After much contest from the Schenectady Heritage Foundation, the Preservation League of New York State, and many residents, the city has refused to locate the DOT building elsewhere. One of the buildings in this block is the former Oddfellows Hall, a terra cotta clad structure that was recently restored by Proctor s Theater for an Arts Center. The historic buildings tell the tale of the development of Schenectady. There are better alternatives to demolition. The city should concentrate more on the benefits that restoration of these historic properties would bring, including maintaining Schenectady s unique character, increasing heritage tourism, and creating more jobs.
Preservation makes economic sense.
It has been proven time and again in cities all over New York State and the nation.