Dansville Gets $2.5 Million to Preserve Castle-on-the-Hill

I am extremly excited to see that Dansville was awarded money to preserve the "Castle on the Hill". This building and the history that goes with it is remarkable. What a shame it would have been to allow this Building to continue to deteriorate. As a child I loved seeing the caste from the road as I still do.

I too think it's wonderful...however, why is that we can come up with millions to resurrect old buildings but there are still single mothers who struggle to feed their children or children who go to school in tattered clothing or working families who only make ends meet?????

what does that have to do with anything. there is help out there for those struggling mothers. and why is it just mothers, there are single fathers out there as well. I am not disagreeing with what you are saying, but there is help out there for them, its just their choice not to take advantage of it.

I say mother because that's the norm...stereotypical, yes, I agree. But I don't agree with the statement that it's "their choice not to take advantage of it". I have been in the shoes of the women *and men* who struggle and the fact is that the "help" out there isn't a whole lot of help. There are people out there who take advantage of it literally. They are smarter than I was, because I never found the loop holes they somehow did. Regardless - one absolutely does have something to do with the other. How is it that the programs that "help" seem to fall short in their funds, and yet somehow 2.5 million gets pulled together for an old building?

The money to repair the castle will not only fix the building and the total cost will be over 6 million dollars (the rest by private investors). According to the papers, the plans include repairing the building so that it can be used for medical offices. The proposal reportedly includes dozens of new jobs.

So, yes, this money is going towards fixing the castle, but it will also help bring jobs to the region and hopefully help some of the families that are struggling to get back on their feet, not to mention the final result will be a stronger tax base for dansville, due to the increase in businesses.

I started the whole statement by saying that I did agree that it was wonderful that they're doing something with the castle. I've been to it many times and would love to see it rebuilt. You're right in all that you've pointed out Fred.

It just boggles my mind that the government can come up with all of these grants for millions of dollars and yet the funding for programs like WIC is so short that they can't "help" a single mother making $14.00/hour because they see that as a decent income. You do the math - house payment, car, insurance, utilities, food, formula, diapers.$14.00/hour doesn't put a dent in it. I'm very fortunate to have a strong support system (an awesome family) because after all of that, my kids would walk around in rags because I certainly couldn't afford to buy them the clothes that they have!

So I guess my point is that the government seems, in my eyes anyway, to have it's priorities out of order. While I agree that it's GREAT to see this building being resurrected...it's not going to help people like myself and my children to live comfortably. I just think it's a kick in the butt to hear "sorry, you aren't eligible for help" because I have a job and make more than minimum wage and have managed to purchase a home for myself and my children - then read years later that they've come up with millions for a project such as this. From what I hear, the programs for "help" have become even more stringent. I find it hard to believe that I'm the only one who feels this way.

What makes me wonder here, Single Mom, who feels the Government should be helping her out. As I see kids it is set that there is more than 1, So each of these Children have/had a Father, Where is his Support?? If Deceased the Child/ren are entitled to some SSI Benifits. But otherwise dad should be the one stepping up, not Uncle Sam!

"It just boggles my mind that the government can come up with all of these grants for millions of dollars and yet the funding for programs like WIC is so short that they can't "help" a single mother making $14.00/hour because they see that as a decent income. You do the math - house payment, car, insurance, utilities, food, formula, diapers.$14.00/hour doesn't put a dent in it."

http://www.bernarrmacfadden.com/famefortunefo...

Bernarr Macfadden was quite the Guy in his day, The building was once a sanitarium later bought by Macfadden and turned into a Health Spa.

I remember seeing it many times while growing up and visiting Family in Dansville. Many stories about the place and it's history I have heard! Most forgotten now, but if this Building were in many other Municipalities, it might have been considered a Landmark! I would hope Dansville gets it registered on the Historical Places registry, That and the Home of Clara Barton if the house still exists should be on it..

I'll be moving back to the Dansville area next month( Im in VA now) and Im so glad they will be fixing the castle after all these years.
It would surly be great if I can once again visit the castle as I did when I was younger (and almost drowned in the pool there), I was thankfull my brothers worked there and pulled me to safty.
It would also be nice if they can bring Main St. back as it once was with retail stores (Grants, G.C. Murfey's) It seem's you have to spend money on gas just to go to a retail store out of town instead of just "walking to town" to shop.

Carry wrote:

I started the whole statement by saying that I did agree that it was wonderful that they're doing something with the castle. I've been to it many times and would love to see it rebuilt. You're right in all that you've pointed out Fred.
It just boggles my mind that the government can come up with all of these grants for millions of dollars and yet the funding for programs like WIC is so short that they can't "help" a single mother making $14.00/hour because they see that as a decent income. You do the math - house payment, car, insurance, utilities, food, formula, diapers.$14.00/hour doesn't put a dent in it. I'm very fortunate to have a strong support system (an awesome family) because after all of that, my kids would walk around in rags because I certainly couldn't afford to buy them the clothes that they have!
So I guess my point is that the government seems, in my eyes anyway, to have it's priorities out of order. While I agree that it's GREAT to see this building being resurrected...it's not going to help people like myself and my children to live comfortably. I just think it's a kick in the butt to hear "sorry, you aren't eligible for help" because I have a job and make more than minimum wage and have managed to purchase a home for myself and my children - then read years later that they've come up with millions for a project such as this. From what I hear, the programs for "help" have become even more stringent. I find it hard to believe that I'm the only one who feels this way.

Why does the government owe you anything?

Tax dollars should be spent to generate opportunity, not for individuals who poorly planned his or her future. Hand-outs from the government make people lazy, inefficient and dependent on the system - take a drive into any inner city across the US and you'll see what I mean. And guess what, it's happening now in small towns in western NY like Dansville, Naples and Wayland. Bottom line, if you're making $14 dollars/hour, then do something about it instead of making excuses and looking for handouts.
Regarding the project for the preservation for "Castle on The Hill" - this would be considered a good thing. I don't know the entire scope of the project, but if a large developer is willing to contributing private dollars and effort, you can be sure they see measurable opportunity. No one is going to invest their own $, and a lot of it for just something to do. Equity partners invest to make money and that generally means folks associated or living in those areas will also reap some benefit (new jobs, etc).
If government dependency continues to increase in towns like Dansville & Wayland and you lose a large % of a taxable base over time - where do you think the money comes from for improved roads, grants, education, healthcare, etc? And who in their right mind would try and start a business in an area where the main level of income is a growing dependent populations receiving government assistance (money, housing, etc.).
My point, start embracing that companies are trying to invest $ in small towns. It is a good thing that investors are willing to take chances in struggling areas – it’s a win a win and hopefully it will promote additional growth.

Let's not paint me as the dirt bag who sits around getting knocked up looking for "hand outs" from Uncle Same...
Allen - their father is in court with me 3 or 4 times a year wasting tax payers' money and my time. Poor family planning is a joke. Divorce happens all of the time for all sorts of reasons! Stereotyping is dangerous.
Just Me - gov't doesn't owe me anything, nor does anyone else...but I pay in to these programs and why shouldn't my kids have benefited - or am I to believe that you think it's okay that these programs are paying the way for people who abuse the system by having child after child to increase their income while sitting on their asses at home eating McDonald's? They were created to be useful to people who are actually TRYING to get through the struggle by working. No damn excuses...just my opinion being put out here - same as yours.

Thats all fine and dandy but these programs have absalutly nothing to do with the castle on the hill. Brian from Talsa just explained it all wonderful.

I admit that the following that I am going to put here was taken from a Rochester forum but I so totally agree with it so I am putting it on here. This may not apply to you Carry but it sure does the majority. Here it is:

I am not going to boo-hoo here, but I am a single parent that has a decent job, a mortgage, and bills just like most people. I drive a beat-up, paid for, reliable vehicle, I shop at Aldis, consignment stores, thrift stores, we don't have fancy gadgets and we don't take vacations - BECAUSE - their are PRIORITIES!!!!! My daughter gets new hat/coat/gloves/boots every year - sometimes, if I can find a good deal, she may get 2 coats or 2 boots ... you know how kids are; they either grow out of it, ooopps - catch the sleeve on a tree, or may just be playing outside and it gets wet and after they warm up in the house,they want to go out again - so - we like to have extras on hand.
I struggle to make ends meet - and at times work 2 jobs. I also work up in the city and I have to drive through neighborhoods and all I see are people standing on the street bullshitting, smoking, all decked out in thier fancy clothes, women at the nail salon spending $30 plus on thier nails while their kids next to them look like orphans. I see them in Walmart with 2 CARTS of food - mostly crap - SO - when I hear "hey lets donate to the poor in the city" - All I can think is - Yeah - I'll donate - I'll donate some advice - go get a job, maybe 2 jobs - go to the consignment stores - I have gotten beautiful - BRAND NEW coats there for $5!!!! Shop at Aldi's - big savings there. Take care of what you have - I have seen coats on some kids that looked like they havent been washed in a year - taking care of your things will make them last much longer. This includes your dwelling - what makes these areas look SOOOOO BAD is all the crap you leave around the house, unmowed properties, sheets covering your windows (you can get actual curtains at dollar general)
I have recently suffered 2 major, costly, situations in one month - on top of the rise in my mortgage payment. Although I was horribly embarrassed, I did look into receiving some TEMPORARY assistance, but I don't qualify - even in a very difficult time. All assistance is going to people that make less than me - from the figures I was given, the people that are getting this assistance are certainly NOT working very hard!!!! So - PARENTS OF THESE KIDS WHO DON'T HAVE WARM ENOUGH CLOTHES/COATS TO WALK TO SCHOOL - GET OVER YOURSELVES - GET A JOB - LOOK FOR BARGAINS - AND STOP SUCKING OFF OTHERS!!!!

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! This woman is exactly right. Her point is mine exactly! TEMPORARY assistance - for the people who are TRYING! Maybe I should have used that key word from the beginning...temporary. You never read that I wanted to live large with the help of WIC checks. Do any of you have any idea how humiliating it is to even go in to apply for these programs? I'm doubting it!
I'd like to also point out for the THIRD time that I too think it's great that they're rebuilding the castle and that it's going to create a few jobs.
What this (the point I've been trying so desperately to make) has to do with the castle is the funding for it...a lot of it is from NEW YORK STATE. NEW YORK STATE makes the rules for "assistance" and NEW YORK STATE has decided to donate (GRANT = donate) a TON of money to rebuilding this instead of spending it on fixing the problems that exist within their system. Whether anyone has done enough research to make an educated opinion on the types of women who should REALLY be awarded some temporary assistance such as WIC is beside the point. I have taken some of these comments very personally...that's my fault. However, I PAY TAXES and that means that I am ENTITLED to an opinion (just like the rest of you) about how New York decides to spend it. Right or wrong?

I have always been mesmorized by the Caslt and was just wishing how someone would buy it and renovate it to one of its original uses. I can certainly see a health sap / hotel going back in there. Even a bed and breakfast. I am excited there will be new jobs, but disapointed that this wonderful building with all of it history will be used for office space. I truly believe better things were intended for such a wonderful building.

I lived in Florida, down there the State pays the Child Support ordered, and then bills the Parent that is ordered to pay, often it is a wage garneshment, and if that person gets far enough behind, they end up in Jail and back in Court. Also Child support is paid till the kid is 21 now Besides! I have a guy I work with who pays through the County here and he only has a couple more months to go. And you should be getting the same! If you aren't, I would look at how good my attorney is. Personally I would not recomend too many Dansville Attorneys as I have had dealings with one in particular there and after that experiance, I won't go back!

My Mother was born and raised in Dansville, to a Son of an Irish Immigrant and a Daughter of a German Immigrant and made it through the depression. The kids only got 1 new pair of shoes a year and 1 new dress or shirt and slacks for the boys and to top it off there were 17 kids. They could have accepted Temporary Assitance but never accepted a Dime as both Grandma and Grandpa Worked for everything they got taking on little jobs to help make ends meet. Then too many people are not Proud anymore!

Carry wrote:

Let's not paint me as the dirt bag who sits around getting knocked up looking for "hand outs" from Uncle Same...
Allen - their father is in court with me 3 or 4 times a year wasting tax payers' money and my time. Poor family planning is a joke. Divorce happens all of the time for all sorts of reasons! Stereotyping is dangerous.
Just Me - gov't doesn't owe me anything, nor does anyone else...but I pay in to these programs and why shouldn't my kids have benefited - or am I to believe that you think it's okay that these programs are paying the way for people who abuse the system by having child after child to increase their income while sitting on their asses at home eating McDonald's? They were created to be useful to people who are actually TRYING to get through the struggle by working. No damn excuses...just my opinion being put out here - same as yours.

I wish it were as cut and dry as you've noted. Seriously. He's found ways around wage garnishment and every other "dead beat dad" law they've come up with by working under the table. I don't really want to air out my dirty laundry all over the internet, but I think people are so naive when it comes to this subject. You see the word assistance and instantly picture some lazy jerk expecting your tax dollars to support them and all of their bad habits while their kids walk around in clothes too small, stained and tattered. I've been in your shoes! I have since learned what a terrible thing stereotyping is. The danger is that you don't know more about my situation than I've told you and so you and a lot of other people instantly spew words like you're talking to the person you've painted. What's sad is that people forget somehow that everyone is human and whether you like it or not, everyone is entitled to the same respect you'd expect to receive...even over the internet. So I married someone who ended up being a completely different person 7 years later...that automatically makes me the idiot who got herself knocked up, engaging in "poor family planning"? No. So I actually work...that automatically makes me poor at financial planning because I found it difficult to make ends meet? Absolutely not. So I looked to a program (WIC) that I paid in to via nearly half of my weekly paycheck in taxes to help me make those ends meet and God forbid, help me get a little ahead...that automatically makes me the slob in sweats buying chips and soda at the supermarket with that check? Not a chance! Did it make me absolutely sick to entertain the thought of applying let alone sit amongst the filth waiting for someone to call my name out loud and actually apply? You can bet your life on it! I can't ask for forgiveness for swallowing my pride and applying. That doesn't mean that I didn't have enough of it to begin with! But if you don't believe that someone in my shoes should get temporary assistance, then you're among the number of people who believe that the "system" is working, right?

WIC didn't exist when your grandparents were raising their children. Neither did $3.00 gallons of milk or $25.00 cans of formula or $250 a week for daycare. Trips to the doctor's office every other month cost more than the co-pay...they cost me $14.00 each hour that I sit and wait in the office rather than in my office working. I know the struggles our ancestors faced - they certainly didn't have the paychecks that we have today or the material things, like the computers that you and I are sitting at, that we as a society have become dependent on. But it wasn't MY generation who founded these programs, my friends...it was generations before me. And I could be mistaken, but I think these programs and a ton of other things were created or invented so that each generation gets a better life than the one before. I know that's what my goal is with my children - to ensure a better life than mine for them! So maybe instead of sitting at your computer ashamed at the lack of pride that people SEEM to show to you, maybe you should give a little bit of thought to how that happened? We've all been spoiled - I can't disagree with that!

I was born and raised in this town and the PC Hotel, Castle on the Hill, will remain in my heart forever. As a small child I remember beinf Miss 1957 on NY's Eve and was on stage... I remember Sidney the hairdresser, Dr.Rodriguez, and many others. I spent alot of time swimming in the pool there with my friends. I wish only that what I know now about life that I had spent more time there and got to know more of the people that made the place function. Characters they were, but this is what makes up life and all it's colors. Bravo for the renovation, don't let it die!

This is a waste of money! Remove it and use the money for something useful like creating jobs.