Greetings to the members and supporters of the Pelham Preservation & Garden Society!

This e-newsletter will serve to update those of you who have supported our efforts to beautify and preserve the historic community we all share.

We want this newsletter to be both something that will keep you informed about our ongoing initiatives and make you aware or our current projects so that you have the opportunity to join us!

Updates on Recent Projects

·                    Sign and Plantings at Pelham MetroNorth Station - we continue to work in cooperation with the Village of Pelham and MetroNorth Railroad to install new plantings in and around the restored train station area. In April 2007, a replacement sign was installed in the traffic circle on the southside of the station. The original sign was vandalized the previous winter and Metro North and the Village of Pelham agreed to share the replacement cost. PPGS paid the additional money needed to upgrade the sign (and hopefully make it vandal proof). In cooperation with Village of Pelham's Richard Slingerland, more than 20 new shade trees were planted along the north curb of 1st Ave. to soften the presence of the wall retaining the Metro North Parking lot. Red Maples were planted as infill plantings to match previous plantings outside the parking lot fence to improve screening and spatial definition for both street and parking lot. Honey Locust trees were continued toward Highbrook Ave. to establish a stronger continuous row of trees to the end of the retaining wall opposite Pelhamdale Ave. These trees will provide much needed additional shade and provide a uniform canopy that will virtually erase the wall's presence and arch over 1st Ave. establishing a welcoming entrance to the train station.

·                    Bulb Planting at Pelham Middle School - Each year, we donate and plant thousands of bulbs in the Pelhams. This year we concentrated efforts on a splash of Spring color at the corner of Colonial and Wolf's Lane in Pelham. We'll greet Pelham residents and visitors with a gorgeous display of crocuses and daffodils.  

·                    Benedict Fountain Restoration - We have been raising funds and overseeing the restoration of the Benedict Fountain and adjoining stairs that lead from Pelhamwood Avenue, across from the Pelham Train Station, to Benedict Place. The fountain -- components of which date from the original development of Pelhamwood at the turn of the century -- are being taken down and are being recast to recreate the fountain in its original appearance. Restoring the fountain to its original appearance is not as easy as it sounds since the main point of reference has been a collection of old photos and postcards of the fountain and its surrounding area. A substantial part of the funding for this project was raised at this year's annual fundraiser.

·                    Promoting downtown revitalization and smart planning -  We are committed to supporting and promoting smart planning and downtown revitalization of Pelham through our group's work. We are also working toward downtown historical designation which could qualify us for grant money in the future.

·                    Historic Plaque Program - We have initiated a user-friendly historical home plaque program to recognize historic Pelham homes that have been restored respecting the original architectural integrity of the home. If you would like to apply or would like to suggest a home, please contact us. In 2007, applications were hand delivered to about 30 homes that appear to qualify for a historic home designation.

·                    Pelham By Design Book Collection - We have expanded the already substantial collection of Pelham By Design books in the Town of Pelham Public Library. Books on landscape design, architectural styles, historic renovation and preservation of homes and gardens were specially selected to provide ease of access to information for residents who are planning home improvements or repairs. Financial contributions and new books donated to the Pelham By Design collection are always welcome. Please contact the PP&GS for details.

·                    Speaker Series - In April 2007, current PPGS president, Barbara Bartlett presented "What Style is It?" -- a slide show guide to Pelham's architecture, which highlighted the relationship between the age of a house and its style.  On April 8, 2008, the PPGS will host a speaking event and book signing with urban planning and renowned preservationist Anthony C. Wood. He will speak about his new book, Preserving New York, and what motivated communities and residents can do to preserve the character and beauty of their town.

·                    Tree Plantings - In a town known for its trees and after having lost so many in the past few years to age, neglect and decline, a bright spot emerged this year -- approximately 20 new trees were planted along Pelhamdale Avenue. PPGS experts consulted with Pelham Manor Village Manager, John Pierpont to make proper placement and species selections based on current conditions and health of remaining existing street trees. Pelhamdale Avenue was chosen to "work on" first as it is considered one of Pelham's most critical thoroughfares. Its visibility contributes to the town's public image and sense of place. The intention of the street tree planting is to demonstrate "best practice" for public streets in terms of species selection, planting design, tree location and spacing that consider both sides of the street as one integrated system. This is a first step in establishing street tree planting design guidelines for Pelham's primary public corridors. As a demonstration, others can see how these guidelines and design principles are implemented and how they can easily translate to other similar streets that will ultimately establish a consistent treatment throughout both the Manor and the Village. More plantings are expected this spring. Ultimately, the plan is to extend this project into the Village of Pelham and plant all major corridors as well as preserve existing plantings.

·                    A Town Clean-up Day - An annual town clean up, in cooperation with the Village of Pelham is due to take place later this year.

·                    Annual Fundraiser - Scheduled for the evening of June 7. Save the date!

These activities are just a small part of our mission, and we are always looking for more ideas and more involvement from our members and our community to preserve and enhance the historical beauty of Pelham and Pelham Manor. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, would like to become more involved, or have ideas on community projects that should be considered.