Diane Valden is reporting for The Columbia Paper the Copake Town Board February 11, heard from Roberta Roll, chairperson of the Hamlet Revitalization Task Force about nominating areas within the town for historic designation. In her presentation, Roll noted that several areas and buildings have already been designated through the State and National Historic Registers. Those buildings include the Copake Grange and the United Methodist Church in the hamlet, as well as the Church of St. John in the Wilderness and the Ironworks in Copake Falls. The designations recognize and honor the building or an area for its historical, agricultural, architectural, industrial or cultural significance, she said. Buildings in the Ironworks district — the museum, the restored ironworks and the walking trail — have all served to enhance the character of the hamlet and draw visitors to the area. The task force has come to realize that historic designation may be useful in promoting the town, sustaining existing businesses, and attracting new business, and also attracting visitors and new residents,” Roll said. And while historic designations have been initiated by not-for-profit entities so far, Roll said, the task force has come to the conclusion that Copake would benefit from the active involvement of town government. She said the Copake Economic Development Advisory Committee agrees. Roll then recommended to the town board that it increase historic recognition of the town by seeking and facilitating historic designations wherever possible. The economic development advisory committee agreed because "it is good for property values and has an honorary benefit." Supervisor Jeanne Mettler said the board would consider the proposal at its March meeting. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.