Village of Schoharie Announces Open Call for Projects as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

SCHOHARIE – The Village of Schoharie Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)  Local Planning Committee is seeking transformative project proposals for potential  inclusion in the Village of Schoharie DRI Strategic Investment Plan. Investment Plan.  Proposals for public, private, and not-for-profit projects can be submitted through an  Open Call for Projects from May 9th to June 11th, 2025.    

For those interested, please go to www.villageofschohariedri.com to download the  Open Call Form. An informational webinar on the Open Call is scheduled for May 20th  from 12:30 - 1:30 pm and one-on-one support is available for potential project sponsors  starting today. Prospective project sponsors are encourage to reach out the consultants  via email – villageschohariedri@gmail.com – to set up a pre-application meeting to  talk through their project and ask any questions they may have. Projects received  through the Open Call will be reviewed by the Local Planning Committee, with input  from the public. Successful submissions will be recommended for funding to the state.    

The NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) provides state funding to New York  communities to foster vibrant downtowns across the state. The ultimate goal of the DRI  is to fund projects that will help transform downtowns into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live, work, and raise families.  

As the Round Eight DRI winner for the Mohawk Valley, the Village of Schoharie will  receive $10 million in funding from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to develop  and implement a Strategic Investment Plan for the DRI area. A Local Planning  Committee made up of representatives of local businesses, institutions, and community  groups is leading the effort, supported by a team of state planners and private sector  experts.  

The Open Call for Projects provides the community with an opportunity to propose  transformative projects within the Village of Schoharie. Submissions may include  projects such as new capital/construction projects, public improvements, and  renovation of existing buildings. Projects should have a visible and functional impact on  the downtown area, for example, by serving as an anchor or catalytic project that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community.  Projects must also align with the DRI goals and eligibility criteria. They should be  shovel-ready and implementable within two years. Inclusion of a project in the Village  of Schoharie DRI Strategic Investment Plan does not guarantee funding through the  DRI Program. New York State will make the final determination of which projects will  receive a DRI award. 

  

Information on the open call including useful resources for project sponsors can be  found online at www.villageofschohariedri.com/opencall 

  

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative:  

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand  the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to  serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of  State with assistance from Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community  Renewal, NYSERDA, and NYS Department of Transportation, the DRI represents an  unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning  with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a  key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the  COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting  the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight  rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across  every region of the State. 

Participating communities are nominated by the state's 10 Regional Economic  Development Councils based on the downtown's potential for transformation. Each  community is awarded $10 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and  implement key catalytic projects that advance the community's vision for revitalization  and leverage additional private and public investments. 

More information on the DRI is available here.

 

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Storm Defeat OESJ Behind Strong Performance from Wayman-Bender

Information courtesy GameChanger Media

Eddison Wayman-Bender struck out 12 batters as the starter led Schoharie Storm past Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville 5-0 on Wednesday. Wayman-Bender surrendered one hit and zero runs over six innings while walking four.

Schoharie Storm were the first to get on the board in the fourth when a dropped third strike scored one run.

L Klock took the loss for Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville. The starting pitcher went four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits, striking out nine and walking four. Justin Vangasbeck tossed one inning of zero-run ball for Schoharie Storm in relief. The left-handed pitcher allowed zero hits, striking out three and walking none.

Zaiden Baker went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the Schoharie Storm in hits. Lawrence Zuefle, Baker, and Tyler Dingee each drove in one run for the Schoharie Storm. Baker and Kolebyn Scheemaker each stole multiple bases for Schoharie Storm. Schoharie Storm ran wild on the base paths, amassing eight stolen bases for the game. Schoharie Storm didn't commit a single error in the field. Emmett Gagnon had the most chances in the field with 12.

C Eakin led Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville with one hit in three at bats.

Schoharie Storm play at home on Thursday against Schenevus Central Varsity Dragons in their next game.

 

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Students Build Solid Foundation of Career Options Through BOCES Partnership with Masonry Union

ALBANY/SCHOHARIE – Capital Region BOCES students say a partnership between BOCES, the Upstate Masonry Institute (UMI) and the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 2 Union is giving them a solid foundation on which to build a successful professional future.

Building Trades & Heavy Equipment, Repair and Equipment students on the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany and Schoharie campuses completed the week of April 28  exposure initiatives with UMI and BAC, during which they learned the fundamentals of masonry.

“It’s fun. I enjoy learning new things and working with my hands, said Jonathen Weaver, who attends the program from Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator for Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said the initiative is designed to “provide exposure and educate the students in masonry while informing them as individuals about the career opportunities that are open to them.”

Union officials said the need is real for students who want to work.

“We want to get grab these kids while there are still fresh sponges and show them all the different options that exist,” said John Synek, a trainer with the masonry union.

Students enjoyed the training. 

“I like brick work. I have always been fascinated by it and coming to BOCES has allowed me to learn about it,” said Michael Riglioni, a Guilderland student.

Priscilla Tribunella agreed.

“I really like masonry. I don’t need to do a lot of thinking and can do it. I like having new skills that I can use when I graduate,” the Scotia-Glenville student said.

 

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Traffic Concerns on Clauverwie

By Joshua Walther

MIDDLEBURGH - On Thursday evening, a concerned resident brought up several perceived issues to the Middleburgh Town Board, with the most prevalent being the state of the roads.

“We have to talk about the ditch on Clauverwie,” the resident opened with, alluding to the strip of washed-out asphalt that runs along the width of the street.

He noted that the attempts to fix the ditch have had no results, saying “Whatever they fill it with just washes right out. It just breaks your suspension.

The resident also argued for replacing the blinking yellow light on the intersection of Clauverwie and Main with a three light system to allow for a smoother flow of traffic.

“People get anxious sitting at that blinker,” he said. “Someone’s going to get impatient, and something’s going to happen.”

“Those crosswalks are dangerous, too,” said Town Clerk Renee Schmidt, offering an anecdote about how hard it is to tell which street a pedestrian is crossing.

However, the Board said they couldn’t do much about improving the traffic. “If we install a three light there, people are going to get mad about being backed up in front of people’s houses,” Supervisor John Youmans replied.

“And it’s not our problem, either,” explained member Wes Laraway. “For that intersection, that’s all on the county or state Department of Transportation.” The Board did not speak further on Clauverwie’s ditch.

In other news, Highway Superintendent Steve Kowalski asked the Board if they had any Town ordinance surrounding animals that weren’t fenced in properly.

He recently received a call about an animal complaint, and told the Board that there were free-ranging goats that threatened to destroy the neighboring properties.

While the police have been called for the issue, Superintendent Kowalski said that there was nothing they could do on their level, prompting him to bring the situation to the Board.

Supervisor Youmans confirmed that there is no such law in place, but alluded to looking into something in the future if the problem continues to persist.

Finally, Mr. Laraway reported that the old town hall may go back on the tax roll pending the results of a final inspection.

“If I don’t hear back from them, then no news is good news,” he said. “I’m confident that we might close in June. It’ll be good to get that building back on its feet.”

 

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Bovina Farmers Market Reopening for Season

BOVINA – Bovina Farmers Market is back this Memorial Day weekend from 4-7 PM on Friday, May 23, and runs until August 29. This season, the market is moving just up the road to the new pavilion at Creamery Park (1394 County Hwy 6, Bovina, NY 13740), right off Creamery Field, the home of the Bovina Dairymen vintage baseball team. 

Bovina Farmers’ Market features the best agricultural and craft products from our community’s artisans and farmers, featuring local produce, meat, honey, maple, eggs, flowers, baked goods, sweet treats, crafts, and more! Weekly food vendors, live music, and family fun make it an engaging event for all ages. 

This season, the food vendors will be Chinese Take-Out and Kenny Bauer BBQ.

Last summer, Chinese Take-Out served up bao buns, Malaysian satay, dumplings, teriyaki chicken, braised spare ribs, and chana masala. This season, they’re back with more creativity and awesome variety. 

And you probably already know and love Kenny Bauer’s BBQ. If you visited last season, then you got to try smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, stuffed pork loin, and meatloaf (of course with all the fixins). 

Follow @bovinamarket on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with the attending vendor list and menu of the week.

Chinese Take-Out will be at the market on the following dates:

5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/20, 7/11, 8/1, 8/8, 8/29

Kenny Bauer BBQ will be at the market on the following dates:

6/13, 6/27, 7/3, 7/18, 7/25, 8/15, 8/22

The market is rain or shine and always free to attend. Brought to you by Livestock Foundation. You can learn more at livestockfoundation.org/bovina-farmers-market.

 

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Brief Meeting For Bovina Council = Special Meeting June 4

By Mary A. Crisafulli

BOVINA—The Bovina Town Council held a brief May meeting. The top items were permitting sign installation and highway plans.

Sign For Bramley Mountain

The Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower requested that the town install signage along Townsend Road indicating how to reach trailheads. The letter stated that a sign would help those misguided by GPS. Many people have reported being told to go down Martha Lane in Bovina to reach the mountain. The trailheads are located along Glen Burnie Road. The group would like a sign just after the intersection of Townsend Road and Bramley Mountain.

The council agreed to install a sign if the group pays for it and to discuss placement options with the group.

Highway

The Highway Department plans to stone and oil New Kingston Mountain Road this summer. They have already begun prepping the road by filling potholes and working on the shoulders. Highway Superintendent Edward Weber said the work will take roughly two days once scheduled, with assistance from neighboring towns.

The highway department urgently needs a full-time heavy equipment operator. The starting pay is $22.43 an hour with a CDL or $19.14 an hour without. One of the staff, he said, has been out sick, leaving the department with just two employees. "This has been going on for a long time, and we need to hire someone else," he said. "My issue is finding someone, which is very challenging," Weber added that the two staffers are hard-working and getting things done.

In other business

A special meeting was scheduled for June 4 at 6 p.m. to discuss lighting bill issues.

The council decided to table awarding bids for a survey of town property that houses the highway department salt shed and transfer station on New Road. The town received two bids for the job, for $6,400 and $8,500. However, they ultimately decided not to spend the funds until they had a better idea of what logging opportunities were available.

Monthly bills include $8,514 for general, $678 for lighting, $782 for water, and $7,816 for highway.

The code enforcement officer conducted 13 inspections, issued four permits, and addressed two zoning issues in April.

Chris McNeal was awarded the mowing bid for town cemeteries at $950 per mow for three mows.

 

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Gilboa/Roxbury Vs. South Kortright/Andes for DL Baseball Title

DELAWARE LEAGUE -– The South Kortright/Andes baseball team handed Windham an 8-2 loss on Monday and had a non-league game set for Wednesday as they headed into Thursday's Delaware League championship game against Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury at Neahwa Park in Oneonta. 

Last week's rain and some early season snow made it a challenging year to get all the games completed. 

Gilboa/Roxbury clinched first place without a league loss, while SK/A's only league loss was to GCR.

Logan Reinshagen picked up the pitching win on Monday, striking out 11 batters and giving up just two hits over  his five innings on the mound. SK/A jumped out to a four run lead and added two more insurance runs to lead 6-0 after the first two innings and went on from there. JB Trimbell connected on a double. Reinshagen helped his cause along with teammates Garrett Dropp and Cole Thomas, each with multiple hits.

GCR defeated Windham 11-1 in action on Tuesday to finish with a perfect 6-0 league record. GCR got hits from the entire lineup, with David Cammer, Garrison Roos and Jordan Johnston all added a second hit each with Cammer and Ross having two RBI each. Three players combined for a two-hit games as they prepared for  Thursday's Delaware League showdowns.

SK/A defeated Margaretville 8-7  last Wednesday as the two teams traded the lead. SK/A scored four runs over three complete innings, but Margaretville's seven run fourth inning gave them a 7-3 lead before SK/A added four runs over the fifth and sixth to take the win. Jackson Hudson connected on a two-run round tripper that clinched it.

 

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Windham, CV/S Vie For League Title

DELAWARE LEAGUE –Windham won the top standing in Delaware League softball, clinching it ahead of last week's harassing rain. Charlotte Valley/Schenevus picked up a pair of wins to finish in the second spot in the standings at 5-1. The two teams were scheduled to settle the league championship on Thursday in Oneonta's Neahwa Park. Results were not available at press time

Gilboa/Roxbury defeated South Kortright/Andes 23-3 on Monday. GCR took a nine-run lead in the opening inning and went on from there. Olivia Ross connected on three hits and teammate Savannah Pettersen chimed in two hits. Mikayla Wright picked up the pitching win, striking out six. For SK/A Neleh Brown struck out nine batters over five innings of work.

Charlotte Valley/Schenevus added another win on Tuesday as they shutout Stamford/Jefferson 16-0. Brinlee Wright picked up the win from the circle with 12 strikeouts. She helped her cause with three RBiI along with teammate Autumn Burton. Natalie Amadon added a pair of hits and scored four runs while Claire Clark connected on  a triple. For S/J, Isabele Hynes connected on two hits, including a double.

S/J defeated Margaretville 20-4 on Tuesday for a non-league win. S/J had 16 hits, with Tierney Turner connecting on four for four RBI to lead Stamford. Aubrey Merwin and Rose Bevilacqua each had a trio of hits.

In action last Thursday, Hunter-Tannersville defeated Stamford/Jefferson 26-5 in league action. Emma Constable connected on a home and drove in five RBI. Her teammate, Julia Legg, added a pair of hits, three runs and three RBI.

Charlotte Valley/Schenevus defeated South Kortright/Andes 20-5 last Thursday in a non-league win. Amber Burton connected for a trio of hits, three runs and four RBI. Claire Clark added a pair of hits, two runs and two RBI. Teammate Josie Butler scored three runs and connected on a triple and Natalie Amadon added two hits and two RBI. For SK/A Carlee Dropp drove in two RBI.

GCR defeated non-league Livingston Manor/Roscoe 13-1 last Thursday. Caitlyn Ciaravino connected on a pair of hits for three RBI. In the circle, Mikayla Wright struck out 10 batters. Olivia Ross homered and Bailey Hughes connected twice.

GCR defeated Hunter-Tannersville 24-6 for a league win last Wednesday. GCR scored 13 runs in the third inning to go on for the win. Wright struck out 10 in that game, Bailey Hughes scored four runs and Caitlyn Ciaravino  tripled and scored three runs. H-T's Ava Byrne had the hit of the day, a grand slam homer for four RBI.

 

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SFD Preps for Spaghetti Benefit and Annual Flag Day Parade

By Liz Page

STAMFORD –  June will be a busy month for members of the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department as they plan for a benefit spaghetti dinner on June 8 and are looking forward to hosting the annual Stamford Flag Day Parade on June 14.

The June 8 benefit spaghetti dinner will be take-out at the cost of $12 per meal. The meal will include spaghetti with choice of regular or meat sauce, a salad and dessert. The proceeds will be used to replenish funds used to help a member's partner who is undergoing cancer surgery this month. 

Less than a week later, on Saturday, June 14, which is Flag Day, they will be lining Main Street with American flags as they prepare for the step off of the annual Stamford Flag Day Parade. Everyone is invited to participate in what is one of the largest parades in the region.

This year's grand marshal is Skip Heath. Heath is a retired business owner, along with his wife, Patricia,  and a person who has been involved in the community and knows a great deal about its history. 

The annual Flag Day Parade in Stamford is 52 this year and continues to be a huge draw both for participants and spectators. Members of the Stamford Fire Department, which sponsors the parade, want to get the word out in time for everyone to get it on the calendar.

There will be a number of high school bands, fire departments,  drum corps, fire apparatus, organizations, businesses, horseback riders, antique cars, mascots, ambassadors, princesses and more, who join in the parade. The fire department does not send out invitations. If you wish to participate in the parade, please arrive by 5:15 p.m. The parade will step off promptly at 6 p.m..

Community organizations and others are invited to participate. The fire department is asking that people stick to a patriotic theme for the parade which is held to honor the American flag. Floats are welcome and encouraged. 

With the parade falling on a Saturday this year, the SFD is hoping for a large turnout.

The parade is cancelled only by a thunderstorm and steps off from the east end of the village at Tower Mountain Ave. and marches along Main Street and Harper Street to the west end of the village, ending at West End Ave..The Stamford Fire Dept., will be selling food, along with local businesses and other organizations. 

Floats, horseback riders, scouts and other organizations marching, line up in the parking lot between Beaver and Liberty Streets and Color Guards line up on Liberty Street. Fire Departments line up along Beaver and Prospect Street at the direction of the Stamford Fire Department.

School bands are dropped off  at the rail trail on South Delaware Street and walk along the trail to the step off area. Someone will be there to guide them.

For safety reasons, the SFD asks that anyone with candy, not throw it along the parade route, but instead hand it to bystanders to keep children  and others from going into the path of parade participants. 

A flag retirement ceremony will be held at dusk at the Stamford Veterans Club on state Rt. 10 to properly retire worn and other flags which need to be taken out of service. Anyone with a flag to be retired may drop the flag inside the blue mailbox on the front porch of the Stamford Veteran’s Club at any time. The American Flag should never be discarded and veterans hold this special ceremony to see that old and worn flags are properly retired.

The next events for the SFD will be its annual Family Field Day and Fireworks on July 26 and the Ninth Annual Stamford Yard Sale Day on Aug. 9.

 

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Veteran Tax Exemption & Park Expansion Plans Discussed

Plan A

Plan B

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI—At their regular meeting on May 12, Delhi Town Council members reviewed extending the veteran's tax exemption and plans for the park.

Veterans Tax Exemption

Councilmembers learned they are the only remaining town in Delaware County that does not offer the eligible funds tax exemption for veterans. The exemption includes those who purchased homes using eligible funds, such as pensions, bonuses, insurance, and mustering out pay. The exemption reduces the assessed value of a qualifying veteran's property. While the reduction percentage is ultimately up to the municipality, the maximum limit is $7,500.

Local veterans proposing the exemption estimate that roughly 43 Delhi veterans or families will qualify. The maximum assessment reduction would save qualifiers roughly $175. He noted that the cost to the town is estimated at around $3,400.

Supervisor Maya Boukai noted that Colchester recently passed the exemption at the maximum reduction. Colchester has a low equalization rate, which means the maximum reduction made the most sense, the proposers explained. The council will explore the best options for Delhi, considering the equalization rates. Presenters suggested passing a local law before the March 1 deadline for applications.

For more information on the exemption, visit tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/eligfndsexempt.htm.

The Park & Pool

Over the last year, the council has been working to update the playground and pool area off Page Avenue by the American Legion.

The area is already equipped with new playground gear, fresh lounge chairs, and new trees. This summer, it will have a concession stand. The council has been working on bringing the building by the Page Avenue entrance up to code. It has new windows, doors, and a roof, and a serving window was installed. There are plans to install a restroom at the stand, but it will have to wait for next season, said Councilmember Matt Krzyston, along with a sink. All that is left is to paint the outdoor trim and get someone to rent.

In addition to these projects, Delhi Town Council is exploring a major undertaking to revamp and expand the current park and pool area. The strategy is to put all visions into one conceptual master plan that can be phased out over the years. Sean Leddy, with the Delaware County Department of Planning, Parks, and Watershed Affairs, developed two concepts. The board is reviewing different ideas to finalize a plan. Once finalized, they will phase out the projects and apply for grants.

Boukai suggested removing anything that would increase lawn service costs, such as the rain gardens. "They could always be added back later," she noted. Boukai is leaning towards plan A, though she said they could take elements from both plans if desired.

Councilmember Margaret Baldwin said it would be preferred to have the large pavilion behind the pool with a parking lot rather than in front. Plans outline a 20-foot by 40-foot pavilion that will accommodate roughly 80 people. A smaller pavilion, 14 feet by 20 feet, is similarly planned to accommodate party sizes of 20 to 30. If developed, the council hopes to rent pavilions out.

The plan includes developing a Main Street entrance, expanding parking, sidewalks, and the pool deck, adding an entryway kiosk, planting trees, and adding park signage. The layout also shows the possibility of removing the kiddie pool to install a splash pad. Other undertakings include pool showers and water fountains.

The council also wants to enclose the pool chemical building with something more aesthetically pleasing. The structure would be roughly 10 feet by 12 feet.

No decisions have been made on the master plan.

The Council approved permitting Delaware Academy Central School District to host a field day at the pool, as suggested by Certified Pool Operator Amy Randall. The field day is scheduled for June. Students will alternate use of the pool by grade level.

"This is exciting, I think this is great," said Baldwin.

Randall also suggested permitting Bird Song Farm to use the concession stand as a handout location for the newly developed food program. The council approved the farm's handout of roughly 25 boxes of kid-friendly food for those in need. To sign up for the program, which is anticipated to start in July, follow the Pool Facebook page.

The pool will offer private swim lessons during sensory play times, along with water aerobics and group swim lessons. Follow the Facebook page for information on times, prices, and signing up.

The council entered an executive session to discuss lifeguard applicants and salary.

In other business

The tentative assessment roll was approved. Grievance days are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, the week of May 19th. For more information, visit townofdelhiny.com.

The highway department is reviewing quotes for oil and stone to resurface the parking areas near and around the department building and town hall. The project is expected to be under $21,000.

The town website must be changed to a .gov rather than a .com. Councilmember Christina Viafore is working on the issue.

The council nominated Viafore as a go-to person for website IT issues before calling the website developer company, which charges for support.

Justice Mathew Burkert asked the council to consider installing a camera and entry door window to the client's attorney's private room at the court. The window to the exterior would also need to be boarded or have bars on it. The reason for the adjustment is due to a requirement by the Sheriff's office always to have eyes on an individual in custody. "Even though those individuals are incarcerated they are not convicted of any crime, they are innocent people," he said—the presumption of innocence. He said that everyone should be able to meet with their attorney privately. Burkert noted that this service is not commonly available in town courts but that, "if we have that here I think it is best for everybody."

Boukai reported 93% of taxes have been collected so far, a 1% decrease from last year.

The next regular meeting is scheduled Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m.

 

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Maker's Way: A New Venture by Local Entrepreneur Ryan Chadwick Aims to Serve Artists and Locals Alike

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE - A new project is taking shape on State Route 23A between Hunter and Tannersville that promises to fill a much-needed niche for local artisans and residents alike. Tentatively called Maker's Way, the planned development includes an artist co-op with retail space and several climate-controlled public storage units.

The project will include three 5,000-square-foot buildings. one building will be for retail with garage bays below available to the business owners above or new businesses. 

Spearheaded by local entrepreneur Ryan Chadwick—owner of Fred's Coffee & Donuts, Kaaterskill Trolley, and the soon-to-open wedding venue Dutcher's Hollow—the initiative will be adjacent to Fred's and share its charming architectural style. Fred's manager, Kody Leach, said, "The three structures will be built in the same fashion as Fred's, with cedar shake and green trim." The main difference, Chadwick noted, will be the use of tin roofs instead of traditional shingles. "It will not look like a commercial site," both Chadwick and Leach assured.

The development will consist of two distinct but complementary components. Four retail units will be available for lease, designed specifically as maker studios with space for creating and selling goods. Each will sit above garage bays that can be used by tenants or small contractors—plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and others. "It's going to be four makers' studios with art-making space for retailers," said Chadwick. "I'm thinking of arts and crafts studio retail, like candlemakers, leatherworkers, pottery, etc."

Behind the retail studios, the second and third one-story buildings will contain a range of public storage units, some of which will be climate-controlled—something Chadwick says is in short supply on the mountaintop. "People are driving a long distance to find storage," he explained. The units will vary in size depending on demand, ranging from 5x5 to 10x15 feet. Chadwick said he plans to conduct a survey to determine what people need most before finalizing the layout.

Importantly, the property's design will take full advantage of the slope of the mountain, allowing the storage units to be tucked discreetly behind the retail spaces. "Driving by the parcel, commuters will only see the front maker's studios and the roofs of the two separate public storage units," Chadwick said. "It's for aesthetic purposes. They won't resemble your typical storage units."

The idea for Maker's Way came from the same practical mindset that inspired Chadwick to open a donut shop next to Williams Lumber. "The location midway between Hunter and Tannersville just makes sense," he said, “as does the proximity to the lumberyard. 

Chadwick has experience in this type of development. In 2023, he opened Snowmass Self Storage in Aspen, Colorado—two 4,000 square foot buildings with 50 units that filled up within 45 days. The buildings were constructed with barnwood siding and were praised for blending seamlessly into the surrounding area. "They integrate nicely in the community," Chadwick said.

With Maker's Way, Chadwick is again demonstrating his knack for identifying what communities need and responding with thoughtful, locally attuned solutions. From functional storage to inviting maker spaces, the project is poised to become a valuable resource for creatives and residents alike. Construction is slated to begin next spring and is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2027.. Chadwick’s most recent site plan was approved at this week’s Town of Hunter Planning Board.

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