NEWS RELEASE: May 12, 2008

CONTACT: Helen Budrock at 845-295-2462; hbudrock@sullivanrenaissance.org

[Photos of the structures to be removed are available electronically.]

Sullivan Renaissance:

MUNICIPAL GRANT PROGRAM

TO CLEAN UP 25 SITES IN COUNTY

Multiple partners to contribute over $50,000 in donated services

[LIVINGSTON MANOR] – Twenty-two derelict structures will be eliminated and three roadside areas cleaned up through matching grants awarded by Sullivan Renaissance through its Municipal Clean Up Grant Program.  [The list of projects and locations is available.]

The program was announced on May 12 at 52 Pleasant Street in Livingston Manor, site of one of eight buildings being removed as part of the Town of Rockland’s Flood Mitigation Program, and the subject of a planned controlled burn by the Livingston Manor Fire Department.

In addition to Sullivan Renaissance, partners in this collaborative program include: the Sullivan County Legislature and Division of Public Works (DPW); Taylor Recycling Facility LLC of Montgomery, NY; Waste Management of Beach Lake, PA; Weinert Recycling of Ferndale, NY; Thompson Sanitation of Rock Hill, NY; and Sullivan County First Recycling and Refuse of Woodbourne, NY. 

Now in its third year, the program assists municipalities with clean up of roadside dump sites and removal of derelict, unsightly and unsafe structures.  The number of projects has more than doubled over last year’s program.  Ten derelict structures were eliminated and three roadside areas cleaned up in 2007.  Three buildings were removed when the pilot program was first introduced in 2006.

“This program demonstrates that it is possible with combined efforts to clean up some of the unsightly locations that have been plaguing many of our communities.  We want to thank all our partners for helping us expand this cleanup program.  We invite others to join us in our overall effort to improve the appearance of Sullivan County,” said Sandra Gerry, who chairs the Sullivan Renaissance Steering Committee. 

Of the 27 applications that were received, 25 projects will be part of this year’s program.  Over 1300 tons of debris will be generated through this cleanup, but only 260 tons from seven projects will be disposed of in the county landfill.  Sullivan Renaissance will contribute just over $50,000 in grants, to be matched by the recipients.  Sullivan County’s in-kind contribution of tipping fees has a value of $32,500, and other partners will donate over $23,000 in services.

“Sullivan County is pleased to team up with Sullivan Renaissance and the business partners to remove these unsafe and unsightly structures.  Space in the landfill is a precious resource at this point in time, and this program is a great example of the worthwhile programs the County can participate in, as long as space remains available,” said Kathy LaBuda, who chairs the Sullivan County Committee on Public Works.

With limited space in the landfill, the program encourages the separation, reduction and recycling of C&D debris prior to disposal. 

New partners to the program this year include Weinert Recycling, Thompson Sanitation and Sullivan First Recycling and Refuse.  Weinert – known for its scrap metal business – will donate $10,000 in services to remove three metal trailers in Forestburgh, Thompson and Neversink.  Thompson Sanitation will donate four containers to assist with a clean up along the D&H Canal outside of Wurtsboro.  Sullivan First Recycling and Refuse will donate services to assist with Rockland’s flood mitigation program.

Returning again as a partner is the internationally-based Waste Management Corporation, which will assist with two roadside clean up projects – one in South Fallsburg and the other in Luxton Lake.

Also returning is Taylor Recycling, which will assist with disposal of two structures in South Fallsburg and one in Mountaindale.  “Taylor Recycling is proud to partner with Sullivan Renaissance again.  We started working with them last year to remove unsightly and unsafe buildings, and one could see a positive difference in Sullivan County,” said James W. Taylor, Jr., Chairman of Taylor Recycling.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.  Additional funding has been secured by NYS Senator John J. Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther. 

Other programs include: three categories of grants based on the size of the projects; special awards for environmental impact, historic preservation, showing of flowers and project maintenance; mini-grants; environmental demonstration grants; seasonal community matching grants; internships; and scholarships to SCCC and other colleges.  The school program assists young people with beautification projects at their school grounds or in their communities. 

For information about Sullivan Renaissance, contact 845-295-2445 or www.sullivanrenaissance.org.