Turntable project to revitalize downtown
Port Jervis

By DAVID HULSE

PORT JERVIS, NY — Port Jervis is trying to change its image from steam tank to think tank.

The city is trying to finance a new educational complex to be sited on some of the remains of the old Erie facilities.

Port Jervis is seeking a competitive Small Cities Grant block grant to fund a two phase education center at the for Erie turntable, near the Metro-North station, Mayor Ross Decker confirmed earlier this week.

The first phase of the project would include the development of an Erie Park and Railway Museum. A 3,000 to 5,000 square-foot building would become the new home for the railway museum, which was displaced from its home at the renovated Erie Depot.

A half-acre open space area would be created surrounding the turntable site.

The museum building would also provide display space for the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway and provide information about the Delaware and Hudson Canal.

The second and larger phase of the project would be a 40,000 square-foot office/school structure, which would provide some 20 classrooms, computer lab, science lab, library, auditorium and parking for 200 to 300 vehicles.

The larger building would be jointly used for Orange County Community College classes, State University of New York at New Paltz post-graduate classes, Port Jervis Central School programs, Bon Secours Community Hospital workshops and several county employment training and social services offices.

The total cost is estimated between $4 million and $5 million.

“It will be an economic stimulus for the city of Port Jervis,” Decker said. “We have a renaissance committee formed, trying to bring vitality back to the city. This certainly contributes to our resurgence.”