Follow-Up on the News

Preservation and Progress

It was standing room only at the teardown conference held in Rye last fall. Leaving the library that late November night, many residents said the discussion gave them much to think about.

The conference, entitled “Protecting Historic Character: Taming the Teardown Trend”, was organized by the Westchester County Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. Rye’s Landmarks Advisory Committee (LAC) was among its sponsors.
"Ultimately it’s about deciding what you want your community to look like in the future,” said speaker Adrian Fine, Director of the Northeast Field Office of the National Historic Trust. “It’s having people come together to truly consider all the short-term gains, as well as factoring in the long-term implications that come with teardowns.”

Mayor Steve Otis spoke of Rye's proud history and pointed out how the Rye Historical Society keeps it on the minds of our residents through such actions as its walking tours, programs and exhibitions. He cited the Society's publication of the book “Views of Rye, 1917 and 2007” as especially pertinent to the topics presented at the conference.

Another speaker, Julian Adama, Community Liaison and Certified Local Government Coordinator for the New York State Historic Preservation Office, observed, that “the largest misconception about historic preservation is that it is opposed to economic development. The basic purpose of historic preservation is not to arrest time, but to mediate sensitively with the forces of change”.

The last speaker, Tom Andersen, Acting Executive Director of the Westchester County Land Trust, discussed the economic advantages of conservation easements.
Lack of open space in Rye and its environs was a subject audience members brought up. Hix Park residents voiced concern over excessive development of coastal lands.

At the conclusion of the program, many residents said they hoped the City Council would put the subject of teardowns and appropriate development on its agenda to give residents the opportunity to share their comments.

–Richard Hourahan, Knapp House archivist and member of LAC