The New Paltz Village Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) bestowed its annual Partners in Preservation awards during the January 27 Village Board meeting. These are given to thank people who have improved the streetscape of the village. Moxie Cup and St. Andrew’s Church were singled out for their appearance, and a third award was given to thank the continuing efforts of the Community Improvement Team.
HPC chair Tom Olson explained that the awards are for “properties that don’t meet the requirements for landmark status, but whose owners do the right thing” in terms of exterior appearance. Those criteria made giving one to Moxie Cup owner Josie Eriole an easy choice, as since relocating to 184 Main Street she has “really added to the exterior” of the building, said Olson, thus “bringing it back into the community.” That property was first created as a drive-through fast-food restaurant and has had several tenants since; it was “forlorn and forgotten for some time” when Eriole took it over.
St. Andrew’s Church is an “important building in the community,” Olson said, because of its prominent location at 163 Main Street. Olson commended Reverend Robin James and Martin Bend for “careful and consistent stewardship of an historic place of worship in the village.” It’s the first time the award has been given to a house of worship, he said.
Another first was bestowing the award on the Community Improvement Team, a group of volunteers who work to provide hanging flower baskets and other beautification projects. While Sue Stegen accepted the award, she was quick to point out that the efforts — and credit — belong to all those involved.
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