Letter to the Editor: Clark House
I am writing this letter in response to Roger Sharlow's letter to the editor on June 8.
Clark House Preservation, LLC (CHP) was intended to be created as a non-profit corporation
for the restoration of the former St. Lawrence Hotel located on Main Street in Waddington.
In fact, our Employer Identification Number (EIN) that was issued by the Internal Revenue
Service on April 9, 2003, indicates that CHP has non-profit status and even provides
information on obtaining tax-exempt status. However, after reading Roger's letter, we
immediately had our legal counsel research the status of CHP with the Department of State.
In fact, a Limited Liability Corporation cannot have non-profit status. Our attorney has
since re-filed with the Department of State and has created a non-profit corporation
called "Clark House Preservation, Inc."
In regard to obtaining ownership of the former St. Lawrence Hotel and obtaining and
accepting grants for the restoration of the structure Mr. Sharlow may not be aware of all
the facts, which I would welcome the opportunity to discuss with him. In short, non-profit
and tax-exempt are two very different concepts. An organization can be non-profit without
being tax exempt. A tax exempt organization can accept charitable contributions, which are
tax deductible to the donator. We are currently working on tax-exempt status, which will
allow CPH to accept grants and donations. We have hired an accountant to prepare the
requisite forms for submittal to the Internal Revenue Service. A non-profit organization
can utilize another non-profit organization with tax-exempt status to serve as a Fiscal
Agent to accept grants. We are currently working with another non-profit organization that
will serve as our Fiscal Agent. This will allow our organization to accept the money from
the grant we have secured.
The restoration of the former St. Lawrence Hotel has been and will continue to be an
incredible challenge, of which the members of our organization have no previous
experience. I must thank Roger for his efforts in researching our corporation and
recognizing that we had made an error in organizing our corporation. It is knowledge and
insight of this nature that will assist in the successful transformation of this historic
structure.
The current members of CHP consist of six residents, five of which are native to
Waddington, and are listed as follows: Michael Badlam, Katherine Dupray (formerly Badlam),
Nancy Oakes (formerly Badlam), Nancy Putney, Russell Straight, and myself (I have only
been a resident of Waddington for 12 years, still an outsider). The structure of the
organization indicates that there is a contingent of native or longtime residents that
would like to see our Main Street revitalized.
In a letter to the editor submitted by Karen Thew in December of 2002, she encouraged all
residents of Waddington to participate in preserving Waddington's history and provide
positive input for Waddington's future. Again, I ask Roger for the same level of
participation, however in a positive manner.
I cannot believe there are residents that are proud of the current state of Waddington's
downtown. It is currently, dismal, blighted, and on the verge of collapse. As a resident
of this community I believe it is every citizens responsibility to ensure the social and
economic success of our community. I realize there will be a small percentage of the
population that will exert a large percentage of the effort. However, let's refrain from
the political rhetoric and work together for the preservation of our community.
It is very easy to criticize the opinions and actions of others through gossip and
letters. However, it requires incredible fortitude to discuss each other's opinions and
visions. I have always respected the opinions of others, whether I agree or disagree. I
will also candidly express my views, although in a respectful nature. I respect Mr.
Sharlow's opinion, but I would respect Mr. Sharlow if he had the fortitude to discuss his
vision and views with us directly. Do not attack the effort that we have put forth. We are
trying to make Waddington a better place to live and work.
James S. Thew
Operating Manager, Clark House Preservation
Waddington
Original Pub Date: 06/15/2003
Advance News
Used with permission