Where Was Troy Place?
Demolition by neglect was one of the thirteen items on the agenda for Wednesday's Legal Committee meeting. As at past meetings, the focus of the conversation about demolition by neglect was Richard Cohen's properties at Warren and Fourth streets. Last month, Cohen was given thirty days to present a plan for the buildings. Last night, Alderman John Friedman (Third Ward), who chairs the Legal Committee, reported that no plan has thus far been submitted, and Cohen's time will be up on Tuesday.
Relevant to the sad state of things at Warren and Fourth today is this picture of the first block of North Fourth Street, probably taken at the end of the 19th century, from the Evelyn and Robert Monthie Slide Collection at the Columbia County Historical Society.
The most amazing thing learned from this picture is that the first block of North Fourth Street was once known as Troy Place, but look at the wonderful stoops on the two townhouses at the right, which are among the properties now owned by Cohen.
COPYRIGHT 2014 CAROLE OSTERINK
I can only hope that the bldgs. at NE 4th & Warren streets can be saved from the wrecking ball.
ReplyDeleteIn my short life span I have witnessed the entire West side of N. 4th, except for the SW corner of Columbia, demolished either due to fires, newspaper expansion or demolition. It is a welcome sight to see a retail store returning to the NW corner of Warren & 4th.
So, are we all to stand by while Cohen gets what he wants: the destruction of the building? The City needs to preserve its heritage -- over-and-above what selfish and/or limited property owners want or can do. This is not a trailer park in Livingston; it's main street in a national historic district. C'mon guys, if there is a moment for community action this is it. No more demolition by neglect! --p. meyer
ReplyDeleteFunny how the vintage pic looks so much more enticing to live. The present reality pic seems cold and soulless by comparison.
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