Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett discussed the town’s possible acquisition of a 41-acre open space parcel with riverfront access on Riverview Road at the Monday, July 18, Town Board meeting.
We’re having discussions about this. There was some property along Riverview Road we’re interested in and we should have some additional details in the near future, said Barrett.
Barrett was mum about any specifics of the possible purchase other than to say the town is currently in the process of determining the value of the property.
`At this point, until we decide if we’re going to purchase it it’s a little premature to start discussing what its uses might be,` said Barrett.
Barrett said the town has permanently protected more than 1,000 acres of open space over the past 10 years.
`With each acquisition, there’s always discussion on what the property might be used for either in the near-term or long-term,` said Barrett.
The Board also established a $50,000 grant budget for renovations and repairs to Grooms Tavern, the site of the first Town Board meeting in 1828.
`Renovation of Grooms Tavern has been a long-timer project and we’ve been able to leverage a lot of grant funds to get the job done,` said Barrett.
`Obviously, anybody that was in that building 12 years ago compared to today, it’s come a long, long way and I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made.`
Barrett said the historic landmark built in 1820 has turned into a community meeting place for the community, with monthly meetings and events held regularly. The town purchased the building from the original owners in 1999.
`It’s turned into an asset for the town,` said Barrett.
As with any building, especially a historic one, there are minor repairs needed to maintain and improve it.
`There are some cosmetic items that have been targeted for improvements and that’s really what this money is for; to improve cosmetic and structural integrity of certain aspects of the building,` said Barrett.
Barrett said the budget is being finalized and it’s a one-time grant from the state dormitory authority.
`It’s not a reoccurring grant over a period of years,` said Barrett, who said the town worked with the group Friends of Grooms Tavern to secure the grant.
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