At a glance
The Historic Preservation Commission met Friday and opened a public hearing on landmark designation for the Dun Warehouse, a brick industrial building on Hudson's waterfront. Applicants Carol Ash, Ronald Austin, and Matthew Perry argued the warehouse, already on the state and national registers, should receive local protections as the city issues a new RFP for the property. Mayor Justin Weaver said the city supports the designation but noted the application didn't follow proper notice procedures. The hearing will remain open through the next meeting so the city can formally participate. The commission also approved three certificates of appropriateness and interviewed two architect candidates to replace Kim Wood, who left the commission.
Public Hearing Opened for Dun Warehouse Landmark Designation
The commission opened a public hearing on designating the Dun Warehouse as a local landmark. The building is already on the state and national registers but has never received local protections.
Key points
- Carol Ash, Ronald Austin, and Matthew Perry submitted the application, citing the warehouse as a surviving example of Hudson's industrial waterfront.
- Austin argued designation would broaden the constituency for preservation and make adaptive reuse more certain.
- Mayor Justin Weaver said the city supports designation but noted proper notice wasn't given to the property owner (the city itself). The hearing will remain open.
- Margaret Morris, first ward councilmember, spoke in strong support, noting the warehouse's visibility from the river and its importance to waterfront plans.
- Code Enforcement Officer Craig Haigh asked whether a structural condition report exists. Carol Ash said one was done when support was added to the roof years ago.
- City Attorney Victoria Polidoro clarified the designation criteria: special character, historic or aesthetic interest, or association with a significant architect or builder.
- Lloyd Alden Kenning spoke in support, invoking his late mother's preservation work.
The hearing will continue through November 14 so the city can formally participate. The commission will then make a recommendation to the Common Council, which votes on designation.
The Dun Warehouse was part of Hudson's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). A million dollars designated for the warehouse in the most recent RFP was redirected after a prior developer couldn't secure financing.
The transcript lacks clear speaker labels for much of the discussion. Attributions are based on context and explicit name mentions.
Certificates of Appropriateness
The commission approved three certificates of appropriateness for projects at 337-339 Union Street, 447 Warren Street, and 702-704 Columbia Street.
Key points
- 337-339 Union Street: Partial demolition of non-legal additions, new rear addition with wood clapboard siding, 4-over-4 wood-clad windows, and a 6-foot fence with 1-foot topper. Approved unanimously.
- 447 Warren Street: Fixed wall sign. Approved unanimously.
- 702-704 Columbia Street: Installation of a 36-inch wood fence matching the existing fence. Approved unanimously.
Architect Member Interviews
The commission went into executive session to interview two candidates for the architect member position: Cara and Melissa Neil. After discussion, the commission voted to recommend Cara.
Key points
- Cara: Master's in architecture from Yale, 25 years of experience including international cultural projects. Worked at the Google Map overseeing large transformations. Student and employee of Frank Gehry for 10 years. Lives in Coxsackie, wants to move to Hudson. Emphasized community involvement as her reason for seeking the role.
- Melissa Neil: 30 years of experience working in and around landmarks, primarily performing arts projects. Built a theater inside Chicago's historic Water Tower. Runs her own firm in New York. Currently lives in Sharon, Connecticut, house on the market, aspires to move to Hudson.
- Commissioners noted both candidates had exceptional qualifications. Chair Phil Forman said Cara's stated desire to build community aligned with the commission's mission. Paul Barrett preferred Melissa's portfolio of restoration work.
- The commission voted to recommend Cara. Chair Forman will send a letter of recommendation to the mayor for appointment.
- Concern was raised about whether a Connecticut resident could serve as a public officer on a city commission. Forman noted this was one reason to prefer Cara, who lives in Coxsackie.
- The commission agreed to keep Melissa warm for future openings, noting her qualifications would be valuable on any city board.
Chair Forman will send a letter of recommendation to the mayor requesting Cara's appointment as architect member.
Neither candidate's full name was clearly stated in the transcript. Cara's last name was not mentioned. Executive session discussion was partially inaudible.
About this page
FUTURE HUDSON is an experiment in civic engagement: every public meeting of the City of Hudson since January 2026, transcribed and made readable, so any resident can follow what the city is deciding without attending every meeting. This page covers one meeting; see the full archive.
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