Newburgh City Council approved on Monday, July 22 to support the 2024 Consolidated Funding application of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, Inc. Safe Harbors is looking to apply to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for funding for The Safe Harbors Green Improvement Project. Councilwoman Ramona Monteverde recused herself from voting as she is currently employed by Safe Harbors.

City Corporation Counsel Michelle Kelson presented the resolution on Thursday, July 18 for council discussion and would look to have the item go for a vote on Monday night. “The application requires that the municipality in which the project is located support the application,” said Kelson.

The Safe Harbors Green is located at the corner of Broadway and Liberty Street. The space has not only served as a greenspace within the city but also a venue for a variety of community events and gatherings during the year. Safe Harbors Executive Director Lisa Silverstone said the grant being applied for would go towards upgrades for Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] accessible pathways, signage and wayfinding in the park, new shade elements, stonework repairs and improving audience and performers experiences with new stonework. The grant application is due on Wednesday, July 31.