Revitalization News 
Postcard of Middleburgh & Schoharie Railroad Depot, ca, 1910.
Historic Middleburgh Depot Restoration
In 2003, the Village of Middleburgh was awarded a grant for $370,438 to restore its historic train station and develop it as a museum of railroad history. The grant federal aid share amount is $284,338 and the Village share is $86,100. Funding was made available through the TEA-21 program, a federal grant used for transportation enhancements such as trails, restoration of historical transportation facilities, scenic landscapes and development of transportation museums. The grant is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.
The restoration of the Middleburgh Depot, adjacent to Bagley Park, will provide both a thematic and physical connection with the Schoharie Valley Railroads Museum. It will be a destination for railroad enthusiasts from across the country. The arrival of visitors will encourage economic development in the form of restaurants, lodging, gift and antique shops and other businesses in the Village. The facility will provide local schools a great resource to teach about the local and national impact of transportation, trade and industrialization during the 19th century.
The Middleburgh Revitalization Committee and other residents have provided input for a preliminary design and layout for the Depot Park. This preliminary design and alternatives are currently being incorporated to a Draft Design Report to be submitted to New York State by the Project consultant, Crawford & Associates Engineering of Hudson, New York. A public comment period was held in November 2006, in which many Village residents showed great enthusiasm for the project. Community involvement activities related to the Depot are forthcoming. The Village anticipates restoration of the Depot museum in to be complete by November 2007.
Schoharie Creekside Park
Also In 2003, The Village of Middleburgh was awarded a grant in the amount of $383,100 for development of a park along the banks of the Schoharie Creek. This Environmental Protection Fund grant, administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, is a state grant which is used to fund a variety of recreational, historical and environmental parks and programs. The grant State share amount is $191,500 and the Village share is $191,600. Much of the Village share match amount will be met using donations and in kind services.
The proposed Creekside Park will include a parking area and hike/bike/canoe trail hub along the Schoharie Creek. This facility will serve as a primary parking area for visitors to the Village of Middleburgh, and will be located to provide maximum benefit to visitors to the Depot, Long Path hikers, cyclists, canoeists, anglers and others. This project will include parking, a restroom, picnicking areas, a hand boat launch, and information kiosk highlighting the historic, recreational and environmental resources available in Middleburgh.
Community Involvement
The Village of Middleburgh’s people have proved to be the greatest assets available for these projects. Individuals, local businesses and community organizations, as well as the Town of Middleburgh, have come forward to offer support in the form of donations of professional services, equipment, materials and labor.
Both projects are currently in their design phases. Construction is planned to begin in the spring of 2007. Watch this column for regular progress updates, public meeting announcements and appeals for volunteer assistance!
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