During the sleepy summer months of July and August, Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) in New Paltz is moving forward with the construction of a 7,400 sq. ft. visitor center, which will feature an outdoor patio, amphitheater and over 100 parking spaces behind the Deyo House. Architectural renderings are complete, and the area is marked with pink ribbons for development. There are already full architectural renderings for this visitor’s center and the pink ribbons delineate the green space set for development. A pink, laminated piece of paper tacked to a wooden stick near the existing HHS parking lot off Broadhead Avenue, serves as a notice for a public hearing on the proposed project slated for Monday, September 8, 7 p.m. at the New Paltz Village Hall.
Concerned residents have expressed strong opposition to the plan in a letter, emphasizing that the historic heart of Huguenot Street includes the surrounding natural landscape, which is vital to its heritage. They argue that constructing a large modern building in this fragile area is reckless, especially after securing a street closure to protect the site. The green space that is being eyed for construction of the visitor’s center and the parking venue is located in the middle of pine grove and green space that includes picnic tables, grass lawns, shaded areas and is often the site of outdoor HHS events, Civil War reenactments, community happenings and a quiet space for families to picnic, artists to sketch and people to gather.
HHS claims the facility will enhance the visitor experience and serve as a gateway to the area’s history, addressing current limitations with existing buildings. While the project aims to create added parking and spaces for community programming, many locals contest the necessity of a new center given available resources nearby.
The meeting can also be viewed via Zoom. Comments can be sent to hpc@villageofnewpaltz.gov, and copies of the proposed plans are available upon request.
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