Home » OP-ED: Belmont resident asks Allegany County to re-consider plan to demolish former St. Philip’s
OP-ED: Belmont resident asks Allegany County to re-consider plan to demolish former St. Philip’s
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“St. Philip’s Church is eligible for listing on both the State and National Historical Registers”
Dear Members of the Allegany County Legislature,
I am writing to respectfully ask that the proposed demolition of the former St. Philip’s Church in Belmont, New York be placed on hold for at least a couple of months so that alternative options can be thoughtfully considered.
The nine-minute meeting in which demolition was advanced did not allow sufficient time for community input or serious discussion. Given the county’s growing reputation for tearing down historic churches, this decision risks further damage to public trust.
St. Philip’s contributes meaningfully to the character of Belmont. As anyone driving through the village can see, this stretch—similar to Friendship, Belfast or Scio—already has limited architectural or visual interest. Historically, churches were the centers of early settlements, and removing another one further erodes that identity.
Replacing the building with a parking lot raises additional concerns. Parking lots can become long-term liabilities and may invite unwanted or transient activity into residential areas. This change would also diminish the historic value of nearby properties, including the Baptist church, the Belmont Library, Park Circle, and significant homes such as Mrs. Witter’s residence—originally built for the general manager of the Borden plant, which itself has sadly been allowed to deteriorate.
In contrast, other historic properties in the area, such as the McKenzie and Willets estates, demonstrate how care and preservation can strengthen a neighborhood.
There is real opportunity here. St. Philip’s could serve as a community space for many venues including volunteer efforts, basic educational courses, literacy programs and practical life skill training, or events such as holiday bazaars, art festvals, and farmers markets. The Grange in Angelica provides an excellent model for how such a space can benefit a village.
St. Philip’s Church is eligible for listing on both the State and National Registers and is in the Downtown Belmont Historic district, which is also eligible for listing on both registers. Grants are available for preservation efforts. This appears to be an oversight since nothing was ever mentioned in the meeting minutes. Tearing it down impairs the integrity of the historic district, especially since it was once part of the original Church Tract. There is interest among some in the community for restoring it and repurposing it. A historic preservation architect has been contacted and agrees with the Hunt Report—but disagrees that repair would imperil the historic architectural elements.
Demolition would permanently remove a public asset from Belmont simply because letting it go is easier. I respectfully ask that you reconsider, slow the process, and explore alternatives that preserve this space for the village and its residents.
