The Gardiner Gazette A call to community
Spring 2019 - Issue #42 Free! Please take one
Saving Gardiner’s Historic Barns
Also in this issue ... Bart Colucci, p. 2
by L.A. McMahon
The restoration of old buildings is challenging, both financially and practically, but rehabbing an old barn sends a shiver down the staunchest of spines. It’s a daunting task, yet several old barns in Gardiner are either in the process or planning stages of rehab. Their owners love what an old barn stands for and want to extend its usefulness and preserve a piece of history. In our next issue, look for exciting interviews and photos featuring the barns at Phillies Bridge Farm (right), Willow Pond Sheep
Farm and a privately owned barn near the Wallkill. These Gardiner barns have either already been rehabbed or are currently in the rehab process of being (ahem) barn again. First, we’d like to offer some general resources. Some barns of over 100 years old are still standing! How did they survive for so long? Timber frame buildings are built to last, which means that many historic timber-
Special road signs, p. 3 Natural Skin Care, p.4 Development in Gardiner, p. 5 On the Agenda (Town Hall), p. 6
framed structures are still in use today. That said, when people think about rehabbing an old barn, the economics might not seem feasible. But people sometimes find that it would cost about the same to restore as to tear down and put up a modern structure.
Fun for Kids, p. 7 Cleaning our Roads, p. 8 Korean Food, and Produce, p. 9 Math Tutor, p. 10 Historic Houses Tour, p. 11 Morel Season, p. 14 Climate Conference, p. 13 GOST Tour, p. 16
Barns, continued page 12
Changes at the Gateway to Gardiner by The Gazette Editorial Committee
The Gazette has been concerned for some time about empty commerical buildings in Gardiner (Vacant Hamlet, by Patty Gandin, Special Insert, Spring 2018), so it was with pleasure that we heard of the sale of the former Gold Fox Restaurant in January. The property, which was previously Benson’s Restaurant, was sold to CPD Energy Corp, which owns more than 200 gas and convenience stores in the Tri-State Area, one of those being the adjacent Mobil Station. Rumors on Facebook have the Mobil Station expand-
ing, and adding a car wash at the site, but these remain rumors. The Gazette tried several times to contact CPD founder and owner, Mickey Jamal, but was told that the owners have no plans to disclose at this time. The Gazette will continue to reach out to Mr. Jamal, and hopes to be able to keep the community informed. The property is located in the Hamlet Commercial Zone (HC), where the only uses permitted by right—meaning that only a building permit is required—are a home occupation, or argriculture. Also permitted are bed-and-
The former Gold Fox (left) and the Ulster Savings Bank, Route 208 and 44/55. Photo Alan Rothman.
breakfasts, lodging facilities, offices, indoor recreational businesses, restaurants, retail businesses, service businesses or warehouses, but these require a site plan review by the Planning Board. Kennels, light industry, gas stations, motor vehicle repair shops, public utility facilities, outdoor recreational businesses and veterinary
hospitals are permitted with a special permit. This is good news. Since a home occupation or agriculture are unlikely, Gardiner residents should have an opportunity to comment during the Planning Board’s review of whatever is planned for the site. See Under the Radar, page 5, for ways to stay informed.