A Lesson From Catskill

In this month’s issue of New York House magazine, there’s a story on the Village of Catskill — penned by yours truly — titled: Catskill Rebounds.

In it, I interviewed Linda Overbaugh, who serves as executive director of the “Heart of the Catskill Association,” which is an arm of the local chamber of commerce. I had Linda walk me through the revitalization of Catskill. The steps were small, she said. And there were tough moments, but there were a dedicated few who made things happen.

As many locals know, this sleepy hamlet on the Hudson was almost comatose. But Linda and other dedicated business leaders rolled up their sleeves and got to work bringing life back to Catskill.

Of course it took time — all good things do. The results are stunning. Once nearly deserted, Main Street in Catskill is thriving again. To get people back, Linda and others lobbied for cleaner, safer streets. They hired a consultant to bring grants in. Shoppers came back and businesses moved in.

The village hosts art nights and shopping nights that draw people to Main Street. It’s challenging to maintain, and Linda is the first to say that this “is a work in progress.”

Still…Catskill is inspirational. And there’s much that Kingston can learn; the first being to band together talented and creative folks.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz