Work Begins at the Crescent Garage

Gossips has been following the plans for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Crescent Garage at Warren and Eighth streets since they were first presented to the Historic Preservation Commission in September 2022. 

Yesterday, work on the project began. To mark the occasion, the following press release was issued:

Today, the groundbreaking ceremony was held to herald the rehabilitation of the long dormant former Crescent Garage on upper Warren Street in Hudson. Thanks in part to a $1.3 million Restore New York grant from Empire State Development, the Crescent Building redevelopment seeks to breathe new life into a historic, vacant building, transforming it into a dynamic hub for creativity, sustainability, and community. Projected opening for the building is 2027.

The 18,000-square-foot building, originally constructed in 1916 as a premier showroom and garage for cars, will undergo a complete adaptive reuse to house an arts space, a film production studio, live-work artist lofts, and a rooftop event space.

Once a symbol of industrial vitality, the Crescent Garage has been vacant for many years, waiting for a vision that could restore its architectural significance and enrich the community. This revitalization project will not only restore the building's original character but will also integrate cutting-edge sustainability practices, making it a model for future historic preservation efforts in the region.

The ownership group which includes Ian Hague of Ancram, NY, Daniel McCabe of Hudson, NY, and Kris Perry, Hudson, NY, who is project manager and design consultant, said, "We're committed to balancing historic preservation with architectural and sustainable building innovation. We hope The Crescent Building redevelopment can serve as a beacon of sustainable development, blending the past with a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious future."

A Vision for Sustainability and Community Impact

The renovation will feature all-electric mechanical and energy generation systems as well as thorough weatherization to create a sustainable site. The building, powered by renewable energy sources, will set an example for how historic buildings can be retrofitted to meet modern sustainability standards. The project has already earned recognition, having been awarded a Restore New York grant in 2023, in partnership with the City of Hudson. Developers are currently working with National Grid to secure additional funding through their Main Street Revitalization Program to help cover critical weatherization and energy systems installations.

A Catalyst for Growth and Creativity

In addition to its environmental contributions, the Crescent Building will be a vital community resource. The project includes 6,500 square feet of office space designed for a film production company.

The 3,000-square-foot event space will become a vibrant venue for community programming, film screening, gallery events, performances, and private gatherings with a projected 100+ events per year. This space will employ local businesses including caterers, photographers, chefs, and artisans, generating new economic opportunities for Hudson's small business community.

A New Home for Artists

The second floor of the Crescent Building will feature three live-work artist lofts, providing housing for local artists and professionals. This addition comes at a crucial time for Hudson which, like many small upstate municipalities, faces a severe housing shortage. By incorporating living spaces into the project, the Crescent Building will contribute to alleviating the community's ongoing housing situation.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

The Crescent Building will also be part of a growing network of sustainable energy projects in Hudson, including Basilica Hudson, Red Barn Hudson [The Caboose], and Kite's Nest. Together, these projects will form an innovative green energy ring that demonstrates the power of sustainable practices across various sectors from commercial to educational to cultural and community organizations.

"We believe the Crescent Building will help showcase how historic spaces can evolve into thriving sustainable spaces for the future," said Perry, the project's team leader. "We are creating something truly exceptional for Hudson--an anchor for future growth, a space for creativity, and a model for sustainability," said the ownership group of Hague, McCabe and Perry.

About the Crescent Building Project:

The Crescent Building's transformation is spearheaded by a group of local artists and entrepreneurs dedicated to revitalizing Hudson's upper Warren Street corridor. The project seeks to promote balance between culture, education, and creative discourse--fostering a vibrant community space while contributing to a broader economic revitalization of the city. With support from local artists, engineers, and construction professionals the Crescent Building promises to be a cornerstone in Hudson's future--a place where history and innovation intersect.

Word from "the Other Side of the Tracks"

At the end of the Planning Board meeting last Wednesday, Theresa Joyner, who chairs the Planning Board, proposed that they accept an invitation to make a site visit to "the other side of the tracks"--the other side of the railroad tracks from the Colarusso dock, which, having operated without one since January 2017, is seeking a conditional use permit from the Planning Board. 

The following is quoted from a letter from Ben Fain sent to the Planning Board last week:

I wanted to thank you again for your offer to reevaluate the potential for a Public Hearing on the Colarusso Dock Conditional Use Permit.

As a very close neighbor to the dock we are extremely concerned about the consequences this decision will have on our work and hopes for the future of Hudson’s waterfront.

Our businesses (Kitty’s, Grapefruit Wines, The Caboose, The Wick, Robert Taylor House restoration and soon to come Kaz redevelopment) have grown considerably over the last few years. It’s hard to believe but we currently have over 82 full time employees (with plans for significantly more), and almost 4m in payroll in 2024, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of dollars in Hudson property tax we gladly pay. 

To that end, we wanted to share a memo that may provide additional insights into the Conditional Use Permit for Colarusso dock operation discussed in previous meetings. 

This memo outlines specific considerations established by court rulings regarding the authority of the planning board to impose limitations on the dock operation. 

As you’ll see, counter to what the city attorney represented at the last meeting, this memo shows definitively that the court rulings authorized the Planning Board to impose significant conditions on the entire dock operation, not just the bulkhead.

"additional conditions on such [continued] use [of the dock] as may be necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents living in close proximity to commercial docks and the public while recreating and using public facilities adjacent to commercial docks. . . ."

Examples of conditions:

Section 325-17.1(F)(2) imposes special conditions for commercial dock operations. These are mandatory conditions that a commercial dock operation subject to a conditional use permit must comply with. The Planning Board can certainly impose conditions that facilitate and flesh out these conditions.

Such mandatory conditions include: 

• Dust, smoke, gas, odor or air pollution shall not adversely affect the surrounding area
• The Planning Board could impose conditions requiring dust suppression
• The Planning Board could impose limits on the use of the dock for receipt of odor emitting materials (e.g., noxious chemicals, solid waste)
• Compliance with the City Noise Ordinance
• Control measures including barriers, landscaping, and low volume back-up warnings on heavy equipment could be required
• Limits on hours for loading and unloading from dock and truck arrival and departure times (i.e., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. set in Code) 
• Truck engine idling is prohibited 
• Light sources shall not be visible beyond the lot lines (subject to lighting necessary for safety) 
• The Planning Board could require certain types of down facing, dark sky compliant lighting 
• Visual impacts shall be minimized and direct views from public locations protected. Outdoor storage of goods and materials shall be screened 
• Could require barriers or landscape plantings to block views 
• Could require construction of a building to screen storage of goods and materials
• Public access to and from the river shall be incorporated 
• Could require pedestrian safety and access measures on the property if needed 
• Preservation of natural features, wetlands, wildlife

We've Always Had the Power

Tonight, the Common Council voted to prohibit trucks not making deliveries within the City of Hudson from proceeding beyond the turnoff to The Warehouse, which is the point at which Route 9G is no longer a designated access highway. As a consequence, trucks passing through Hudson will no longer be allowed to travel on Third Street or Columbia Street.

When the resolution was introduced tonight, Council president Tom DePietro moved to table it until the Council could hold a special meeting "in a week or two." He argued that "many people were unaware that this was coming up" and claimed the resolution "hasn't really been circulated that well." DePietro, who lives on Worth Avenue, expressed the opinion that trucks denied the right to pass through Hudson on Route 9G "will most likely shift to Route 9," which enters the city from the south on Worth Avenue.

Although DePietro moved to table the resolution, his motion was not seconded, so the vote went forward. There were eight ayes, two abstentions, and one nay. Those who voted in support were Jennifer Belton (Fourth Ward), Vicky Daskaloudi (Fifth Ward), Dominic Merante (Fifth Ward), Margaret Morris (First Ward), Gary Purnhagen (First Ward), Mohammed Rony (Second Ward), Dewan Sarowar (Second Ward), and Rich Volo (Fourth Ward). The two councilmembers representing the Third Ward--Shershah Mizan and Lola Roberts--abstained. DePietro voted no.

At one point, DePietro suggested the mayor could veto the resolution. If that were to happen, a two-thirds vote of the Council could override the mayor's veto. The resolution passed tonight with a two-thirds majority, so at least one councilmember would have to change his or her vote for an override of the mayor's veto to fail.

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Mark Your Calendars

Assemblymember Didi Barrett's Women's History Event this year celebrates Joan K.  Davidson. The event takes place on Sunday. March 9, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Hudson Hall. 

Update on Tonight's Common Council Meeting

The resolution that would prohibit trucks passing through Hudson from traveling on Third and Columbia streets is on the agenda for tonight's Common Council meeting. If you are interested in witnessing the vote on this monumental legislation, the meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m., is a hybrid, taking place in person at City Hall and on Microsoft Teams. Click here for the link to join the meeting remotely.

 

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Hecate Virtual Town Hall Tomorrow

The front page article in today's Register-Star announces a virtual meeting to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19, about the controversial Shepherd's Run Solar Project: "Hecate to host virtual meeting on proposed Copake solar project." According to the article, "Representatives of the company plan to give an update on the ongoing project, and residents of Copake and the surrounding area will be able to give feedback on the project."

To register to join the meeting, click here.

A New Member for the Planning Board

For a while, after Susan Foster and Ben Forman resigned from the Planning Board in September 2024, the Planning Board was short two members. In November, Kali Michael, who had been on the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, was appointed to the Planning Board. Since then, the Planning Board continued to be one member short until recently. Gossips has learned that the Planning Board now has a seventh member: Ashraf Chowdhury.  

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A President of Our Own

On Presidents Day, it seems appropriate to consider Martin Van Buren, the eighth president of the United States. Born in Kinderhook on December 5, 1782, Van Buren was the first president to be born in the United States and the only president to be born in Columbia County. He is also the only president for whom English was a second language. He grew up speaking Dutch. 

Van Buren had a few connections to Hudson. He was born just months before Thomas and Seth Jenkins set out from Nantucket in search of a safe harbor for their families and ships. Their search ended, of course, when they discovered Hudson, then known as Claverack Landing. 

According to Wikipedia (as quoted by The Hudson Wail), Van Buren moved to Hudson in 1808, "seeking a better base for his political and legal career." It is believed that Van Buren's law office was located in this house which once stood near the intersection of Columbia Turnpike and Union Turnpike. The house was demolished in 2000 or thereabout to create a parking lot for Columbia Memorial Hospital.

There is a new biography of Van Buren, written by James M. Bradley and published by Oxford University Press, titled Martin Van Buren: America's First Politician. The book was reviewed today in the Times Union by David Levine: "The other Hudson Valley president." On the evening of Presidents Day, the review is recommended reading. It will make you want to read the book.

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Meetings and Events in the Week Ahead

In a week that begins with Presidents Day and ends with the birthday of the country's first president, George Washington, everything is taking place on one day. 

• On Tuesday, February 18, the Common Council Finance Committee meets at 5:15 p.m. The meeting is a hybrid, taking place in person at City Hall and on Microsoft Teams. Click here for the link to join the meeting remotely.
• At 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, the regular monthly meeting of the Common Council takes place. Although a resolution regarding it does not yet appear on the agenda for the meeting, it is expected the Council will vote on accepting the recommendation contained in the ad hoc Truck Route Committee's final report. The meeting is a hybrid, taking place in person at City Hall and on Microsoft Teams. Click here for the link to join the meeting remotely. 

• Also at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, the Hudson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners holds its monthly meeting. The meeting is a hybrid, taking place in person in the Community Room at Bliss Towers and on Zoom. Click here to join the meeting remotely.
• And, as if not enough was happening on Tuesday, February 18, there's a Housing Fair happening at The Spark of Hudson, 502 Union Street, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The notice of this event, which seems to have appeared only on Instagram, indicates that it is being presented by The Spark of Hudson in collaboration with the City of Hudson's Housing Department, but the purpose of the meeting is described in this way: "Learn about new housing grants and connect with local organizations offering housing resources, financial assistance, and tenant support." 

• On Wednesday, February 19, a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals had been scheduled, but that meeting has been canceled. 

And that's it for the week.

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Proceed with Caution

Earlier this month, the Common Council Legal Committee took up the issue of ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and began a discussion of what needed to be done to facilitate the construction of ADUs in Hudson. Among the zoning changes that will have to be made is increasing the permitted lot coverage. Lot coverage currently for one- and two-family dwellings in all residential districts except R1 is 35 percent.

At the Historic Preservation Commission meeting this past Friday, a project was presented that involves new construction behind 105 Union Street.

Photo: Zillow

The proposal is to construct a 30-foot addition to the original house and a garage with a studio or storage space above it at the back of the property, leaving a 10-foot "courtyard" in the middle.

The project will need area variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and it was not clear if the HPC's decision or the ZBA's should go first. HPC member Miranda Barry said, "Usually we wait until after they get ZBA approval." Code enforcement officer Craig Haigh advised, "If HPC doesn't find it appropriate, there's no point in going to the ZBA." 

HPC member John Schobel expressed the opinion that the size of what was being proposed was out of scale and the density inappropriate. Nevertheless, the HPC will hold a public hearing on the project, to take place on Friday, February 28, at 10:00 a.m.

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Parking Advisory

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Although you won't run the risk of getting a ticket by leaving your car on the even side of the street tonight, you will be making it impossible for the Department of Public Works to clean up that side of the street before the temperatures drop and what is now snow and slush turns to ice. On the request of DPW, Gossips urges readers to move their cars to the odd side of the street as soon as possible, so that DPW can clear the snow and slush on the even side.  

Tomorrow is Presidents Day, one of the eight holidays on the eve of which alternative side of the street rules for overnight parking are suspended. The others are:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day 

So, if you want to leave your car mired in the snow until morning, you can do so without running the risk of being ticketed.

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Hudson's "Bosom Buddies"

On Tuesday, a brilliant example of AI appeared on Instagram. Inspired by the opening credits for the short-lived sitcom Bosom Buddies (1980-1982), which starred Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari, the Instagram video, created by The Rivertown Collective (which has no ties to The Gossips of Rivertown), features Hudson's three mayoral contenders--Kamal Johnson, Peter Spear, and Billy Blowers--and includes an unexpected cameo. For those who eschew Instagram, the video is now on YouTube and can be viewed here.

Yesterday, Trixie's List, which I like to think of as the Arts and Entertainment complement to The Gossips of Rivertown, published an interview with the creator of the anonymous meme account: "Interview with Henry Hudson of The Rivertown Collective, Hudson's New and Innovative Meme Account." If you haven't read it already, you should.

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The Building of a Village

In April 2013, Gossips published an account of the development of Mt. Ray Estates, the condo community on Academy Hill, overlooking the city and encroaching on our historic cemetery: "Five Easy Pieces." I recommend everyone read that post before continuing with this one.

When that post was written, the second spurt of building Phase II of the development was beginning. Phase II, shown in the plan below, involved a total of 28 units.  

Plan for Phase II

Nine of the units were built in 2006; another ten were built in 2013. 

Phase I and Phase II--Google 2025

Now, almost twenty years after the site plan for Phase II was approved by the Planning Board, by a vote of four to three, the project is coming back to the Planning Board seeking approval for the final nine units of the project. The following is the narrative describing what is proposed:

The Applicant is proposing to construct three (3) three-unit townhouse style residential buildings similar to other buildings in the Mount Ray Estates Planned Unit Development (PUD). The infrastructure for the PUD was previously installed, including water, sewer, stormwater, electric, cable, and roadways.

The three (3) new buildings were planned for in the original PUD so all impacts were previously discussed and approved. Since the PUD legislation has lapsed, a renewal of the PUD is requested.

The site plan shows the buildings in the original design position. The nine new units will add some additional traffic (15-18 trips in the AM & PM peak hours), a few school age children (5-10), approximately 3,000 gallon per day of water and sewer use and will be very similar in style and character as the existing neighborhood.

The presentation to the Planning Board on Tuesday and the board's subsequent discussion can be viewed here, beginning at 1:03:30.

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Ear to the Ground

Here's an interesting bit of information, which I learned recently and share without comment. Kenneth Kearney, founder and president of Kearney Realty & Development Group, the developer, chosen by the City to create affordable housing in Hudson, now proposing the problematic Mill Street Lofts and State Street Lofts, sits on the Board of Directors of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, the research group whose recent study concluded that, even with all of the income-restricted housing projects currently being proposed for Hudson, we still need more. 

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