NEWBURGH – A vacant green lot adjacent to the Ritz Theatre on Broadway and Liberty Street in the Newburgh was the site of a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for “Safe Harbors Green,” the latest project of the non-profit housing and arts redevelopment organization Safe Harbors of the Hudson.
A host of city and state officials, along with community groups and companies that will be involved in
creating the park, were in attendance
Safe Harbors purchased the lot less than a year ago, and closed on the property in early June 2015.
“We really feel that it’s going to anchor the downtown and create a city center here, which is kind of lacking right now,” said Lisa Silverstone, executive director of Safe Harbors. “We just think it will give a wonderful sense of hope and renewal and revitalization here in downtown.”
Silverstone said that organizers envision everybody in the city using the park, be it to enjoy a cup of coffee under a shaded tree on a bench, or to participate in a stage performance, a festival or a market here.
“Newburgh is rising, the Phoenix is coming up out of the ashes,” said Mayor Judy Kennedy. “We’re leaving that period in our history that has just been such a negative thing. This is so positive and we keep adding more positive energy and more good ideas.”
State Senator William Larkin said this is a community project that everyone can support, regardless of race or ethnicity, because we are all Americans.
The project is expected to be completed in June, although a ribbon-cutting for the green is planned for September. This is when people will be able to start utilizing the park, as the plantings, trees and grass will have had time to establish themselves.
