To Advance Vibrancy of Owlkill Commons,
CP Awarded Two NY Forward Grants
We are delighted that the Community Partnership is receiving a $347,000 grant toward advancing components of the Lumberyard Revitalization Project. NYF funds will contribute to: (a) rehabbing and invigorating the two-story deteriorating ‘Red Barn’—specifically improving facades and the first floor 2,237 SF commercial space (see schematic); (b) establish an approximately 1.5 acre community park for recreation celebrating and improving access to the Owlkill– by demolishing the 1,200 SF white barn and1,800 SF long-red shed (which is 100% in the flood plain); and (c) improve access and foster connections between the businesses and recreation through upgraded walkways and parking spaces.
A second reimbursable grant for $350,000 will enable the Community Partnership to Stabilize/naturalize components of the Owl Kill channel adjacent to the historic Green Victorian Footbridge—specifically address the deteriorating condition of the stream corridor along 240+ linear feet of the Owl Kill with an aim to improve safety, visitor access and recreational enjoyment; enhance the Owl Kill’s sustainability, aesthetics and ecosystems/habitats; and bolster the area’s flood resiliency. If feasible, a section of the existing north retaining wall, west of the famed footbridge will be repaired and south retaining walls will be removed and the stream bank naturalized (see conceptual plan).
According to Phil Bell, CP Board member and landscape architect, “Final designs and refinement of the channel, bed and bank treatments ( i.e. bank stabilization using various stone including boulders, along with bioengineering,) and riparian conditions will be informed by detailed studies, mapping and modeling to maximize the stream corridor functions and aesthetic values.” CP would also make modest improvements to the prominent park—home to the Farmers’ Market and historic commercial structure VARAK.
Other NY Forward grant awards were made to expand Cambridge Public Library ($736.000) and the Cambridge Food Co-op ($375,000) and rebuild 18 West Main restoring rental housing ($442,000).
Hurrah to the Village!
The “Lumberyard Project” (AND Much More) is now “Owlkill Commons”
It started as a dream to revitalize an old lumberyard. As the effort unfolded, it became increasingly clear that we were engaged in something far beyond that. Just as the Lumberyard property revealed itself to be integrally connected to the Owlkill Creek and to adjacent structures and properties, so too did community input reveal a hunger for shared space and connectedness. It gradually became clear that in this space, geography, history and community can all come together. The “Owlkill” is the geographic centerpiece and directly links our town to its history. The word “Commons” speaks to a place where all are welcome, where people can gather, where one can rest. It also suggests some plurality, a thoughtful blend of personal, commercial and public spaces. Yes, it’s still about a lumberyard. But it’s also about a greenspace, a walking trail, retail and residential, connection to our historical footbridge, and most of all it’s about our community. Hence the name, “Owlkill Commons.”
In August, NYS launched the NY Forward program which aims to “invigorate and enliven downtowns in New York’s smaller and rural communities.” The Community Partnership joined the Village, the public library and other neighbors and broader community to advance a vision under the umbrella name of Owlkill Commons—submitting a $4.5 million grant request.
Here’s just some of what’s now included in “Owlkill Commons”. Click on the map link below to see the full scope of The Owlkill Commons Initiative. Click on subsequent links to learn about the Lumberyard components of the project that are being led by the Community Partnership and efforts to create a trail system along the Owl Kill.