Foundation Projects
Sugar Loaf Historic District
In March, 2023 the Sugar Loaf Community Foundation and the Town of Chester joined together to begin the process to have the hamlet of Sugar Loaf designated as a Historic District on the NY State and National Register of Historic Places. The Nomination process will take approximately one year.
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We hired a Historic Preservation Consultant - Neil Larson - who will compile and document the historic information as it pertains to the historic and architectural significance of the buildings in the hamlet and the history of the hamlet dating back to the 1800’s.
It is our hope that having Sugar Loaf listed on the State and National Registry of Historic places will preserve its history for posterity. We hope the residents of the hamlet will support us in our efforts to obtain this designation.
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* UPDATE: In February 2024, a state official from Albany and consultant Neil Larson led a walk through - and we're on schedule to be approved late spring 2024
One proposal is to emphasize the gateway to the main business corridor with road divider and planters to send a message to morotists that they have reached a specific place and must reduce speed.
Kings Highway Pedestrian District
The county's population has grown along with traffic moving through the hamlet. As a county road, Kings Highway is currently regulated by onerous regulations which prohibit sidewalks and trees within the fifty foot right-of-way or lowering the speed limit.
Transfer of the road to the Town of Chester is currently under review and has the support of the Town Board, County Planning and Highway Departments.
The SL Community Foundation employed both SUNY Albany and the private architectural firm IQ Architects to assess our community concerns and develop a plan to improve the quality-of-life within the hamlet. Please review the plan by clicking here.
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* UPDATE: Transfer of the road has been approved by the state legislature, signed -and turn over has begun - with discussions of lowering speed limit and weight limits. Congrats all! Click here for latest plan.
Initial Steps
First Easy Steps - $10,000 budget
- Reduce Kings Highway speed limit to 25 MPH from County 13 by-pass to Bellvale Road.
- New gateway signage at Bellvale Road.
- Paint/Stamp 5 foot pedestrian walk where possible to connect Sugar Loaf PAC and PO.
- Create additional crosswalks.
- Create road divider at PAC to emphasize gateway to business district.
Second Steps - Grant funding
- Create bump-outs with trees at crosswalks. Raise crosswalks to slow traffic. Buildout road dividers with plantings.
- Raise crosswalks to slow traffic. Buildout road dividers with plantings.
- Build roundabout at Pine Hill Road.
Scotts Meadow buildings
There are several buildings in the heart of Sugar Loaf that the county owns and in a serious state of disrepair.
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Discussions have been taking place for the town of Chester to purchase these buildings for re-purposing, for the price of $147k.
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Lots of ideas are being floated as to how these buildings should be used, including it's tearing down.
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Update: the town has decided that with the property price and the high cost of renovating the buildings, it's not in the best interest of the town to purchase. So as of February, 2024 - the county will list the property for open bid - while keeping a part of the back for parking. Stay tuned for more info.
Save the Mountain - SLCF Advisory issue
The OC Land Trust is leading this effort. The SLCF's role is strictly advisory, but as it affects our community, we should be aware of the latest developments.
There is a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase over 300 acres of forest, agricultural land, and the rocky summit comprising Sugar Loaf Mountain.
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With this purchase, the public will have access for hiking, recreation and enjoyment. This land also contains valuable archeological and Native American relics.
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Facilitating the creation of a trail system would connect the center of the village to the mountain's summit potentially boosting local business and tourism.
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Much of the funding has already been raised via grants and donations. However, there remains a sizable balance that still needs to be raised by May 2023.
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UPDATE: The purchase has been completed with just some minor details remaining before it will be open to the public. Congrats all!
"Sundays on the Loaf" Concert series
Using a seed grant from the Mid Hudson Arts Council, The Sugar Loaf Community Foundation co-produced two very successful concerts with Jeff Zahn at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center.
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The first concert featured the acclaimed Serenade String Quartet featuring the music of Brahms, Haydn, Bartok and Paul McCartney. The concert was very well attended and refreshments were served from the local Applewood Winery.
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The second concert featured award winning family and children's artist Red Grammer - who resided in the hamlet for many years. Red performed to a sold out house of both young and old.
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With the success of this concert series, the SLCF and Jeff are already making plans for the 2024 season. Stay tuned.
Membership and Communication
Between work, family, friends and hobbies/activities, everyone is busy. But Sugar Loaf remains a very special place to live and work.
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In order to continue to grow and thrive, we need as many new voices as possible - to share ideas, opinions, identify issues and bring a renewed energy to the town.
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So with that positive intent - we're hoping to expand the membership of our organization. Please consider adding your voice by becoming a member of the Foundation and attend our meetings.