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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. July 1, 2010 UPDATED 10:30 P.M.E.D.T.:
County Executive Robert P. Astorino today vetoed a proposal to spend $1.3 million in public funds to finance restoration of the Miller House in North Castle, suggesting that the best way to preserve the historic site is through private donations.
Miller House.Where George Washington Slept. On Virginia Road in North Castle, just outside White Plains.
In vetoing the measure, Astorino said that it was fiscally irresponsible to spend tax dollars on the project given the county’s current financial problems and that even more spending would be needed to move the structure once the renovations were completed.
Kenneth Jenkins, Chair of the Board of Legisaltors reacted strongly in a statement: “The Miller House is a precious relic of the American Revolution that cannot be allowed to wither and die disgracefully. The news of the County Executive’s veto of the Miller Housing bonding is rather disappointing, given that this proposal passed the Board with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. The bonding would cost exactly $105,000 a year for the project. For Mr. Astorino to make statements about the fiscal irresponsibility of spending tax dollars on such projects showcasing the apathy this Administration has when it comes to maintaining cultural institutions within our County.
Given that Mr. Astorino — through his recent veto of the source of income anti-discrimination law – has been willing to recklessly exposed Westchester to additional legal costs to respond to the federal Housing monitor, the specter of forced federal control of the implementation of the housing settlement and the potential breach of the housing stipulation agreement, which can cost over $300 million dollars of the taxpayers money, if we are found in violation of the federal fair housing stipulation agreement.”
John Nonna County Legislator from Valhalla said that ” A North Castle citizens committee is in the process of establishing a not for profit corporation to accept donations, scheduling a fundraiser and soliciting pledges. The County can recoup part of its $1.3 million contribution by selling the land that the Miller House now occupies.” The Board of Legislators has urged the home be moved to Kensico Plaza where it would attract more visitors.
“Restoration of Miller House is a project that should be undertaken with private contributions,” Astorino said. “It is a worthwhile cause, but it is neither an essential service nor a priority for the county at a time when we are facing a $166 million deficit next year and large numbers of potential layoffs.”
Astorino noted that the $1.3 million approved by the legislators was only a first step in the restoration process, as the current location of the building in an industrial area is not suitable for visitors and more spending would be needed to move the house. Paying off the $1.3 million in bonds would cost the county about $106,000 a year in debt service – roughly the equivalent of one full-time county employee with benefits – for the next 15 years.
“While there has been much talk of raising private funds to offset the cost, there is no formal structure or process in place to raise money at this time, nor any substantiated commitment to do so. To renovate without recognition of the necessity to move this structure is misleading to the taxpayer,” he said. “Before any public funds are spent, all available sources of private funding should be secured.”
Given the current state of the economy, Astorino added that county money for capital projects should be directed to projects that will do the most to stimulate the economy. “This money would be better spent on capital projects that can promote job growth across the county,” he said. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington stayed at Miller House for one day and night, Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 1776, and used the farmhouse as a strategic location during the Battle of White Plains. Major General Charles Lee and troops brought supplies to the Miller House prior to Washington‘s arrival.
The house, located on Virginia Road, is maintained by the county’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. The county bought what was left of the original farm in 1917. The Miller House is open to the public the third Sunday of each month from February through October and has approximately 150 visitors per year.
“It is imperative to preserve our heritage and history,” Astorino said. “This veto message should not be construed as abandonment by the county of its obligation to maintain this historic site. The county will continue to carry out its responsibility to keep this structure viable. However, in these times of scarce resources, the restoration and moving of Miller House should be accomplished through private donations.”
