Hudson was initially settled by the Dutch in 1662, at which time the community was known as Claverack Landing. In 1783 a group of merchants and whalers from Nantucket and Rhode Island, seeking an inland port free of harassment by the British after the Revolution, purchased large tracts of land from the Dutch and in 1785 renamed the community the City of Hudson. It was the first city to receive a charter in New York State under the new federal government. Hudson is one of the last harbors on the Hudson River usable by ocean going ships, and is on a promontory between two good sized bays affording excellent anchorage for ships and access to the rich agricultural lands of Columbia County.
It was a boom town for the first decades of its existence and much of its form and structure was created in that first period reflecting the taste for Greek Revival of the time. Subsequently many of these structures were altered, so the facades along Warren Street present a variety of styles from the late 18th into the early 20th Century. Hudson has been called "one of the richest dictionaries of architectural history in New York State." Hudson was one of the first planned cities in the country and its grid of streets reflects Enlightenment values.
What makes Hudson exceptional is its preservation; its urban core is intact and was not cut up by highways and access ramps or destroyed for new construction as happened in so many other cities. In general, the character and appearance of the city has remained unchanged for nearly a century. This is why historic preservation is so important to Hudson's future. The Historic Preservation Law was created to maintain the unique historic character that has made Hudson so special to all of its residents.
In 2003 the City of Hudson enacted local law No. 3 establishing the Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission was charged with the task of identifying and protecting the city's most historically significant structures and neighborhoods. Like so many other communities across New York State, Hudson has determined that the protection, enhancement, and maintenance of the city's historic character, so readily apparent in its beautiful buildings and streetscapes, is critically important to the economic health and general welfare of the community.
Who sits on the Historic Preservation Commission?
The Commission is a citizen council composed of seven volunteers appointed by the Mayor. One is an architect, one a historian, at least one must live in a historic district, and all members must have an interest in historic preservation.
What are the duties of the Commission?
The Commission meets once a month or more, depending upon scheduling and need. At these meetings, which are generally open to the public, they discuss and vote on historic designations, and applications for changes to be made to designated structures.
What can the Commission do to help citizens in preserving buildings?
The Commission does not have a budget to fund renovation work at this time. However, it can help in other ways. Because of their knowledge of Hudson history and architecture, Commission members can provide advice and consultation on how to best make changes to buildings in historic neighborhoods.
What's the difference between a landmark and a district?
When a building is designated as a landmark, the Historic Preservation Commission has officially recognized that the building has special historical, cultural, or aesthetic value, and that it is an important part of Hudson's historic and architectural heritage. Landmark status is often granted to buildings occupied by historically important individuals or designed by notable architects in a rare or significant style.
A Historic District is an area of Hudson that has been designated because it has a special character and aesthetic interest which gives it a distinct "sense of place." While the buildings within a district may span decades and styles, their combined effect gives the street an historical identity that is worth preserving. It is not a matter of preventing change, but being sure ensuring that the changes made do not detract from the whole effect that makes Hudson unique.
What about routine maintenance?
Routine maintenance and upkeep that has no impact on the appearance of the structure is not covered by this statute.
What about interior renovations or landscaping in my back yard?
The Commission is responsible for overseeing alterations that are within the public view, or the street. Hence, it has no say over interior renovations that have no impact on the façade. Alterations made to the back of the house-so long as they can't be seen from the street-do not need to come before the Historic Preservation Commission. Same goes for roof work or landscaping that can only be seen from your back yard.
What does this mean if I want to do work on my building?
If you own a house in a historic district or an individually designated building, it only means that prior to doing work that might alter the appearance or cohesiveness of the structure or district, you must apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Preservation Commission. In this application you let the Commission know what your plans are, and we the Commission will approve, deny, or approve the permit with modifications within a certain period of time from the receipt of the application. Application forms are available at the Code Enforcement Department at 429 Warren Street.
What are some of the predominant architectural styles in Hudson?
Federal Italianate
Greek Revival Victorian
Gothic Revival Arts & Crafts
Second Empire Vernacular
Benefits of Living in an Historic District
Research in other communities has proven that such rules actually enhance property values, rather than being a burden to property owners. The intent is not to prevent any change, but rather to ensure that it does not damage the qualities that make Hudson's neighborhoods so charming to all of its residents. The law also has provisions for hardship in cases where a denial of an application can be proven to be an undue economic burden.
February 2007
