The Newburgh City Council received an update on the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Nomination Study and related initiatives during its work session last Thursday. The city is assessing the future use of hillside land along the waterfront and engaging the community in the process.
The vacant hillside property, once home to East End Black residents and business owners, was impacted by urban renewal projects. Although conservation efforts halted the urban renewal process, many affected families either relocated or remained in Newburgh.
City consultants presented draft recommendations for the BOA project to the council. Ali Church, Newburgh’s director of planning and development, highlighted the role of the project’s steering committee, which includes community leaders and city staff, such as Councilman Omari Shakur.
Lisa Nagle, AICP, RLA, and Laura Lourenco, senior project manager from EDR, a woman-owned consulting firm, outlined the study’s progress. The initiative is funded by the New York State Department of State. “The brownfield planning program seeks to revitalize underutilized properties,” Nagle said. “We aim to complete the nomination study by December, setting the city up for future grant opportunities.”
The brownfield assessment, a parallel effort funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, is being conducted by Safe Harbors of the Hudson. This includes historical analysis and environmental testing of the hillside area.
Among the 42 draft recommendations were:
• Developing a comprehensive master plan for hillside redevelopment.
• Establishing mechanisms for community engagement and descendant involvement.
• Partnering with SUNY Orange to integrate the campus into the community.
• Redeveloping the New York State Department of Transportation parking lot on Water Street.
• Leveraging city-owned parcels to align development with community goals.
Recommendations also addressed economic development, parks, natural resources, transportation, and infrastructure. Recognizing the historical significance of urban renewal in the area was emphasized.
Next steps include distributing an online community survey and hosting a public meeting on Jan. 21. More information is available at newburghboa.com.
Councilmember Giselle Martinez expressed support for the study while raising questions about small business development, community organization involvement, and descendant participation.
Councilmember Ramona Monteverde highlighted the importance of bike infrastructure and environmental considerations.
Councilmember Shakur, who serves on the steering committee, encouraged public participation. “I’ll see you all on the 21st,” he said.
Councilmember Bob Sklarz emphasized the economic potential of Clinton Square and the waterfront. “The waterfront has always been an economic generator for the city,” Sklarz said.
Mayor Torrance Harvey thanked the consultants and requested a phased timeline for the project. He also urged the inclusion of the Consolidated Iron Site, also known as People’s Park, in the study.