The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership
Annual Report
(DRAFT)
August 2012—August 2013
Prepared By:
Devin R. Lander
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Mission
The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership’s mission is to preserve,
enhance and develop the historic, agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational
resources and the significant waterways within the Partnership region. Through
the tradition of municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster collaborative
projects with pertinent non-profit and governmental entities with an emphasis on
both agricultural and open space protection, economic and tourism development,
and the protection and interpretation of our natural and cultural heritage.
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Partnership Members
Officers
Thomas Richardson, Chair—Supervisor, City of Mechanicville
Sara Idleman, Vice-Chair—Supervisor, Town of Greenwich
Willard H. Peck, Treasurer—Supervisor, Town of Northumberland
Katherine L. Tomasi, Secretary—Appointee, Temporary President of the Senate
Board Members
Thomas N. Wood III—Supervisor, Town of Saratoga
John Sherman—Mayor, Village of Schuylerville
Anthony J. Sylvester—Mayor, City of Mechanicville
John E. Lawler—Supervisor, Town of Waterford
J. Bert Mahoney—Mayor, Village of Waterford
Edward Kinowski—Supervisor, Town of Stillwater
Earnest Martin Sr.—Mayor, Village of Stillwater
Mitchell Suprenant—Supervisor, Town of Ft. Edward
John Rymph—Supervisor, Town of Easton
Mathew Traver—Mayor, Village of Fort Edward
David Doonan—Mayor, Village of Greenwich
Dennis Morreale—Mayor, Village of Corinth
Jean Carlson—Supervisor, Town of Schaghticoke
Richard Lucia—Supervisor, Town of Corinth
Preston L. Jenkins, Jr.—Supervisor, Town of Moreau
David B. Borge—Mayor, Village of Hoosick Falls
Edwin King—Supervisor, Town of Pittstown
Thomas Carlo—Mayor, Village of Schaghticoke
Keith W. Donohue—Mayor, Village of South Glens Falls
Robert E. Shay—Supervisor, Town of White Creek
Nelson Ronsvalle—Proxy—Supervisor, Town of Halfmoon
Jim Sullivan—Mayor, Village of Victory
Teri Ptacek—Executive Director, Agricultural Stewardship Association (A.S.A.)
Julie Stokes—Board Member, Saratoga Preserving Land and Nature (P.L.A.N.)
Non-Voting Ex-Officio Members
Joseph Martens—Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(Charles Vandrei, Proxy)
Rose Harvey—Commissioner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation (Alane Ball-Chinian, Proxy)
Darrel Aubertine—Commissioner, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
(Phil Giltner, Proxy)
Partners
Joe Finan—Superintendent, Saratoga National Historical Park
Brian Stratton—Director, NYS Canal Corporation
Maria Trabka—Executive Director, Saratoga Preserving Land and Nature (P.L.A.N.)
George Hodgson—President, Lakes to Locks Passage, Inc., Proxy of Treasurer Bill Peck
Janet Kennedy—Executive Director, Lakes to Locks Passage, Inc.
Katie Petronis—Counsel, Open Space Institute/Chairwoman of the Board, Saratoga P.L.A.N.
Marlene Bissell—Co-Director, Hudson Crossing Park
Alan Bissell—Co-Director, Hudson Crossing Park
Jennifer Dorsey, PhD—Director, Siena College Center for Revolutionary Era Studies
Beth Sciumeca—Director, Erie Canalway National Heritage Area
Lori Duell—Project Manager, Erie Canalway National Heritage Area
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Mark A. Castiglione—Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway
Jim Brangan—Coordinator, Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership
John Hayes—Director, Prospect Hill Cemetery Association
Dave Perkins—Trail Coordinator, New York State Snowmobile Association
Neal Orsini—President, Rodger’s Island Heritage Development Alliance, Inc
Dick Farrell—President, Friends of the Saratoga Battlefield
Tim Holmes—Board Member, Friends of the Saratoga Battlefield
Michael Aikey—Director, New York State Military Museum
Frederick Altman—President, New York Military Heritage Institute
Linda Palmieri—Town of Stillwater Historian
David Bullard—Owner, the Marshall House
Christine Young—Executive Director, Rensselaer Land Trust
Lawrence R. Stevens—Director, Hoosic River Watershed
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Table of Contents
Message from the Chair—Page 6
Year in Review—Page 8
The Next Steps—Page 13
Appendix 1: Partnership All-Funds Breakdown—Page 14
Appendix 2: Resolutions Passed—Page 16
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Message from the Chair:
The past year was a year of change, growth and exciting opportunity for the Historic HudsonHoosic Rivers Partnership (the Partnership). Building off of the passage in 2012 of a bill
expanding the Partnership to include communities in Rensselaer County as well as new
neighbors in Saratoga and Washington Counties. We have welcomed new members from the
Towns of White Creek, Cambridge, Moreau, Schaghticoke, Pittstown, Hoosick, Kingsbury,
Corinth and the Villages of South Glens Falls, Cambridge, Hudson Falls, Valley Falls,
Schaghticoke, Corinth and Hoosick Falls. We also welcomed new organizations the Champlain
Trail Working Group, Rensselaer Land Trust and the Hoosic River Watershed Association to our
Partnership. I welcome all of our new members and am eager to work with them to further the
mission of the Partnership.
2012-2013 saw continued work being done on the creation of the Old Saratoga Gateway Visitors
Center. With funding provided by the Partnership, the Town of Saratoga completed an
environmental and archeological assessment on the 2.5 acres that will house the visitor center
and—with the help of Francis Sheehan and Chuck Vandrei at the NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC)—the Partnership completed a SEQRA on the land and
issued a negative declaration. Thanks to the help of Alane Ball-Chinian at OPRHP, the
mechanism is now in place for the purchase of the property from the Town by OPRHP to be
reimbursed by the Partnership. After that has taken place, DEC has agreed to hold title to the
property and enter into a long-term management agreement with the Partnership. This process
has been long and difficult to navigate due to the various forms of bureaucracy and I would like
to again thank Tom Wood and the Town of Saratoga for their hard work and patience as we
move through this process.
This past year was also a time for celebration. We joined with the Saratoga National Historical
Park in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Saratoga Battlefield being part of the National
Park system. The event was attended by over 150 people, several dignitaries from the State,
Federal and local governments, and our friends in the community, and received press attention
from as far away as San Francisco. I would like to thank Park Superintendent Joe Finan and
Director of Park Education Gina Johnson for all of their hard work in putting together the
program for the anniversary celebration as well as everyone who attended this wonderful event.
I would like to thank our very good friends in State government. Without their bi-partisan
vision, advocacy, strong will and understanding of the need for the Partnership, we would simply
not exist. A very special thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senators Kathleen Marchione and
Betty Little; Assemblymen Steve Englebright, and Tony Jordan; and Commissioners Joe
Martens, Rose Harvey and Darrel Aubertine. I would also like to personally thank Congressmen
Bill Owens and Paul Tonko as well as Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their
continued support. And, as always, I would also like to thank each and every member of the
Partnership who continues to work hard towards our shared regional goals. I feel strongly that
all of you are truly partners in creating a legacy of positive protection and enhancement. These
people represent their municipalities and organizations to the highest level and I am happy to
work with them all.
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As we move forward during this challenging and exciting time, let’s continue to work with all of
our partners towards a continued legacy of success for the people of our region!
__________________________________
Tom Richardson, Chair
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Year in Review
The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership (the Partnership) has had continued success
during its fifth full year of existence. The following is a list of projects that have been
undertaken by the Partnership and an update as to their progress.
1. The Dix Bridge Update
The Dix Bridge—located on County Route 70 and jointly owned by Saratoga and Washington
Counties—was built in 1895 by a local resident named Clark to provide a “free bridge”
alternative for crossing the Hudson River since existing bridges in the area all charged a toll.
Mr. Clark’s daughter was married to John Alden Dix who later served as Governor of New York
State from 1911-1913. The Dix Bridge is a “High Warren Truss” bridge and qualifies for listing
on the National Historic Register.
Within the last several decades, the Dix Bridge has fallen into disrepair. It is currently closed to
all traffic and has been flagged by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
for structural damage, which concluded the bridge must be repaired or removed. Following the
lead of the local efforts of the non-profit group Hudson Crossing Park and with the support of
Saratoga and Washington County, the Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership
applied for a grant through the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP). TEP is a federal
reimbursement program under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), administered by the NYSDOT. Recognizing that
transportation systems are influenced and impacted by more than the condition of the traditional
highway and bridge infrastructure, this program enables funding for transportation projects of
cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental significance. The application was deemed worthy
by the NYSDOT and awarded a total of $2.45 million in federal funds with $675,000 to be raised
as a local match.
The total amount of $3.125 million in rehabilitation funding will enable the Dix Bridge to reopen as a non-vehicular shared-use walkway. This would make the Dix Bridge the only local
safe passage over the Hudson River for bicyclists, pedestrians, snowmobilers, and equestrians.
The current local bicycle route directs cyclists over the much busier Route 4 Bridge in
Northumberland.
A rehabilitated and re-opened Dix Bridge will actively unite Saratoga and Washington counties
through the Hudson Crossing Park, providing an innovative model for environmentally
responsible economic re-development and recreation. A fully functioning Dix Bridge also would
meet a key need outlined by the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP), the New York
State Canalway Trail Master Plan, as well as many Empire State Greenway planning efforts.
The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership remains committed to working
with both Saratoga and Washington counties, local entities, and elected officials to ensure that
the Dix Bridge project comes to fruition. During the past year, Chairman Tom Richardson has
met with local, state, business, and federal leaders to attempt to secure support for this project.
In meeting with Saratoga County officials Chairman Richardson, with the support of Treasurer
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Bill Peck and Partnership member Tom Wood, was able to get a commitment from the County
for the entire $675,000 match, contingent upon continued support from other sources. Such
support has come in the past year from both the New York State Snowmobile Association and
the Town of Greenwich. The Dix Bridge Project was awarded a $300,000 grant through the
Capital Region Economic Development Council in 2011-2012 to help with the local match.
Construction is now underway on the project and it is now the Spotlight Project on the Capital
Region Economic Council Website http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/capital-region.
2. The Saratoga Turning Point Gateway Visitor Center
The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership’s board decided in 2009 to purchase and protect
the land and building owned by the Town of Saratoga which once served as its Town Hall. The
building and the 2.5 acres it rests on is in the Village of Schuylerville and is adjacent to a larger
public park area known as Fort Hardy Park. This land is historically significant because it is the
location where the soldiers of the British Army laid down their weapons after having lost the
Battles of Saratoga. The Partnership seeks to preserve this land in public holding, remove the
former Town Hall building, and construct a gateway visitor center and Partnership headquarters.
According to a 2004 General Management Plan completed by the Saratoga National Historical
Park, the Park would be able to then operate and staff a visitor center in Schuylerville.
This visitor center would act as a regional gateway tourist attraction for not only Schuylerville,
but for the entire region surrounding the Saratoga National Historical Park and the Lakes to
Locks International Scenic By-way Corridor. It would provide a presence for the National Park
Service to orient visitors and be able to tie in the story of the surrender of the British Army and
guide visitors to affiliated sites within the corridor. Exhibit space will be provided for all of the
Partnership members including NYS Canal Corporation, OPRHP and DEC.
The visitor center project will be constructed in a phased approach. The land will be purchased
by the Open Space Institute (OSI) utilizing a Legislative Member Item Grant. OSI will hold title
during the construction of the visitor center. Once the land is purchased, the remainder of the
Member Item will be utilized for site planning and construction. In 2011, the Partnership was
awarded a $191,000 grant from Canalcorp through the Capital Region Economic Council, which
will be used for construction of the visitor center. In 2012, the Erie Canalway National Heritage
Area awarded Lakes to Locks Passage a $7,500 grant for pre-design of the visitor center.
Saratoga Associates was hired by Lakes to Locks to do the pre-design. Lakes to Locks Passage
applied for a Federal By-Ways Program grant in 2011 for the waypoint exhibits and interpretive
design and implementation of the visitor center and in 2012 was awarded $300,000.
Besides the various grant sources of funding, the visitor center project has received in-kind
services help. Through the work of Saratoga National Historical Park Superintendent Joe Finan,
the Timber Framers Guild has agreed to make the framing of the visitor center building one of
their main volunteer projects. Using largely volunteer expert timber framers, the Guild will
construct the entire frame of the new visitor center as part of Phase 1. Joe Finan has also been
instrumental in identifying local timber that will be used for the construction of the new building
at a savings of thousands of dollars. Appendix 1 includes a full breakdown of the Phase 1
funding sources for the visitor center project.
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In 2012-2013, the Town of Saratoga, utilizing funding authorized by the Partnership, conducted
an environmental and archeological assessment of the 2.5 acres. This led to the completion of
the SEQRA process and a negative declaration issued by the Partnership. Through the hard work
of allies at DEC Francis Sheehan and Chuck Vandrie and Alane Ball-Chinian at OPRHP, an
agreement is in place for the 2.5 acres to be purchased by OPRHP from the Town of Saratoga
utilizing Partnership funds. OPRHP will then transfer ownership of the parcel to DEC who will
hold title to the property and enter into a long-term management agreement with the Partnership,
who will hold all liability and responsibility for the visitor center to be built there.
In the summer of 2013, the Town of Saratoga issued a contract for the removal of the old Town
Hall building currently on the site. An RFP will be issued following the purchase of the land to
hire a consultant to create a building design for the visitor center and to act as a project manager
for the construction of Phase I of the project.
3. Partnership Website Design
In 2012, the Partnership was named as a Regional Stakeholder in the Champlain Valley National
Heritage Partnership (CVNHP). As a result, the Partnership received $2,200 for promotional
activities. The Partnership voted to use the funding to update and re-launch its website. The
website work has been done by Andrew Alberti from Lakes to Locks Passage and is now
available online at www.hudsonhoosicpartnership.org. The Partnership has voted to continue
utilizing Andrew’s abilities to continue to maintain the website.
4. Total Funding Breakdown
Since the Partnership’s inception in 2007, it has disbursed the following amount of grant money
to localities, which has in turn leveraged several times as much from other sources:
Grants/Funding Received to Date:
Project Name
Dix Bridge Project
Amount
$2,450,000
Source
U.S. Department of
Transportation
Dix Bridge Project
$342,000
Saratoga County
Dix Bridge Project
$300,000
Dix Bridge Project
$27,000
Saratoga County IDA
Dix Bridge Project
$4,000
Washington County
Snowmobile Club
Dix Bridge Project
$2,000
Capital Region Economic
Development Council
Town of Greenwich
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Sword Surrender Site Purchase
$350,000
Sword Surrender Site Planning Project
$75,000
American Battlefield Protection
Program
Sword Surrender Site Bas Relief
$38,000
Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable
Trust
Schuylerville Visitor Center Project
$350,000
Schuylerville Visitor Center Project
$191,000
Schuylerville Visitor Center Project
Study
$7,500
Schuylerville Visitor Center Project
$350,000
The Houser Farm Project
(Additional Funding Leveraged
by Washington County ASA--$217,010)
$28,000
NYS Member Item
Village of Waterford
Broad Street Improvements
(Village of Waterford Match--$5,000)
$5,000
NYS Member Item
Ft. Edward--Pedestrian Corridor
$28,000
NYS Member Item
Old Saratoga on the Hudson Fish Creek
Trail Fish Creek Segment and Fish Creek
Revolutionary War Interpretive Site
$9,000
NYS Member Item
$10,000
NYS Member Item
Tour de Farm Self Guided
Bicycle Tour Project
$15,000
NYS Member Item
Partnership Stewardship Plan
$40,000
NYS Member Item
Susan B. Anthony Historic Site Project
$10,000
NYS Member Item
Col. Baum's Interpretive Trail Phase I
(Washington County Historical Society
Match--$1,000)
NYS Member Item
NYS Member Item
Capital Region Economic
Development Council/Canalcorp
Erie Canalway National
Heritage Area
National Scenic By-Ways
Program
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Historic Champlain Canal Trail
Interpretive Signage Project
$7,500
NYS Member Item
Mechanicville Route 67
Concrete Wall Improvement Project
(Total Matching Funds--$170,000)
$10,000
NYS Member Item
Greenwich Interpretive Plan
$20,000
NYS Member Item
TOTAL STATE GRANTS FUNDS RECEIVED--$1,373,500
TOTAL FEDERAL FUNDS LEVERAGED—$2,882,500
TOTAL LOCAL FUNDS LEVERAGED--$806,010
TOTAL ALL FUNDS--$5,062,010
5. Resolutions Passed
During the past year, the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership passed several resolutions
supporting various local initiatives as well as resolutions becoming partners with other
organizations. A complete list of the resolutions is in Appendix 2.
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The Next Steps
The Partnership is focusing much of its efforts on the implementation of its Stewardship Plan
and the creation of the regional gateway visitor center. As Phase 1 for this project moves
forward, the Partnership will continue to seek additional funding for Phase 2 of the project.
The Partnership continues to support various regional projects and has taken part in the regional
Pathway through History Initiative created by Governor Cuomo. In 2013, through the work of
Senator Marchione and Assemblyman Englebright, the Partnership was allocated $100,000 in the
2013-2014 NYS budget which the Partnership is currently in the process of directing towards a
variety of projects in the coming year.
As it continues to expand and grow with strong community involvement supported by state and
federal initiatives, the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership will continue to seek new and
innovative ways to ensure that the historic, agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational resources
of the region are preserved and enhanced. In doing so, the Partnership will not only continue to
fulfill its mission and benefit its member communities, but will become the leading entity of its
kind in the state and in the nation. The Partnership’s innovative framework and partnering
ability make it uniquely poised to be the model for future such entities across our country.
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Appendix 1: Partnership All-Funds Breakdown
New York State Budget Funds
Chapter 55, section 1, of the laws of 2006--$67,700
Chapter 55, section 1, of the laws of 2007--$350,000
OPRHP Local Assistance Account 2013-2014--$100,000
TOTAL=$517,700
2011 Regional Economic Council Grant
To Be Used For Construction of the Visitor Center--$191,000
TOTAL=$191,000
2011 Department of Transportation Grant (Lakes to Locks)
To Be Used For Wayside Exhibits and Interpretation & Exhibits at the Canal Gateway Visitor
Center--$300,000
TOTAL=$300,000
TOTAL ALL FUNDS=$1,008,700
Expenditures (as of July 8, 2013)
- $35,000—Town of Saratoga—Archeological & Environmental Assessment and Survey of
Visitor Center Site, (taken from 2007 $350,000 member item).
- $41,096—Town of Saratoga—Removal of existing building and site preparation at Visitor
Center site (Taken from 2007 $350,000 member item).
- $115,000—PENDING—(OPRHP pass through to the Town of Saratoga) —Purchase of 2.5
acre Visitor Center site in Schuylerville. OPRHP will do the purchase transaction and then
transfer ownership of land to DEC (taken from the 2007 $350,000 member item).
TOTAL Expenditures from Chapter 55, section 1, of the laws of 2007--$350,000 (To Date
July, //, 2013) =$191,096
Remaining All-Funds
New York State Budget Funds
Chapter 55, section 1, of the laws of 2006--$67,700
Chapter 55, section 1, of the laws of 2007--$158,904 (balance remaining)
VC, Planning, Design & Construction Management
OPRHP Local Assistance Account 2013-2014--$100,000
Stewardship Plan Update, Project management, Professional Services Grant Preparation and
Operations
2011 Regional Economic Council Grant
To Be Used For Construction of the Visitor Center--$191,000
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TOTAL=$191,000
2011 Department of Transportation Grant (Lakes to Locks)
To Be Used For Wayside Exhibits and Interpretation at the Visitor Center--$300,000
TOTAL=$300,000
Remaining All-Funds TOTAL=$817,604
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Appendix 2: Resolutions Passed, 2012-2013
September 13, 2012
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC SARATOGA-WASHINGTON ON THE HUDSON
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCING THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership has been
established by the legislature to build on existing public and private initiatives to fully realize the
historic, natural and scenic, recreational and economic potential for the people of its region and
the state as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership’s mission is to
preserve, enhance and develop the historic, agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational
resources and the significant waterways within the Partnership region. Through the tradition of
municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster collaborative projects with pertinent non-profit
and governmental entities with an emphasis on both agricultural and open space protection,
economic and tourism development, and the protection and interpretation of our natural and
cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the By-Laws of the Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership call
for the annual election of officers to hold the position of Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and
Secretary; and
WHEREAS, the Officer Nomination subcommittee of the Historic Saratoga-Washington on the
Hudson Partnership voted unanimously to recommend Tom Richardson as Chair, Sara Idleman
as Vice-Chair, Bill Peck as Treasurer, and Kay Tomasi as Secretary; and
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the
Hudson Partnership has voted to elect Tom Richardson Chair, Sara Idleman Vice-Chair, Bill
Peck Treasurer, and Kay Tomasi Secretary for the term of one year.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chair
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November 19, 2012
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC SARATOGA-WASHINGTON ON THE HUDSON
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCING THE DESIGNATION OF THE CHAMPLAIN
CANALWAY TRAIL WORKING GROUP AS A PARTNERSHIP MEMBER.
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership has been
established by the legislature to build on existing public and private initiatives to fully realize the
historic, natural and scenic, recreational and economic potential for the people of its region and
the state as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership’s mission is to
preserve, enhance and develop the historic, agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational
resources and the significant waterways within the Partnership region. Through the tradition of
municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster collaborative projects with pertinent non-profit
and governmental entities with an emphasis on both agricultural and open space protection,
economic and tourism development, and the protection and interpretation of our natural and
cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Champlain Canalway Working Group is a volunteer, ad hoc partnership that
includes local and regional canal and trail groups, public agencies, and park and preservation
organizations. The Working Group benefits from the existing network of the Canalway Trail
Association of New York, a statewide, all-volunteer organization of trail owners and managers
formed to assist localities to develop, manage, and maintain the Canalway Trail; and
WHEREAS, the Champlain Canalway Working Group’s vision is for an attractive and
continuous Champlain Canalway Trail route from Waterford to Whitehall, that utilizes historic
towpaths, Champlain Canal shoreline, existing local and regional trails, on-street bicycle routes
and links to regional and community attractions;
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the
Hudson Partnership has voted to become a partner with the Champlain Canalway Working
Group.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
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November 16, 2012
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC SARATOGA-WASHINGTON ON THE
HUDSON PARTNERSHIP TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
WITH THE NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST TO NAME THE TRUST FISCAL AGENT FOR
THE PARNTERSHIP, SUPPLYING FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES AS
CONTAINED IN THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR THE DURATION OF
THE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE OLD SARATOGA GATEWAY
VISITOR CENTER.
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership (the Partnership)
has been established by the New York State Legislature to build on existing public and private
initiatives to fully realize the historic, natural and scenic, recreational and economic potential for
the people of its region and the state as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Partnership’s mission is to preserve, enhance and develop the historic,
agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational resources and the significant waterways within the
Partnership region. Through the tradition of municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster
collaborative projects with pertinent non-profit and governmental entities with an emphasis on
both agricultural and open space protection, economic and tourism development, and the
protection and interpretation of our natural and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Heritage Trust (the Trust) is a body corporate and politic constituting
a public benefit corporation consisting of the chairperson of the state council of parks and
outdoor recreation, the commissioner of Environmental Conservation, the secretary of state and
the commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation that has received tax exempt
status of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) Section 501(c)(3); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 55.15 of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, the Trust is created
for a public purpose intended to preserve and improve the natural, recreational and historic
resources of the State in furtherance of the education, welfare and enjoyment of its people; and,
WHEREAS, the respective missions of Partnership and the Trust reflect significant overlap and
identity of purpose regarding waterfront access, economic revitalization and long-term
maintenance of the Partnership region, and are in other respects complementary and mutually
supportive; and
WHEREAS, heretofore the Trust has undertaken certain administrative and fiscal responsibilities
on behalf of the Partnership, and such parties are desirous of formalizing such arrangement as set
forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the Former Town of Saratoga Town Hall parcel has been designated by the
Saratoga National Historical Park’s 2004 Management Plan as historically significant to the
interpretation of the Battles of Saratoga; and
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WHEREAS, the Former Town of Saratoga Town Hall parcel has been designated by the
Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership as the future site of the Old Saratoga
Gateway Visitor Center; and
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the
Hudson Partnership has voted to name the Natural Heritage Trust as the financial agent for the
Partnership during the duration of the acquisition and construction of the Old Saratoga Gateway
Visitor Center located in Schuylerville, New York and to assume all responsibilities outlined
under the memorandum of agreement between the Partnership and the Trust, and to designate
Partnership Chairman Thomas Richardson to sign the memorandum of agreement on behalf of
the Partnership.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
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November 20, 2012
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC SARATOGA-WASHINGTON ON THE HUDSON
PARTNERSHIP ACCEPTING THE FINAL DRAFT SWORD-SURRENDER SITE
DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE TREATMENT PLAN.
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership’s mission is to
preserve, enhance and develop the historic, agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational
resources and the significant waterways within the Partnership region. Through the tradition of
municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster collaborative projects with pertinent non-profit
and governmental entities with an emphasis on both agricultural and open space protection,
economic and tourism development, and the protection and interpretation of our natural and
cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership has determined
that protecting and promoting the site where General Burgoyne surrendered his sword to General
Gates following the battles of Saratoga (the Sword Surrender Site) is of utmost importance; and
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership, with the
assistance of the Open Space Institute, acquired the land constituting the Sword Surrender Site;
and
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership acquired an
American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) grant for $75,000 to create a site plan for the
Sword Surrender Site that will implement a long-term plan for preserving the site and opening it
to the public as a memorial park; and
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership contracted with
Saratoga Associates to complete the site plan in conjunction with the Partnership’s Sword
Surrender Site Planning subcommittee and the finished site plan has been accepted by the ABPP;
and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Historic Saratoga-Washington on the
Hudson Partnership has voted to accept the final draft version Sword Surrender Site and
Cultural Landscape Treatment Plan as prepared by Saratoga Associates as a guiding planning
document.
_________________________________________Tom Richardson, Chair
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January 7, 2013
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC SARATOGA-WASHINGTON ON THE HUDSON
PARTNERSHIP THANKING SENATOR ROY MCDONALD FOR HIS VISION,
ENTHUSIASM AND SUPPORT.
WHEREAS, as an Assemblyman representing Saratoga and Washington counties, Roy
McDonald recognized that one of the key elements to bringing continued economic viability to
the “upper Hudson River region” is a combination of tourism, economic development and,
perhaps most importantly, instilling an appreciation of the extraordinary history that surrounds
the northern Hudson Valley, most specifically the Saratoga National Historical Park and its
surroundings; and
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Roy McDonald reached across the aisle in the state capitol and
brought a key member of the Assembly Majority, Steven Englebright, to the region to broaden
the support within the Legislature for regional preservation and economic development efforts;
and
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership was established by
legislation created by Assemblymen Roy McDonald and Steven Englebright, with broad bipartisan support from then Senate President Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon
Silver, with the mission to preserve, enhance and develop the historic, agricultural, scenic,
natural and recreational resources and the significant waterways within the Partnership region.
Through the tradition of municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster collaborative projects
with pertinent non-profit and governmental entities with an emphasis on both agricultural and
open space protection, economic and tourism development, and the protection and interpretation
of our natural and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, as both an Assemblyman and a Senator, Roy McDonald worked to secure funding
for the Partnership in order for it to succeed with its mission; and
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that all of the members of the Partnership wish to
offer a sincere expression of thanks to Roy McDonald as he leaves the Senate and wish him
continued success with all of his future endeavors.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chair
21
January 7, 2013
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC SARATOGA-WASHINGTON ON THE HUDSON
PARTNERSHIP ADDING THE RENSSELAER LAND TRUST AS A PARTNERSHIP
MEMBER.
WHEREAS, The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership (the Partnership)
has been established by the New York State Legislature to build on existing public and private
initiatives to fully realize the historic, natural and scenic, recreational and economic potential
for the people of its region and the state as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Partnership’s mission is to preserve, enhance and develop the historic,
agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational resources and the significant waterways within the
Partnership region. Through the tradition of municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster
collaborative projects with pertinent non-profit and governmental entities with an emphasis on
both agricultural and open space protection, economic and tourism development, and the
protection and interpretation of our natural and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Rensselaer Land Trust is a not-for profit corporation whose mission is to
conserve the open spaces, watersheds, and natural habitats of Rensselaer County for the benefit
of its communities and future generations; and
WHEREAS, due to an act of the Legislature in 2012, the Partnership is expanding into
communities in Rensselaer County; and
WHEREAS, the respective missions of Partnership and the Land Trust reflect significant
overlap and identity of purpose regarding the preservation of significant natural, historical, and
agricultural lands and our in other respects complementary and mutually supportive; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The Historic Saratoga-Washington on the
Hudson Partnership’s Board has voted to name the Rensselaer Land Trust as a member of the
Partnership.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
22
February 19, 2013
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC HUDSON-HOOSIC RIVERS PARTNERSHIP
SUPPORTING FURTHER STUDY OF THE BATTLE HILL AREA.
WHEREAS, The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership (the Partnership) has been
established by the New York State Legislature to build on existing public and private initiatives
to fully realize the historic, natural and scenic, recreational and economic potential for the
people of its region and the state as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Partnership’s mission is to preserve, enhance and develop the historic,
agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational resources and the significant waterways within the
Partnership region. Through the tradition of municipal home rule, the Partnership will foster
collaborative projects with pertinent non-profit and governmental entities with an emphasis on
both agricultural and open space protection, economic and tourism development, and the
protection and interpretation of our natural and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Battle Hill area located in Fort Ann, Washington County, has been identified
as the site of a battle between British and Colonial forces on July 8th, 1777 in which the Colonial
forces, at great loss of life, stalled the invasion of New York by the British and allowed for
proper defense of Saratoga to take place; and
WHEREAS, Battle Hill has been identified by the American Battlefield Protection Program
(ABPP) to be a site that is both pristine and intact and a site in which the ABPP feels warrants
further study and is under development pressure; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers
Partnership’s Board has voted to support further study and analysis of the Battle Hill area in its
current condition before any further development takes place.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
23
April 9, 2013
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC HUDSON-HOOSIC RIVERS PARTNERSHIP
SUPPORTING THE COMPLETION OF THE CHAMPLAIN CANAL TRAIL.
WHEREAS, the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership has been established to build on
existing public and private initiatives to fully realize the historic, natural and scenic, recreational
and economic potential for the people of its region and the state as a whole and to facilitate and
provide passive recreational activities including hiking, nature study and photography and to
make recommendations regarding necessary facilities including paths and trails; and
WHEREAS, the Champlain Canal Trail (CCT), when completed, will link with Lake
Champlain bicycle trails and become the natural gateway to Canada while the Waterford, N.Y.
portion of the CCT will link with the Erie Canalway Trail which extends across the State to
Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, the CCT will play an integral role in improving the health and well-being of people
living in and around the community by providing a close-to-home place for physical activity
while increasing levels of safety by providing transportation alternatives and providing trail
connections to the waterfront and downtown areas supporting economic revitalization efforts;
and
WHEREAS, the CCT Action Plan will help position Partnership communities to obtain trail
funding while minimizing competition with each other and strengthen a regional identity linking
historic, recreational and economic resources; and
WHEREAS, increased coordination and support between communities will help complete the
CCT and help ensure that all the communities in the region capture the full range of benefits of
the trail system; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers
Partnership fully supports the completion of the Champlain Canal Trail and the work of the
Champlain Canal Trail Working Group.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
24
May 17, 2013
RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC HUDSON-HOOSIC RIVERS PARTNERSHIP
REGARDING SEQR DETERMINATION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership (Partnership) as
follows:
Section 1
It is hereby determined that the Partnership adopting this resolution
declares itself to be the lead agency under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder for purposes of determining the
environmental impact of the project.
Section 2
Project to be as described in SEQR Application and support material
dated May 17, 2013. Copies of said material were distributed for coordinated review
by involved Governmental Agencies.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the attached Negative Declaration be
approved and a copy be signed by the Partnership Chair and submitted to the N. Y. S.
Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Historic Preservation Office and other
agencies as required by law.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
25
June 14, 2013
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC HUDSON-HOOSIC RIVERS PARTNERSHIP
ANNOUNCING THE DESIGNATION OF THE HOOSIC RIVER WATERSHED
ASSOCIATION AS A PARTNERSHIP MEMBER.
WHEREAS, The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership has been established by the
legislature to build on existing public and private initiatives to fully realize the historic, natural
and scenic, recreational and economic potential for the people of its region and the state as a
whole; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership’s mission is to preserve, enhance
and develop the historic, agricultural, scenic, natural and recreational resources and the
significant waterways within the Partnership region. Through the tradition of municipal home
rule, the Partnership will foster collaborative projects with pertinent non-profit and governmental
entities with an emphasis on both agricultural and open space protection, economic and tourism
development, and the protection and interpretation of our natural and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Hoosic River Watershed Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 whose mission is
the restoration, conservation and enjoyment of the Hoosic River and its watershed, through
education, research, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, the Hoosic River Watershed Association has accomplished many things, including
establishing the Mahican-Mohawk trail, conducting stream assessments and worked on the
Ashtuwillticook Trail, the creation of two boat launch sites in Massachusetts, and a linear park in
Pownal, Vermont. The Association promotes awareness and appreciation for the river with hikes,
lectures, workshops, river cleanups, festivals, and conferences, and has implemented
environmental education programs in many schools. The Association’s annual rafting program
provides free raft rides to hundreds of people in April and May;
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers
Partnership has voted to accept the Hoosic River Watershed Association as a partner.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
26
June 18, 2013
A RESOLUTION BY THE HISTORIC HUDSON-HOOSIC RIVERS PARTNERSHIP
SUPPORTING FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE CHAMPLAIN CANAL REGIONAL
BARGE TERMINAL INITIATIVE (CCRBTI).
WHEREAS, the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership has been established to build on
existing public and private initiatives to fully realize the historic, natural and scenic, recreational
and economic potential for the people of its region; and
WHEREAS, Washington and Eastern Saratoga County’s grain and dairy producers require the
import and export of bulk goods ranging from seed to fertilizer to cheese. Meeting this
transportation demand has long been the staple of the Battenkill Railroad which provides hauling
locations in Greenwich, Salem, Cambridge, and Shushan leading to its terminus with Pan-Am
Southern and Canadian Pacific Rail in Eagle Bridge. The CCRBTI is viewed by these parties as
a measure that could further reduce shipping costs for these producers and improve the industry’s
climate in the region; and
WHEREAS, bulk precast component firms need to move pieces that are often too cumbersome
for local roads. The CCRBTI could afford such firms an alternative to this mode of transport by
enabling barge or rail car transport; and
WHEREAS, a feasibility study for a Champlain Canal Regional Barge Terminal is necessary
to identify encumbering issues, develop recommended resolutions, and to ultimately determine
whether such a facility will thrive in meeting the multi-modal transportation needs for industries
in Washington County and Eastern Saratoga County. The outcome of the study will determine if
the CCRBTI will be a cost-effective economic driver for the region; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers
Partnership fully supports a feasibility study for the Champlain Canal Regional Barge
Terminal Initiative.
___________________________________________Thomas Richardson, Chairman
27