This afternoon, Van Calhoun, chair of the Lighthouse Restoration Committee of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society, shared this information about the current situation of the lighthouse.
A Legacy of Care: Community Rallies to Keep Lighthouse Project Afloat After Barge Collision
When a barge collided with the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse last week, damaging its stairway and access dock, the future of a long-planned restoration project hung in the balance. But within hours, phone calls were being made--not just out of obligation, but also from the heart.
Keith Flinton of KTF Dock Worx (a.k.a. Keith Welding and Dock) felt a chill when he heard the news. His father, decades ago, had built and provided the original dock to the lighthouse. "The moment I heard what happened, I knew I had to do something," Flinton said. He immediately contacted the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society (HALPS) and offered to donate a temporary replacement dock--free of charge--in honor of his father's legacy.
Earlier this week Carver Companies hauled the wrecked dock, which they had retrieved from the Hudson River last Friday, to Keith, as a pattern for assembling the temporary dock he is configuring at his shop.
It will arrive in Hudson around noon today, where a dedicated team--comprised of KTF Dock Worx, Hudson Power Boat Association, AG Construction, and HALPS--will assemble and float it to the lighthouse. Once secured, it will restore critical access to the structure so preservation work can continue.
Divers have also completed an underwater inspection to assess foundation damage, and temporary stairs will be installed by Monday to ensure roof repairs--delayed only by rain--can proceed.
Bravo!!! Thank you Keith & Team!!!
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