please attend our april 19th meeting

January 25th meeting "Belden House Resident Rally"  Discussions & Comments

“Informational Packet” was handed out to all attendees. See complete packet below this write-up.

1) DEP litigation: Sept 2023 “Friends of Belden House Inc.” & Ann Fanizzi filed lawsuit against DEP Lawsuit on pages 3 – 7 of “Informational Packet”.

A) Charging that NYCDEP has failed to rehabilitate the historic Belden House over the years, permitting it to fall into disrepair.

B) Called on the DEP to “refrain from demolishing the house”.

C) Requesting DEP comply with the Carmel Town Code “keeping residences in good condition.”

D) Asking DEP to proceed immediately to renovate and maintain the Belden House.  Spending the allocated money $2.9 million ($4.5 million with inflation) promised in 2006.

Press Release of $2.9 million: on page 2 of “Informational Packet”.

News article: detailing lawsuit on page 8 of “Informational Packet”.

2) Town, County, State obligation to save Belden House:

A) There was great discussion on the contrast of Southeast’s town building department issuing violations on a property similar to Belden House condition. The Southeast building violations resulted in a contractor purchasing the derelict house and renovations proceeded immediately. Unlike Carmel’s town building department issuing no violations with the Belden House.   Violation order & photo of Southeast property: on page 11 – 13 & 20 of “Informational Packet”.

B) In June, the Town of Carmel Board passed a resolution calling for the preservation and restoration of Belden House. Upon receiving the resolution, Assemblyman Matt Slater was able to advocate, to NYC, for the preservation of Belden House. This was confirmed by Mayor Eric Adams’ inter-governmental staff.

C) The Town of Carmel has agreed to contact DEP and request some minimal repairs be done to the Belden House roof. Unfortunately, the Town currently is engaged in another arbitration with NYCDEP and could not jeopardize these negotiations by introducing more serious issues regarding Belden House. 

D) Legislator Greg Elner together with four other legislators and County Executive Byrne sent a letter to DEP urging them to rehabilitate Belden House as committed to in the 2006 Press Release agreeing to spend $2.6 million in the repairs of Belden House. 

E) NYCDEP commissioner Rush responded to our county officials’ letter: “Regardless DEP remains open and willing to consider other potential options, including transferring Belden House to a local government entity able to support its ongoing viability while ensuring protections to adjacent watershed lands.” 

Complete letter from Commissioner Rush below “Informational Packet”.

3) Detailing our vision and charting our course:

A) Belden House has attained eligibility as a NYS historical site, therefore begin issuing grants to a variety of sources available. 

B) As a 501c3, FOBH org. can begin fund raising. 

C) Stop DEP from demolishing Belden House.

News article FOBH take on DEP: page 14 - 19 of “Informational Packet”.

D) FOBH Org. possibly work out lease arrangements from DEP under NYC leasing arrangements.

E) Follow up with town building inspector in regard to FOBH request “conduct inspection to determine precisely how the lack of maintenance has deteriorated the Belden House”.  Complete letter of FBH lawyer J. Bacon Esq. Nov. 23. On page 9 & 10 of “Informational Packet”.

F) Establishing Belden House as the new location of the Carmel Historical Society.

G) Belden House be opened to the public for viewing.

H) Having local schools touring Belden House as part of their local history lessons.

I) Continuing to spread the word through meetings, rallies, and fundraising events.

4) The community speaks out: (suggestions & offers)

a) Relocating Belden House (as done with Boscobel)

b) Redesign Belden House to a bed & breakfast establishment

c) Have Belden House be the event center of Carmel. 

d) Suggestions of lease agreements

e) Offers to become board members.

f) Offers to contact local and state officials.