PUBLIC NOTICE
Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of the Sing Sing Prison Museum Rehabilitation of the Olive Opera House
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has conditionally awarded the Sing Sing Prison Museum (Museum), in Ossining, New York a Challenge Infrastructure and Capacity Building grant (CHA-276848-22) to renovate the Olive Opera House to become the new home of the Museum.
NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306108. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.
The project involves renovations to the Olive Opera House, at 63-67 Central Ave, Ossining, New York 10562. The project involves refurbishment and renovation of the interior and exterior of the Olive Opera House for use as the Sing Sign Prison Museum. The Olive Opera House is listed as a contributing structure within the Downtown Ossining Historical District on the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP #88001827). Being the main venue for entertainment and the arts in Downtown Ossining during the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed to its relevance to the local community.
On May 21, 2024, Sara McIvor, Historic Site Restoration Coordinator, with the New York State Historic Preservation Office (NY SHPO) provided the opinion that the proposed work will have No Adverse Effect upon historic properties, conditional upon the following:
1. Avoid the installation of solar panels at the front portion of the hipped roof facing Central Avenue.
2. The proposed digital sign to be installed at the location of the former opening at the corner of Central Avenue and Brandreth Street (upper floor level) will be fit flush within the opening, not extending out from the wall plane, as much as is feasible.
3. Keep and reuse historic finishes and components removed during the renovation for repairs or for display purposes.
After reviewing Section 106 documentation NEH issues a final determination of No Adverse Effect, conditioned upon the three requirements identified by the NY SHPO.
As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to [email protected]. The deadline for submitting comments is June 17, 2024.
Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of the Sing Sing Prison Museum Rehabilitation of the Olive Opera House
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has conditionally awarded the Sing Sing Prison Museum (Museum), in Ossining, New York a Challenge Infrastructure and Capacity Building grant (CHA-276848-22) to renovate the Olive Opera House to become the new home of the Museum.
NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306108. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.
The project involves renovations to the Olive Opera House, at 63-67 Central Ave, Ossining, New York 10562. The project involves refurbishment and renovation of the interior and exterior of the Olive Opera House for use as the Sing Sign Prison Museum. The Olive Opera House is listed as a contributing structure within the Downtown Ossining Historical District on the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP #88001827). Being the main venue for entertainment and the arts in Downtown Ossining during the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed to its relevance to the local community.
On May 21, 2024, Sara McIvor, Historic Site Restoration Coordinator, with the New York State Historic Preservation Office (NY SHPO) provided the opinion that the proposed work will have No Adverse Effect upon historic properties, conditional upon the following:
1. Avoid the installation of solar panels at the front portion of the hipped roof facing Central Avenue.
2. The proposed digital sign to be installed at the location of the former opening at the corner of Central Avenue and Brandreth Street (upper floor level) will be fit flush within the opening, not extending out from the wall plane, as much as is feasible.
3. Keep and reuse historic finishes and components removed during the renovation for repairs or for display purposes.
After reviewing Section 106 documentation NEH issues a final determination of No Adverse Effect, conditioned upon the three requirements identified by the NY SHPO.
As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to [email protected]. The deadline for submitting comments is June 17, 2024.
