Casualty of Demolition

There wasn’t much going on in Codes Court, none of the regs were on the agenda but there I sat when an oldish, somewhat familiar looking guy, was called to the bench. He wore suspenders to hold up his droopy drawers, well-worn shoes and respectfully removed his faded baseball cap and lowered his head as he approached the bench.

Judge Stiggy welcomed the man who was accompanied by his son, Curtis (who seemed none to happy.) I anticipated an interesting tale…and it was granted. I soon discovered the reason this guy seemed familiar…he has, for many years, greeted me and all passers by from the steps in front of 130 Lark Street. You know, 130 Lark Street, right? Well, let me remind you.

This house is located right next to the former St. Joseph’s “demolition by neglect” buildings obtained by the City of Albany and approved for demolition by the Historic Resources Commission on May 19th. At that time, a smiling Judith Johnson, of the COA planning department, glowed as she told the HRC how these three buildings across from the Yellow Cab building in “the hood” were not structurally sound and would need to come down.

At that point in the HRC meeting, the Ancients asked if the surrounding houses would be issues…Johnson nearly winked as she said…well, we don’t have “control” of the surrounding buildings. (wink, wink). The Ancients questioned how the neighbors felt about the project, Johnson answered with her hands lifted in the air…”they’ll be thrilled! This will be like a little park for them.”

Yeah, right, I thought, perfect place for “green space.”

So, Judge Stiggy, is presented with the structural report by corp counsel and hands it to the droopy drawered man who, it was just explained by his son, has been homeless since June 25th when the City put him out of his home of 40 years because they thought the house might not be”structurally sound.” Oh, what a benevolent City we have…you got it, we don’t have a City Engineer to determine the stability of our vacant buildings but we can come up with a structural report when there’s an old man standing in the way of a proper demolition for “green space” in the hood.

Just in case you are worried about this guy’s well-being, (hey, someone’s gotta care, right?) he did find a couch at his daughter’s house. Oddly, I found myself on Lark Street the day of this guy’s eviction….the City guys were pounding on his door and pointing at the wall…I had no idea at the time what was happening but, since Ms. Johnson knew of the convenient “structural” issues way back in May, seems the City could have warned this neighbor that he was about to be declared unsafe…perhaps he could have made arrangements to have a place to live.

Back in Codes Court, the neighbor to the City’s newest “park” clutched the engineering report in one hand and his tattered hat in the other as he hung his head and left the courtroom. He was granted one week, to June 26th, to study the engineering report and find the thousands of dollars it might take to help his home of 40 years stand up to the city’s demolition of the three former St. Joseph’s homes beside it. (Ya know, for the “hood park.”)

Just so ya know, I know the buildings should come down. I think it’s a bit silly for the City to try to convince me that “green space” is needed in this location and I’m appalled that they, via Ms. Johnson, told the HRC that the neighbors would be “thrilled” with said park. Ya know what all the neighbors have told me…”yeah, one more place for drugs to be dealt.” Well, I may not be able to help this guy but I will be in court next week to see if this, obstacle, this Arbor Hill senior citizen and casualty of progress comes up with a solution to his structural problems.

 

An Act of Hysteric Desperation

I’ve recently become more than irritated with Historic Albany Foundation’s continued battle with the Fort Orange Club to “preserve” the two frankenbuildings located at 118-120 Washington Avenue. In my opinion, and the opinion of others, the battle has gone on long enough. This has turned into a grudge match over two nondescript buildings which happened to house a Troy woman many years ago. In my opinion, the FOC guys just didn’t bow low enough to the hysterical society when making their plans. Silly wabbits, don’t you know that EVERYTHING in Albany must have the blessing of HAF? Gosh, who cares if you own and maintain the properties?!

This last act of desperation has certainly gotten some play for the gals over at HAF, seems they’ve assembled a sketchy profile of a Troy woman< Beulah Bailey Thull, who happened to have a room in one of the buildings at some point during her career. Now, I happen to do a little research myself and I spent hours over at the NYS Library…what a farce. The famous, suffragette, Beulah Bailey Thull, was a librarian, worked in tax and, CSEA history tells us, she was the prez of them for a year. HAF inflated this to profile this woman as a leading political mind, a highly published author and a speechwriter to the stars. Right!Below are some of my comments on the “Bio” circulated by the Historic folks…desperate.Beulah Bailey Thull (1891-1975), Born and lived in her beloved Troy….in Rensselaer County.

Beulah Bailey Thull was a prominent figure in the New York political and advocacy scenes in the 1930’s and later published several works on taxation and Rensselaer County history.

First we need to agree on the term “prominent.” Apparently, HAF’s definition is not the same as mine…or perhaps the use of the word “prominent” is used because the Historic Designation criteria requires that Beulah’s activities be “Prominent.” The only mention of Ms. Thull’s “importance” is undocumented newsletter mentions which, undoubtedly, are derived from her self-submission to other newsletters. In the list of accomplishments, I find it odd that each of her committee assignments is listed as an individual accomplishment. Heck, I feel like I’ve been on every committee in the city….and, if I write that down and send it to Texas A&M, they’ll print it up, just as I said it…doesn’t make it so. Desperation.

Also, of note, way back when Ms. Thull was submitting her “wedding announcements” praising her “importance” there were few phones to verify factual information sent to newspapers. Therefore, the Cornell update where she describes her “importance” might have been the validation of her “importance” to the New York Times announcement cited by HAF. (I’m guessing, since it’s word for word…that’s the case.) I don’t think that the NYT spent much time verifying such listings as marriage notices.

(I’ve gotta remember that trick!)

If Ms. Thull was so important, why isn’t there any real documentation of those accomplishments in the legit press, oh wait, there is, they just all list her residence as Troy. Also of consideration, while HAF proudly claimed that she was a speechwriter for Roosevelt; other speech writers for Roosevelt were listed at the NYS library, not Ms. Thull.

Though at the height of the Women’s rights movement, Beulah was also known for her persuasive nature and ability to make strides for State employees’ benefits and opportunities.

Prove it. Okay, so she was bossy and self-promoting. Seems she muscled her way into jobs and “positions” only to hold leadership roles for very short periods of time. Sorta reminds me of Mary Ellen O’Conner….believe me, that doesn’t make her an historical figure.

Interesting also, where HAF’s research has cited Ms. Thull’s accomplishments, they’ve failed to note that, at NO time did she list her residence as Albany. (NO Troylett would EVER be listed with an Albany address…unless, of course, they had no control over it…kinda like in the City Directory…or the census.) I’m betting Ms. Thull may have laid her head in Albany as a victim of 1930 transportation limitations but was a registered voter in Troy. (Hence, the LWV in Troy.)

Beulah Bailey graduated from Cornell University in 1912 and in 1916 from the State Library School. By the 1920’s, ….

Consistently bulking up her resume through self-promotion of her volunteer activities and inflating her professional accomplishments she was consistently listed (1927-36) simply as a librarian at Tax Department there are no other verifiable sources indicating her “prominence.”

In 1926, Beulah moved from Troy into the newly renovated Ripin Duguid Building at 118 Washington Avenue in Albany. During the height of her career (1929-1937), Beulah worked with Governors Roosevelt and Lehman …

Thull was NEVER a speechwriter for Roosevelt, as claimed by HAF, and I doubt she was pivotal to any decisions regarding state employees…but this is just my opinion. Which is just as valid as HAF’s opinion since it is largely derived from self-publishing easily challenged innuendo.

Okay, think of it this way, you’re running for governor…working the political machine that has always been Albany….plus you’re in the midst of befriending da ‘thugs” at Tammany Hall…do you suddenly say…”hey, send me that cute little research assistant over at the Tax Department..I want her advice on which way I should go with this”?

In a town filled with seasonal workers (the legislature) we should fully understand the need to have a “room” in the town in which we work. Additionally, having a lot of senior friends, I’ve been told that, in the 30s, there was no easy way to cross the Hudson, no large availability of cars…most walked back and forth I understand there was a “water taxi” and a bridge but neither were easily accessible. It seems a logical move to have a room during the week in the town of your employ. NOTE: at least one year of city directories notes that Thull lived in both Troy and Albany. And, since the 118 location indicated it housed “boarders” I’m logical in my assumptions.

Through her work with New York State Association of Civil Service Employees and the League of Women Voters…

Provided is a most unimpressive list of “publications” even having misspellings in one title. How desperate of HAF to claim Thull as a speechwriter…for Roosevelt, no less! Heck, when I frustratingly tried to research some of the writings, I found Thull to be listed as “just one of the writers/editors” of the publications. I’m thinking, bad proofreader?

Her most well-known work was with New York State Association of Civil Service Employees. Between 1929 and 1935, Beulah and NYSACSE (now CSEA) established an adult education center for civil service employees. Over 800 adult students participated in the program. Her exploits include working tirelessly for equal representation throughout the state within CSEA, fair salaries, better insurance, and educational opportunities.

Well, I guess CSEA keeps this documentation in a lockbox as I can’t find any of her work…I can find lots of documentation on the current leaders….past leaders….landmarks in CSEA history…but no Beulah. Now, I’m not doubting her one year presidency….just saying….big deal. No real boat-rockin’ as the first (and only) female to play the role…you could bet I’d be screaming loud and hard.

She also had a long tenure working with the League of Women Voters. Throughout her career with the League, she was associated with both the New York State chapter, Albany and Rensselaer County Leagues.

Again, Ms. Thull may be more valuable to Rensselaer historians than to Albany’s. Perhaps a monument on Stowe Hill, where her family farm lived.

In June of 1937, Beulah married George E. Thull and moved back to Troy. Marriage and eventually motherhood did not slow her down. Beulah remained active with both the League of Women Voters and the New York State Association of Civil Service Employees.

Oddly, in the 1930 census, Thull is listed as 39 years old, (I did not research this but relied on another’s report…which seems to be acceptable when researching Ms. Thull) which means that she had a child at the age of 47. Odd for the 40s..to have a child at the age of 47. Also, “George Jr.” is reported to be near about 75 now if he is alive, that puts his birth at 1935. ..two years prior to her marriage to Thull…unless, of course, her self-reporting changed around some years. Now, this is all very hard to believe, but it calls into question even the validity of the census (or that bad researcher!)

Here’s a scenario for ya…let’s first say, today we are miles ahead of the technologies of the 1930s, right? So, on Friday my census guy comes to my door (I’ve recently moved.) He takes my info and then has me “guess” about my neighbors I’ve never met. So, I guess maybe Thull could have looked 39? Sorry, Beulah, couldn’t resist. Yes, I know the census is considered acceptable documentation but for a politically active “leader” I’m thinking the voter registration might be of more value (perhaps, the address was not listed as Albany?)

In 1937, a profile in the New York Times on women employed in powerful positions in Albany, cited Ms. Bailey as having the most impressive post as Research Assistant to the President of the New York State Tax Commission.

This was self-reported information pulled from her annual college “newsletter.” Word for word…Ms. Thull’s. Since when is “research assistant” a most impressive post? She was a librarian…like every other educated woman of the time…unless, of course, they were teachers or nurses…no great prominence there.

In addition to her advocacy for women and their place in the workforce, Beulah Bailey Thull was an avid historian, serving as Rensselaer…

Again, perhaps Rensselaer County would prefer to errct a monument of Ms. Thull over on Stowe Hill…WHERE SHE LIVED on the family farm…beside her brother’s farm..where she liked to cook…and, I’m assuming, since it was considered a “working farm” garden…and do “women’s work” of the day.

In the section of the “bio” detailing positions/publications/”lectures”, I’m puzzled as to why HAF didn’t include her participation in the Executive Committee 1916, the first year women were permitted to participate. Yes, she is listed as a Troy resident there also.

Or, her establishment of the Russell Sage Library in 1921. Oh right, Troy, again.

Ah, I could go on all day but first…hang a plaque on my house cause I have more publications than Ms. Thull. Oh yeah, and I’m a little political…and I’m “prominent.”

Besides the obviously self-submitted “importance” of Ms. Thull’s life, I have concerns about the validity of, not only the research done by HAF, but by the information contained in normally acceptable sources of documentation. Ya see, the University of Wisconsin lists Buelah (with her same self-promoting info) as marrying George Thull, an alumnus, in 1937 and residing in Troy. Another source lists George Thull, of Wisconsin, as marrying Leona Gartman in 1920, sharing a 50 year marriage and several children and grandchildren before his death in 1975. Now, these two Georges, one with a middle initial of J and the other with the middle initial of E (according to different sources) seemingly both seem to be from Wisconsin.

Now, since George remained a rather shadowing figure in the Thull household with Beulah submitting her own wedding announcement in strategic places, his employ listed as a “Philadelphia interest” and his past being kept “on the farm.” I began wondering about this family…and the Wisconsin family…same ages, same name, cept for that pesky middle initial…the geographic separation….makes ya wonder, huh? Maybe Beulah really was an early women’s libber…maybe, she was just a self-promoting, bad spelling farmer slash librarian.

Might the assumed salesman “from Utica” be the same George Thull from Wisconsin which Buelah is listed as marrying and with whom she resided in Troy? Is this questionable research because it is relying on “unreliable sources” and a stretch of the imagination? Yes, it is.

Ya see, when you research with an intended goal in mind…especially when there is a great deal of desperation from a losing “interest” in a battle of pride, you have ignored the first rule of research. Assume nothing. This Beulah Bailey Thull, “hail Mary pass” was a thinly veiled act aimed at stalling the FOC project long enough to establish an “historical district” which would include these two frankenbuildings.

Perhaps you’re interested in comparing the “facts presented in the bio” to the criteria for placement on a Historical list…the below is for the National list…adjust accordingly for State and Local. From the Secretary of the Department of the Interior:

• Sites where events of national historical significance occurred;
• Places where prominent persons lived or worked;
• Icons of ideals that shaped the nation;
• Outstanding examples of design or construction;
• Places characterizing a way of life; or
• Archeological sites able to yield information.

So, I guess we now understand why the word “prominent” is prominent.

With the Albany Planning Board “considering this new information” (however manufactured) and the Ancients of the Historic Resources Commision seemingly in cahoots with HAF’s stall…I urge all decision makers to consider the validity and motivation of this “new information.” The desperation is obvious to all and I remain highly frustrated with the continued outrage and spending from the preservationists to save these two frankenbuildings. All this drama as I sit alone at codes court…as I sit alone at vacant building court…watching the rest of Albany’s salvageable history deteriorate while the “so called preservationists” engage in a high profile pissing contest up the street.

 

HRC: Fort Orange Denouement (Not)

(FOC is last on the agenda…guess you can skip to the end or read about a few other things going on at the Historic Resources Commission along the way. I should also point out that the meeting started at 5:38 rather than the posted 5:15 as Albany’s Counsel briefed the Ancients a bit more sternly than their last briefing.)

First up, a guy from Timely Signs is in the hot seat and before he even opens his mouth the Ancients mumble that they need a rep from the owner..always. One of the sane ones, realizing that Mr.Hershberg is a regular (sans building owner.) The Ancients (particularly one which smells a bit saucy) says, still, we need the owner…and “this is busy” of the Keybank signage design. The Kingston contractor seems a bit surprised at the board’s self-imposed royalty. Seems that the Keybank, the building department, the architect all reviewed and that this is what the contractor was to do. (Now we know why we need the owner of the building….guess the Ancients put this uppity outtatowner in his place. He’ll be sure to wear a tie next time.)

The guy pulls an ACO, “what do I need to do to make this right? I don’t want to come back here again and be blind-sided like I’m being now.” (He didn’t kiss the rings!) The guy is dismissed for Mr. Hershberg’s staging….yup, this is what we do in Albany, give ‘em a little (very little) power and they yank the citizens trying to do work around. The Ancients wait for the guy to leave and then ask the audience if anyone wants to speak on the topic. A suit walks to the Ancients and lets them know he is against the project. The response from the Ancients…”well, that’s something we’ll have to consider.” Looks like the guy is going to be blindsided again next month.

Up next, Hershberg and Mr. Nicolla. (He got a copy of the rules!) Seems that the building at 147-49 S. Lake is being renovated for handicap accessibility…don’t think the Ancients will jerk these guys around but I’ll hang out and see. (This Nicolla guy is gets a 10 for watchability.) Unlike the last guy who didn’t get to “hear his critics” the Ancients took public comment prior to their decision and while Columbia was in the house. Ms. Fahey has concerns about the ramp…seems there is a way to build an accessible entrance which wouldn’t be so aesthetically “unpleasing.”
So, here we go again. Seems the owner let some of the nosey neighbors in and that “enabled the neighbors to start planning alternatives.” Jeez…talk about not being asked back. I used to have a neighbor in Texas, he liked his house a certain way…and he liked to make sure my house (interior/exterior) was a “certain way.” Who the hell did he think he was? Supposed I went over and told him I thought his house would be a “fit better” if his house paint complimented my house color.

Oh, and this guy has provided a “montage” of how he thinks Columbia should modify this building to meet his expectations as a neighbor. (I puked a bit when I typed that.) Notice I haven’t named this guy…I can never remember this reg’s name…mostly, I don’t care. He smiles and, almost as if a merger has been signed, says “what we can do here is….” (I stopped listening and his new partner, the ever-watchable Nicolla, seems to be reading on the other side of the room. (We’re going to be here all night..so much for my dos equis…thanks o’nameless one.)

The Ancients ask if the Nameless guy if he shared with the developers. Nope…he knows that “Mr. Nicolla isn’t in favor.” Hershberg notes they just got it 15 minutes prior…some architect…not sharing with the developers. The Ancients want a cost analysis comparing the proposal as it is and the neighbor’s proposal. (Is Hershberg supposed to eat the preparation of that cost analysis?) Seems the Ancients are asking Columbia to put together an argument against their proposal.

Nicolla points out that cost is just one thing…functionality is important also with the loss of space use. He agrees to do the cost analysis. Hey, it’s the little things in life. (He’s much nicer than I am.) So, the HRC approves the demolition proposal and Columbia agrees to do a cost analysis. Now, Nancy Goody…I’ll withhold my criticisms but must note that she is the “partner” of the Nameless one. First off, I must say, she completely lost any legitimacy in my book just cause she used the word “ginormous” (sp?) to make her point. Seems she thinks the Columbia design is ugly.

Paul, another neighbor thinks this thing is ugly too. Hey, bud, live across the street from 749 Madison….you want ugly? I bet, there were some neighbors out complaining about proposed plans for that building too before the developers gave up…and left that lovely to rot. Hey, folksies, I know a ramp ain’t pretty but it’s required. What would you do if your neighbor came home disabled and had to have a ramp to get in your house. Would you be out there telling him to find some other place to live? (The motion is carried.)

More to come…we’re moving at an Ancient’s pace.

The next guy has no problem…the guy after, Tech Valley Builders isn’t as easy. He wants to try to make a building at 471 Clinton (one of my old VBR buildings) a viable contributor to the community in the hood. Seems the guy has been working on this project for a year and Albany roadbumps keep popping up. He and the owner are getting “unmotivated.” He gets the nod. (Are the Ancients reading me?”

Next up, FOC. The crowd hushes. John Wagner, the Tux guy, takes over for Norman Rice. First up…before the FOC has a chance to address…Wagner calls for a two week hiatus. Oh, yeah, and a visiting “commissioner” believe name is Mackey, is taking his finals and he’s not here…so they want to wait until this “visiting commissioner” returns…ya know, so he can learn from the Ancients…how to stall.

Unbelievable…silence as the audience sits shocked at the continued lack of decision making.

Besides my irritation with the pre-meditated indecision, I had the added misery of missing the Cinco De Mayo fundraiser and…listening to the advocates perceive this as a “win.” One woman approached the bench and thanked them for their inability to make a decision and then smugly says to me, as if I’m a comrade in ignorance…”didn’t they (FOC guys) look successful in those suits…didn’t they look smug” she smirked. Sums up the hood ‘tude, huh?

 

ACO Was MIA for FOC

I ran into a rather subdued Mr. Sweeney (Esq.) coming up the hill from City Hall today…ya see, there was a 9AM meeting that started a little too early for me today.) I bellowed over at the legal eagle…how’d it go this morning (planning board). Sweeney responded with…”it went well.” I responded with, “for you?” and he nodded back. Seems my favorite attorney saves all his chatting for the chamber.

Luckily, I ran into Ms. Holland, Historic Albany, who verified that the Fort Orange Club (FOC for our new readers) got everything it wanted. I take that to mean that they got approval of the fence and the community off their ass until the April 7th Historic Resource Commission meeting.. Yipee….I love that fence and, soon, I won’t need to park my scooter on the sidewalk at the FOC anymore.

Jordy, journalist extrodinaire, does a fine job covering the BZA meeting last night in my absence. Seems that Mr. Conti dueled with Roger Ploof over the nuisance properties over in Park South. Although there was no decision on the case last night (not unusual for the BZA) I’m holding Mr. Conti’s winning glove in the air.

Oh yeah, and FOC had a good evening at the BZA last night too….approvals all around.

 

A Cancellation and Commuter Tax

Tonight’s Historic Resources Commission meeting, which was set to hear discussions regarding the parking at the Fort Orange Club, is cancelled for tonight as five of the nine members are unable to attend. (Doesn’t it seem like the meeting schedule would be a priority on your calendar…I mean, if you were honored with membership, that is.)

Anyone who still holds a bit of hope that you can change the FOC direction by attending the meeting, please update your calendar to the rescheduled meeting on April 7th.

Also on tonight’s dance card, the Common Council’s Finance committee is meeting to discuss Mr. Freeman’s proposed legislation regarding a commuter tax in Albany. There is normally a time for public input at committee meetings so, if yo’ve got an opinion, and we know you do, we’ll see you there.