Seward Bill Preserving Local Management of Hyde Hall Signed into Law

ONEONTA, 09/13/16 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) today announced that legislation he sponsored to protect long-term stability and local management of Hyde Hall in Otsego County has been signed into law.  Senator Seward’s bill (S.7490) extends the lease agreement for Hyde Hall between New York State and the Friends of Hyde Hall, which was set to expire on January 1, 2017, for an additional thirty-years to January 1, 2047.

“Our region of the state has so much to offer including great parks that attract visitors and provide recreational opportunities for local residents,” said Senator Seward.  “Hyde Hall is much more than a park, it is a piece of our region’s proud history and no one understands this better than the Friends of Hyde Hall.  The friends group has led the way on a number of historical renovations and other improvements at Hyde Hall and this extended lease agreement will allow them to continue their inspired work.”

Executive Director and CEO of Hyde Hall Jonathan Maney said, “Hyde Hall is a unique landmark that testifies to our visitors about what made and continues to make New York the Empire State.  Senator Seward is a long-time advocate for Hyde Hall and his continued support, along with that of the State of New York, will help sustain the historic site’s future. This has been an extremely successful public-private partnership and we are pleased that it will continue for another thirty years.”

Hyde Hall, built by George Clarke in the early 1800s, is located within Gimmerglass State Park and is listed as a National Historic Landmark and state historic site and is operated by Friends of Hyde Hall through a cooperative lease agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

“Hyde Hall is a living, breathing piece of Otsego County’s rich history and the Friends of Hyde Hall are the perfect stewards for the property.  Extending the lease agreement with the state ensures local enthusiasts will continue to tell George Clarke’s story for generations to come,” Seward concluded.

The original lease agreement was established in 1988.

The legislation was sponsored in the state assembly by Assemblyman Bill Magee.  The new state law will take effect immediately.

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