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General News: Schumer Supports Bannerman Restoration
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| Senator Schumer talks with Neil Caplan of the Bannerman Castle Trust. Castle ruins are in the background. Photo by Linda T. Hubbard. |
January 21, 2010
The restoration of Bannerman’s Castle got a boost on Tuesday with a visit by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer to Beacon where he talked about the importance of preserving the site as part of the Hudson Valley’s heritage.
At a press conference with members of the Bannerman Castle Trust, Schumer promised that he will call the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, and push for the inclusion of Bannerman Castle in the Save Americas Treasures Program. Neil Caplan, executive director of the Bannerman trust, said while it typically takes at least nine months to apply to that program, the senator is going to ask to fast track the process.
Senator Schumer also pledged to his support for the Bannerman site to be included on the National Trust’s “Most Endangered Structures List.” Caplan explained that these programs will increase the trust fund’s ability to apply for grants.
Bannerman Castle lost a large section of a wall late last month when it apparently collapsed from exposure to the elements. The castle, a former storage facility for armaments, was badly damaged in a fire more than forty years ago. The Bannerman Castle Trust is trying to restore the castle, an adjoining residence and formal gardens.
In his presentation, Senator Schumer said that tourism is the number two industry in the Hudson Valley and that Bannerman Island is a key attraction that he used to marvel at when he took the train up to Albany when he was a state assemblyman.
“Bannerman Castle is a rough hewn gem in the crown that is the Hudson Valley’s tourism industry,” said Schumer. “It is as iconic as it is mysterious and we must fight for funds tooth and nail to help preserve and restore the Castle so that the tourism industry remains an economic engine, providing jobs and much needed tax dollars to local governments.”
Local residents who would like to contribute to the restoration of Bannerman Castle, may do so at www.bannermancastle.org.
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