Pictured (l to r) are Friends of the Tracy Board members Rita Van Alstyne, Vice President Steve Oberon, Kimberly Coon, Board President Mike Blasl, Board Secretary Lauren Merante, Chatham Mayor John Howe, and Board Treasurer Chris Spencer. Photo by David Lee

CHATHAM – On Monday November 8, members of the board of the Friends of the Tracy gathered on the steps of that historic building which serves as the Chatham Village Hall to present a check of $50,000 to Village Mayor John Howe for restoration and upgrade of the building.

The project had been started before the pandemic in the administration of the previous Mayor Tom Curran. Phase 1 which addressed the cupola and the slate roof has already been finished but, according to Mayor Howe, there is much more work that needs to be done. He is hoping for 3 more phases which will repair the foundation and its drainage problems, utilities upgrades, and an elevator and handicapped access improvements.

“This is a great example of a public-private partnership,” said board member Steve Oberon. “This building was built with private money and presented as a gift to the village.” It was dedicated on May 23, 1913, a gift to the village in the memory of Albert Tracy by his mother Delia E. Tracy and Albert’s wife Margaret.

Friends of the Tracy is a 501(c)3 with the mission to work to enhance and preserve the architectural, historical and cultural heritage of the Village of Chatham for future generations.