We, the undersigned, petition the Lewiston Town Board to take action to save the Frontier House by reaching a settlement with the current owner. We fully understand that the recent appraised value of $750,000 is below the price the owner is asking, but we are hopeful that the Town Board and owner can reach a reasonable compromise in the interest of saving the building.
We believe that the preservation and restoration of the Frontier House is Lewiston's top priority.
Today, as the building continues to crumble before our eyes, we are at a crossroads in determining the future of the Frontier House. The iconic structure is Lewiston's most cherished and revered historical landmark. In fact, this iconic structure stands as one of New York State’s most important historical properties, and has been included on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
Please understand that the appraised value has nothing to do with the replacement value. If Lewiston had to replace the Frontier House with original and authentic materials it would cost millions to do so. So, if we lose the Frontier House, we would lose it forever.
We believe this project would be an ideal use and application for Greenway funds and would enable Lewiston to pursue several strategies in protecting the Frontier House for future generations.
Moreover, Center Street needs the Frontier House as an anchor for Lewiston's future commercial viability because of our growing reputation as a historical destination. Because the Frontier House is emblematic of our community's passion to preserve our unique and rich heritage, we ask for your enthusiastic support in reaching a settlement with the owner, so we can move forward to restoring the Frontier House and reestablish it as Lewiston's crown jewel.
Updates
April 27, 2015
The momentum is undeniable now. The town board cannot ignore how many people want this landmark saved.
Reached 100 supporters
April 27, 2015
137 Comments
I hope that all parties will make such a deal happen as it is in the interest of the entire community that the Frontier House be preserved and brought back to a use that makes historical and economic sense. With vision and open mindedness this can happen.
I grew up in Lewiston, and I visit often. I'm aware that the Frontier House has been vacant for some time and that the present owner has had problems devloping the property. It seems to me that the best solution would be for the Town to take possession of the building and to discover how best to preserve this iconic historic structure.
Although I live in Colorado, I understand and greatly appreciate the hisotrical significance of Frontier House due to my Cooke and Robinson ancestors--not to mention James Fenimore Cooper's connection! This valuable landmark must be preserved.
Some things can not be replaced. This is one of them. The Frontier House has been bastardized, abused, neglected. Please do not lose this 'center of town' anchor.
There are so many possibilities for this great building and it is a shame that it is being ignored. When do we wake up and stop letting our history just rot into the ground?
The current owner should graciously accept a full appraised value, should the LTB decide to offer it. The property is currently taxed assessed at $300K, has been professionally appraised at $750K, and he wants $1.695 million. Hastings paid considerably less than the current appraised value for the property and has tried to divide it up and develop it into high density housing. Thankfully his ridiculous plans have been denied, and now he does not want to invest his own money in the current historic building because it is a money loser from a business perspective. The only way to save this building is with a reasonable purchase price and some greenway money. Local taxpayer money is not going to do it. This property has sat vacant and deteriorating due to the owners greediness. Time to play hardball by raising the tax assessment and restricting any building permits that alter the structure. What's the building worth then?
I voiced my opinion and now I'm getting Hangup phone calls ,and on my answering machine swearing and death threats !of course I had to notify the federal authorities. I must protect myself , I would feel more comfortable if the caller would leave an apology on my answering machine they know the number!
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We, the undersigned, petition the Lewiston Town Board to take action to save the Frontier House by reaching a settlement with the current owner. We fully understand that the recent appraised value of $750,000 is below the price the owner is asking, but we are hopeful that the Town Board and owner can reach a reasonable compromise in the interest of saving the building.
We believe that the preservation and restoration of the Frontier House is Lewiston's top priority.
Today, as the building continues to crumble before our eyes, we are at a crossroads in determining the future of the Frontier House. The iconic structure is Lewiston's most cherished and revered historical landmark. In fact, this iconic structure stands as one of New York State’s most important historical properties, and has been included on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
Please understand that the appraised value has nothing to do with the replacement value. If Lewiston had to replace the Frontier House with original and authentic materials it would cost millions to do so. So, if we lose the Frontier House, we would lose it forever.
We believe this project would be an ideal use and application for Greenway funds and would enable Lewiston to pursue several strategies in protecting the Frontier House for future generations.
Moreover, Center Street needs the Frontier House as an anchor for Lewiston's future commercial viability because of our growing reputation as a historical destination. Because the Frontier House is emblematic of our community's passion to preserve our unique and rich heritage, we ask for your enthusiastic support in reaching a settlement with the owner, so we can move forward to restoring the Frontier House and reestablish it as Lewiston's crown jewel.
Updates
April 27, 2015
The momentum is undeniable now. The town board cannot ignore how many people want this landmark saved.
Reached 100 supporters
April 27, 2015
137 Comments
The potential economic benefits of restoring this crumbling jewel will far outweigh the upfront cost. We owe it to all citizens of Lewiston, past, present and future, to get this done!
I hope that all parties will make such a deal happen as it is in the interest of the entire community that the Frontier House be preserved and brought back to a use that makes historical and economic sense. With vision and open mindedness this can happen.
I grew up in Lewiston, and I visit often. I'm aware that the Frontier House has been vacant for some time and that the present owner has had problems devloping the property. It seems to me that the best solution would be for the Town to take possession of the building and to discover how best to preserve this iconic historic structure.
Although I live in Colorado, I understand and greatly appreciate the hisotrical significance of Frontier House due to my Cooke and Robinson ancestors--not to mention James Fenimore Cooper's connection! This valuable landmark must be preserved.
Some things can not be replaced. This is one of them. The Frontier House has been bastardized, abused, neglected. Please do not lose this 'center of town' anchor.
There are so many possibilities for this great building and it is a shame that it is being ignored. When do we wake up and stop letting our history just rot into the ground?
The current owner should graciously accept a full appraised value, should the LTB decide to offer it. The property is currently taxed assessed at $300K, has been professionally appraised at $750K, and he wants $1.695 million. Hastings paid considerably less than the current appraised value for the property and has tried to divide it up and develop it into high density housing. Thankfully his ridiculous plans have been denied, and now he does not want to invest his own money in the current historic building because it is a money loser from a business perspective. The only way to save this building is with a reasonable purchase price and some greenway money. Local taxpayer money is not going to do it. This property has sat vacant and deteriorating due to the owners greediness. Time to play hardball by raising the tax assessment and restricting any building permits that alter the structure. What's the building worth then?
I voiced my opinion and now I'm getting Hangup phone calls ,and on my answering machine swearing and death threats !of course I had to notify the federal authorities. I must protect myself , I would feel more comfortable if the caller would leave an apology on my answering machine they know the number!
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The potential economic benefits of restoring this crumbling jewel will far outweigh the upfront cost. We owe it to all citizens of Lewiston, past, present and future, to get this done!