Meet a Newburgher

Mr. Keith Nieto has been residing in Newburgh for the past fourteen years. He is a home owner and also owns 188 Liberté, a commercial building with a storefront that Mr. Nieto uses to express his love for display work. He also designed the interiors of Newburgh’s first film commission office which will officially open April 5th. Pictured above is Keith, sporting a 18″ jeweled cigarette holder once belonging to iconic Joan Crawford, one of many items being displayed in an upcoming exhibit focusing on the golden age of Hollywood glamour.

You are originally from Brooklyn, tell me about your Newburgh journey and how you ended up here?

I found myself searching for a home in Newburgh in 1999. Coming from 8 years in Boston I wanted to be closer to my amazing parents here in the Valley and of course looking for an affordable home with some architectural character. After looking at many I fell in love with a 1912 foursquare facing beautiful Downing Park. It needed little work, a Gay mans input, and was filled with beautiful light. Home sweet home. Still a work in progress!

My goodness has it been almost fourteen years since I moved here?  In that time I kept myself busy making great friends many of whom were artists and preservationists (aka movers and shakers) They welcomed me with open arms. Never locked to a full time job I’ve worked with window display, the local Opera Company and curated my own specialty exhibits in a historic  storefront building my family owns on Liberty street. I’ve volunteered for Downing Park, my front yard, Newburghs ARC and work now with the homeless at Ecclessia Ministries.

You own a storefront on Liberty Street, how did that happen?

I was driving down Liberty Street north of Broadway up from the Karpeles Museum one evening when I slammed on my brakes after sighting a lovely brick storefront with the most amazing 9 foot display windows. That was 9 years ago. You see display work was my first love while studying film and working in some of New York’s finest retail establishments. Bloomingdales, Bonwits, Trump Tower blah, blah blah. But these working venues for me were like magic and theater at the same time. I learned much working with incredible people. This in a interesting way tied into my film studies at Hunter college.

I began dreaming of owning this charming storefront and within a year it was on the market! I dreamed of driving, walking or biking to a commercial building which I could put my name on. I could exhibit my work and the work of my very talented artist friends…and for several year we have!

3rd photo shows 1880 gold seal medallion for landmark designation

What are some of the interesting historical details of the building?

Its history as so many buildings in Newburgh is interesting. Built as a small private home and in the neighborhood known as Quality Row. It was erected around 1830 expanding itself into a storefront around 1888. In or about 1890 for 30 plus years it belonged to the cities undertaker Charles F. Shaw. Since then it has had many owners of many professions. Jewelers, Law and Gieslers grocery to name just a few. Interestingly  around the Civil War its ground floor entrance was buried when the city raised Liberty Street (the old  Kings Highway our first real street) several feet  to even the unruly road. I discovered in its basement an 1830’s newel post and staircase which would have been its ground level entrance before the Civil War. Now because of post Civil War renovations in my exhibit space I have floating doors and mantles!

What do you use the space for today?

Now since I’ve acquired this versatile space friends and I have hosted live theater,  jazz, poetry, art exhibits, classic film festivals, Newburgh’s Style Award luncheons, event rentals and MY personal favorite self curated Hollywood exhibits. During the winter months 188 Liberty Street goes into hibernation and reawakens in the Spring. I’m hoping Newburgh will come out for “Star Quotes” an exhibit in May 2013 that will focus on 12 iconic Hollywood legends. Their work, thoughts on life and items they personally owned. In the golden age of Hollywood  beautiful examples of deco jewelry, accessories and other personal belongings were created for  the likes of Garland, Harlow, Bette Davis and Chaplin. The exhibit will be both informative and interactive showcasing these collected items and examples of their work on the silver screen…Did you know the silver screen as we know it today was first created to display motion pictures right here in Newburgh? I love that about Newburgh!

What are some of the things you enjoy about the City of Newburgh and how do you envision it in the future?

I love so many things about Newburgh its difficult to list them all. Its not perfect. Its gritty and edgy. It reminds me sometimes of a very large dysfunctional but loving family. But, you can walk past 4 centuries of Architecture. People on the streets are friendly and engaging. I’ve lived in several large urban cities…none of them as diverse as Newburgh. I especially love walking the streets and saying hello to people. The dinner parties are fascinating and you never know what might come up in conversation or ideas. I love that the Mayor has invited me to assist in the creation of Newburgh’s first film commission. Imagine our city hosting “Hollywood on the Hudson”? Right here in our own backyard!

What advice would you give someone looking to move to the City of Newburgh?

Newburgh’s reputation has been battered for decades. But its possibilities are endless. In what I consider my short stay here I see and continue to see the most amazing people moving here to fulfill lifelong dreams. Both personal and business. There are folks here ready to give a helping hand to those less  fortunate and those here ready to invest in a dream. To those naysayers who say it will never happen…well what can you really say to those who refuse to dream and hope? My time is limited. I chose to spend time with the men and woman who dream of a better Newburgh and I’m oddly inspired by those who cant. If  you want to make a life lived well in Newburgh you need an open mind and generous heart. Keep a clean front yard. AND it would not hurt any of us to help keep our streets and sidewalks clean!

Timothy Dexter Jr. grew up across the river in the town of Beacon. He is a homeowner in the City of Newburgh and also works for the City of Newburgh Fire Department. He is currently rehabbing a home on Powell Avenue.

You grew up in Beacon. What was the general sentiment about Newburgh while growing up across the river?

When I was growing up in Beacon it wasn’t much different than Newburgh. Many dilapidated buildings, high poverty and crime. With that being the case it was still scary to go to Newburgh. When I first moved to Newburgh all I knew was the Waterfront, Broadway and Robinson and was still scared.Newburgh was considered a dangerous place and going to Newburgh was a death sentence waiting to happen.

You mentioned that your father was involved in the revitalization of Beacon. Tell me a little bit about how that happened.

My father was a firefighter in Beacon since before I was born. In the early 90’s he also became the building inspector. In 1994 he joined both jobs and started and aggressive fire protection and code enforcement plan. He facilitated developers to easily renovate and rebuild while complying with code and hammered those who did not follow code. This made a huge difference and really facilitated Beacon’s renaissance. I think building code enforcement is key to fixing up Newburgh as it did Beacon.

How did the move to Newburgh happen? Tell me about the current house you live in.

I was hired by the City of Beacon Fire Department which is a combination Paid/Volunteer Department. I was hired young and craved excitement. I was looking to transfer out to a busier fully paid department. I looked at New Rochelle, Mt. Vernon, Poughkeepsie, but found that Newburgh had the best fire department out there. I got and apartment at Chadwick Gardens and applied for a transfer. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

My current house is a 2 family house on the west end of Ann St. I bought it at the age of 23 in 2008. It was in a bit of rough shape. It had the copper stolen out of it, there were gang tags spray painted through out and the layout made absoluteness no sense. So about 4 months, $57,000, and a lot of friends and sweat equity I have my current home.

You are now rehabbing a home on Powell. How did you purchase it and what plans do you have for it and the adjacent homes?

My partner and I started C.L. Dexter Properties LLC in June of last year to purchase and renovate buildings in Newburgh. We wanted to make a difference as well as make money. We purchased our current 2 family 1886 row house on Powell Ave from the city at auction. The building was condemned for years and in terrible shape. Being directly across from the Mount (Mount Saint Mary’s College) we figured it would be a good place to start. We are going to completely renovate this building from top to bottom from roof to basement. Once completed my partner will take one apartment and we will rent the other. The majority of the rest of the row is also vacant and in sub standard condition. We would like to continue to renovate these buildings and either rent or sell them to owner occupants. If we rent them my partner will be there to make sure they are maintained and taken care of. No absentee landlords with us. It is a prime location and is ready to be brought back to life.  When I first bought my house my father thought I was crazy and said you couldn’t give him a house in Newburgh, Now with this new project, he has said “you are really on to something here”.

Now that you work and reside in the City of Newburgh, how has your perception of the City changed? Is it really such a scary place?

After living and working in Newburgh for 6 years I can tell you it is not a scary place at all. There is crime and there are problems in certain areas. But you will find that in any city any where. As we continue to clean up, renovate, and restore this once amazing city these problems will shrink. Unfortunately these particular troublesome neighborhoods give the entire city a bad image and its just not true.

Do you see any similarities between the revitalization of Beacon and Newburgh?

I believe that Newburgh has much more resources than Beacon and could be even better. Unfortunately Newburgh has progressed so much slower because of the negative connotation that Newburgh has and the fact that most people are scared. If there were more people who believe like I do then this place can really take off. I do think that it will take off soon. With programs like the Greater Newburgh Partnership, The Newburgh Land Bank, and what I believe a change in the code enforcement in the city, I think Newburgh is poised for a change for the better.

What advice would you give others looking to restore or purchase a home in the City of Newburgh?

I would tell them to go for it! This city had a lot to offer and I think now is the time. There is nothing like taken a broken structure and turning in to a home with your own blood sweat and tears. Newburgh has some of the most amazing architecture and if your are willing to put the work in it is a great value to get your hands on.

 Thank you Timothy for sharing your story!

Kevin Burke, a writer and attorney, is a Newburgh native who, with his parents, founded the Downing Film Center at 19 Front Street in 2006. He currently serves as the theater’s President. Mr. Burke is a member of the New York State Bar and volunteers on the boards of the Hudson River Valley Greenway, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Management Committee and Newburgh Preservation Association. He and his wife Anna Barranca-Burke, a development officer at Columbia University, split their time between Newburgh and her native Brooklyn.

How long has your family lived in Newburgh and what was it like growing up here?

My mother’s family has lived in Newburgh since beyond history’s count. Blanche Williams, my grandmother, descended from a long line of “Pochuckers,” including one who, during the Revolution, helped capture Major Andre, the British spy, near present-day Sleepy Hollow. It’s our family’s only claim to fame. Blanche grew up on Snake Hill alongside Crystal Lake; her father William Williams (nicknamed “Po”) was an iceman who signed his name with an “X.” My grandfather, Martin Kolassa, grew up on South Street, not far from St. Mary’s Church, and, except for two years in Europe during World War II, drove a truck delivering lady’s coats to New York City for a living. My mother, Sharon Kolassa, grew up at 212 Prospect Street and, after graduating from Newburgh Free Academy in 1964, returned to the area to teach in the public schools. She was the first in the family to receive a master’s degree. My father, Brian Burke, also a teacher, is a Pennsylvania native. He brought the family name to Newburgh when he married my mother in 1968. Here it remains.

While growing up in the “suburbs” of Newburgh (the Town of New Windsor), I have early memories of visiting my grandmother for overnights on Prospect Street, where I enjoyed listening to the cars rush by on Gidney at night, walking to the corner store on South for candy and taking in bagels and donuts from Favata’s on Broadway. Given the city’s steep decline in the late Sixties and Seventies, my family spent little time within its four corners except for those visits, attending Mass at St. Francis and occasionally shopping at Resnick’s off Liberty. Perhaps surprising to newcomers today, the Hudson River had little presence in my life back then; it was still a polluted mess and the waterfront and Downing Park had largely been ceded to gangs and drug-dealers. Nevertheless, I would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else in the world. Newburgh helped spark my love of history; I was only an hour from Times Square, the site of so many musical dreams; and for such a small city, Newburgh’s diversity—its global diversity: multilingual, gritty, real—impacted me in important ways. I was neither sheltered nor over-exposed and grew up with a deep appreciation (thanks to my parents and the public schools) of other people’s cultures, capacities and suffering. In my opinion, there is no better place to engage the human heart—its light and shadows—than Newburgh.

You left Newburgh to go away to school. Where did you go, what did you study and what made you decide to come back?

After graduating from NFA, I attended Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I received a B.A. in Afro-American Studies from the College in 1998; a J.D. from the Law School in 2003; and a master’s degree in History and a Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences in 2004 and 2006, respectively. After living in New York City for a year, I moved back to Newburgh in 2005 to be closer to my family, write, take part in the city’s revival and invest in its future. When I shared the news with my committee’s administrator in Cambridge, she instantly understood. “It’s the Irish in you, Kevin” she said. A native of God’s country herself, she added, “we are a clannish people, and these are your people.” I can’t think of any better explanation than that.

I hear that a fellow Newburgher helped you meet your wife. How did that happen?

Anna and I worked on the same communications team for the President of Columbia University in 2007 and 2008. We were instant friends. When I left to head up internal communications for Pepsi in 2008, I hoped to recruit Anna, but as a native Brooklynite, she was reluctant to take on the daily commute to Westchester. Over the next several months, she and I lost touch only in the ways busy people do. I was successful at recruiting another member of our communications team to Newburgh, however: Yaakov Sullivan, now the master of 21 Overlook Place (what he calls “The Brambles”). In June 2008, Yaakov hosted a house-warming party to celebrate his move, and there Anna and I reconnected not as “strangers across a crowded room” but as soulmates with a shared past and future at last we could embrace. The following week we went on our first date (Macy’s in Herald Square). We were married at St. Mary’s Church in Newburgh on October 21, 2012.

You and your family are quite involved in Newburgh’s revitalization. Tell me about some of your family’s endeavors.

In July 2006, my parents, both retired teachers, and I launched the Downing Film Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization, located in the cozy basement of the Yellow Bird Building at 19 Front Street on the Newburgh waterfront (www.downingfilmcenter.com). Our size: 1 projector (now digital, thanks to generous support from our patrons), 1 screen, 1 concession stand, 60 seats. Our mission: to show world-quality independent, foreign and documentary films. Since opening, the Downing has screened an average of 50 first-run films and sold approximately 17,000 tickets a year. We also take great pride in partnering with local filmmakers and community groups to bring thought-provoking films to the area, often with panel discussions and guest speakers. As a credit to my parents, who animate the Downing with passion and a common touch, the Downing was voted “Best Theater in the Hudson Valley” for 2010 and 2011 by Metromix and in 2011 and 2012 by the readers of the Times Herald Record. Currently, we are showing “Argo” and “Chasing Ice.”

In addition, my father serves on the Newburgh Waterfront Committee, and my mother works as a literacy volunteer at the Newburgh Free Library. They are remarkable people, warm, gifted and wise, and I couldn’t be prouder to be their son.

What are some of the changes you have seen happen in Newburgh over the years? Is the revitalization of the City getting more momentum than in the past?

Without question, the most dramatic change has been the River itself. As I said, as a child, because of its pollution and abandonment, it had little presence in the city’s life. Now, following years of cleanup and redevelopment, it is a focal point for cultural and culinary activity, a gateway for newcomers, a commuter hub and the threshold between urban life and the majesty of the Hudson Highlands. I wish more denizens of the city took advantage of its beauty and more visitors used it as a jumping-off point for exploring the city. Unfortunately, parking is severely limited in summer and the costs of many of the restaurants are prohibitive. The waterfront’s true value, however, is found in its stunning vistas; thanks to Scenic Hudson, Riverkeeper, Pete Seeger, Maurice Hinchey and many others, they are timeless. And they are free.

Most days, I jog and walk the streets of Newburgh and am ever curious about its changes, large and small. Since returning, the most impactful within the city proper have been (in no particular order) the establishment of Café Macchiato on Liberty Street (an important catalyst for re-igniting this vital corridor), the expansion of SUNY Orange on Grand Street (cementing the idea of a public square), the growth of St. Luke’s Hospital and Mt. Saint Mary’s College along DuBois and Powell, the conversion of the Old Broadway School into the city court building, the re-anchoring of the Ritz Theater and opening of Safe Harbors on Broadway, the tireless efforts of Habitat to rehab crumbling homes and fill in sorely vacant lots, and the coalescing of an artists’ movement reshaping many of our forlorn structures into modern studio space, warehouses and labs. There’s no doubt the financial crisis of 2008 slowed Newburgh’s momentum. While tensions within the city persist, I am most heartened by this small but increasingly critical mass of newcomers. Newburgh has always been an enchanted place, and they have the perspective and willingness to see it.

Why do you think Newburgh is a unique city and why is it worth revitalizing?

Newburgh has the best, most inspiring views of the Hudson anywhere along the River. Indeed, there is nothing like standing on the lawn at Washington’s Headquarters or along Colden Street and absorbing the Highlands as they roll toward West Point at the River’s bend. Newburgh also has the second largest historic district in the state, within reach of many more people who dream of living in something old at a tiny fraction of the cost of Greenwich Village and Brooklyn Heights. It is 60 miles from Manhattan, accessible to Grand Central by ferry and train. You will not encounter a more diverse city in four square miles anywhere along the East Coast, and Newburgh is a place where anyone can have an immediate impact on improving life, house by house, block by block, street by street. There is so much need here, so much potential, so many interesting people to befriend and collaborate with—Newburgh is worth revitalizing for the same reason every treasured urban space is: it is a laboratory for democracy, its density and diversity energize and inspire, its historic architecture unites generations, and there is no better place to develop a “sense of place” or study, confront and celebrate humanity in all its forms.

What are your dreams for the City?

Unlike many who grew up in Newburgh, I do not dream of “going back” to the way it was as America’s City. As a child of the Eighties and Nineties, that was never my city. My dream for Newburgh is that it becomes a creative hub along the Hudson, a place where squeezed-out artists, writers, craftsmen and entrepreneurs make their homes and lives—with our precious, preserved architecture leading the way. My dream for Newburgh is that generations trapped in poverty’s grip break it, that diversity is seen as a strength by all who live here, and that the city is a city again with shared public spaces, a true transportation infrastructure, renovated Victorians and brick rowhouses, thriving schools, a community that knows and appreciates all its history, and a government that works with and for the people, that pulls for them, toward a common destiny. There is no reason to settle for less. Whatever that future, I hope the Downing Film Center is a part of it, and that when people visit Newburgh, they are just as likely to visit a revitalized Dutch Reformed Church, Downing Park or Washington Headquarters’ Tower of Victory as they are the sparkling waterfront.

What advice would you give someone considering moving to the City of Newburgh? Especially for those looking to restore a home.

I would definitely encourage them to do it but with open eyes. Too many, I’m afraid, relocate to Newburgh wearing emerald glasses (the views! the buildings! the low prices! the potential!) only to break their frames out of frustration, impatience and, in extreme cases, bitterness and despair. In many ways, “the Newburgh project” is a perpetual one, and so newcomers should be prepared for a longer haul. The key is to embrace the journey, savoring the moments of splendor, falling in with an eccentric but ceaselessly interesting and surprising crowd, discovering hidden gems, celebrating small victories and living a life that is defiantly, if not maddeningly, authentic. As I said, Newburgh is an enchanted place, and one must learn to listen for chords of beauty amidst all the noise; when you do, you will be hard-pressed to find a place so close to the great metropolis with a more intriguing energy and potential for impact and meaning.

Photo credit: Jean Kallina

Last week I had the opportunity to chat with writer, actor and director, Robert Fontaine Jr about all of the rumors of his involvement in Newburgh. I was pleasantly surprised to find him very charming, personable and willing to share all of his future ideas and plans for Newburgh.

Fontaine and his wife found Newburgh like many others, visiting Beacon, and then crossing over the bridge to discover Newburgh. They were also diverted through the City when there was construction on 9W. He was looking for a location where he could shoot a movie that could look like Brooklyn but, without all the bureaucracy. They were also looking for a get-away destination and had been searching in other parts of the Hudson Valley.

Driving through the City, they soon fell in love with Newburgh and became friends with Newburghers. They looked at tons of properties, all in distress but, they wanted to get a property where he could start his next project. Eventually he settled on a two story carriage house that is only 1,100 square feet. He loves working on the house himself and has done repairs like fixing the ceilings and more. While doing repair work they found 130 year old wood that was used to make a barn front door. Fontaine loves his great yard, and said that maybe even some day he could turn the carriage house into a cafe.

Negative Newburgh publicity has not shunned Fontaine. On the contrary, he says that the neighborhood is not as bad as people think and fortunately they have had no problems. The neighbors have been great and he has even had some young people help him out with various projects.

Born in Brooklyn, Fontaine sees many similarities between Newburgh and Brooklyn. He remembers the bad Brooklyn neighborhoods and has seen how everything has been bought up and restored. He wants to share Brooklyn’s success secrets with Mayor Kennedy. One point he brought out was that NYC as a whole saw change because of tax rebates and cooperation made with businesses. From what neighbors tell him, it seems that Newburgh is seeing a turn around quicker in these recent years than ever before.

Since film is Fontaine’s specialty, he is focused on bringing his work to Newburgh. He would like to produce his next project in Newburgh, perhaps with the local sound stage and local talent. After that, he sees doing one or maybe two projects a year in the City and then putting money back into the community. The films would be in the $1 million and under range. Fontaine would love to see a film festival in Newburgh. He thinks that could be possible in the next 3-4 years. A film festival plus regular films being made in Newburgh would be a huge boost to the local economy. In the coming weeks he will be meeting with Mayor Kennedy about a Newburgh Film Commission that would market Newburgh to the film industry. He says the plans are in motion but that they are waiting for the money to be operational.

Everyone in Newburgh has their forte. People are bringing positive attention to Newburgh in various forms whether it be art, industry or a blog. The key, to Fontaine, is that everyone must work toward the same goal at the same pace. He thinks in another 5 years revitalization will start happening full swing. I’m probably not the only who hopes he’s right.