Police are investigating the break-in and vandalism of the former Community United Methodist Church in Slingerlands. Dr. Peter Forman said the burglary was discovered last Friday afternoon, Jan. 23, as he went to inspect the building for renovations with the property’s real estate agent. Forman is attempting to purchase the building and turn it his new medical office and apartments. The town’s Zoning Board of Appeals approved the project earlier in that week. “The damage was pretty extensive,” he said. “It wasn’t just someone who had gone in once. There was furniture damaged, with broken windows and doors hanging off hinges.” Forman said none of the stain-glass windows were broken, which he plans to keep intact when transitioning the building to a medical office. He said the damage looked to be the work of teens, with graffiti in the sanctuary and school and a fire set in the middle of the auditorium floor. He claimed there were also items scattered around that looked like there could have been a party. Rev. Stephen Butler, who spoke on behalf of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, said there is strict protocol that is followed when Methodist Church is vacated. First, anything of value and important documents, like marriage and birth records, are removed from the building and given to the Conference for safekeeping. Then, the building is secured, and the locks are changed. The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church technically owns the building and is facilitating its sale. Butler said there are 12 trustees who oversee the churches statewide, and he is one of them. “We’re not sure how someone gained access to the building, but it was not through negligence or inattention on our part,” said Butler. He explained the Upper New York Conference encompasses from Ravena to Binghamton and the Pennsylvania border, so there is a large area to oversee. They also work with a property manager, along with the real estate agent.
The police were called and are now investigating the incident. Lt. Tom Heffernan said the suspects are looking at burglary and criminal mischief charges. “It’s looks like teens were using it as a party and hang-out spot,” he said. “With this type of crime, our school resource officers are key because they talk with the kids and deal with the kids all day. It’s not unusual for students to bring information to a resource officer, and it usually leads to a successful outcome.” Heffernan said some information has already been developed through the school and is being followed-up on. Forman said it was very disheartening to see the damage, bit it wouldn’t deter him from purchasing the building. “It’s very beautiful, and I wanted it to stay in the community,” he said. “It’s also fits my needs, and I think I can repurpose it without changing the structure or looks from the outside, which is important.” Forman said he wanted to make the vandalism known so neighbors or those driving by could watch-out for strange activity. Once the project goes gets approval from the town’s Planning Board, Forman can officially purchase the building. He is then planning on about six months of construction before he can make the move from his Delaware Avenue office. “I just didn’t want the building to sit vacant and become dilapidated,” Forman said.