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Before and After
08/03/09 8:00am

Newburgh Train Station: Fixing the roof

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© Newburgh Restoration, 2009 

Look below and you will realize that compared to what it used to look like, the Newburgh (West Shore) Train Station is a dream. The entire structure was in danger of being completely destroyed. But, now the station’s roof is being restored and the structure being made secure. All of this thanks to Newburgh Preservation Association (NPA) who have been instrumental in changing the owners of the building after long negotiations. Click on the link above to read more information on NPA’s website. 

Although it remains unclear what the outcome of the building will be, it is wonderful to see that the right actions have been taken to move this project in a positive direction.

If you are really curious to see how badly neglected the building was, check out Hudson Valley Ruins that has great pictures of the interior and exterior of the train station.

© T.E. Rinaldi, 2006

© Robert J. Savino, 2002

// For more positive Newburgh news check out this link.
Good News
07/28/09 8:00am

$400,000 Approved to Restore the Ritz Theater

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Yesterday, the Ritz Theater made a wonderful announcement. They have been awarded $400,000 to assist in the restoration of the theater. This secured approval by the House was announced by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY). According to Hinchey: 

“The renovation of this historic theater, including the restoration of the original full-scale Broadway stage, will be the capstone on the visionary and ambitious redevelopment of the former Hotel Newburgh property by Safe Harbors of the Hudson. Once returned to its former grandeur, this theater will become an important regional venue for the performing arts and serve as a home for local arts organizations.”

The Ritz Theater is where Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz performed their first live show “I Love Lucy” on December 17, 1941. When completed, the Theater will have 825 seats, theater storage, and dressing rooms in the basement. According to Safe Harbors of the Hudson, the theater is sealed off from the rest of the of the building and is well preserved. I hope “well preserved” means that there is original wood work and details from when the theater was originally open. But then again maybe not, as I check out the current condition of the building on SHOH’s flickr photos of the theater. SHOH has a picture of some of the original seating in the theater.

(source)Found via Cinema Treasures
(source)Found via Cinema Treasures
(source)

There is no word yet on when renovations will begin, as this news was just announced yesterday. But, I would imagine developments to begin 2010-2011 as these funds were included in the 2010 HUD bill. Hopefully this restoration will make Newburgh a cultural destination as it was in it’s heyday and bring people into the city. Imagine the impact 825 sold out seats will have on the city. People will need places to dine before or after the show, a place to grab a cup of coffee, or maybe just a place to discuss their reviews. Only time will tell what is in store. For more positive Newburgh news check out this link.
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Before and After
07/20/09 8:00am

Liberty School-Fixing up the façade

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A while ago I blogged about what was happening with the Liberty Street School. Well, since then some bricks have been going up . The above image might not look like much of an improvement, but look below and you’ll see that it’s a huge step forward. Switch your eye between the two pictures and you’ll see not only has the brickwork been restored, but also the huge slabs of stone that run above and below the windows (even though some is still missing). Hopefully the developers can speedy it up with the rest of the work. Nearby store owner, Nancy, said that within a few days they were able to fix the bricks very quickly and professionally. We can only imagine the improvement if they continue their work. There’s a little hope left that something good will come out of this building yet-regardless of it’s intended purpose. There is also work being done on the train station as well…..blog entry to follow. For more positive Newburgh news check out this link.

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Good News
02/03/09 9:30am

Newburgh Ferry Ridership Up

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(taken from the city of Newburgh)

According to Mid Hudson News ferry ridership between Newburgh and Beacon for the MTA Metro North Railroad has increased 29% in 2008. “Metro-North President Howard Permut told MidHudsonNews.com the large jump on the Newburgh-Beacon service is a reflection of its ease and convenience over the conventional method of driving over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.”

 

This is very good news being that the revitalization of a city has A LOT to do with it’s access to public transportation. Ease to and from work in Manhattan is definitely something that has always been desirable. And, the ferry only cost $10 monthly for commuters! Whether this 29% increase are long residing residents of Newburgh who no longer want to drive across the bridge or newbies moving in to the area, this is good news.

One day off in the very distant future, you may not need a car to live in Newburgh-IF enough businesses open to fulfill your necessities-food, entertainment, worship, work, childcare, school/college, laundry, gym….the list goes on. But like I said-one day off in the far distant future….. For more positive Newburgh news check out this link.

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