Where we stand - 2003
It has been a busy year at the Harlem Valley Partnership. We fought long
and hard to maintain and even increase public and private sector support while seeking
other sources of revenue to support our work. We lobbied hard for restoration of county
funding. Thanks to these efforts, the Partnership will be able to continue to fight
for eastern Dutchess County well into the future.
Most recently, the Partnership helped promote increased broadband services
for Harlem Valley businesses and will continue to seek new ways to educate business on the
benefits of high speed Internet connections. We have obtained grant money to help design a
fiber optic backbone for eastern Dutchess schools, which could eventually serve as an
anchor for additional business services.
The Route 22 Access Management Project, which will result in sound
transportation management recommendations for each town along the Route 22 corridor in the
Harlem Valley, is nearing completion. The process will result in proposed transportation
access management ordinances specific to each town in the Route 22 Corridor. The project
is also designed to help improve the lines of communication between local planning efforts
and the New York State Department of Transportation. We conducted informative community
forums about the project in each town in October of 2003. This work will eventually help
improve traffic flow in addition to vehicular and pedestrian safety. The work
product will also provide valuable and cost effective measures to assist in
transportation and site planning.
The Partnership has a strong working relationship with the Dutchess County
Economic Development Corporation, the Dutchess County Tourism Promotion Agency, the
Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development.
The reuse and development of Dover Knolls, formerly known as the Harlem
Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale, has been one of the major components of the Harlem
Valley Partnership’s work plan for a number of years. The transfer of the facility
into private hands has now taken place.
The Partnership will continue to provide technical support to the buyer by
identifying and seeking grants for renovations. The Partnership will continue to act as a
link between the various levels of government and the private sector as well as an
intergovernmental liaison, when necessary. We are also working on the development of new
alliances.
Important alliances
In 2003, we formed new alliances with important regional organizations,
such as the Glynwood Center in Putnam County and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess
County, with an eye on the development of a brand name for Harlem Valley agricultural
products.
By working with Glynwood, we brought together farmers and policy-makers in
the Harlem Valley to develop an agri-tourism strategy to help farmers diversify. An
international team of observers visited the Harlem Valley in March 2003, making
observations and seeking input on local challenges and opportunities in the field of
agriculture. The group recommended an agri-tourism program and a brand for agri-businesses
in the region.
The Harlem Valley Partnership will help coordinate the development of a
local agri-tourism program that will seek to provide sources of alternate revenue for
farmers. We have obtained a $12,000 grant from the Empire State Development Corporation
that will be used to help support these efforts. These funds are a reimbursement for the
Partnership’s dairy processing facility feasibility report.
We are utilizing the Glynwood Countryside Exchange report and the dairy
processing facility report on an ongoing basis as a catalyst for the development of new
tourism-related activities, promotional brochures, and other marketing techniques.
This past year, we have also formed new coalitions with our local chambers
of commerce to stay connected with the needs of the private sector. By establishing close
working ties with other community organizations, the Partnership helps educate the public
about the various resources that the different levels of government offer. We also have
helped our member municipalities by identifying and developing grant applications based on
local priorities. We have also provided technical assistance to private developers, and
lobbied for Empire Zone designations. We will continue to do so.
Tourism
The Partnership acts as a tourist information center by mailing out
information to visitors and by maintaining a regularly updated Web site.
Driving East on Route 44 at DeLavergne Hill in Amenia includes one of the
most pleasant views anywhere. That magnificent panorama brings a smile to everyone's face
every time. From Pine Plains to Pawling, the Hudson Valley is blessed with unparalleled
natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to see Mother Nature's artistry in full glory.
There are numerous recreational opportunities available to Harlem Valley
visitors. The use and enjoyment of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail continues to increase.
From Amenia to Millerton the paved bicycle/pedestrian path goes through seven miles of
gorgeous landscapes, interesting rock formations and other natural and man-made marvels.
Dutchess County officials recently announced plans to expand the trail all the way to the
Wassaic Train Station, thus making it easier for visitors to enjoy. The Harlem Valley also
offers unique shopping opportunities, fine dining experiences, fascinating local landmarks
and historic markers, scenic rolling hills, open space, parks, golf courses, horseback
riding, fishing and more.
When you think about visiting the Harlem Valley or doing business here,
make sure you call the Harlem Valley Partnership. We are here to help.
The Partnership's Dover Plains office is open Monday to Friday, from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, give us a call at (845) 877-3738 or toll-free at (800)
566-6652. |
