Downtown Carmel to undergo revitalization

HAMLET OF CARMEL-A year from now, downtown Carmel-the Putnam County seat-will have a new appearance as a result of a major revitalization project.

Carmel Supervisor Frank DelCampo met with Gary Tretsch of Putnam Engineering Monday on the Gleneida shoreline to review plans for the $2.3 million project that will enhance the existing streetscape within existing right-of-ways.

The project calls for the creation of a downtown that was more pedestrian friendly. "We intend to enhance Carmel's physical appearance," said the supervisor.

Mr. DelCampo announced that after many months of discussions with New York City, he was able to obtain permission from the Department of Environmental Protection to widen Route 52 or Gleneida Avenue by some 8 feet. "This will allow for another lane of traffic to use the heavily traveled main thoroughfare as well as installing a turning lane at Route 301," he said.

Mr. DelCampo said the program envisioned the "enhancement of the streetscape with an introduction of sidewalk architecture including new concrete and brick walks with variations in use, shape and pattern."

Mr. DelCampo said the sidewalks will have complementing curbs of concrete, granite, cobblestone and belgium block. "The revitalized streetscape will be coordinated with appropriate traffic and pedestrian safety concerns including handicap accessibility," he said.

Mr. DelCampo called it "critical" that the downtown commercial center become accessible. "Without a uniform and clearly defined downtown, greater Carmel will become fragmented since no one really knows where the heart of Carmel is currently located," he said.

The one-mile square project will encompass Gleneida Avenue from the Reed Library south to the Nichols Building and to the Kent line headed north. The project area also includes a portion of Fair Street from its intersection with Gleneida Avenue to the Carmel School District property, about 1,000 feet.

The second phase of the project will link two large commercial centers-Shoprite Plaza and the Putnam Plaza. Mr. DelCampo said there is currently no pedestrian access to these centers without traveling on the roadway shoulder. "This discourages pedestrian circulation of local residents to these areas and increases the dependency on automotive transportation," he said.

Phase II also calls for sidewalks to be installed on Seminary Hill Road to the Gleneida Court, a senior citizens housing complex.

Mr. DelCampo said the core of the hamlet was in the greatest need of improvement. "Once completed, the hamlet will serve as motivation to local merchants who will follow suit and join the improvement program. It is imperative to follow through with as much of the project's visual improvements to set a standard, representation and tone of the project," he said.

Mr. DelCampo made special mention of State Sen. Vincent Leibell who single-handedly brought more than $400,000 in special aid from Albany to the project.

The town plans to advertise for the project by Labor Day. Thirty days later, the town will award the bid for the project. "We are hoping that some preparations can be made before the end of the year. However, the bulk of the work will take place next spring and it should be completed within a five-month period," he said.