I own the property directly opposite St. Joseph's Church. I am an enthusiastic supporter of the preservation of beautiful and important historic buildings. I applaud Historic Albany Foundation's efforts to preserve and protect St. Joseph's, but we must face reality.
There are very few approved uses for the church: a day care center, a library and, of course, a church. The problem for any viable commercial use is parking. It is indeed a problem, as a recent editorial ("For St. Joe's, now what?" Feb. 1) suggests, but it is not the same problem that other historic buildings face.
There is not one designated parking space available and, because of the Ten Broeck Triangle's proximity to the Palace Theatre, the federal building and the county courthouses, residents frequently find themselves parking several blocks away from their homes.
Any commercial use of St. Joseph's will only add to the problem — with the possible exception of a day care center, which only would require brief stop-and-go parking. But this doesn't seem a viable solution.
I am sad to say this, but the church may indeed have to come down. It is a beautiful building. To sit at my breakfast table looking at its glorious facade, has been a great pleasure. But it is surrounded by beautiful historic homes.
Should we destroy the essence of this neighborhood to protect one building?
The Ten Broeck Triangle is a unique historic neighborhood. It does not depend on St. Joseph's Church for its historic importance.
Once the church is gone, the view from my window will be a lovely park with a row of historically important and equally beautiful buildings on Hall Place. Let's not destroy the forest for the sake of one tree.
DIANNE O'NEILL
Stillwater