The greening of this lot on Broadway was celebrated as a symbol of good things to come.
By Nancy Peckenham
City leaders and curious local residents gathered on an empty lot on Broadway in Newburgh late Sunday afternoon to witness the beginning of what the Greater Newburgh Partnership promises will be a series of ambitious steps to reclaim the rundown section of the city.
Less than a month ago, the Partnership announced that it would clean up a city-owned lot on Broadway between Johnston and Lander Streets, then install security cameras and better lighting that would make the area safer for residents. The group, which counts on contributions from businesses and individuals, has targeted an even larger area for renewal.
Partnership leaders, eager to show that they have the momentum to make significant change in Newburgh, called for Sunday’s celebration to show the community that it means business. Collaboration is key to achieving its goals — three landscaping companies donated resources to grade the weed-covered lot and plant 15 evergreen trees, along with the city’s Department of Public Works which helped remove the chain link fence around the lot and operate heavy machinery.
Local residents stopped at the ceremony to see what changes are happening in their neighborhood.
The mayor and city council members were on hand Sunday afternoon to applaud the progress. The city council worked with Pace University to establish the Newburgh Community Land Bank, which is working closely with the Partnership on the revitalization effort.
Allan Atzrott, the chairman of the Partnership who is also the president and CEO of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, challenged people on Sunday to remember how the lot used to look and “think of what it will be like in a year.”
People knocked down the symbolic fence that used to enclose a weed-covered lot.
After children and adults had a few minutes of fun knocking down a symbolic fence, the 15 trees were lighted and people milled about sipping hot drinks and talking while musicians played in the background.
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