I will fiercely defend my control of the Veeder cemetery

To the Editor:

Thank you, Altamont Enterprise, for publishing a lengthy article last week regarding my acquisition of a historic Guilderland property now known as Norman Vale situated on Nott Road [“Police seize historic Veeder family gravestones after new homeowner removed them from cemetery,” Oct. 25, 2018].

I consider it one of the most historically relevant properties in our area with a heavy impact on the early history of our community, the town of Guilderland, the city of Albany, the state of New York, and our Nation.

Norman Vale’s many early owners and/or residents created a lasting impact and legacy unknown to many. She consists of approximately nine acres and a house built in 1780 with several additions added at later dates. The site also holds a Veeder family cemetery as many Guilderland (and non-Guilderland) residents know.

What is not known by others is that prior to my purchase and subsequent repairs, improvements, and maintenance, Norman Vale’s existence and life was in danger. She was barely accessible due to diseased and fallen trees, unattended landscaping, unmowed lawn, etc. On the inside, she suffered from frozen and broken pipes, a leaky roof, groundwater seeping into the basement, cracked walls and ceilings, etc. Two years without heat and utilities were very destructive.

The small family cemetery was also in need of love and respect! Due to no maintenance in likely over 50 years by the previous property owners (caretakers), the eroding elements of nature, and the negative activities from trespassers, the cemetery was in a very neglected and deteriorating condition. Who else could have known about these conditions but me and any trespassers?

Certainly, who would have known (or would admit to knowing) about the damage and vandalism committed against my property both prior to and after my purchase. Who knows about the old glass window panes made in Guilderland in the late 1700s shot out by a BB gun or pellet gun or about parties hosted at the Veeder cemetery when likely damage was done while leaving behind empty beer cans and other litter. These unknown events of course were done by trespassers (who have also committed other offenses).

My sole desire is the preservation and protection of the Veeder cemetery not only for its occupants but also for future generations to view. Cemeteries tell a story of the deceased and their town.

The ownership of abandoned cemeteries, which often have an urgent need for care, can be difficult to determine. I have been advised there is not a separate deed for this cemetery and it is not owned by a separate entity like a municipality, homeowners’ association, or another track of land.

Therefore, I am the caretaker and accept fully that task. The Veeder cemetery is a private cemetery located on (my) private property. In order to slow down the negative effects of nature, stop the vandalism, and protect the Veeder cemetery, I was protecting, preserving, and restoring it.

After consultation with several others and much research, I decided to temporarily remove the cemetery stones for their restoration and safety. They were carefully placed in another location on my nearby private property. It is my duty and privilege to be the caretaker and I will fiercely defend my control of the cemetery for the deceased and the community.

I will restore Norman Vale and the Veeder family cemetery as her newest owner and caretaker. I totally respect and appreciate her history and listing on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. Not one person in the community (or town government) has offered me any assistance, guidance, funds or skill sets regarding my stated goal above.

No one has offered any complimentary assistance regarding services like lawn care, carpentry, roof repair, masonry services, plumbing, electrical, painting, plaster repair, Sheetrock installation, real estate taxes, insurance, etc.

In conclusion, I obviously have no interest in building houses on or anywhere near the Veeder cemetery. Many in the community will be pleased to know that I also will not be proposing a multi-story senior-citizen housing project either.

Thank you for listening.

Douglas J. Bauer

Guilderland

More Letters to the Editor

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.