Restoring county building will save more than money

The Taxpayers of Orange County is a non-partisan, not-for-profit group of architects, engineers, financial analysts, historians and taxpayers dedicated to good government who have convened to save and restore the Orange County Government Center in Goshen. We have different reasons for opposing plans to demolish the Paul Rudolph complex — architectural, historical and economic reasons — but we are united in our determination to prevent it. Although we have not been granted full access to building plans — or to the building itself by county officials — our professional members assure us the structure is sound. It has been neglected and needs renovation to be brought up to today’s standards. Preservation groups, including the Paul Rudolph Foundation, the National Trust For Historic Preservation and the Preservation League of New York State, have encouraged our efforts to bring public attention to the merits of the architecture and the historical significance. It is the opinion of the New York State Preservation Office (SHPO) that the building meets the criteria for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Particular emphasis is on economic impact on taxpayers of replacing the center. We have sponsored two forums and plan a third in Goshen. We are circulating petitions destined for the lawmakers who will make final decisions about the future of the building. We plan to continue informing taxpayers with more forums, talks to community groups and demonstrations around the county. Sustainable restoration represents one of the most effective forms of construction and millions in taxpayers’ dollars will be saved if the needed upgrades are designed with sensitivity and expertise. Paul Rudolph was one of the most imaginative and truly gifted architects of our time. We believe the Orange County Government Center should be restored and celebrated, not demolished. Save Orange County Government Center saveocgc.org