To the Editor:
In 2015, the New Scotland Town Board faced a difficult decision. Levi Farms was moving ahead with its housing development plans and the majestic Hilton Barn was scheduled to be demolished. The owner gave the board a choice: move it or lose it.

We could let this iconic, 117-year-old structure be torn down or take on the giant project of moving and then renovating it. We chose the latter with the full knowledge that this would be both a long-term project as well as a massive amount of extra work. We understood that, though it would take time, the end result could transform the town’s public space.

But here’s the rub. Though we had much support from the community, we wanted to do this with as little town money as possible, and that meant not only would we need to oversee a complicated construction project, but we’d need to apply for highly competitive grants to pay for it.

So in 2015, with critical help from Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, State Representative Pat Fahy, former State Senator George Amedore, and Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, we secured grants from Albany County and New York State to purchase a one-acre site along the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, to move the barn, and to pour a foundation for its new home.

At that point, we took some time to collect community input and start to formulate more long-term plans. We were then approached by a generous town resident to purchase the adjacent 14 acres and create a new town park along the rail trail. A generous Hilton family heir donated her half interest in the site to reduce the cost. Work on that park started immediately and we now have gorgeous walking trails throughout that area. We also lowered the dangerous hump on Hilton Road to make the area safer for pedestrian use.

Next we applied for a grant from New York State Parks and Recreation for $1.1 million to fund the replacement of the roof, needed structural repairs, water and sewer service, bathroom installations, parking, and numerous upgrades to the new park grounds. Anyone who has ever applied for one of these grants knows the immense amount of time and work it takes. This initial application was turned down, but we persisted, and in 2019 were awarded the grant. Pat Fahy helped out once again with a significant state grant as well.

Just as we were gearing up to begin renovations, COVID struck. The pandemic not only delayed the project for two years — as New York state had more important funding issues to deal with — but also, as everyone knows, fundamentally changed the cost of building materials and labor. This led to more delays, as we figured out how to reduce costs.

In 2021/2022, we moved ahead with the roof replacement and finalized plans for renovations to the structure. That work began this past summer and will continue for the next few months. At the end of this process, the siding will be repaired, public bathrooms will be available for use, a large gathering/display area will exist, and a skating rink will be added to the site. A stage and a performance area are also planned for public performances.

It won’t be the end of the work that needs to be done, but by next year the town will have a majestic public space that was almost inconceivable a few years ago. And all of this will be accomplished with very little town taxpayer funds.

We all wish this project could have moved faster. But the truth is that transformational projects take time. I for one am proud to be part of a team and community willing to take on a long-term goal in order to create a public park and space that will last for generations.

Adam Greenberg

Councilman

New Scotland

Town Board