There is little argument that New York’s financial outlook is bleak, and that radical spending cuts are needed in order to stay afloat in the coming years. However, the pain must be shared by all and I am troubled by the state’s second attempt to close the General Herkimer Home and park that is so deeply intertwined in our American and regional history. This American hero’s home is not only a jewel in our region, it’s a nationally registered treasure of Revolutionary history.
I have serious concerns over the seemingly careless closure of our parks, preserves, and historic structures and lands. While the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation may have announced that they were not planning on closing parks, they still have opted to remove all personnel from the General Herkimer Home and are apparently intent on closing the site. I feel our community and my district are being unfairly targeted.
Every one dollar investment in public parks generates five dollars of revenue for communities. One of New York’s greatest assets is its beautiful locations and historic sites as proven by the state’s vibrant tourism industry worth $46 billion, which generated $13 billion in local and state tax revenue between 2009-10. Tourists visit and spend money at our local mom-and-pop shops, inns and restaurants. To me, it’s clear that investment in our parks is an investment in jobs.
What is a community to do if they are slated to lose such an asset? A bill I sponsored, which recently passed the Assembly, requires public hearings six months before a proposed park closure. It is only right that the stakeholders of parks and historic sites have the right to argue the benefits and merits of keeping such a site open. At such a hearing, we’d be able to raise concerns over the protection of the 160-acre site, the historic building and the many priceless relics and artifacts of the Revolutionary War.
I am encouraged by the passion and enthusiasm from the community and the Friends of the General Herkimer Home. I hope that, jointly, we’ll discover a way to protect, maintain, and keep the site open through contributions, volunteerism and corporate sponsorship. It is reassuring to know how many individuals care about our history and community. I believe we’re just getting started and we’ll find a way as a community to open the Herkimer Home by spring.
If you’d like to join in our efforts to preserve the General Herkimer Home or have questions regarding our local economy or any state issues, please don’t hesitate to contact me at either my Johnstown office at (518) 762-6486, or my Herkimer office at (315) 866-1632.