WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CBA AND THE CDI? WHO'S DOING WHAT?

The Callicoon Business Association (CBA) was established in 1997 to promote business and tourism in the hamlet of Callicoon while preserving its historic and natural assets. The CBA helps its members improve services for their customers and visitors through creative advertising, fundraising, and coordinating annual events. Established businesses, emerging merchants, and local community groups, including not-for-profit groups, all rely upon the CBA for its rigorous promotion of the hamlet, highlighting its wide-open river-town setting and rustic charm.

The Callicoon Depot Inc (CDI) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization made up of stakeholders specifically set up as an administration & management entity for the depot site’s development and programming, as well as advocacy for the interests of the Callicoon train Depot/Visitor’ Center Project for the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB). The CDI works in partnership with the CBA and is bound by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CBA and the CDI and is beholding to the existing executed MOU between the CBA and the UDSB.

HOW DOES THE GRANT MONEY WORK? HOW MANY GRANTS ARE THERE?

The State has awarded the CBA a New York Economic Development Program (NYEDP) grant for the construction of the visitor’s center at the Callicoon depot site. The CDI, working with the CBA and the UDSB, is in the process of implementing the agreed to program elements, developing a scope of work based on a series of reports and assessments on the state of the depot and the extent of work needed to bring the facility to a state of good repair, to code compliance, ADA accessibility, making the building occupiable by the public and open for business.

An independent cost estimating firm is in the process of generating a cost estimate that is to be reconciled against the grant monies to assure the project is viable and affordable. On conclusion of this effort, the report will be submitted to the Dormitory Authority State of New York (DASNY), upon whose acceptance will release the grant.

WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG? WHY CAN'T I GO INSIDE THE DEPOT?

The process of responding to very specific information and procedures associated with working with state entities and their requirements can be time consumptive and arduously complex. It is essential that proper procedures be followed and needed information delivered in a concise and responsive way to assure approval and processing.

The CDI has begun a monthly open house initiative that allows the public to see the inside of the depot as well as partake in scheduled presentations that speak to the history of the depot, its place within the hamlet of Callicoon, and to the rich history of the region. The public is welcome to come to the depot and experience the historic fabric of the interior spaces and feel the strong presence and grace that this structure holds in the history of the region and to the history of passenger travel that was so prevalent in the past.

WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON THE DEPOT/GRANTS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS?

Since taking possession of the lease in 2021, the CBA/CDI have undertaken stabilization programs such as reinforcing structural deficiencies along the west side of the structure, evaluated water drainage/ foundation penetration issues, removed non-historic interior partitions, removal of dropped ceilings, and the construction of a new stage along the east façade. Flexible outdoor seating, tables and planters have been provided, as well as a demarcation railing along the non-operational track to the north, to denote and protect users from the active railway.

With respect to the DASNY grant, existing conditions reports, scope of needed work/repairs, and preliminary set of drawings illustrating the phase 1 program requirements have been developed and have been forwarded to a cost estimating firm. On completion of their analysis and the reconciliation of the budget, said reports will be forwarded to DASNY for their release of the grant.     

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON THIS YEAR?

Attaining approval and completing construction of the phase 1 program is an extensive and time-consumptive undertaking. As a result, the CDI has initiated an open house program that is geared towards outreach – monthly outdoor events supported by an information table where questions/concerns can be addressed, and tours of the depot offered. We are looking beyond phase 1, to the eventual design and construction of a community center and outdoor plaza, supported by landscaping, that will make for a desirable public town square to the benefit of residents and visitors, an asset to the community and the hamlet of Callicoon.

The CDI, CBA, and the UDSB are working towards launching quarterly community town hall meetings, a forum to update everyone on the progress of the work, listen to suggestions, and address any immediate concerns.

This new webpage has been launched where one can become familiar with the history of the depot, the hamlet of Callicoon, and the surrounding environs that have shaped this rich and desirable community. Contact information, the CDI mission statement, and the composition of the current board of directors, as well as a schedule of ongoing events, and means to offer volunteerism and donations are provided.