History

History and Achievements of the CP

The Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership was formed in 2002 by a group of people dedicated to improving opportunities and vibrancy.  The CP has accomplished a great deal as outlined below.

  1. Cambridge Freight Yard Revitalization Project

As you all know, the CP’s signature initiative has been the Freight Yard Revitalization Project.   The project’s goals have been to generate business activity and create jobs in Southern Washington County; preserve unique historic structures; attract visitors to the area; and expand cultural and recreational opportunities.  To this end, collectively we:

  • Purchased a two-acre lot with a unique collection of 19th Century Rail Structures in 2003.
  • Catalyzed and supported the rehabilitation of seven once vacant historic buildings constituting over 15,000 square feet of commercial, civil and residential space.
  • Addressed a key infrastructure problem inhibiting growth in the Village’s center—installing an innovative decentralized wastewater treatment system—using a product new to NYS . We have demonstrated its advantages to other small town communities through a grant from NYSERDA and the partnership with RPI.
  • Installed a 30 car municipal parking lot– doubling parking to the area to help ease access to local businesses.  The Village with funds from NYSDOT/FHWA leveraged  through the Freight Yard redesigned and upgraded the intersection between Union and Main (by the IGA) and installing crosswalks along Main Street to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety.
  • Leveraged resources from NYSERDA, Empire State Development Corp., NYSDOT/FHWA, NYS Dept of Ag and Markets, NYS Office of Community Renewal, local businesses and individuals.

 

The impact is clear: 

  • Businesses have relocated to the Freight Yard environs and many have expanded. Inspired by the revitalization, entrepreneurs have launched new businesses or opened their first formal office in the FY.[1]  Jobs have been retained and created in the Freight Yard.
  • An important collection of historic 19th century rail structures and adjacent Main Street buildings have been saved and rehabilitated—maintaining and celebrating the character of our community.
  • Hubbard Hall has expanded its programs and arts education offerings in the Beacon Feed and Freight Depot.
  • Farmers have augmented their incomes participating in the Cambridge Farmers ‘Market.
  • The tax base has expanded dramatically—with assessed values and levies tripling.

 

  1. Other CP Revitalization/Economic Development Initiatives

The Community Partnership’s efforts and impact has gone beyond the Freight Yard.  We have helped:

  • Revitalize Main Street and retain the Village’s historic character: The CP has worked with private building owners to support the revitalization of eighteen buildings along Main Street through administration of two $200K New York Main Street Programs for the Office of Community Renewal.  This leveraged over $800K in investment in the community.

 

  • Support local agriculture: including constructing the Lovejoy to serve as home to the winter’s Farmers Market and serving as the fiscal sponsor for three agriculture-focused groups including:
    • The Cambridge Valley Farmers’ Market;
    • Farm Camp for Food Professionals
    • Cambridge Community Garden

 

  • Incubate/lease space to three start-up businesses and served as initial fiscal sponsor for two community associations:
    • E-Green Solar
    • Adirondack Grazers’ Association
    • an emerging financial services entity.
    • Towns and Villages of the Battenkill Valley
    • The Covered Bridge Association

 

  • Maintained/managed revitalized real estate including the Blacksmith Shop, Lovejoy and Passenger Depot.

 

Along the way we launched activities Battenkill Carousel Revitalization Project;  hosted a number of one-off forums and tours on the history of the railroad;  and gatherings about energy efficiency strategies and alternative energy opportunities.

Attributes that have contributed the CP’s success.

CP Board Members have mentioned that key to our success has been the CP’s abilities to:

  • Promote collective planning, build consensus, build partnerships and work collaboratively across sectors (nonprofit, business and government);
  • Address key needs so that various entities can grow and thrive further;
  • Leverage a range of diverse talents in pursuit of collective community goals;
  • Attract grants and financial resources to realize visions;
  • Manage community development/capital improvement projects; and
  • Create self-sustaining revitalization models with low overhead and administrative costs.

 

Importantly as well the CP has a track record of success and credibility.

The Community Partnership’s mission is to:

To preserve cultural assets and expand cultural, recreational and youth development opportunities for the residents in and around Cambridge, New York by such activities as raising public awareness, sponsoring preservation projects, and acquiring and renovating property of local and regional significance;

To combat deterioration of the community in and around Cambridge, New York through preservation and sound planning;

To provide relief to the poor and distressed and promote social welfare in and around Cambridge, New York by facilitating the provision of decent, affordable housing to people of low and moderate income;

To provide economic opportunities for low-income and traditionally disadvantaged residents of the community;

To create and preserve a safe and healthy environment in and around Cambridge, New York; and

To use all properties held or controlled by the Corporation and the net earnings thereof to further the purposes of the Corporation.