Heuvelton project gets $490,000 state grant

HEUVELTON — Historic Pickens Hall will receive a $490,000 face-lift in the latest round of Restore New York funding.

Village Mayor Barbara A. Lashua said she was delighted that the Heuvelton Historical Association received such a large grant.

"It's great that the Historical Association, the village board and the St. Lawrence County Housing Council can work in harmony to improve both the aesthetic and historic components to our downtown," Mrs. Lashua said.

"We are grateful that local efforts have been rewarded so generously by New York state. Pickens Hall's restoration has proved to be a worthy project. The governor's support means a great deal to those who continue to work toward its preservation."

The mayor said the village applied for the grant on behalf of the Historical Association, while the St. Lawrence County Housing Council wrote the application.

The grant will supply funding for the fourth phase of the project, which has been under way for several years. The project includes funding for the restoration of the third floor of Pickens Hall, including the opera house auditorium, which will provide performance space and rooms for the Heuvelton Historical Association's museum.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said in a statement that she was pleased to see the restoration of Pickens Hall.

"When we bring resources like Restore NY funding into our communities, we are making an investment, not only in the preservation of our history, but in our future as well," the release said.