Liberty takes giant steps forward

By TOM KANE

LIBERTY, NY –— There are big things happening in Liberty these days.

It’s not like anything Liberty has seen before.

In the past, much discussion and wringing of hands have been spent over the problems facing Liberty and what the patterns of social and economic change have done to the once-thriving village.

For the last year and a half, a group of young graduate students led by Professor Ken Reardon of Cornell University, concerned residents and business leaders from Liberty have been meeting to create a plan for the future of Liberty.

On October 25 that plan was introduced along with the opening of the new Liberty Action Center, located at 98 North Main Street.

The center, which will be the location for the Liberty Economic Development Project (LEAP), will have a staff of four, funded by Cornell University and the Gerry Foundation.

A full-time coordinator, Kevin Synder, who graduated from Cornell University’s Department of City and Regional Planning last year, is the community development specialist. Three part-time staff who will be working on the project include residents Alan Berube, Janet Solomon and Judy Schneyer.

“A good program can’t be just about store fronts and pavements,” said Jonathan Drapkin of the Gerry Foundation. “It has to be a holistic effort that will take in all aspects of economic development, affordable housing, youth participation and a lot of other things.”

“What’s singular about this project is its wide array of partnerships,” said Reardon. “This is the dawn of an exciting period for Liberty.”

Funding for the project includes: a $115,000 grant from Sullivan County Workforce Development, a member item grant of $50,000 from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, a $5,000 grant from the New York State Preservation League for preserving the historic resources of the village and town, as well as staff funding from Cornell University and the Gerry Foundation.

“When you look at all the energy showing here and you consider the strong partners this project has, you just have to have success,” said State Senator John Bonacic, who attended the ceremony.