A Night at the Headquarters!

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A-haunting you will go when you accompany the watchman on his nightly inspection of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site November 6 and 7. Be careful, though, you may come across things that go bump in the night!

Tours are thirty minutes. The first reserved tour begins at 5:00 PM. A new tour starts every 20 minutes, with the last reserved tour starting at 7:30 PM. Reservations accepted up to November 5th. Summon up your courage and head to the Museum to join the night watchman and begin your adventure. Admission for this Special Event is $4.00 per person, children 6 and under are free. Click here for more details.

Artist Book Exhibit: Bound

"You Are Here" by Amanda Sparks

This Saturday, November 7, the Ann Street Gallery will be debuting a new group exhibition called - Bound: Artist Books. There will be an Artist Reception from 6-9 PM. The exhibit will run from November 7 through December 19.

Eleven contemporary artists work will be presented. They have used innovative approaches to the traditional craft of book making and bindery.

Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM, or by appointment. For more information regarding Bound: Artist Books and the Ann Street Gallery, contact Virginia Walsh, Gallery Director, at (845) 562-6940 x. 119 or vwalsh@safe-harbors.org.

Fall Harvest Market, Last Saturday!

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This Saturday, October 31st, is the last Saturday that the Ann Street Market will be open. After that you'll have to wait till 2010! And so far the weather looks nice!

Walkable Newburgh

(Walk Score)

Newburgh is walkable. So what does that mean and why is that a good thing? Well, a website called WalkScore.com helps people find walkable places to live by calculating the "walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score measures how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle—not how pretty the area is for walking."

So, I put in an address for 117 Liberty Street and came up with the map you see above. The score is 91 which is considered a "Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car." Like mentioned before, the website does not calculate how pretty or safe the area is for walking but, we can see that Newburgh could rank among some of the highest walkable areas in the country such as San Francisco, New York, and Boston. Obviously these areas have a higher population density which also contributes to their score. The point trying to be made here is that walkable neighborhoods and cities are very difficult to create, and they don't exist everywhere. But right in Newburgh there is the foundation for a city whose walkableness could actually become a reality AGAIN.

© Common Ground NYC

Many old timers have fond memories of walking around Newburgh, such as Deirdre Glenn, Executive Director of Habitat Newburgh. Commenting on how she became involved in working for Habitat she said, "Growing up I walked or rode my bike everywhere. We lived a full life and felt safe. And growing up, I knew that if I did something wrong on the cross-town route the chances were great that mother would know about it when I got home." Do you have any memories like hers? With a lot of elbow grease this could be possible again.

So what does Walk Score take into account when calculating walkability?

A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernible center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space. Check ✓
Density: The neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently. Check ✓
Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other. Check ✓
Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play. Check ✓
Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back. Check ✓
Nearby schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes. Check ✓

What are the benefits of being a walkable area according to Walk Score? Better health, reduction in greenhouse gas, more transportation options, increased social capital, and stronger local businesses. That is kind of a no brainer right? This is just another reason why Newburgh is a diamond in the rough waiting to be polished again. It has all ingredients to become a great city again. Hopefully the well established businesses in the area will continue to thrive and attract people to the East End. There are plenty more storefronts available for you entrepeneurs out there. And hopefully people will continue to look at the renovation possibilities. So what else is there left to say.....than take a wise walk around sometime and discover Newburgh by foot.

Real Estate: 233 Liberty

233 Liberty Street, $200,000
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When I started browsing the houses for sale in Newburgh, I came across this beauty. Wow! Getting a mansion for this price is pretty awesome. And as you can see from the photos below, a lot of the original detail is intact. There are even 2 basements. I wonder how that works? Anyway, they are trying to market this place as commercial space, but I really hope that someone makes it into a home. This place would be gorgeous. Too bad I don't have an extra $200k laying around.

Before and After: 14 E. Parmenter

(Newburgh Habitat)

That original house was insane, not to mention dangerous. Kudos to Habitat for taking on this project. I'm not sure when this house was completed but, wow what an eyesore that original house was! This house was built using environmentally friendly materials with the future in mind. There are loads more details and photos on this project if you click here.

Series: Meet a Newburgher- Brigidanne

©2002 DZZHA

Meet: Brigidanne F.

How many years have you been living in the city of Newburgh? Eight, but I grew up in Cornwall, which is just south of here and where my parents still live.

What made you decide to move here? I moved back to the area from Louisiana (New Orleans area) after taking a job/relocation. I was looking into renting and my parents said I should not throw money away on a rental when I could use that money to build equity in a house. Like my siblings, they helped with the down payment. Newburgh was the only place that fit my budget. So, it really came down to affordability. I didn’t mind commuting that far from work – well until gas prices rose. Now we have a company co-sponsored vanpool.

And if you have been living here all your life, what has made you decide to stay? Like I mentioned previously, I had grown up in the area and knew of Newburgh. Like many who live in the surrounding communities, the City of Newburgh was perceived as a not so safe place to be. I say City of Newburgh because there is also the Town of Newburgh and some folks use the word Newburgh to mean both the Town and City but, most use it solely for the City. After buying and living here you find that the perception is not like the true reality.

What are some things you would change about Newburgh (realistically)? Lately – the City government/administration. They just seem to be all confused and disorganized in their thinking and not working as a team for the citizens of this city-that it is not all about the Waterfront area; there are other parts of Newburgh that need some time in the spotlight. I’d like to see the ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude go away and the ‘what’s best for all’ mindset take hold. Frankly, if you spend a little time here you see that most of what you hear negatively about Newburgh isn’t that true. I’ve been able to introduce my parents to many things in Newburgh. My mom who would never consider coming into Newburgh, let alone the East End by herself does so now because she has seen that it is not as bad as she was led to believe.

What are some things you enjoy about living in Newburgh? The People. The neighborly-ness (is that a word?). People know people, and help out. I like that I live within walking distance of Downing Park (the model for Central Park), 2 blocks where I can take my dog for a walk, or see the orchestra on a summer evening. I can walk to Broadway 4 blocks – where there are local restaurants and shops. I live in a neighborhood on the West End called Colonial Terraces (more about that later).

What are some things you like about your community? Family friendly, and safe. Kids ride bikes around the block and play. Neighbors come out and chat together, even barbecue impromptu from time to time. It's got a small town vibe going. We have a nickname as the "Garden Spot" of Newburgh. There are a lot of owners who do have nice gardens and we have some green spaces in the neighborhood.

What are some positive things? I have the pleasure to serve on the ARC (Architectural Review Commission) among other city committees so, I see from month to month changes in blocks and areas – some are so small you might not even notice and others more substantial. For many years people said change would come to Newburgh and many gave up hope but others stuck it out and slowly the change is coming. It's just like a small seedling and we just need to watch over it and give it some water.

What do you think makes Newburgh a unique city? Not sure. I am constantly surprised at the ‘factoids’ about Newburgh that come up. I was at Top of the Rock, at Rockefeller Ctr. with some relatives and friends visiting from Ireland and, there on display was a puzzle game that had been manufactured at a place on Grand Street in Newburgh. WOW!!! (I took a photo of the box) It certainly has a history. Also, how small town it is. You can do the six degrees of Newburgh easily. Lots of people have lived here all their lives. At the large corporation where I work, I have met of several people who live in Newburgh that I never knew lived there and we are all involved in different things around the city.

©2002 DZZHA

What is a common misconception about Newburgh that you would like to set straight? That it is not a crime infested, slum with bad schools. The City has its problems just like all cities do especially these days. There are a lot of people who don’t live in the city, who talk bad about it, but their own town/village isn’t much better in some respects. We do have a lot of absentee landlords who frankly do not care that much about their property. They got it for $50-70 thousand, a dozen years back, and it makes them three times that much in income which they do not put back into the property to properly maintain it. Newburgh is good location wise in that it is situated at the intersection of I-87 and I-84, plus it is easily accessible to NYC by train and bus. Stewart Airport is good for domestic flights. It is close to outdoor recreational stuff – skiing, hiking, biking. You can go wine tasting, visit craft villages, festivals, flea markets or farmers markets. There is outlet shopping. We have a local orchestra, several local playhouses, and independent movie theater. There are always two or three good things going on either in the city or in the surrounding communities. Also, there are lots and lots of volunteer opportunities with non-profits, churches or even on city boards/commissions. So you’ll always be busy.

Do you have any details you would like to share about the history of your home or any home renovations details/stories? Colonial Terraces – a unique neighborhood built in 1918 as worker housing for the Newburgh Shipyards, which at that time were building ships for WWI. It was one of 22 similar government projects to build housing for the shipyards during the war. I've been doing some research on the background and I just find it fascinating that they were able to build these homes in six months starting in October 1917 in the winter at the same time as the last big flu pandemic. Many still have original features. Now, famous architects and planners start their careers working in the Government branch, which oversaw these projects. Colonial Terraces is locally designated so, we come under the ARC for exterior stuff just like the East End does. I have been working on my home for 8 years…still doing stuff, it never ends! Of course it is just myself, and I do what the budget allows. It always takes more time than you think. I guess that’s why the bathroom and kitchen still need work…

What advice would you give some one looking to move to the city of Newburgh and buy a home or rent? Frankly, if you can afford to buy do so. Don’t bother renting unless you have to. Be careful, and do your research on what you’re buying, even neighborhoods. Get inspections and surveys, even estimates for work that you’d like to have done. It may cost you a little more but you’ll be more aware of what you feel comfortable doing especially if your talking about a fixer upper. Be realistic. Even if it has been renovated to some extent get a home inspection. Speak to the Historic Preservation Officer if you’re buying in one of the districts. Ask the locals – post questions on one of the Newburgh blogs/boards like this one. There are tax credit and grant programs available to help with renovation costs. I understand that there are some good deals, even gems, around Newburgh if you look for them.

Thank you Brigidanne for participating! These interviews show that the city is alive and full of residents interested in it's restoration. I can only keep it going with your help. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating in a similar interview, please contact me at NewburghRestoration@gmail.com.

Trash Can Painting Contest for Youth

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In one of the many efforts to keep Newburgh beautiful, a trash can decorating session for youth has been planned similar to the one you see above in Coney Island.

Come decorate a trashcan so Newburgh can be clean, bright and colorful. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place cash prizes will be awarded in each age group (5-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17-20) Paint brushes will be supplied, so come in painting clothes, and think of a design that will encourage everyone to walk to a trash can and USE IT! Help keep Newburgh beautiful!

Saturday, October 17th, 11am-4pm
City of Newburgh Activities Center
401 Washington Street

Contact Chris Tripoli for more information 845-565-5559

Q&A at the Downing Film Center

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Saturday, October 17th, Peter Callahan the director of Against the Current, will be at the Downing Film Center for Q&A after the screening. This film was shot in the Hudson Valley in September and October of 2008. Here is a little preview of the movie:

Against the Current is the story of Paul Thompson, (Joseph Fiennes), a man who sets out to swim the entire length of the Hudson River — all 150 miles, from Troy, NY to Manhattan. Joining Paul is his best friend since childhood, Jeff (Justin Kirk) and Liz (Elizabeth Reaser), a teacher with nothing better to do during her summer break. Together, the trio embarks upon an unusual road trip, a three-week adventure down the Hudson.

Tickets are $8.00 and reservations are recommended! Click here for the official website.

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Surprise Discoveries

I'm a little late on this but about a month ago, HGTV aired an episode on their show, If Walls Could Talk, a home in the City of Newburgh. It aired September 11, 2009, but I am pretty sure you can catch reruns. This is the preview HGTV offers about the episode:

Self-proclaimed eccentric Arthur Kole gets a pleasant surprise when he moves in to his 8,000-square-foot home in Newburgh, N.Y. There are two safes that are begging to be opened, but when he starts finding caskets, his surprise turns into a "grave mystery."

I know what the surprise discovery is, do you know? Well, if you didn't get a chance to see the show there might be another chance for you to discover this home. If you are in the market for a new place, you might be able to get a tour for yourself. The home is now up for sale with River Realty. It has 9 bedrooms and 5 baths, and the interior is pretty impressive. Supposedly the river views are awesome! There is even an elevator! Here are some pictures, gallery link, and realtor contact information bellow:

XPROP Photo Gallery

Kerly Scialpi
kscialpi@river-realty.com
Cell # 845-597-4617
River Realty Services Inc.
117 Executive Drive
New Windsor, NY 12553
845-564-2800 Ext. 117

Newburgh Ferry, 1960's

(source)
Ferryboat Orange in Hudson River, Approaching Newburgh,
New York (1963) David Plowden

Just wanted to share a neat photo I found while digging for the Newburgh Ferry. The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge opened on November, 2 1963, the same year this photograph was taken. This lead to the death of the Newbrugh-Beacon ferry. The very next day ferry service stopped. A newer boat would latter resurrect ferry service in October 2005. I found out some information on this boat, The Orange, according to Wikipedia:

"The Dutchess and Beacon (ferries), both in very decrepit condition, were sold as scrap. The Orange, in slightly better shape, was purchased and refurbished by Myles Rosenthal with the intent of turning it into a floating restaurant. It also was to carry visitors from Manhattan to the 1964 New York World's Fair. After only a few charter trips the boat fell victim to vandals which led to it joining its sister vessels in oblivion later that year."

Change happens so quickly sometimes. To see a great amount of information on ferries that went from Newburgh and Beacon and beyond click on this link. There are some great photos! Some of the interiors of the ferries as well.

Kreisel's Furniture Building

Although this place has been modified with time, the original character is still there. This building can be found at 121-123 Broadway in Newburgh. From what I have been able to find, it seems someone unsuccessfully tried to make it into a lounge. But, recently (well June 2009 recently) the building was sold for $650,000 by Troy Ford Realty. I found his tweet. Many things could have changed between June and now, but I am just curious what is to become of the building? Hopefully whoever bought it has a good plan.