Callicoon - One of Callicoon's most historic buildings, the Callicoon Railroad Depot, just got a new lease on life - literally - when the Callicoon Business Association (CBA) signed a long-term lease with the Central New York Railroad Corporation.

The agreement will pave the way for the newly-formed Callicoon Depot Inc. (CBI) to take site control and begin work on the restoration of the historic 1896 railroad depot and grounds in the center of the hamlet.

The independent, non-profit organization was established with the sole mission of completing the depot's restoration and sustaining its long-term operation, maintenance and programming.

CBI secured roughly $450,000 in grants and donations and engaged a variety of partners in discussions about using and activating the space.

The most significant partner in the project is the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB), which has assigned a $250,000 NYS grant to the UDSB for creation of a visitor center to serve Byway communities.

UDSB chair Johnny Pizzolato notes, “The visitor center has had many incarnations with twists and turns, much like the byway we promote. We are thrilled to see our visitor center based in Callicoon, one of the most idyllic of our river communities in Sullivan County - and one that is right in the middle of Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.”

CBA President Patti Moorhead said, “The CBA members are elated the Depot lease is now signed. We're eager to undertake the station's restoration and anticipate suggestions and input from the public.

“The revitalization of the station will benefit and invigorate the entire community for many years to come,” she said.

First things first

The initial focus of the work will be development of a visitor center and headquarters for the UDSB, which encompasses the 77-mile State Route 97 corridor from Port Jervis to Hancock.

The UDSB's mission is to highlight and enhance the splendor of the highway, with its spectacular scenic vistas, vibrant communities, and access to the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and its resources.

Further project phases, to be guided by a process of community outreach and public input, will continue the building's adaptive reuse to host a variety of community functions such as:

• exhibits,

• meetings,

• events,

• performances,

• workshops,

• classes,

•small-business

support, and

• private events. 

More plans; input wanted

Proposed plans for the exterior include landscaping and grading to create an attractive “town commons” area with outdoor seating, and improvements to the stage that has been used during seasonal festivals.

Parking needs will be addressed both on-site and by means of a comprehensive, hamlet-wide parking study that has been undertaken in cooperation with the Town of Delaware.

To collect public input on the project, open houses are being planned for early spring. Volunteers will be on hand to walk people through the building, and to present and discuss concepts for its renovation and future use. 

Participants will be encouraged to contribute their own ideas and suggestions and, when possible, to share their knowledge and reminiscences of the train station when it was in active use through the 1960s. 

Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. For more information on these events, and the project generally, email allaboard@callicoondepot.org and follow the project on Instagram @callicoondepot.