as a village until the year 1819, but the history of the area goes back to the early 18th century. The buildings within the village reflect this history, dating from the early 1700s to the late 20th century. The area suffered devastating flooding during Hurricane Irene in 2011; many Main Street businesses were damaged and homes evacuated. Four years later, the community continues to show resiliency and pride in its history and architecture as it recovers from the flood.

This survey project closely aligns with the Village's strategic plan and economic development programs. The eventual creation of a National Register Historic District will allow residents to take advantage of the NYS and Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits. Jessie Ravage of Cooperstown will complete the project.

"This grant from the Preservation League could not come at a more opportune time," said Village Mayor John J. Borst. "The survey project dovetails perfectly with the goals of our Long Term Community Recovery (LTCR) strategy. Formally documenting historic structures in the village will help us preserve, protect and enhance the historic heritage of Schoharie and will support the promotional aspects of our economic development plan. This is another opportunity to help make post-flood Schoharie an even better place to live."

The Preserve New York Grant Program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. "With the announcement of the 2015 awards, the total support provided by Preserve New York since its launch in 1993 is just over $2 million to 320 projects statewide," said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. "Preserve New York has a strong track record of bolstering local preservation efforts and delivering a strong return on investment."

"At its August, 2015 meeting, the Preserve New York grant program panel selected 14 applicants in 11 counties around the state to share $114,990 in funding," said Erin Tobin, the League's Director of Preservation. "As always, the competition for these funds was intense. The Preservation League is delighted to help advance the preservation efforts of the Village of Schoharie with timely funding from Preserve New York."

Organizations and municipalities receiving grant awards in 2015 are: Albany County: City of Albany Department of Development and Planning; Cayuga County: Seward House Museum, Auburn; Chautauqua County: Jamestown Renaissance Corporation; Chemung County: Elmira Downtown Development, Inc. (EDD); Erie County: Landmark Society of Western New York; Monroe County (2): Town of Greece, Department of Development Services; Maplewood Neighborhood Association, Rochester; Montgomery County (2): Montgomery County Department of History and Archives; Village of Palatine Bridge; Niagara County: City of North Tonawanda; Schenectady County: Vale Cemetery Association, Schenectady; Schoharie County: Village of Schoharie; Suffolk County (2): Higher Ground Inter-Cultural & Heritage Associates, Brookhaven; Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, Shelter Island.

For more information on the Preserve New York Grant Program, please call 518-462-5658 x 10 or visit the League's website at www.preservenys.org.