County Votes to Raise Old Putnam Motors Building
By Holly Crocco
The county’s Physical Services Committee voted Sept. 22 to demolish the former Putnam Motor Sales building at 34 Gleneida Avenue in Carmel, with future plans for the site likely to incorporate a green space or courtyard.
“A lot of people see this as a project that can maybe lead to a great Renaissance in the Town of Carmel, and that it’s going to be a project of lasting impact,” said Legislator Jake D’Angelo, R-Carmel, who represents the district that houses the property.
Throughout the years the site has housed Putnam County SCORE, the Industrial Development Agency, and other county offices, as well as the county’s archives. Its current occupant – United For the Troops, a local nonprofit organization that facilitates the sending of care packages to service members overseas – has said it will willing secure space elsewhere.
Going forward, D’Angelo said he’d like prefer see a plan for the location, as opposed to a wait-and-see attitude.
“It is my district, but it’s also the centerpiece of the Town of Carmel, the centerpiece of the County of Putnam,” he said. “I want to see something really good happen with this property. I’d rather do overkill and dot my I’s and cross my T’s and make sure I can go back to the people of district five and say, hey, we brought something really tangible back to our community.”
Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas Freighery said the building needs to come down, as it has windows that have already failed, with wildlife seeking shelter inside. “You’re looking at a building that’s going to keep falling apart,” he said. “It’s going to have zero heat over the winter.”
Legislator Amy Sayegh, R-Mahopac Falls, said it’s time the dilapidated building is raised.
“Once this building is down, you’re going to have an open field and you’re going to be able to see the courthouse,” she said. “You’re going to have a better perspective on what looks good in this spot and what makes sense in this spot.”
Legislator Tommy Regan, R-Brewster, agreed that regardless of what the future holds for that property, the building has to go. “I do think that throwing money at that building is good money after bad,” he said.
Legislator Erin Crowley, R-Mahopac, suggested public input be sought for this “crown jewel” in the county seat after it is demolished. “It’s going to generate public feedback, we’re going to have hearings about this,” she said.
Legislator Dan Birmingham, R-Southeast, agreed that the building is beyond its useful life, but noted that once a “shovel is in the ground,” it puts the county on a road to determine what’s next.
“I’d rather have a comprehensive plan of what we’re doing,” he said.
Former legislator and Kent resident Richard Othmer Jr., who is vice commander of Carmel Americal Legion Post 270, which neighbors the property, encouraged the county to act on tearing down the building.
“Worst case scenario, you have a nice green field and you’re looking at the courthouse or you’re looking at the lake,” he said.
Even though the property is located in the Carmel hamlet, Othmer said it belongs to all Putnam residents.
“This is all of our property,” he told legislators. “You were elected because you’re leaders. Everybody in your respective districts know you. Make the decision.”
After the committee voted unanimously to demolish the building, lawmakers agreed that it may be better to wait until after the holidays, so it’s not a construction site during seasonal events that take place in the hamlet.
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