Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2010

SCHUMER URGES INTERIOR SECRETARY SALAZAR TO SUPPORT DOWNTOWN TICONDEROGA'S EFFORT TO BE ADDED TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Proposal Would Put a Total of 32 Buildings in Downtown Ticonderoga on the National Register of Historic Places, Giving Them Access to Tax Incentives and Loans for Improvement

Recognition Will Boost the Local Economy, Revamp the Downtown Ticonderoga Area

Schumer: Tourism is Thriving New York Industry, Ticonderoga Will Add to its Reputation

Today U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he has written a personal letter to the Secretary of the Department of Interior, Ken Salazar, urging him to support the town of Ticonderoga’s application to have its downtown district added to the National Register of Historic Places. The recognition would be a shot in the arm for Ticonderoga, raising its appeal as a tourist destination, marketing local businesses, offering tax incentives and loan programs for members, and adding 25 buildings to the seven downtown Ticonderoga establishments already on the National Register. In this letter, Senator Schumer urged Salazar to support Ticonderoga in its effort and said that the designation would help put Ticonderoga on the map as New York State tourist destination.

“Putting downtown Ticonderoga on the National Register of Historic Places would do great things for the town’s future,” Schumer said. “There are millions of people in New England, New York, and Canada who live within a short drive of Ticonderoga. That is a group we should draw upon to show all that the town has to offer. This recognition will boost the local economy and will help revamp the town itself. I am happy to offer my support and I urge Secretary Salazar to give Ticonderoga’s application his full consideration.”

The proposed historic district would cover 32 buildings in the downtown area centered on Montcalm Street. Several local groups including the town government, PRIDE of Ticonderoga, the Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership, and Adirondack Architectural Heritage have all announced support for the effort that could bring tourist dollars, new investment, and jobs into the town.

Ticonderoga is positioned at a geographic juncture in New York State with scenic Lake George, the Capital Region, and New York City to the south, Burlington, Vermont and the Canadian border to the north, and the Adirondacks to the west. Fort Ticonderoga, which played a major role in the Revolutionary War, is only a few miles east. With the proper tools and marketing, the town can capitalize on its location to spur economic development and job creation.

Schumer added “The North Country and the Adirondacks are one of my favorite places to visit in New York State, especially during the fall with the changing leaves and breathtaking scenery. Every opportunity we have to bring more tourists to the area, to spur economic development, and to create new jobs is well worth taking.”

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Ken Salazar, Secretary

Department of the Interior

1849 C Street, N.W.

Washington DC 20240

Dear Secretary Salazar,

I write today to support Ticonderoga, New York’s effort to create a downtown historic district that would be added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Ticonderoga is known nationally for historic Fort Ticonderoga, now is a great time to build upon that foundation to seek recognition for their historic downtown. Let me explain why adopting this recognition would be an overall great step forward for Ticonderoga. First, a historic district is a great marketing tool could greater promote downtown Ticonderoga and potentially grow tourism. Seven buildings in downtown Ticonderoga are currently on the National Register; this historic district would cover 25 additional buildings greater recognizing the town’s significant history. A historic district will raise their profile and protect the additional buildings for years to come.

Secondly, the members of the historic district would be eligible for tax incentives and loan programs helping preserve its beauty. This has already helped existing buildings in Ticonderoga such as the Ticonderoga Agway. Built in 1879, the former mill on the LaChute River could be the oldest commercial structure in Ticonderoga. Matching funds and strong community action helped fix it up and now it is protected for the next generation.

This truly could be a win-win for Ticonderoga. I am confident that this designation will help put Ticonderoga on the map for historic downtowns in New York. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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