Two public commenters at the Aug. 14 Orange County Legislature meeting urged elected officials to help preserve the Yelverton Inn, a group of buildings on Main Street in Chester dating to the 1760s. Speakers said the structures have documented links to Revolutionary-era figures and events and asked county leaders to support protection instead of allowing demolition or redevelopment.

Gina Cusano, speaking for the Chester Historical Society and Friends of Yelverton, described the site’s documented history and urged preservation for tourism and education. “This type of architecture is going away in Orange County, and I’d hate to see this continue,” Cusano said, describing the house and storefront as potential museum and cultural venues.

Ginny Privatore provided historic details she said are documented in local archives, including meal receipts and references to visits by George Washington and the role of Henry Wisner (Whisner) in the Continental Congress. Privatore urged officials to “be the generation that mended instead of erased” and called demolition “forever.”

Discussion vs. decision: Speakers requested county and public attention; no formal legislative action or funding request was recorded during the session. The matter was raised during the public comments/nonagenda portion of the meeting.

What preservation advocates want: Protection of the buildings, consideration of museum or educational uses, and county assistance to ensure the property is not redeveloped into incompatible uses such as gas stations or generic condominiums.

Next steps: Speakers asked the legislature and county staff to review options for preservation and encourage local stakeholders to explore protective measures.