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Developments
02/21/13 8:30am

Developers Continue Push For Supermarket at Mid Broadway Lot

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evelvation - rough concept

Last Wednesday the Architectural Review Commission was presented information regarding the Mid-Broadway lot. Not much has changed since the project was last presented to the city council. This time however, the developer, Mill Street Partners mentioned a verbal commitment from the State to help with funding. A few ARC members do not not consider a verbal commitment very secure and would like to see it in writing. Another issue everyone is pondering is exactly what kind of supermarket would be moving into that spot.  The developer mentioned that  they are looking at supermarkets such as Key Food and Associated but as of yet, do not have backing or a commitment from any supermarket.

During the meeting Newburgh was again compared to a “food desert” although the community does have bodegas and smaller grocers. Many wonder what effect a giant supermarket might have on these mom and pop shops? The designs are still in very early stages but a huge common concern is parking. Newburgh already has seen countless buildings razed in the name of parking lots. Many do not want another huge parking lot dotting the Newburgh landscape. Others feel that supermarkets are for the suburbs and what the City of Newburgh really needs is smaller quality markets. A failed attempt for a supermarket in the City in the 90’s might prove that. Some feel that Newburgh is a city, and just like any other urban area, a market should take into consideration public transportation, walkers and bikers – not just cars. The question still remains: how can Newburgh develop in the future with out repeating the past?

As you can see in the plans below, these early renderings show parking spaces catering to the residential units. Also, these plans show that the last remaining original building on the lot will be torn down.

overview

The next step is securing funding. This project would be competing for funds with Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s plan for a family mixed-use building that would feature a children’s museum as well as Coppola Associates plan for a residential building at Broadway and Liberty.

What do you think? Is it fair to dedicate this much land towards another parking lot? What kind of supermarket or smaller market would you like to see come to the City of Newburgh?

 

Developments
02/12/13 12:00pm

Mid Broadway Lot Up for Discussion at ARC Meeting Moved to this Wednesday

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Mid Broadway Lot

The Mid-Broadway lot continues to be on all Newburgh minds. The development of the lot would have a huge effect on that section of Broadway, as well is the NoBro and SoBro neighborhoods. Things have been cool for a while however, the Mid-Broadway lot is on the agenda for the Architecture Review Commission (ARC) and there is no information in the commission packets as to what will be discussed. Also, few people know that the meeting has been moved to tomorrow, Wednesday. If you are interested in finding out what is to become of this property, make sure you are in attendance of the meeting.

Where: Activity Center; 401 Washington St. Map
Time: 7:30 pm

-Picture via City of Newburgh

Developments
11/15/12 8:30am

Newburgh Tries to Woo Film Industry

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This week members of the Newburgh and film communities united at the Motorcycle Museum with the goal of devising a plan to attract the film industry to the City of Newburgh and Orange County. Hudson Valley film productions have declined, with 539 productions in 2010, dropping down to 412 productions in 2011. The goal is to find out how can that be reversed and increased.

The economic impact of having on-location productions is huge for the area. According to the Association of Film Commissioners International, a high end feature film can have an economic impact of about $100,000 per day, while a low budget film can have a $35,000 impact per day. Newburgh alongside the Orange County Arts Council would ideally like to open a film office, which main purpose would be to create a website, catalog locations, process permits, promote the area and negotiate agreements with unions and other parties involved.

This is an opportune time for Newburgh and Orange County to attract the film industry. Since 1966, the NYC film office has always issued permits for free. Now there is a $300 permit fee as well as $3,200 fee for the use of NYC municipal buildings. One film maker at the meeting said as much that there is a minimum fee of $3,800 per day. Regardless of the exact amount, these new fees have film makers searching elsewhere for more economic options. As John Johnston said in the New York Times, “This one fee is not going to destroy the film business in New York. But it’s an irritant, and it does hurt the independents…This is a highly mobile industry, and history has shown that when it’s more advantageous to move to adjacent states, that’s what happens.”

Still in New York, Newburgh is in a favorable location with easy access to an airport, ferry, train, and highways. There is less traffic transporting sets to Newburgh versus many towns in Long Island or Brooklyn. Being located only 60 miles north of the city also makes it a commutable location for many actors based out of Manhattan. And Newburgh’s diverse architecture makes it an ideal location for different  period pieces and various urban settings. Another bonus feature is that Newburgh has its own sound stage company, Umbra.

The New York State Film Commission has already approved the permit that has been drawn up for Orange County. There are a few other details to be worked out and approved. What needs to happen now is to spread the word that Newburgh and Orange County want to work with the film industry. Hopefully a few features films can be attracted to the area that would thus facilitate a self sustainable film office without the use of grants.

What do you think? Would you like to see the film industry come to Newburgh?

Developments
05/22/12 9:30am

Odyssey Diner Construction Watch

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Odyssey Diner Newburgh

Looks like there is a bit of construction going on at the Odyssey Diner. Anybody know any details? A floating idea is that the diner is planned to be an affordable restaurant to provide a healthy alternative to the general public in the city. What do you think?

Community
05/15/12 9:30am

How The Architectural Review Commission Approves Newburghs New Murals

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There have been few comments made about application of murals on historic buildings in Newburgh. The ARC does not approve the subject matter of the mural, only that the appropriate materials are used in the application and or placement of the mural on a historic property. They have to make sure that the paint won’t have an adverse affect on the brick causing it to fluoresce and deteriorate leading to problems. The ARC also needs to be sure that the process is reversible so that it may be removed in the future without causing issues. You may want a mural on the building but the next owner may not. So in the case with the new murals being painted, they should be removable.

As in the case with the mural on the side of the Ritz Theater, the placement of the mural is on a new wall. The original historic mural to the right is protected by historic district guidelines. That can not be touched, as it has not been in this case. If citizens wish to discuss the subject matter of the murals, then the Arts Commission would have to be re-formed.

So for now, enjoy the new murals that will be popping up around the city. You can see more photos of the mural above by going to Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s Facebook Fan Page.

-Picture from SHOH Facebook Fan Page

Developments
05/07/12 10:15am

Mount Saint Mary Looks to Expand, Public Opinions Needed!

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MSMC is looking to expand, and the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) would like to hear the public’s opinion. The meeting will take place at 7:30 at 401 Washington Street, Activity Center. Here’s a summary of the plans that will be up for approval:

Last July MSMC purchased a 13.1 acre property from the Dominican Sisters of Hope that is located on Powell Avenue in Newburgh. Initial intention for the property was to use the land as green space and a location for outdoor venues. Now plans for a baseball and softball fields with scoreboard, lights and parking all along Powell have been revealed. This will have a huge impact for property owners surrounding the area. Factors to consider are noise, light pollution, parking and traffic. It is extremely important for neighbors to voice their opinions so that the ARC can make the best decision in the public’s interest by hearing all sides.

See below for blown up sections of the plans.

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