To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to update everyone on the Hilton Barn/Park project. There seem to be many questions, rumors, and misconceptions concerning this.

In general terms, the historic barn was moved without direct New Scotland taxpayer dollars. This was our goal and the sentiment of the majority of the public whom we spoke with. Some wanted to save/move it regardless, and some (a small minority) voiced the opinion that it shouldn’t be saved at all.

We have applied for and received approximately $250,000 in grants. (Thank you Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy $125K, Senator George Amedore $75K, and Albany County $50K). We have also collected over $8,000 in donations. (Thank you, friends and neighbors!)

All in all, the barn move and placement cost approximately $294,000 of which $258,000 was covered through these grants and donations, with the remaining $36,000 available through our parks fund, which is funded by developer fees.

We now have grants for roof repair ($120,000), siding /structural repair ($125,000) and parking ($20,000). In addition to these, our most recent application was to the New York State Consolidated Funding for $411K, which Councilman Bill Hennessy put much time and effort into.

Designs are completed for roof replacement, rest rooms, and an amphitheater, as well as a potential café and arts/museum/cultural space. The park design includes a skating rink, an additional trail network to compliment the Albany County Rail Trail, and other potential amenities.

Though the historic Hilton Barn will be the centerpiece of the Captain Joseph Hilton Park, it also has an additional 14 acres of donated woodland. This allows preservation of more of our valued rural character and open space.

To the many people who have volunteered time and effort for much of what has been accomplished, “Thank you!”

My final point is this: We are trying to build another great town of New Scotland asset, with little or no direct cost to our residents. This takes considerable time, work, and patience but will result in a great benefit to all.

This town board takes much pride in the fact that we continue to stay under the tax cap and maintain one of the lowest tax rates in our area while providing more and more services to all of our great residents. 

Doug LaGrange

Town Supervisor

New Scotland