New Paltz Downtown Revitalization Initiative
Come for an afternoon, a day, a weekend, or a lifetime.
New Paltz is already known for being an amazing place to live, work, and play.
Throughout New Paltz’s rich history we have been ahead of the curve, as innovative pioneers culturally, educationally, politically, socially, and more recently, technologically. We want to be a cutting-edge model for 21st century New York State living; socially responsible, with a focus on equity, while responding to climate change through green-minded development. We have protected and enhanced open spaces. We seek a desirable quality of life for residents with access to affordable housing and a local job market offering wide-ranging livelihoods that align and benefit from our college town setting. Our goal is for New Paltz to maximize its potential while remaining a cherished, beloved, and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
For the DRI application New Paltz’s focus area is bound by the Rail Trail, North Chestnut Street, SUNY & Hasbrouck Park, and the Middle School & Youth Program.
We are tasked with integrating different needs and rhythms of stakeholders who live or visit because New Paltz:
1 is an animated college town with a walkable Main Street and locally-owned businesses
2 offers world-class outdoor recreation and trails that attract regional and international visitors
3 hosts one of New York State’s top public colleges
4 enjoys a vibrant and engaged local full-time community
But we need support as a host focused on maintaining quality of life for our cross-section of families, seniors, students, and young professionals.
Though our community is grateful for the public and private investments we have already benefited from, we are at an inflection point. We need to continue to balance supporting ALL community members while making New Paltz feel welcoming and simultaneously manage change and growth.
Working together, a dedicated group of Village employees, and community residents will pursue grant funding to implement improvement projects in the Village. Grant funds will be used to support projects that align with New Paltz’s culture and future plans (included below).
Our grant application is due September 23, 2022. Join the public information session on Wednesday, September 7, at 7pm. The meeting will be held jointly in the Villages of New Paltz and Ellenville. Details are here.
Goal 1: Culture & Community
CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Black History in New Paltz, the Mid-Hudson Region, and the United States
Restore Ann Oliver House at 5 Broadhead (to be owned and managed by 501(c)(3) nonprofit Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Black History Cultural Center)
Restore Ann Oliver House at 5 Broadhead (Black History + Black Veterans History)
Launch paid internship program in partnership with SUNY New Paltz
Develop Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Black History Cultural Center Organization
Goal 2: Harm Reduction & Human Services
HUMAN SERVICES & HARM REDUCTION Reimagine municipal offices at 25 Plattekill to include facilities for year-round indoor and outdoor youth programming, at the intersection of SUNY campus, Hasbrouck Park, and existing government buildings.
Indoor recreation
Make prudent and impactful investments to update the building's energy efficiency to reach NYS's decarbonization goals to address climate change.
Renovate garage or clerk/treasurer wing for teen programming - convert former fire station bays at 25 Plattekill Ave and use this 2,500 sf indoor space for youth activities.
Outdoor recreation
Update basketball and pickleball courts (America’s fastest growing sport) at Elting Ave next to Hasbrouck Park
Build skatepark in Hasbrouck Park
Potential Partners in Harm Reduction: Family of Woodstock/New Paltz, New Paltz Rotary, local churches, NP Youth Program, Director Jim Tinger
Goal 3: Childcare
Fill void in created when NP Childcare closed by opening new center at Community Hall
There is a critical lack of childcare in the Town and Village of New Paltz. New Paltz is not unique. Over 60% of New Yorkers live in “childcare deserts.” In a recent survey conducted by the Benjamin Center at SUNY New Paltz, 89% of Mid-Hudson residents said that safe, reliable, and affordable childcare was important for community well-being, but a majority (53%) said that their communities were doing only fair or poor in providing it.
Goal 4: Employment
Partner with Steve McMaster. He is a proven entrepreneur having launched and sold a software engineering business in the Village of New Paltz at 15 Plattekill Ave.
Suport new McMaster operation in part of the complex at 25 Plattekill
Add staff to increase number of software engineers earning market rate salaries
Partner with Family of Woodstock/ New Paltz, and NP Youth Program to provide internships
Partner with SUNY New Paltz School of Engineering for internship program and new full-time employment
Goal 5: Neighborhood Business Residential Zone
Support expansion of local business via public-private partnerships
Radi & Mohammed Serdah’s proposed mixed use residential and commercial building at 85 N. Chestnut will include 10% affordable units per Village law
Relocate Serdah’s auto mechanic business across N. Chestnut to former Stewart’s Shop that the Serdah’s purchased so it stays walkable in the Village and continues to employ staff. Plan includes hiring additional mechanics.
Complete connection from NYS Empire State Trail on HW DuBois via easement on Serdah’s property to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
