Governor Announces Transformational Projects in Cornwall as Part of NY Forward Program
7 Cornwall Projects to Total $4.5 Million
When Josh Wojehowski ran for his first term as Town Supervisor in 2019, he promised to bring Cornwall into the 21st century and open up local government, to make long needed infrastructure repairs, and to draw new businesses into the long stagnant Main Street corridor all without adding to the pain felt by Cornwall’s taxpayers.
As soon as he assumed office, Josh made good on promise number one.
Josh began streaming Town Board meetings, the town’s website became more functional, he even took phone calls. Infrastructure repair has hit high gear with the replacement of the Main Street bridge just getting underway. New businesses came to Main Street. Long closed off Bridge Street is now home to a vibrant park hosting events almost weekly, weather permitting. Last summer the Main Street Art Walk blossomed into a major monthly Friday evening town event – and this year has morphed into two per month.
Josh also touted his experience managing grants during Mike Bloomberg’s NYC administration and he vowed to use that experience for the town’s benefit. The Supervisor teamed up with Cornwall-on-Hudson’s Mayor in an unprecedented effort, with input from town residents, solicited through numerous public outreach efforts, to develop the award-winning plan.
On May 21 Governor Hochul announced that Cornwall won the big prize. As one of three Hudson Valley awardees, Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson combined to receive $4.5 million.
The seven Cornwall New York Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:
Link Cornwall’s Downtowns through a Pollinator Connector Trail: $1,133,000
Improve sidewalks and crosswalks and add public art, uniform street furniture, a public restroom, street trees and pollinator plantings to facilitate a fully accessible, engaging, and safe pedestrian connection from Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall through both the Town and Village downtowns.
Renovate the Historic Storm King Theater: $773,000
Improve the historic Storm King Theater building by converting two distinct interior spaces into a black box theater to serve as a community- oriented space and a separate lounge and dinner theater that would be integrated into an existing restaurant.
Transform Riverlight Park into an Inclusive Public Park: $783,000
Improve Riverlight Park with new features such as an ADA-compliant walkway with a story walk around Ring’s Pond, ADA-compliant restrooms, an inclusive playground, and a new skate park. Other project elements include improved drainage with rain gardens, the renovation of the icehouse for use as a public pavilion and renovation of Sands Ring Homestead Museum.
Preserve Historic Structures at the Donahue Farm to Enhance Programming and Activities: $649,000
Preserve the exterior of the Donahue Farm barn and renovate the icehouse to accommodate public programming. Additional improvements include the construction of new restrooms and a visitor kiosk to facilitate public use of the site.
Construct a Trail Along Dock Hill Road to Connect the Waterfront to Donahue Farm and the Downtown: $480,000
Construct a 2,500 linear foot trail to allow for a safe pedestrian connection between downtown, Donahue Farm and the waterfront, including 900 linear feet of existing trail to be improved. Project includes new sidewalks, crushed stone pathway, and drainage improvements.
Establish a Small Project Fund to Assist Local Businesses: $300,000
Establish a Small Project Fund to provide the business community with resources to further enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Cornwall. Projects could include façade improvements, interior improvements that allow for business expansion, and other capital improvement projects.
Establish And Implement a Branding, Marketing, and Wayfinding Strategy: $382,000
Enhance the visibility of Downtown Cornwall and attract new residents, businesses, and visitors to Downtown Cornwall by establishing Cornwall’s brand, developing a marketing strategy, and installing wayfinding signage.
