early 19th century buildings which have been remodeled and have had their facades dramatically altered over the many years.
I remember well the Arts & Crafts building the Club demolished in order to create seven parking spaces. It was a very fine example of this style of architecture and its demolition a great lose to our City. Truly, it was the only specimen of its type in our city, at least to my knowledge.
I've pasted below local historian John Wolcott's statement which was submitted to the ZBA. My only edit was re-formating it to make it easier to read.
I first met John in 1975 while doing an archaeological survey and dig at the Quackenbush House.
"To the Albany Zoning Board of Appeals:
I wish to voice utmost and absolute objection to the Fort Orange Club's application to demolish the buildings at 118-120 Washington Avenue in Albany.
It is bad enough that there has been an overplus of building demolitions in Albany for many years with the reason usually being claimed that such buildings are to far deteriorated to repair, and constitute a public danger. In the case now before you, this claim cannot possibly be made.
There is no reason for this application other than to satisfy the collectively seff centered desires of the Fort Orange members to have more parking.
This Club is focused on priviledge and prestige and class distinction. Their early year books describe their members as " top draw" among Albany citizens. I don't think so when I see things like this application.
They have always expected to be kow-towed to, and shown deference in all things. In this case they expect to be shown privilege over and against the best interests of the community at large.
That's exactly what happened about 25 years ago when they applied to demolish that nice arts and crafts building, which, unfortunately, was next to them. They have enough privileged parking from that and don't need or deserve any more.
Let them come down off their high horse and show some social and environmental responsibility.
Why shouldn't they walk or take a bus like many of us. Who in Sam Hill do they think they are?
Here we are in the middle of National Earth Week and what is this board doing but contemplating something anti-urban and anti- environmental. Cannibal businesses.
Government Offices and private organizations are contributing to de-urbanizing our city by demolitions all over for parking for themselves. This process should cease. It perpetuates anti-urban, anti-environmental sprawl and facilitates it.
Bus riding, walking and cycling, and moving into town desperately needs to promoted everywhere now, more than ever, because of global warming in addition to the other concerns cited.
I don't wish to see anymore added parking in Albany and think we should adopt the Portland Oregon policy of reverse taxation for the city core.
Are you going to approve this destructive move or will you honor yourselves and honor our city, and support the environment and re-urbanization by denying this application?
John Wolcott"
