Newburgh makes the list twice for Hudson Valley’s Magazine People to Watch for 2012 List. Decora Sandiford, member of the RedNex Poetry Squad and urban farm founder was interviewed regarding his accomplishments in Newburgh and beyond. Also interviewed was James Gagliano, FBI agent who has lead some significant raids of Newburgh Streets. He lead 78 arrests in 2010 and, 50 more in 2011.
Let’s hope that in 2012 Newburgh can be featured in more positive articles.
September 19th @ 3pm
The Captain David Crawford House
189 Montgomery St. Newburgh
Come out and see Newburgh’s very own authoress, Genie Abrams, who writes about what it was like to grow up in Newburgh in the late 1950’s-60’s.
Genie Abrams, who resides in Washington Heights, grew up on Farrington Street when her father, Albert Abrams, served as Newburgh City Manager. With published poetry, short stories and essays to her credit, Ms. Abrams’ first novel debuted in 2009 and she has a second one in progress. That first novel, Louey Levy’s Greatest Catch, will be featured in a program hosted by the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands.
In Ms. Abrams’ novel, young Louisa “Louey” Levy is tested by life among Newburgh’s strong people and hard realities as the decade turns from 1959 to 1960. Abrams will read passages from her book and have copies available for sale and autograph.
City Historian Mary McTamaney also grew up in Newburgh and has seen the city go through joyful and sorrowful times. She will introduce Genie Abrams, giving a background on the times of their youth and showing pictures of their old neighborhoods, including the Liberty Street playground where Miss Louey Levy and her siblings and friends once played. Copies are for sale at the Palatine Shop.
Members: free
Non-members: $5 donation
Please call 845-561-2585 for details
I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark A. Gamma, the owner of the Newburgh Actors Studio at 784 Broadway. Here we take a look at somebody who is putting a lot of his own personal effort in trying to make the Newburgh art scene shine from its former glory. Local efforts like these need to be supported and recognized to make a difference. If you have not visited, make it a goal to attend one of their upcoming shows. Now to the interview:
You grew up in Newburgh. What was the entertainment scene like growing up?
When I was a kid Newburgh was teaming with people. There were several live entertainment venues in Newburgh. The Ritz, Broadway and Cameo theaters. I performed at the Ritz and Broadway theaters. I was a legit singer. 1959-1964. My mother was a dancer in the chorus line. The shows were great. There were always sold out crowds. Think of it, lower Broadway at 11:00pm and packed with people. It was safe. I used to sing at a place called “The Newburgh Tea Room” also on lower Broadway. All the big acts of the day would come to Newburgh before going to NYC. They would do “Dry Runs” here in Newburgh. Kind of like a warm up. Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Lucielle Ball etc. Then “Urban Renewal” reared it’s ugly head. People started moving out of the city to the suburbs. That was the beginning of the end.
How did the Newburgh’s Actor Studio get started?
I had been looking for a place to open a small intimate theater for several years. I began buying buildings in 1997. I bought three properties next to each other over a ten year period. I built my theater from a shell of an old factory, and built two apartments on the second floor to help with the expenses for the theater. We have NO benefactors here in Newburgh. We had to be self sufficient. I opened the Actors Studio on Valentines Day 2008. We have produced 15 shows since opening. When people come to my Studio the reaction is always the same, “This is beautiful.” We provide great quality entertainment at a fraction of the cost of going to the city.
Are there any achievements that you are particularly proud of?
I built the Studio because I have been performing my entire life all over the country. I thought why not give the city I was born in the benefit of my talent and knowledge? I tried to get the philanthropists of Newburgh to recognize our efforts to no avail. So, I will do it myself at my expense. I wrote an original play “Newburgh the Sixth Borough.” It ran for 9 weeks in 2009. We made a short film of the play. We are now seeking funding to re-shoot parts of the film to make it a feature. With or without funding we are scheduled to begin filming in July 2010. We produced a short film called “AMERICA,america” (see attached) that just had it’s world premiere at “The Hoboken International Film Festival” on June 6th 2010.
What are you doing in the community now or what ideas do you have?
I want the studio to become a staple in the community. A place were kids can go to experience real theater, to tap that desire inside of them. “ARTS NOT GANGS” We have a great show slated for June 18th & 19th. “KIDS ON BROADWAY” showcasing 11 kids ages 11-15. It’s at 8:00pm both nights. We offer acting work shops for all that have the desire to further their craft. The Newburgh Actors Studio is here and operating. I don’t talk about it, I DO it. If we could get some of the big money people to pull there heads out of the clouds and recognize that need for the arts here in Newburgh, maybe we would have a chance to bring her back to her former glory.
Thank you Mark for taking the time out to share the work you are doing at your theater! Art has been a common thread in the revitalization of many cities. Efforts like the Newburgh Actors Studio needs to be supported to make a change. Don’t just say Newburgh needs more artists, support the ones that are here already!
A few weeks ago, we did a posting dedicated to the people crushing on Newburgh from afar. That means people who are interested in Newburgh, google the heck out of Newburgh but, they still haven’t made a decision on seriously considering moving here. In an effort to help all of you have someone to relate to, we present to you, soon to be married Sherry and Eddie who after crushing on Newburgh for quite some time, have finally bought their dream home!
One of the things that is really great about their blog is that they have chronicled the ups and downs of trying to buy a home in Newburgh. They have great information on the loan process and the different grants and programs available for first time home buyers in Newburgh. The information they give is truly insightful.
PS- I am seriously jealous of their home! It’s gorgeous!
Meet: Sherry and Eddie of the blog My Second Favorite Organ
Can you tell me about you and your fiance’s career or educational background?
I graduated from Boston University with a BA in International Relations then, I got my Master’s from the New School in International Affairs. That’s where I met my fiancé, who also got his Master’s from the same program. I work in fund raising at NYU and am getting another Master’s degree at NYU – in Social Work. Eddie worked as a program manager for CabWatch, a now-defunct program at Citizen’s Committee for New York City. Then he worked as a Research Analyst at a finance/investment company. Now, he is working with his brother in construction and could not be happier.
Their kitty named Tracer that will be making the Newburgh move too!Where are you guys moving from? From Ditmas Park in Brooklyn. It’s a great neighborhood and the location of our favorite restaurant – Purple Yam!
What made you start to consider Newburgh out of all places?
Our weekends away from NYC had mostly been to towns upstate along the Hudson – Tarrytown, Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, Redhook, etc., and we loved it! Then my dear friend, Margaret, moved to Ossining, and we thought, “Wait, WE could move upstate.” We had been looking to buy something in Brooklyn, but nothing was in our price range. Margaret suggested other towns she and her husband had looked at: Fishkill, Newburgh and Peekskill. She also recommended this design blog, Door Sixteen, whose author lives in Newburgh. I fell in love with her house! Then I realtor-dot-commed the heck out of Newburgh.
How long had you been watching Newburgh? Since March of 2008.
How did you research the area and who did you speak to to find out about the city?
We drove up and looked around the city. The first thing we noticed was the mix of good and run-down neighborhoods, which changes from street to street or even mid-street. We went to an open house with river views and spoke to the realtor. She was very nice, but it wasn’t until we met Chris Hanson, another realtor, that we got really excited. He was showing a place on Henry Street, and he took a good hour first explaining all the developments happening in Newburgh. Knowing that things were changing and that we could be a part of the change really excited us.
What sealed the deal that you were going to buy a house in Newburgh?
Finding the house that we finally bought. It’s a three-story Victorian with small backyard.
How long did you take to find a house?
In the end, it took us from March 2008 until December 2009 to actually buy a house. 21 months!
What were some of the dilemmas you faced in the buying process? We saw at least three places we wanted to buy! The only problem is that the best real estate deals are not straight-forward purchases. There was an awesome mixed-use building on Liberty Street, but because of its zoning, we couldn’t get a regular mortgage. Chris (our amazing realtor) suggested the 203k loan because you can buy a mixed-use property with it, AND it allows you to borrow money for renovations (but you can’t renovate the commercial part of the building with that money), AND it doesn’t require a full 25% down payment needed for commercial real estate loans. Unfortunately, the deal fell through because of various reasons, including our own inexperience. Then we saw an amazing house that was a foreclosure. It was in great condition but the price was a little high. I kept watching the property, and the price was reduced a few times, so we finally put in an offer when it seemed within our budget. A major setback, though, was that the house had been vandalized since we first saw it and needed a lot more work. Again, we couldn’t take out a straight loan because we didn’t have enough for a traditional down payment AND we needed money for renovations. And again, the deal fell through. This time it was because the 203K loan takes a long time to secure, and the bank that owned the house didn’t want to wait that long. We kept working on the loan, thinking we could secure the loan and then approach the bank again to buy the property. We would have succeeded, too, but right when we got the loan, Eddie lost his job and we didn’t want to have a mortgage on a one-person income. Then in October 2009, I saw that the same house had been auctioned online at a much, much, much lower price. The auction had closed and the property had been sold, technically, but because I knew how difficult it is to close on time when dealing with a bank, I obsessively trawled the internet to see if the deal fell through. And it did! The bank’s website listed the property in mid or late October and we made an offer. This time we decided to buy it outright with cash and figure out how to find money for renovations later.
What are your thoughts about moving to a city like Newburgh that has urban blight and is still in the restoration process? Or, why has Newburgh’s turbulent history not stopped you from buying a house there?
Eddie still has his reservations, especially with the recent news stories that have brought Newburgh to national attention. I know it will take time to reverse the urban blight, but you have to buy into change to make it happen, and we’re buying in! We also just kept meeting people who were enthusiastic about Newburgh. Chris, our realtor; Anna and Evan from Door Sixteen; the owners of Newburgh Art Supply; the owners of The Wherehouse; and, of course, you (Newburgh Restoration)! Newburgh offers an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, diverse community with really noble goals that I haven’t found anywhere else.
What progress or positive things have you seen first hand?
SUNY Orange County’s groundbreaking was a big sign for us that despite the recession, projects were still moving ahead. I know that Leyland’s Waterfront project has suffered some setbacks, but it’s still going to move forward on a smaller scale.
What would you say to people who are skeptical about buying a house in Newburgh?
It’s good to be skeptical. There are going to be a lot of obstacles, the commute to Manhattan is going to be tough, and Newburgh politics are messy, but it’s a chance to revive a city and to own an amazing home.
Tell me a little bit about your house like: The restoration the house will need?
For starters…the house needs windows (55, to be exact), plumbing (all the copper was stolen), heating, and electric work. The roof needs major repair work, and we need to replace the gutter system.
When can you move in? Hopefully October of this year (2010).
Was it love at first sight? Yes! The tall ceilings, the five fireplaces, the beautiful brickwork, the cast-iron tub…it was my dream house!
Thank you so much Sherry for taking the time out for this interview! If you know anyone else who recently has bought a home in Newburgh and would like to share their experience please email me at NewburghRestoration{at}gmail{dot}com.
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.
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.
(c) Jonathan Valle Photography, 2009Meet: Nancy B.
How many years have you been living in the city of Newburgh?
I grew up in Newburgh and was here until 1967, came back after school for 3 years, lived in upstate NY for 10 years, on Hilton Head Island for 17, and back for 8. So altogether, I’ve lived in and seen various “states” of Newburgh for 28 years.
What made you decide to move back here?
What made us (my husband passed away in 2006), decide to move back here was the incredible beauty of the area and the wealth of architecture in Newburgh. He was an artist and our business on HH was design/build/finish new homes to resemble the gems in Newburgh, so we thought we’d do the real thing. Also, we wanted our two girls to have a different view of life for their teen and college years than they would have on Hilton Head.
What are some things you would change about Newburgh (realistically)?
The realistic changes I’d like to see come down to quality of life issues; clean streets, enforced codes, reduction in crime rates and city government which has a “world vision” for Newburgh and works together toward the betterment of all of its citizens.
What are some things you enjoy about living in Newburgh? Your community? What are some positive things?
I like the fact that Newburgh is small enough that you can walk to the waterfront or Broadway, Liberty St. and the post office and beyond! I always support local merchants whenever possible and would like to see more staking their claim. The area where I live has so many interesting people who have been welcoming from the beginning. We have a good community of friends who share common goals and concerns.
What do you think makes Newburgh a unique city?
Newburgh is unique in that it is immersed in history, has some fantastic architecture by noted architects, an active visual and performing arts community, and the over whelming (to me) ever-changing beauty of the river and mountains. The best part is that it is central to so many things to see and do within an hour’s drive.
What is a common misconception about Newburgh that you would like to set straight?
I think I would like to speak to the misconception that only “losers” live in Newburgh. In addition to a healthy arts community, there are doctors, educators, authors, professors, bankers, lawyers, architects, publishers, nurse practitioners, government workers, engineers, consultants, graphic artists, etc. – and all of these are represented within just my two block area.
Do you have any details you would like to share about the history of your home or any home renovations details/stories?
My house was built in 1820 for Goldsmith Denniston, a lawyer who signed many old records in Newburgh. He was here only 3 years when he moved to Albany to be part of the legislature. It was sold to Robt. Forsyth of Newburgh Steam Mills, then to Wm. K. Mailler, a partner to David Crawford in the shipping business. Wm. O., his son joined his father in the business and eventually it became Wm. K. Mailler & Son. During the son’s tenure in the house, it underwent remodeling in the Victorian style with marble mantle pieces replacing wood, and a Downing-esque bay window was added. Growing up here, we had been visited by Wm. O.’s grandson, then in his 70’s, who told us what purposes the rooms were used for and where the trap door for the Underground Railroad was. It was our goal to restore the house by moving the kitchen to its original first floor space and upgrading and adding to electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, including central air, while maintaining the integrity of the original house.
(c) Jonathan Valle Photography, 2009What advice would you give some one looking to move to the city of Newburgh and buy a home or rent?
As an innkeeper, I’ve had a number of guests come to Newburgh to look around at the possibility of relocating here. To date, five new families have moved here as a result of their stay here and having questions answered, and contacts made. I’ve always maintained the city is not perfect, but it is beautiful and has some really special people. I’d suggest to anyone they look around, ask a lot of questions and become part of an evolving community.
For more information on Nancy, and her affiliations in Newburgh see the following sites – www.Dennistonbb.com, www.preservenewburgh.org, and www.newburghDRC.org
Thank you Nancy 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.
Also, thank you Jonathan Valle of Valle Photography! He is available to take portraits for you who are interested in interviewing in the future. If you are interested in having work done by him, contact him at jon@vallephotography.com 845-926-5031.
