It has caused people to call the police to report shots fired. It interferes with restoration work on the Dr. Oliver Bronson House. It limits public access to a National Historic Landmark and its green space. It's the firing range at the Hudson Correctional Facility.
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| Photo: Starr Whitehouse |
Yesterday, Mayor Joseph Ferris sent the following letter to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision asking that the firing range to closed.
Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
1220 Washington Street
Albany, New York 12226-2050
Dear Commissioner Martuscello,
Hudson is unique among New York communities when it comes to green space. Our city's shoreline meets the river we are named after. Across the Hudson is the Catskill Mountain range. And neighboring Greenport is home to Frederic Church's Olana Estate. And yet, in our city of 2.2 square miles, publicly accessible green space is at a premium.
It is for that reason that I ask the State of New York to close the target range at the New York State Hudson Correctional Facility which is also home to a National Historic Landmark--the Oliver Bronson House, four additional outbuildings, and 55 surrounding acres.
Built three decades after Hudson's founding in 1785 during the height of the city's first whaling boom by Samuel Plumb, the Oliver Bronson House is a rare Hudson Valley example of Romantic-Picturesque landscaping.
Access to the Bronson House today is severely limited by the presence of the shooting range which neighbors the Bronson House. The proximity's impact can be seen first-hand in the gunshot that pierced a second-floor window.
The limited access also impacts the ability to schedule restoration work at the Bronson House.
The shooting range is open three days a week for six months of the year. These are the same six months when much-needed restoration work can be done. The shooting range's irregular schedule hampers the ability to bring workers on site, accelerating the property's continued deterioration.
Closing the target range and increasing access to the Bronson House would be a critical first step in aligning this green space with New York State's 2020 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
The City of Hudson believes the time is now to close the range. We have a skilled partner in Historic Hudson, a nonprofit advocacy group that holds a 30-year renewable lease on the house and 1.2 acres. They share my belief in the importance of reimagining this crucial green space in our city.
When I think of the Bronson House's potential once the shooting range is closed, I am reminded of an October 1, 1859, Hudson Daily Star article that read, "A more charming spot could not have been found.…"
The "spot" remains charming. All that is needed [is] for the community to have greater access to the "spot." Closing the shooting range will make that a reality.
Sincerely,
Joseph Ferris
Mayor, City of Hudson
One wonders if the mayor ran his ask past Mishanda Franklin first, just to see how she would feel about it. It might be a more convincing plea to the State if Ferris could say that the police chief wants the range closed as well, or at least won't mind it being closed Will she mind?
ReplyDeleteOnly corrections officers use this firing range. I believe HPD has its own firing range, out in the quarry somewhere.
DeleteThank you, Carole, for posting this. It's encouraging to finally see movement on an issue that has affected one of Hudson's most significant historic landmarks for years. I first learned about the Oliver Bronson House years ago while reading about Hudson's remarkable architectural history. During a long weekend visit to Hudson — before we eventually moved here — I happened upon the property while out for a walk. Not realizing public access was restricted, I wandered in to take a few photographs before a correction officer very politely explained that the grounds weren't open to the public. I happily headed back out, but even from that brief visit, it was obvious what an extraordinary setting it is.
DeleteI hope the Mayor's request gains traction. The Bronson House and its remarkable landscape deserve continued preservation, restoration, and, when possible, greater public access so more residents and visitors can appreciate one of Hudson's true historic treasures. Credit where it's due — I'm glad to see Mayor Ferris taking this initiative, and I hope it leads to meaningful progress.
Over the decades I’ve viewed many movies and TV shows that include a scene of Law Enforcement at a firing range. The majority were located inside a building w retractable targets.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the same could be constructed at HCF. Plus the target will show the bullet holes.
Just an idea worth discussing.