From the August 2004 issue

Governor Announces Parks and Preservation Grants for Hudson Valley

Governor George E. Pataki has announced more than $1.8 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants for nine historic preservation, open space and recreation projects in the Hudson Valley.

The Governor was joined by several state and local officials in making the announcement at St. Paul's Church in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. The historic facility will receive a $350,000 matching grant for exterior improvements in the main church and tower building.

St. Paul's Church, incorporated in 1835, is located on the North Side of Poughkeepsie. The church is beginning a long-term restoration and preservation that includes roofing and drainage improvements; masonry restoration; wood restoration of cornice and dormers; restoration of the clerestory windows at the east and west side of the nave; and preservation of stained glass windows. When work is completed, the church expects to expand its community presence to include programs involving tourism, environmental education, family recreation and informational forums on historic preservation.

Other Projects

Dutchess County

Town of Dover, Dutchess Land Conservancy and Friends of Dover Stone Church: $350,000 to enable the town to acquire and preserve a 58-acre natural area featuring a geological formation and waterfall known as "Stone Church." The acquisition will allow public access and provide a pedestrian link to historic sites in the Village of Dover Plains.
Quitman Resource Center for Preservation: $25,841 for an archaeological assessment and restoration of the structural frame of the earliest section of the Palatine Farmstead house, which will be used as a public study center for Palatine culture and local vernacular architecture.
Locust Grove: Samuel F.B. Morse Historic Site: $25,000 to finish the carriage house exterior renovation project, which includes restoration of deteriorated paint and siding. This is the only national monument dedicated to interpreting the life of Samuel F.B. Morse, the artist and inventor of the telegraph.
Town of Wappinger: $350,000 to restore and repair the exterior of the Carnwath Mansion, which is a three-story brick structure built in the mid-1800s.
Village of Wappinger Falls: $126,375 to develop a passive recreational park along Wappinger Creek and its waterfall. Work will include excavation of embankment and construction of a retaining wall, curbing, pavement for ADA access, landscaping, benches, historic reproduction lighting and amenities.

Orange County

Village of Monroe: $250,000 to acquire a 20.9-acre former racetrack site as open space and potential park land.

Sullivan County

Village of Liberty: $101,823 to remove a dilapidated building and replace it with a new bathhouse; rehabilitate pavilions, picnic tables, a walkway, parking area and beach to upgrade them to full handicapped accessible standards.

Westchester County

City of Yonkers: $240,000 to help restore 24-acre Untermyer Park, including replacements of the pergolas and roof areas around the arcades and amphitheatres, cleaning the sphinxes, floor mosaics and limestone pillars and columns, and repair or replace limestone walls, seating and stage.