Ground broken for new library


 

PINE PLAINS — For years it was just a dream. But Saturday, dozens of people turned up at a groundbreaking ceremony to witness reality taking shape for the town’s future library and community center.

"We desperately needed a larger space," said past library board president Matt Finley. "I know they looked around and found not only a place for the library, but also for a community center, which is terrific."

There’s some discrepancy as to when the hunt started — some say it was six years ago while others tag it closer to eight. Either way, the process has been a long one steeped in determination among the members of the Foundation for the Pine Plains Community Center and Library. Dominic Calabro is the foundation’s head of fundraising.

"It’s very exciting and I’m really looking forward to getting the project underway. I’m glad that it’s getting started," he said. "We’ve had a lot of people watching the project closely, waiting to see how it went before donating [money]. This ground-breaking should instill some confidence in people."

Thus far the foundation has raised $1.6 million; another $600,000 to $700,000 must still be raised for the project’s completion. The land on which the building is to be constructed was donated by the Odd Fellows; their lodge was once housed on the South Main Street site.

"I would like to recognize everyone and thank everyone who contributed to the success of this project," foundation secretary Charles Napoli said during Saturday’s ceremony. "So many people donated their time, effort and money."

"We’re very proud of this moment. These guys [in the foundation] have been steadfast in their course," town Supervisor Gregg Pulver said. "The Town Board has lent its support, but these guys have had the vision and the fortitude.

"Dom Calabro has been a leader in this," Pulver added. "He’s the guy who has held this together through thick and thin."

There have also been others who have supported the project, including state Senator Vincent Leibell and state Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro. Both men were present at the ground-breaking.

"It’s an exciting day — so many people have worked so hard and so long to get here," Leibell said to the crowd. "We have the opportunity to think not only of ourselves and how much we’ll enjoy this library, but of future generations and what it will open up to them."

"Having a fully operational library is so very important," Molinaro added. "This rests on the hard work you did. Congratulations. Each and every one of you should be very proud that you raised the money and committed to a project that is bigger than any of us could have imagined."

"I feel excited — it’s been so long to actually see this happening and to know very soon that I’ll be in there," Pine Plains librarian Marguerite Hill said. "Right now we’re overflowing with different things."

"The first thing is we needed a library because the current one is inadequate," Pulver said. "But the bigger picture is how the community can come together and do a project like this. That motivation came from a lot of people."

Construction is expected to begin "any minute," according to the supervisor, depending on the weather. Kirchhoff Construction of Pleasant Valley will be doing the work. The architects for the project are Liscum McCormack VanVoohis of Poughkeepsie. Once the library is completed the not-for-profit foundation will turn the building over to the town.

"The permits are ready to rock and roll," Pulver said. "There’s no reason to believe it won’t get up in a quick period of time. I think we’re in good shape."

Latest News

Water main cleaning in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN – Aquarion Water Company today announced a water main cleaning project in the company’s North Canaan system. The project is scheduled to take place from Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 16, and is being undertaken to ensure customers in North Canaan continue to receive the highest quality water.

The cleaning for April 1 and April 4 (subject to change) will take place on the following streets:

Keep ReadingShow less
Tuning up two passions under one roof

The Webb Family in the workshop. From left: Phyllis, Dale, Ben and Josh Webb, and project manager Hannah Schiffer.

Natalia Zukerman

Magic Fluke Ukulele Shop and True Wheels Bicycle Shop are not only under the same roof in a beautiful solar powered building on Route 7 in Sheffield, but they are also both run by the Webb family, telling a tale of familial passion, innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

In the late ‘90s, Dale Webb was working in engineering and product design at a corporate job. “I took up instrument manufacturing as a fun challenge,” said Dale. After an exhibit at The National Association of Music Merchants in Anaheim, California, in 1999, The Magic Fluke company was born. “We were casting finger boards and gluing these things together in our basement in New Hartford and it just took off,” Dale explained. “It was really a wild ride, it kind of had a life of its own.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Robert Cray’s soulful blues coming to Infinity Hall

Robert Cray

Photo provided

Blues legend Robert Cray will be bringing his stinging, funky guitar and soulful singing to Infinity Hall Norfolk on Friday, March 29.

A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned The Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. He has played with blues and rock icons including Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and many more.

Keep ReadingShow less