Liquor Store Opening in Sharon Wednesday

A new liquor store will open in Sharon Springs Wednesday, continuing the community's strong business development streak. McDermott's Wine & Liquor will be opening 1pm tomorrow. The store has a Facebook page here, the source of our photos.

After Flood, Middleburgh Sees Swift Revival

Middleburgh was the second-hardest hit community by 2011's devastating flooding. Faced with much of its business sector and residential areas demolished by Hurricane Irene, recovery seemed to be over a decade in the making.

Now, just two years later Middleburgh appears to be poised for its quickest growth in decades.

The community lost six businesses and dozens of residents in the flood. There is still a waiting list to demolish flood-damaged buildings and some people still have parts of their homes yet to be fixed. However, for much of the village it would appear that the deluge never happened at all.

In the middle of 2012, various programs were put in place to assist both flood victims and build up a residential and commercial base battered by the economy and weather. $20,000 in flood recovery money was collected and sent out directly to businesses and homeowners by the Village government. The Middleburgh Area Business Association was created by Mayor Matthew Avitabile and over 40 businesses have joined to coordinate efforts for events and initiatives. Their most recent series, the Fourth Friday events, have become very popular, bringing in hundreds of visitors each month.

Fourth Friday events on Main Street. Photo credit: Sheila Donegan

Various grant programs left for dead were revived and used to fund the recovery. A Main Street Block Grant intended for a 2008 completion was found moribund and closed out in 2013. The revived program allowed over $150,000 for repairs to over a dozen businesses. Another $20,000 was used for many of the most recognizable projects of the last three years: a deer mural, a picnic pavilion, wildflowers, and other projects. Another mural was placed up in 2012 from another formerly mishandled grant fund. A New York Community Block Grant meant for a 2006 completion assisted with another $60,000 in low-interest loans for businesses-- partially used for flood damage and some used to nab new businesses such as Green Wolf Brewery and Valley Tax Accounting. Another grant intended for closure in 2003 was used to complete the Creekside Park project on Baker Avenue. Several damaged homes were taken down and turned into greenspace. Across the Schoharie Creek, a new pavilion was erected by the Knights of Columbus and Rotary Club. Trustee William Morton has been expanding his wildflower project in the area and placed a monument to Timothy Murphy. All told, almost $1 million in grants were rescued that would have instead been handed back to the state.

Much of the recovery took place after a fearful jolt. After the effort by former Mayor Gary Hayes to dissolve the Village government in early 2013, residents reacted decisively against the plan. The occurrence re-galvanized volunteer and local efforts to revive the community. The Neighbors Eating Together dinners, a cooperation between Middleburgh's four churches grew to large proportions, now gaining around 100 neighbors per week in the fall and winter to dine and converse. The Rotary worked with other groups to put on the first kayak/canoe race in 30 years this April.

Meanwhile, the summer that saw a brief flash flood also saw the sun. William Morton's wildflower project arose at the same time as other projects. The Village reached out to various business types to meet needs in the community. So far, the effort has paid off. Offices for an architect, an engineer, and an accountant have all met the Mayor's call. Morton's wildflowers attracted hundreds of visitors and created a boost for the local economy. New flags lined the streets. In June, Middleburgh held its second annual Heritage Day. The Best House, now under the stewardship of Bobbi Ryan of the Middleburgh Library saw a large increase of new and returning visitors, events, and a new sign. Quilt squares placed by the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail now grace the Middleburgh Library, NBT Bank, and other structures around town.

The underlying success seems to be a plethora of effort from the community. Led by the local government and businesses, projects from the Rotary, Century Club, Library, and the churches have grown cohesive. The tax rate in the Village has remained at the same level for 2012, 2013, and 2014-- the first time since 1997. With help from Carver Stone, the former NAPA building on Main Street has been torn down and will be replaced with storefronts. A new coat of paint graces Kelley's Bar and Grill and an office on the opposite side of the street is seeing a total rehab. It hasn't had a business in it since the 1980s and now hosts a realty office that has returned since the flood. Another four office spaces are being fixed up in a collaboration between owners, the Village, and SALT.

One of two pavilions opened in the last three years

Just this past several year there have large gains for the small community. In early December, Valley Tax Accounting opened its doors on Main Street, as did this little paper. A pet store, Fish Tales and Fur, opened on Main Street in June. All told, ten businesses have opened since the effort began. There are currently eight additional business projects aiming to open in Middleburgh over the coming months. First will be the Green Wolf Brewery on Main Street and the new Valley Pharmacy. Other projects include the Green Iguana Bistro, a bookstore, and others.

Middleburgh still faces challenges, including bringing a grocery into the community, but its ascent surely seems to be reaching an apex.

Middleburgh Pet Store Asks for Emergency Donations to Move

Yesterday's tragic partial collapse left upstairs apartment renters and the newly opened pet store in Middleburgh thrown out. The property at 330 Main suffered a partial collapse after a torrent of rain on June 25th. The event's direct cause and the stability of the building is being checked by an architect and engineer, but regardless of the result one thing is clear: the pet store is closed for the time being.

The owners are considering a move to a nearby structure-- a necessity. The owners were open for just ten days-- and are now facing a catastrophic loss of revenue, inventory, and time. The store opened after owners Mark and Tina Cyzszczon reached their dream. Tina is a recovering cancer victim and the couple is raising several young children.

Donations are now being asked to stave off the store closing for good. A donation link can be seen below:

The owners are trying to raise $10,000 to cover some of the costs related to the disaster. Even several dollars can make a substantial difference.

Middleburgh Brewery to be Featured in National Ad Campaign

The Schoharie News met with Green Wolf Brewery Co. Owner Justin Behan earlier this month and filed this report on the small businessman's journey from history major to micro-brewer.

MIDDLEBURGH – Newly opened Green Wolf Brewing Co. will be photographed June 26 for the Brew Central national print ad campaign.

Launched in 2013, the Brew Central campaign brings together the stories, traditions and tastes behind craft beer, hard cider and spirits in Central New York via a website and ad placement in some of the nation’s premier beer magazines including Beer Advocate, Beer Connoisseur and All About Beer.

Green Wolf Brewing represents the newest partner in the initiative, a collaboration of six Central New York Vacation Region counties that includes Schoharie. 

One of the first to take advantage of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Farm Brewery License program, Green Wolf Brewing sources as many ingredients as possible from the Capital Region and New York state. A case study by the Carey Institute for Global Good recently recognized the brewery for the positive economic impact it will have on Middleburgh’s Main Street and the region.

Pet Store Breathes New Life into Middleburgh's Main Street

Set for a Friday opening and Saturday grand opening, Fish Tales and Fur has had a long journey towards opening at 330 Main Street.

Owner Mark Czyszczon and his family have been tirelessly working to get the location open. Unoccupied before the flood, it was damaged in 2011. The family and volunteers put in sweat equity to get the location ready for use.

A newly repainted storefront

The store will offer a wide range of pets and pet supplies, with fish being a major component. The resident fish expert is manager Bob Czyszczon, who previously managed a pet store in Cobleskill.

Soon to be filled tanks

Mark is doing the best to fulfill the dream of his wife and business partner Tina to run a pet store. Mark, who was also a volunteer at numerous locations along Main Street after Irene, wants to give back even further. "I want to serve the community," he said.

The owner also wanted to emphasize the store's other strength-- flexibility. "If anyone wants something that we don't have in stock, we'd be happy to order it for them," he said. The store is already packed with lizard, fish, and other supplies. Pet food ranging from dog to cat to rodent to fish to lizard will also be available. For the braver visitors, so will large spiders.

Manager Bob Czyszczon after putting up a front display tank

The store's Facebook page can be found here and a website is soon to follow. The owners want to have a full opening this Friday.

A grand opening is planned for 1pm Saturday during the Middleburgh Heritage Day festivities. All are encouraged to attend.

From US History Major to Micro-Brewer: Middleburgh Brewery Set to Open in Late June

Justin Behan didn't set out to be a micro-brewer after graduating from college, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in American History, but after years of journeying through organic farming and home brewing, Mr. Behan's Green Wolf Brewery Co. will be opening soon in the Village of Middleburgh. 

It all started six years ago when Mr. Behan began home brewing on his Cotton Hill Road property, and soon after decided he wanted to open his own establishment. At the time he was unemployed, which he described in a recent tour of Green Wolf Brewery Co. as, "kind of helpful because I had nothing to lose."

From there he joined forces with Charles Manning, his father-in-law, and the brewery took a life of its own, eventually settling down at 315 Main Street in Middleburgh. Telling the Schoharie News that he wanted to be a benefit to the valley communities, Mr. Behan was well received by both the Becker family and Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile in his endeavor. 

Green Wolf's two-barrel electric brewery
can produce up to 120 gallons of beer daily

The brewery, which has begun production and is aiming to have an official opening in either late June or Fourth of July weekend, can make up to two batches of beer per day, which is the equivalent of one hundred and twenty gallons. It takes approximately three to four weeks for the final product to be ready. 

With several varieties of locally crafted beer to choose from, including Pindar's Imperial IPA and Ravens Black IPA, patrons of the brewery will be able to enjoy the selection in a pub styled lounge area that features an on-tap bar.

But even six years after first entering the growing home brewing trade, and perfecting his craft during a six month apprenticeship with the Good Nature Brewing Company in Madison County, Mr. Behan still enjoys the thrill of brewing his own beer as he prepared to ferment his second batch of the day when we spoke recently. 

Years in the making, Justin Behan's
brewery is weeks from opening.

A batch that will be making its way through Middleburgh in just four weeks.

Wolfe's Laundry Den Hosts Grand Opening

One month after Wolfe's Laundry Den opened their doors to customers in the Village of Schoharie, they officially hosted their grand opening on Friday afternoon with dozens of friends, family, and local officials in attendance to witness the ribbon cutting and the birth of a new business.

Opening the new laundromat was a Wolfe family
affair on Friday - Photo credit: Timothy Knight

Offering few remarks after the cutting, Nancy Ann Wolfe thanked Assemblyman Pete Lopez, attorney Raynor Duncombe and Bank of Richmondville officials for their assistance in helping the project get off the ground, which began after the Wolfe family purchased the building last July. 

The laundromat, which boasts forty-two state of the art American manufactured washers and dryers, is open regularly from six in the morning until ten at night according to the business facebook page, and is located at 299 Main Street in the heart of Schoharie.

Two Local Businesses Compete for $1,500 Start-up Grant

Two Schoharie County business have entered into the 2014 All Over Albany Startup Grant, which is being sponsored this year by Staff Ciampino & Company P.C., Certified Public Accountants, that will award $1,500 to the local business that receives the most public support by way of voting on AOA's website. 

Nineteen startups have applied for the $1,500 grant provided by Berkshire Bank, including the Richmondville based Earthly Remedies by Erin that produces organic skincare products and the local Olde Country Store that is looking to relocate from their current spot in Gallupville to Middleburgh. 

Both local businesses exemplify the county's innovative character and hard working spirit, but need extra help moving their dreams to the next step. You can vote for only one business per day until the contest ends on April 11 at 1:00 pm. 

13 Years Later: County Still Looking to Find Buyer for Guilford Mills

Before closing in November of 2001, the Guilford Mills building on Mineral Springs Road in Cobleskill, New York was home to more than 500 jobs. Since closing on the eighth of that month, those jobs have not been replaced, and the building has sat vacant.

The plant, and the parcel of land on which it sits, is owned by Schoharie County. This means that, at least for the time being, it is fully the county’s responsibility to find new businesses to occupy the space. To this point, the county has found little success on this front. The most recent possibility came last year when Butternuts Beer and Ale, a company based west of Schoharie County in Garratsville, New York, expressed interest in turning the facility into a brewery. However, the deal fell through when Butternuts failed to meet certain purchase deadlines and, on October 15 of 2013, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors voted not to extend the Butternuts purchase contract.

Stewart’s Shops was rumored to show interest in the building to open a creamery. According to Schoharie County treasurer Bill Cherry, though, Stewart’s has yet to formally express interest. Cherry did say that both he and the Schoharie County realtor have been in talks with Stewart’s Shops.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the property was used as a temporary home for some of the County facilities that had been damaged in the flood. Notably, the Schoharie County Department of Motor Vehicles used the facility for a short time. Since the parcel is owned by the County, it is entirely possible that it could be used for County purposes in the long term, but Cherry said that the County’s mission is for the building to be occupied by a private sector firm.

The likely cause of Schoharie County’s difficulty in marketing the building is its size. When Guilford Mills operated the complex, the 460,000 square foot building was used in the production of consumer fabrics, an industry which Guilford exited in 2001 to focus on the performance textiles and automotive market. It is unlikely, Cherry says, that Schoharie County will find another company in need of that much space, or willing to invest the three million asking price.

To combat this, the County is considering subdividing the property into sections of around 100,000 square feet or less. According to Cherry, this size industrial space makes the building much more marketable, although it would require the interest of multiple companies to fill. Cherry also said it is possible, once the entire building is occupied, that the County could sell the parcel to an outside investor.

“Our goal is to create new jobs in Schoharie County,” said Cherry of the plant. The goal number Cherry quoted was the 500 lost on Guilford Mills’ closing, whether they all come from one company or segmented from different companies. As we approach the thirteen year mark for the building being unoccupied, Schoharie County residents are left to wonder if the building will ever again be home to any jobs at all.

Wu One Step Closer to Opening Gym in Middleburgh

Middleburgh is one step closer to opening a gym. 

Joined by local officials and representatives of the business community, New York City investor Da-Lai Wu made his case for opening a gym at the vacant Grand Union on Route 30 to members of the Planning Board on Tuesday night.

Wu, who in the fall unsuccessfully pursued purchasing the $5.3 million Maranatha physical fitness complex in Richmondville, briefed members of the Planning Board and the public on his plans to transform the old grocery store into a functioning fitness center, with the addition of tennis courts a possibility down the road.

After forty-five minutes of public discussion, the Planning Board voted unanimously to begin the process of issuing Mr. Wu a special use permit for the project, which will take approximately three months to undergo full review and final approval. The project could be open as early as this summer. 

Village of Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile, who initially contacted Wu about a potential project, praised the "fastidious manner which the Planning Board handled the issue," in a facebook post published on the Middleburgh community group page Wednesday morning. 

Concurring in support of the Planning Board's decision on the town's "antiquated zoning laws," Middleburgh Town Supervisor Jim Buzon called the proposed physical fitness center a "boon to the town," that will serve as a sign of life to motorists entering the Village from Route 30. 

Wolfe's Laundry Den Offers Schoharie Local Choice

Among the businesses lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene's devastation in the Village of Schoharie was the Valley community's only laundromat. Washed away by five feet of raging flood water, it became just another empty storefront on the county seat's badly damaged Main Street.

Until the Wolfe family decided to act and purchased the damaged structure in July 2013, whereupon they embarked on a journey spanning from late summer through mid-winter to repair, renovate, and improve the building to not only once more serve Schoharie's wash needs, but to meet their customers 21st century expectations. 

In addition to housing eighteen washers and twenty-four dryers, Wolfe's Laundry Den has made several customer friendly alterations: adding a handicap accessible bathroom and automatic door openers, offering free wi-fi to web savvy patrons, installing an air conditioner to combat the summer's stifling heat, and soon a complete lounge area. 

The laundromat, which officially opened on Monday morning in what Nancy Ann Wolfe described as an, "soft opening," and wont hold its grand opening until the weekend of April 11th-12th, represents both the return of a vital service to the small community and another step toward rebuilding Schoharie beyond what it once was.  

Wolfe's Laundry Den is open Monday-Sunday, 6am-10pm according to the business facebok page. 

Middleburgh Adds Accountant, Continues Post-Irene Growth

The Village of Middleburgh's business community grew a little bit bigger yesterday with the opening of the Valley Tax and Accounting office on 296 Main Street by owner Francis Pipczynski, who made the decision to come to the Village after he responded to outreach from the Mayor's office asking for an accountant to move into the area in an internet listing.

 

Praising Middleburgh's post-Irene recovery, Pipczynski said that "We are pleased to be here and part of the rebuilding process after such widespread devastation," adding that what has impressed them so much was that "after what seemed like a knock out punch, the residents and business owners did and continue to do whatever is necessary to get back on their feet."

 

With tax time just around the corner, Valley Tax and Accounting can be reached at 827-3311 or on their website. They provide a wide array or personal and business services including tax preparation, returns, IRS representation, accounting and bookkeeping services, wealth management and more.

 

Stating that he once read in life that you need to "Dream it, Conceive it, Believe it, and Achieve it," Mr. Pipczynski welcomed members of the Village Board and Business Association for an official ribbon cutting for his accounting office, which he said has a vision to "deliver comprehensive and professional tax, accounting, and additional services to the residents and business owners that they need and value." 

 

Cobleskill Stone Receives Two Industry Honors for Delaware County Project

Cobleskill Stone Products Inc. received honors by the New York Construction Materials Association (NYCMA) and the Empire State Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) for its paving project at the NY Safety Track at Davenport, New York - located just outside of Jefferson in neighboring Delaware County. They were awarded the Hot Mix Asphalt Showcase Award from NYCMA and the Excellence in Construction Award from ABC.

The awards were based on performance, safety, the material mix design, quality control and ride-ability, of which Cobleskill Stone was not only involved in the design and production of the material but was also the paving contractor that transported and placed the asphalt.

Aerial view of the New York Safety Track

Emil Galasso, President and owner of Cobleskill Stone Products, said that he was "very pleased, humbled and honored to receive such a prestigious honor from these two leading trade organizations." He went on to say that he was "very proud of our people who did an excellent job on this project."

The New York Safety Track serves as a safety training facility for motorcycle enthusiasts. It stretches 2.14 miles with 18 precisely designed turns and long straight-aways with over 450 feet in elevation changes. Mr. Galasso would go on to describe the track as not your "everyday run of the mill paving project," which he explained by saying "special mix designs were needed, special paving procedures and automation were also used." 

Greg Lubinitsky, co-owner of New York Safety Track said that “The reception and reviews of the track after our first season have been beyond our imagination," adding that "Many accomplished and veteran riders have proclaimed it to be the smoothest riding and technically the most challenging track in the East, if not in the country."

Sharon Hosting Small Business Event

Sharon is holding an event celebrating the expansion of business that the community has enjoyed over the last several years. The Small Business Saturday will be on November 30th starting with the American Hotel in the Village of Sharon Springs from 10am to 6pm. There will be special vendors open and all visitors are encouraged to visit the eclectic mix of businesses in Sharon.

State Offers New Irene Grants for Small Businesses

Separate from $12 Million Announced by Cuomo

New York State has announced another lifeline for businesses affected by Hurricanes Irene and Sandy and Tropical Storm Lee. For this area, it is a welcome sight for commercial interests crushed by Irene two years ago. The new program, separate from the Community Reconstruction Zones offered by Governor Cuomo in his visit to Cobleskill Tuesday, offers another option.

The New York State Small Business Storm Recovery Program is offered to all small businesses with fewer than 100 employees affected by storms Irene, Lee, or Sandy. While much of the money is expected to travel Downstate, it is available to a total of 30 counties, including Schoharie.

The grants, which could total over $50,000 per business are meant to cover losses and expenses not covered by other sources. The program also offers low-interest loans of up to $1,000,000 for other costs. The grant costs are not capped, except for 100% of loss estimates, making this potentially one of the most generous that the state has offered in two years.

This program takes place under the wide umbrella of the NY Rising series of projects. This includes the $12 million in CRZ funding announced by Cuomo.

Chamber of Commerce Picnic August 15

The Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual summer barbecue and mini golf tournament on August 15th at 4pm. The event will be held at Gobbler's Knob in Cobleskill. The barbecue will be catered by the Stockyard Public House.

Middleburgh Business Association Sets Goals

The Middleburgh Area Business Association has set several medium to long-term goals for its organization, formed in 2012. They include:


• Promotion of Economic Development for New and Existing Businesses
• Business Advocacy (with local government agencies)
• Representation with the Community and Community Activities
• Liaison with Other Business Support Agencies
• Open Communication Among Local Business Owners

Schoharie: The Little Village That Could

With the two year anniversary of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee's devastating flood of the Schoharie Valley fast approaching, nothing but amazing can describe the recent developments inside the Village of Schoharie and how good the epicenter of Irene's destruction looks today.

 

A visual reminder of how high the flood waters rose in August, 2011.

Over the past couple of months residents of Schoharie have watched as Creekside Sports, the Hive (a nice little antique shop on Main Street) and excitingly over the past couple of weeks into this weekend, long relocated county offices are finally moving back into the remodeled county building - bringing a combination of new businesses and old friends into the community.

 

The Village Commerce Center displays Schoharie's plan for regrowth

And if the business related developments weren't good enough, the Village looks absolutely stunning. The Courthouse stands tall in the middle of Main Street - the Parrot House standing lively to one side and the remodeled county building to the other - and all but a handful of store fronts are currently occupied with growing and quaint hard working small businesses.

 

True, Schoharie still suffers from decreased residency, due to the destruction of homes and property, and the long shuttered grocery store still haunts motorists as you approach from Middleburgh on Route 30, but the unbelievable resiliency of the Valley's hardest hit residents is nothing short of incredible and awe inspiring.  

 

The only question is: what is next for Schoharie? The little Village that could and will rebuild from the devastation of that horrific storm.