Come Celebrate the Opening of 9 West Main:
Dec. 7th 3:45-4:45pm and Dec. 8th 11am-12:30pm
Tour the building, meet the business owners, enjoy cider and snacks.
Corresponding with C 9 West building, almost complete hristmas in Cambridge parade and Farmers Market.
Newsletter Fall 2024
Freight Yard Decentralized Wastewater System:
System: Impact Within and Beyond Village
The 8,000 GPD decentralized wastewater system the Community Partnership installed in 2006 in the Freight Yard continues to advance the potential of a central commercial node in the Village of Cambridge. Nine buildings are now ‘hooked onto’ the system. It services two restaurants (Country Gals, Canteen Coffee), one brewery (Depot), four second floor residential units, multiple offices/retail establishments and Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education—including its new dorm in the Lovejoy for visiting artists. WOW!
The success of the model and its impact on the vibrancy of this Village block has drawn attention from other communities. In July, the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Office led by Chris Callahan organized a study tour on wastewater systems for colleagues from the Windham (VT) Regional Commission, UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships and Office of Engagement and UVM Extension office. This November, members of the Argyle Improvement Association toured CP’s Freight Yard and Owlkill Commons projects seeking ideas to ‘create an improved future’ for Argyle.
Local Contractors make 9 West Main Come Alive
It’s well known that Cambridge and Southern Washington County has a plethora of talented contractors that construct, fabricate and rehabilitate structures. We’d like to shout out to and thank an amazing group of them that has worked over the course of the last year+ to transform 9 West Main Street. Of special note is general contractor Cory Record Carpentry including Cory Record, Chad Burr and Riley Stefanovich who anchored the project from start to finish.
Others include:
• Dave Clark Excavating • Endee Electric
• Motsiff Plumbing & Heating • Rogers Drywall
• Cambridge Valley Machining • Patten Insulation • Viking Fabrication • Greenwich Flooring
• Doxsee Roofing Company • Nolan Electric
• Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating • Allerdice
• Air-Tite Insulation • Nadeau Concrete • Eastern Casting • Alexander’s Barnwell
• Estate of Mind Landscaping • Lee Foster
• Badaloni’s Masonry & Landscape • Mattson Concrete Cutting
Most inspiring was the number of next-generation contractors who worked alongside veterans to rehab 9W: relatively recent CCS graduates Riley, Tyler Endee, Andrew Clark and Jeremy Hommel!
Expanding Commerce: 9 West Main Street Attracts Start-Up Business
The Community Partnership is delighted to announce that an innovative start-up–The Valley at 9 West–will be an anchor commercial tenant in 9 West Main. The Valley, a co-working space and learning center, will occupy the two northern front units of the nearly 3,000 SF first floor. Andrew Flynn, a 2004 Cambridge Central School graduate and successful growth marketing advisor, is the founder. (See his letter below).
In the southwest unit, Mandy Mckillop’s Studio 3, will offer massage therapy and energy healing. (Check out her website at https://www.studio3mt.com/ for more info). AND Henry’s Barber Shop will return to the southeast unit. These three diverse businesses will enhance Village’s economic base. Thanks Andrew, Mandy and Henry for your investments in our community!!!
The Valley at 9 West: Bridging the Digital Divide and Inspiring Innovation in Our Community
I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming December launch of The Valley at 9 West—a co-working space and learning center designed to bridge the digital divide and create new economic opportunities for our community. The Valley is here to support remote workers, freelancers, and small business owners, offering high-speed internet, 24/7 keyless access, professional workstations, bookable conference rooms, and essential amenities (including positive vibes). This modern workspace will bring a level of productivity and collaboration that hasn’t been available in our area before, helping us retain local talent and attract fresh ideas to make Cambridge a vibrant hub for innovation.
Our learning center at The Valley will focus on enhancing digital skills and job readiness through interactive workshops, tech talks, and educational resources. In partnership with local schools and industry professionals, we’ll offer free courses ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced coding and entrepreneurship. These programs aim to cultivate a skilled workforce, empowering residents of all ages to pursue tech-driven careers and supporting the long-term growth and digital inclusion of our community.
I’ve envisioned this project for nearly a decade, and the support of the Community Partnership has been instrumental in bringing it to life. I truly believe that creating opportunities for people to build their careers locally and stay engaged with our community will be transformative for every business in town. See you at 9 West soon!
Andrew Flynn
andrew@thevalleyhub.com
Interested in Writing the Depot’s Next Chapter?
In 2009 Community Partnership began to restore the historic Delaware & Hudson Passenger Depot, the architectural gem at 6 Broad Street—making extensive exterior repairs to the roof, soffit, fascia including painting the wood siding in the historic D&H color scheme of dark green on light green. Next the CP focused on the interior– upgrading the heating systems, replacing rotted floor joists/flooring, remodeling restrooms to make them more accessible and sensitively cleaning the original wainscot and lobby floor. And finally the CP hooked the building up to the decentralized wastewater treatment system (which allows for the possibility of on-site food preparation).
For seven years Argyle Brewing Company has been a wonderful addition to the Village of Cambridge. Under ABC, the Depot became an important gathering place. Hundreds of musicians from the region and worldwide have performed there–attracted by the audiences and amazing acoustics. Trivia and open-mic nights have showcased emerging talents. Numerous food trucks (many run by budding entrepreneurs) from Iggy’s Wicked Good Eats to Cut the Pie Pizza hooked up to the Depot to serve local chef’s specialties to the delight of community members of all ages. Owners Chris Castrio and Richard Thomas have partnered with bike races, Hubbard Hall, the Farmers’ Market, and the Balloon Festival to draw people into the Village. And, of course, the beer and welcoming atmosphere they, and people like David Van Pelt created, has been top notch. The Community Partnership is sad to see them go. We appreciate all they have done and wish them the very best as they focus on expanding their Greenwich location.
Next Chapter: We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in starting a business in the Depot. We are open to considering a long-term lease or sale of the structure. Our hope reflects that of the community, that this elegant historic structure remains a vibrant gathering space.
Please send an email to sashton5@verizon.net to ask for a Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals will be due on January 3, 2025 at 5pm.
Reimagining the Owlkill Commons in 2025
The Community Partnership has three main goals for 2025.
Rehabilitate the Red Barn: The Community Partnership is excited to resume focus on revitalizing the Red Barn for commercial use. The neglected historic 2,237 SF building is situated in the Village center adjacent to nodes of manufacturing, entrepreneurship, innovation and artistry.
Expand community recreation space and stabilize the Owl Kill channel adjacent to the Green Bridge
The CP will address the deteriorating condition of the stream corridor with the 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. We will also expand park space for community recreation by removing two decaying barn structures east of the Owl Kill and initiate the head of the Owlkill trail.
The first half of 2025 will focus on developing detailed plans and getting permits for these initiatives with construction expected in late 2025 through 2026. These initiatives are supported in part by grants from New York State under the NY Forward program.
Assess feasibility of decentralized wastewater treatment system Additionally, the CP recognizes that buildings like the Village’s Old Firehouse and the Co-op may require upgraded wastewater treatment systems to realize their potential. Hence, the CP plans to initiate a feasibility study for the development of a decentralized wastewater treatment system for the ‘lumberyard’ area so that–like in the Freight Yard— building owners or investors in/near the block can expand the range of possible commercial and residential options well into the future.
Newsletter Summer 2024
Successful May 4th Work Party
MANY MANY HANDS WORKED HARD! It’s amazing what a group of people can accomplish in one morning! 25+ people converged on the OWLKILL Commons and Cambridge Food Coop properties for a spring cleanup. Folks had fun—reclaiming grassy areas, planting flowers, mulching, removing dead trees and tangled brush, and opening up greenspace on RR Avenue behind the Co-op….. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, check it out. Thank you to all, it really does take a village!
OWL KILL STREAM REVITALIZATION
One NY Forward project focuses on stabilizing and naturalizing the Owl Kill channel around the Green Victorian Footbridge.
The committee is working on a plan to collect all the necessary data to submit a permit application to DEC and Army Corps of Engineers. But rest assured, people are working to get this done.
Co-op/Owlkill Commons Clean Up Day
May 4, 2024 9:00am start.
Gather at 1 West Main Street (the Co-op parking lot) or in the Commons parking lot behind the old firehouse on Pearl Street.
Let’s join together to clean up the Co-op and Owlkill Commons properties. There are several areas of brush and overgrown sections to clean up, along with small trees that will need to cut. Our goal is to spruce up the properties for spring and summer, the upcoming Owlkill Festival May 19, and the return of the outdoor Cambridge Valley Farmers Market.
Please bring pruners, rakes, hand saws, weed-whackers, gloves and any other gardening or clean-up equipment you may want. There will be many types of jobs; from cutting and hauling brush and weeding /mulching gardens, to raking leaves and gravel. Many hands will make light work, and improved properties!
Please contact goodfood@cambridgefoodcoop.com or owlkillfest@cambridgecommunitypartnership.org for information or to sign up.
New Community Celebration in Cambridge
The Owlkill Festival, May 19 2024
Mark your calendars for the Owlkill Festival on Sunday, May 19th! Sponsored by the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market and the Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership ( aka Community Partnership), the festival will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the park at Owlkill Commons by the green pedestrian bridge at 17 West Main Street.
The day will begin with the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market selling produce, plants, and pastries, along with many other locally sourced and produced items, including seafood, meats, eggs and bread. Hubbard Hall Ballet Dancers will perform, followed by a musical performance from the Hubbard Hall Cabaret. The Irish Step Dancers from Hubbard Hall will demonstrate their skills a little later in the day.
Live music on the lawn begins at 10:30 with the Creekside Sinners, a local duet with lots of heart and soul. The Drum with Joy Ensemble will add rhythm to the day, beginning at noon. The last performance of the day (approximately 1:30-3:30) will be The Hill Hollow Quintet, a bluegrass/folk/Americana band with Barry Hyman and friends. Bring chairs and blankets, and plan on staying all day!
We are thrilled to have three food trucks on site for the afternoon. Casa Reyes, Cut the Pie, and Lorraine’s Nachos will be serving delicious fare. Finish up your lunch with ice cream from Farmers Cone Creamery and a cookie or scone from Moon Scones.
We are hosting a Duck Derby along the Owl Kill. Adopt a rubber duck for the afternoon and watch it race down the Owl Kill. It will be more of a sprint than a marathon, but it should be exciting. For $5 a duck, you can cheer on your bright yellow friend. Winners will receive prizes generously donated by Argyle Brewing, Battenkill Books, Black Dog Wines & Spirits, Country Gals Cafe, and Over the Moon. There will be 2 races; starting time is approximately 2:30. The first race is for ages under 21, and the second for ages 21 and over. The whole family can get involved! All proceeds from the race will be used to help restore the Owl Kill stream bed and park, along with the Commons area.
Community groups from the area will have information booths, demonstrations, and plants. The local FFA chapter will bring animals! Find out more about our local Cambridge Historical Society, Rescue Squad, Hubbard Hall and more.
Get involved, make donations, and enjoy all the community has to offer.
The goal of the Owlkill Festival is to build community, support the Farmers Market, and raise awareness and support for the Owlkill Commons initiative. Keep an eye on our Cambridge Valley Farmers Market and Cambridge Community Partnership Facebook pages for updates, or visit the cambridgecommunitypartnership.org website latest news page.
December 2023
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August 2023
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July 29, 2023
Retaining Wall Options along the Owlkill by the Green Footbridge
The Community Partnership hosted a discussion on Weds. July 26th from 6-7 pm about next steps with regard to the collapsing and crumbing retaining walls along the Owlkill near the Green Bridge. A committee has been hard at work exploring various options—one potential option could include naturalizing portions of the stream channel near the Green Bridge. These are the 3 options proposed. If you have a preference to one over the others, please email Sarah at sashton5@verizon.net.
July20 2023
Status of Retaining Walls Along the Owlkill by the Green Footbridge: Weds. July 26th 6pm
July 2023
Owlkill Commons Continues to Make Progress
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- 9 West Exterior west wall
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- interior renovation
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- 9 West interior construction
People all over town are noticing the contractor activity at Owlkill Commons. Cory Record and Chad Burr and their team continue the work of framing and building out the first-floor space at 9 West Main. They’re doing a great job, so if you happen to walk by while they’re at work, give them a “thank you!”.
June 2023
Cambridge Kicks Off Our NY Forward Funding Initiative
How will Cambridge spend the $2.25 Million from NY Forward?
We have begun a process to answer that question. Cambridge has been paired with a consultant team and a project manager who will help guide our community through a targeted, community-based planning process. Click here to learn more about the process, who’s involved, the project scope, timing, status and more.
May 2023
Farmers Market has a New Location
– Welcome to Owlkill Commons!
Market sign and footbridge
Click here (or see their Facebook page) to learn more about the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market, which is now at Owlkill Commons every Sunday through October from 10:00 to 1:00.
farmers market opening day
May 2023
Thank You, Volunteers – What a Difference You’ve Made!
Volunteer clean up day May 2023
Many volunteers rolled up their sleeves and tackled various tasks on a warm, sunny Sunday morning in May. It was hard work, but it was also lots of fun. Brush was removed. Tree limbs and branches were cleared. A fence was erected and flowers were planted near the Owlkill. The Cambridge Valley Farmers Market placed picnic tables on the lawn near the footbridge for the whole community to enjoy. So many people, so may improvements. What a difference!
Volunteers in May 2023
Our sincere thanks to all those who volunteered, donated, or otherwise contributed. Because of you and Cambridge’s community spirit, Owlkill Commons is beginning to take shape. There is much more to be done, but we are on the way!
Community Partnership Van Hook Painting Raffle a Success
3/14/23
Hello, friends and neighbors!
Update on the Owlkill Commons Project!!! The raffle has ended… We are pleased to report that the winning raffle ticket was won by Duffy White who is a Cambridge native. Duffy attended Cambridge Central School but lives in Connecticut now. He noted “My heart belongs to Cambridge. Whenever I go back, I walk up ‘Reynold’s Hill’ to take a look at the mountains. My first job was working for Ted Reynolds.” He also noted that he’d never won a raffle before and so glad when he did it was art.” We are happy that this raffle of the fabulous George Van Hook painting of the Reynolds farm, “Autumn Lane,” has boosted interest in the Commons and helped raise nearly $10,000 to advance lumberyard components of the Owlkill Commons Revitalization Initiative.
You may have heard that the Village of Cambridge has been granted a $2.25 million grant under the state’s New York Forward (NYF) Initiative. This grant is the result of collaboration between the village and the Community Partnership. The scope includes Cambridge’s Owlkill Commons initiative, plus much more.
The Village will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize our downtown center. A Local Planning Committee, led by our mayor and made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders, will lead the effort and will be supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with our community’s vision and that are poised for implementation. Final funding will be awarded to selected projects that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth in the village.
We are delighted that the Village was selected and excited about helping to turn Cambridge vision into Cambridge reality. Stay tuned for further updates from the Village as the process moves forward! Thanks for being a part of this exciting initiative and consider sharing your thoughts and visions for our village. For more information about the NY Forward program, please visit: https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.
Again, a great shout out to all the various supporters of this exciting initiative that will brighten the center of the village and enhance opportunities for everyone!
$2.25 Million Grant for Cambridge!
The Community Partnership is delighted that the Village of Cambridge has been granted a $2.25 million under the state’s New York Forward (NYF) Initiative. The scope includes Cambridge’s Owlkill Commons initiative, plus more.
The Village will now begin the process of developing Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize our downtown. A Local Planning Committee, led by our mayor and made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, and will be supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with our community’s vision and that are poised for implementation. Final funding will be awarded for selected projects from the Strategic Investment Plan that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.
We are delighted the Village was selected and excited about helping to turn Cambridge vision into Cambridge reality. Stay tuned for further updates fro the Village as the process moves forward! For more information about the NY Forward program please visit: https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.
Lean-To Shed Removed:
- Another Milestone Achieved
- Stewardship of Heritage, History and Resources
- Volunteer Spirit on Display
February 2023: Thanks to the work of many volunteers, and especially to Jeremy Alexander of Alexander Barnwood LLC, the Owlkill Commons project hit another key milestone. The old Lean-to building that was packed with “old stuff” has now been cleared. Read about the effort here (link to Eagle article). It was a great example of how we work hard to do things the right way: by preserving our precious donations and keeping cash costs to a minimum; with deep respect for heritage, history and the environment; as a collaborative community effort.
October 2022: Click here for our latest newsletter
Grant Request Submitted for $4.5 Million
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.
Village of Cambridge Receives New York Main Street Grant Award.
In December 2019, the HomeFront Development Corporation was awarded a $252,000 New York Main Street (NYMS) grant from the Housing Trust Fund Corporation to help facilitate the rehabilitation of four buildings in the Village of Cambridge: the Cambridge Food Co-op at 1 West Main Street; 9 West Main Street (home of Henry’s Barbershop and an apartment); the former Rice Seed Company Victorian Building at 15 West Main Street and 4 East Main Street (former Agway building). Funds were also used to rehabilitate the Victorian Footbridge.