Village of Newport Public Meeting

Newport, NY – The Village of Newport invites residents and stakeholders to a
public meeting to discuss the current status of the demolition of the former Newport School and explore potential future uses of the site. The meeting will take place at 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Kuyahoora Community Hall (the former Masonic Lodge), located at 7408 Main Street, Newport, NY.

The discussion will focus on the demolition plans for the old Newport School at 7456 East Street, a 1.1-acre site that has been vacant and in disrepair since 1990. The building, containing asbestos and other contaminants, has been deemed structurally unsafe and is slated for demolition as part of an environmental cleanup initiative supported by federal EPA Brownfields grants. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on potential future uses for the site, which could play a vital role in revitalizing the village.

This project is being made possible through the collaboration of multiple key stakeholders, including Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD), Mohawk Valley EDGE, Herkimer County IDA and Herkimer Next, Inc. (next). These organizations have come together to provide essential support, including funding, planning, and project management, to ensure the successful demolition and remediation of the former school site. The partnership aims to create opportunities for redevelopment and community revitalization.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, express concerns, and offer input on the remediation process and the possibilities for the site’s redevelopment. The demolition and cleanup are crucial steps in addressing public safety and environmental concerns while paving the way for new development opportunities in Newport.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Kuyahoora Community Hall (former Masonic Lodge)
7408 Main Street, Newport, NY

For more information, please contact:

Michele Hummel
Herkimer Next, Inc. (next)
315-864-0009
michele@herkimernext.org

About the Project

The demolition of the former Newport School is part of a larger community revitalization effort, funded through EPA Brownfields grants, aimed at removing hazardous structures and creating opportunities for growth in the Village of Newport. The project is being driven by the collaborative efforts of Mohawk
Valley EDGE, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, and Herkimer Next, Inc. Working together, these stakeholders are focused on ensuring a safe, clean, and vibrant future for the village.

Michele Hummel
Herkimer Next, Inc. (next)
michele@herkimernext.org

For all donations made to the Food Pantry through the end of 2024, the Scriven Foundation is providing a match of up to $10,000, and an anonymous donor will match an additional $5,000 on top of that, making a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $15,000.