Former historical society head protests plan to replace roof

OGDENSBURG — Former Ogdensburg Historical Society President Jean Castimore protested the Ogdensburg Council plans to replace the museum's slate roof tiles with imitation look alikes at the Council on Sept. 14.

She said from an historical perspective, the slate roof tiles should be preserved.

Mayor Steve Ciasullo said financially it is the right decision, and historically, it may not be.

Earlier, Councilman Robert McGuire said estimates to fix the roof yearly were about $2,000 to $3,000. While the cost to replace the roof would run between $8,000 to $9,000, with the roof lasting around 25 years.

Due to water leaking through the roof in some areas, the council is leaning toward fixing the roof this year, and replacing it with the look-alike slate tile next year.

During the discussion between the council and Castimore, Councilman George Hutnick reminded the Council that the Historical Society had come to the town for help regarding the roof.

Ciasullo asked Castimore if there might be county historical grants available to preserve the roof. He said if there was money, they would just fix the roof and not replace it.

Castimore offered to make a call, but suggested the Historical Society should be researching possible grants.

McGuire said he, too, would research any possible County or Federal Historical Society preservation grants.

The Ogdensburg Historical Society Vice-President, John Kibildis confirmed the society is in favor of the slate look-alike roof. He also said the the mayor and council are working with the Historical Society, and that the look-alike roof tiles are historically appropriate and the most practical.