September 4, 2015 by John Scarano, CAMP Webmaster 

Representatives from Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation (CAMP), the Clinton Brown Company Architecture, PC and the Landmark Society of Western New York (LSNWY) made separate presentations detailing the  preservation plan for the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building. The presentations were made before the regular meeting of the Cattaraugus County Public Works committee on September 2, 2015 at 4 PM at the county complex in Little Valley, NY.

CAMP member, Jim Ried, spoke to the committee members first and gave a Power Point presentation. He implored the committee members to change their decision to demolish the Memorial building “because it’s the right thing to do.” He gave a brief prelude to topics that were to be discussed in more detail by the representatives of the Clinton Brown Company Architecture, PC and the Landmark Society of Western New York.

Larry Francer, Associate Director at LSWNY followed Mr. Ried and assured the committee members that his organization fully supported CAMP’s preservation efforts. Very quickly, Mr. Fancer dispelled the belief that there was a viable reverter clause on the property deed where the Memorial Building currently stands. He also stated that LSNWY would be willing to take a purchase option on the property while they attempted to find a buyer for the Memorial Building.

Next, Clinton Brown, President of the Clinton Brown Company Architecture, PC, presented the Memorial Building feasibility report that was prepared by his firm. He assured the committee members that the Memorial Building was an excellent candidate for renovation and preservation. His report pointed out that the roof must be replaced as soon as possible to prevent serious water damage to the building. And he also stated that the renovation of the building could be done at a reasonable cost that was somewhere between $500,000 and $750,000.

Please see the Olean Times-Herald article on CAMP’s web site for more details: Lawmakers’ Support Rises for Memorial Building Preservation