Letter to Secretary Shinseki

Letter

Today, in order to protect the historic integrity of the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, General Eric Shineski, to add the Medical Center to the National Register of Historic Places. In a personal letter to Shineski, Schumer emphasized that Canandaigua VAMC's inclusion in the National Register would add much-needed protection in the region's effort to preserve the historic hospital. Schumer wants the VA to preserve the historic integrity of the campus, built for the recovery of veterans who defended the United States in World War I all the way through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Schumer is particularly concerned about two of the historic buildings marked for demolition in order to make room for new Community Living Centers on the campus.

"I am proud of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center's legacy in healing our wounded veterans," Schumer said. "Let's salute four generations of men and women in uniform, their caregivers and their families as we fight to safeguard that legacy. The Center serves as a reminder of those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms and values since WWI, and it also provides vital services for our troops returning home today. I am asking Secretary Shinseki to preserve the memory of our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen who were treated at the Canandaigua VA and nominate the Center to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This listing will ensure that as steps are taken to equip the VAMC for the next century, we take preventative steps to ensure the legacy of its past."

Schumer also underscored the overwhelming local support for the VAMC. In 2004, 80,000 New Yorkers joined forces with Schumer and convinced a federal commission to overturn its decision to recommend the Center for closure. Schumer and those who live in the Finger Lakes region shared a victory over the CARES commission seven years ago, and they remain determined to take preventative measures to preserve the cherished history within the VAMC.

The Canandaigua VAMC recently rolled out plans for a major construction project to build state-of-the-art Community Living Centers for nursing home care. In order to provide space for these 10 new buildings, the project design includes the demolition of two of the historic buildings, B.33 and 34. Schumer wants the VA and the architects to work closely with the New York State Historical Preservation office to develop a plan to mitigate the adverse affect this plan would have on the historic complex.

The Canandaigua VAMC's 163 acres includes 40 buildings -- 30 of which were built between 1931-1944 and designated as historic. The VAMC holds 218 beds for veterans -- 138 for nursing home care, 30 for residential psychiatric rehabilitation, 25 for domiciliary care, and 25 for homeless vets.

A copy of Senator Schumer's letter to Secretary Shinseki appears below:

Dear Secretary Shinseki:

I write to tell you about the architectural and historical importance of the Canadaigua VA Medical Center property, and to ask that you consider nominating the property for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful property has deep significance for the surrounding community, and its inclusion in the National Register is important to ensure its proper preservation over time.

As you may know, the Canadaigua VAMC property was originally part of the adjacent Sonnenberg estate whose development dates to the late 19th century. The Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens were listed on the National Register in 1973, and are today operated as a State Park. For different reasons, the adjacent VAMC is similarly important for its architecture and history. The campus has a distinctive New Deal-era design, and has strong cohesiveness and relatively well-preserved buildings. In addition, the medical facilities there are inextricably linked to the care of veterans who fought in conflicts from World War I to today. As such, I recommend nominating the property both for its distinctive architectural character and for its long historical association with veterans care.

I am proud to have stood with a strong coalition of veterans and community members who rallied to support the Canadaigua VAMC in 2004 when a federal commission recommended its closure. At that time, some 80,000 New Yorkers joined me in making the case to the CARES commission about the hospital's importance. That effort was ultimately successful, and the commission reversed their initial decision. For a property which the community has already expressed such deep reverence, it is only fitting that it be permanently protected by listing in the National Register.

Please give this property's case a full and thorough review. It would be my great pleasure to personally tour the property with you, and I have no doubt that if you see it with your own eyes you will want to protect this valuable property in perpetuity. On behalf of New York's veterans and all who share my desire to preserve the Canadaigua VAMC, thank you for considering this recommendation.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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