[MONTICELLO] – The Village of Monticello will dedicate 64 new decorative street lights on Broadway (the back story) on Monday, November 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and St. John Street. The dedication ceremony will include remarks by U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey and other project partners, including the Village of Monticello, Delaware Valley Job Corps (DVJC) and Sullivan Renaissance.
Hinchey was instrumental in obtaining funding for Sullivan Renaissance, which purchased $90,000 worth of lamp posts for the village. “The installation of dozens of attractive new street lights on Broadway complements and caps off the reconstruction of Broadway and is literally a shining example of the progress being made in revitalizing downtown Monticello. I was delighted to partner with Sullivan Renaissance, the Delaware Valley Job Corps, and the Village of Monticello to make this wonderful project possible, and I encourage people in the region to visit Monticello and see for themselves the incredible transformation of Broadway that has occurred in the past few years,” Hinchey said.
Hinchey also arranged for Job Corps students to be involved in the installation of the 15-foot-tall lights as part of their training as electricians helpers, under the supervision of instructor Eric Possemato. “These students come from all across the country to receive job training through our programs and learn skills that will help them find gainful employment in this challenging economy. This project presented a unique opportunity for hands-on learning, while helping the community at the same time,” said DVJC Director Dr. Curtis Price.
The village contributed over $20,000 to purchase materials and hire McDowall Electric to supervise and coordinate. “We are appreciative of all the work the Job Corps students did to help the village,” said Monticello Mayor Gordon Jenkins, “By partnering with Job Corps, we saved village taxpayers over $50,000 and we couldn’t have done this without their help.”
In addition to beautification projects, there are several other initiatives designed to revitalize the downtown business district. The Sullivan County Division of Planning recently announced a micro-enterprise grant program to help entrepreneurs open businesses on Main Streets, and the village board has grants pending to assist property owners with building renovations. The village is also reviewing zoning regulations to encourage reinvestment on Broadway. Finally, the Monticello Business Association has been collaborating with village officials to create events and is developing a brochure to market properties to potential investors.
Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation. For more information call 845-295-2445.
