The Kinderhook Memorial Library addition is a subtraction

It’s all wrong — from the plastic trim boards to the cheesy plaque commemorating the “Masterminds” of the evisceration. Where once stood a jewel of a building whose order was based on a balance combining classicism with old Dutch proportions, now stands an architectural abomination of the highest order.

A confused blend of materials and styles overpowers and dominates the original. A giant white box has been thoughtlessly attached to the southeast exterior wall, inside of which patrons can sometimes be viewed, but mostly emptiness prevails. Behind the original library now stands a giant replica of the original. It looms over it, mocking the former. The bricks are laid nicely enough, but to an overall ridiculous plan. There are many ratio/scale problems throughout, which now negatively impact the architectural order of the original building.

The brand new roof leaked, and was patched as recently as mid-March leading to doubts about the general workmanship of the entire project. I understand there is a condensation issue in the attic of new structure. The corner lot is now overcrowded, constricted, confused and confusing in use.

There once stood, on the southeast lawn, a well-shaped and mature sugar maple. In the shade of that tree, at a picnic table, plans were laid and discussed for the upcoming construction. Shortly afterwords, that very shade-producing tree, among others, was cut down and hauled away for firewood. There are now zero shade trees on the property.

The village of Kinderhook has a historical review board. Its function is to determine whether or not a project is “appropriate” for the historic zone. They are appointed by the mayor based on relevant skill and knowledge they bring to the table. The hope is that these members use their skills, knowledge and good judgment to make the collective right decisions regarding the preservation of our rich historic architectural culture. It was not so in this case. In my opinion, the most disheartening consequence is that these individuals have done the village of Kinderhook a lasting and expensive disservice. A subsequent consequence is that the village government has now accepted a lower standard.

Many of the contents of the old library are gone. As recently as March of this year, I spotted the George Washington Bronze (estimated price tag of $8,000) at the Habitat for Humanity in Clavarack. Whose decision was it to donate that item? I would not call that responsible oversight — in fact, a member of the Kinderhook Memorial Library Board of Trustees was unaware of this item’s whereabouts until I informed him in passing at an unrelated event. Deacquisition of items in library and museum collections is typically a decision made by a board of persons responsible for the collection.

This is a story of loss. After $2.5 million, we, the people, have less than we did before. We had a handsome country library. In 1938, one man, with a lot of money, hired another man with considerable talent to design our perfect library. It is gone. In its place is a mutated, energy-consuming monstrosity. It is an embarrassment to our community. One could argue the intent was to provide more service to the community. Nonsense. It’s 2019 and every kid over 14 has his or her own personal computer with access to everything in their pocket.

Such an expansion was absolutely unnecessary; the place is empty most of the time. The majority of those who do come, do not stay. They drop off or pick up movies, games and sometimes books, then get back in their cars and drive away — usually after a U-turn. The next thing will be the purchase of the lot across Sylvester Street, for library parking. The expectation is that the village of Kinderhook will make this purchase and according to a trustee of the library, it will probably happen that way.

Next on the “to-do list” is landscaping and a new cedar fence to replace the existing fence. The installation of two new gas fireplace inserts will also only add to the climbing energy expenditure. Our children receive a legacy of loss and debt.

This letter will change nothing. The library building will continue to stand violated and the composition of the boards will not change much. Our ego/greed-based culture will continue on for awhile longer and things will become uglier, less unique and more vulgar. I do not apologize for my perspective on this matter at this time. I cannot see things for anything but what they are. I live in eye-line of this issue. As for the mayor, Library Board, Historic Review Board, Zoning board and library administration, I feel as though my taxes are wasted and your duties unfulfilled.

Mike Urbaitis is a Kinderhook village resident and Kinderhook firefighter. He is a former member of the Kinderhook Library Grounds Committee and former member of the Kinderhook Village Board of Trustees.