Waterfront Project Draws a Crowd

By Arielle Altman
A_Altman@hvpress.net

(City of Newburgh) - In a social atmosphere that Mayor Nick Valentine compared to a crowded cocktail party, people bumped elbows in the lobby of the Newburgh Free Library where an open house about the waterfront project turned into a full house.

“I’m really pleased with the turnout,” said Valentine about the open house held Wednesday night by the Newburgh Waterfront Development Team, award winning LeylandAlliance LLC. “The enthusiasm certainly is here.”

Instead of introducing LeylandAlliance to Newburgh residents through a formal meeting, the public was encouraged to attend the informal “meet and greet.” Representatives of LeylandAlliance as well as City of Newburgh officials met with the Newburgh attendees and chatted about the future project.

Although LeylandAlliance President Steve Maun said the plan will include a mix of commercial, public, and private property, few further details were given. Specifics on the development of the 30-acre site along the Hudson River will instead be discussed January 20th during the Charrette Preview Presentation.

A charrette, Maun explained, is a ten day planning process where citizens and a team of designers can share their ideas for development. In turn, the designers can incorporate the different ideas and collaborate on a final plan. This encourages participation from anyone interested in the revamping of the area, and allows immediate feedback to the designers.

Referring to Newburgh as a “diamond in the rough,” Maun acknowledged challenges in the city but said that their goals can be reached nonetheless.

“We’re going to reconnect and re-stimulate the City of Newburgh back to its waterfront,” he said. “It’s a big idea, but it’s one that is absolutely possible.”

City Manager Jean-Anne McGrane said the new development will trigger positive changes in the urban community, and called working with LeylandAlliance a “chance of a lifetime.”

“I believe we have a development team to match the hopes and dreams here in Newburgh,” said McGrane.

She spoke optimistically about the development process, yet reminded the Newburgh community of the contributing role they must play.

“This is possible because you are all here,” McGrane said. “But if this is going to be a success, you’re going to have to bring out your neighbors.”

The Charrette Preview Presentation on Saturday, January 20th, will be held from 10AM to 12PM at the Board of Education Auditorium.

For more information about the charrette that will be held from January 31st until February 6th, visit www.newburghwaterfront.com.

Pictured Above From Top to Bottom: City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane spoke freely about her enthusiasm towards the future development of the Newburgh Waterfront.

A large crowd of people filled the Newburgh Free Library as they awaited to hear of the upcoming development plans for the Newburgh Waterfront.