The historic property at 242 Broadway in the City of Newburgh was saved from demolition last December, but requires extensive remediation and stabilization.

According to Michele Basch, Chair of the Architectural Review Commission [ARC] for the City of Newburgh, the owner of this property, identified as Ben Papaleo, came forward with a proposed application for stabilization during the ARC’s March 8 meeting.

The proposed application included the installation of new windows, repairing/replacing sills, installing new lintels, repainting with new trim and installing new shingles and other work.

The property is the last mansard roofed building on Broadway. A mansard roof, or French roof, has four sides with two slopes. This type of roof also creates an additional living space close to the roof itself.

During the meeting, the ARC requested a new proposal be presented as the proposed application did not meet the ARC’s standards.

Located on the City of Newburgh website, the ARC has a listed document titled “Design Guidelines for Newburgh’s East End Historic District”.

This legal document, prepared by legal representatives and adopted by the City of Newburgh outlines and describes the required guidelines and standards for when property owners look to alter or improve their buildings within the historic district.

From the actual painting of the buildings, the removal of colors, the type of windows and building materials and other requirements, all are available in the guidelines.

“I hope to see the building [242 Broadway] revitalized to its glory that it should have,” Basch said.

ARC member Reggie Young said since he first moved to the City of Newburgh seven years ago, he has seen the building crumble and deteriorate.

Young shared that he has inquired and raised concerns to the city council and city legal department about the status of the property. “That’s a very significant building,” Young said.

With 242 Broadway, Young said that the ARC is not meant to be the enemy but to advise property owners through the usage of the ARC guidelines.

“All we are there to do is to protect the historic structures and follow the actual bylaws of the Architectural Review Commission which are set by the state [of New York],” Young said “We’ve helped retain, that I can tell you for sure, a lot of the historic character of the historic district here in Newburgh. If it weren’t for the ARC, I would be very fearful of how much more historic detail would be lost”

Councilman Anthony Grice shared that once renovations work can start, he hopes that residents can once again gain access to Broadway via Carpenter Ave.

“I was assured that the building [242 Broadway] could be saved,” Grice said. “I do not know the timeline when they will be done with that work but I’ve seen that they have started the work.”

Since the last ARC meeting on March 8, a scissor lift can be seen parked on the side of the building and wood that boarded up in the front of the building was removed.
Neither Papaleo nor the City Manager Todd Venning responded to requests for comment as to the current status of the building.