Dutch Reformed Church interior (file photo)
NEWBURGH – City Councilwoman Karen Mejia said she is “pumped
up” about a proposal by Alembic Community Development to breathe
new life into the Dutch Reform Church, City Club and a 1.8-acre parcel
at 2 Montgomery Street in Newburgh
Officials of the company and two partner groups presented their proposal to work with the community in the decision-making.
Councilwoman Genie Abrams liked what she heard during Thursday evening’s presentation.
“The thing that makes this project and proposal unique is the stress throughout all three companies in deciding what the final result will be taking their cue from us, meaning the whole city,” Abrams said.
The company, which has experience in redevelopment projects in cities
of New York and New Orleans, is looking at the Dutch Reform Church for
civic use. Development of housing, including for the disadvantaged and
homeless, was a possible idea for the vacant parcel land.
City officials agreed that a top priority right now is to stabilize the roof of the church before the snow flies to prevent it from further deterioration.
