Sounds of Spring: Construction on Phase I of the Pawling Green Nears Completion

            It took a while to get here, but springtime in Pawling saw a return of construction activity on Charles Colman Boulevard, as crews worked feverishly to complete the first phase of the Pawling Green. The new medians, with brand new trees and brick pavers for crosswalks, are scheduled to be done in time for the Garden Club planting on May 24. The new backdrop will serve as a wonderful setting on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, as Pawling residents and friends honor our men and women who died in military service.

            The tentative schedule calls for construction bids for the Green, itself, to go out over the summer, with construction beginning during the late summer/early fall. Over the summer, the sidewalk from Christian Hill will be extended further into the Village. Completion and dedication of the Green, plaza area and pavilion is targeted for the summer of 2008.

            Fundraising activities continued over the winter. Charlie Daniels of the Pawling Community Foundation announced that the Foundation has grants, pledges and cash in hand of nearly $2.3 million, and that we are closing in on our goal of $2.5 million. Charlie added, “We appreciate the incredible response from everyone in the community. So far, over three hundred individuals and organizations have invested in the Green."

            Our state representatives continued their wonderful support. Senator Vinnie Leibell secured an additional $85,000 in the new state budget. The senator had already advocated successfully for $300,000, which has gone towards phase I construction.

Mayor Rob Liffland announced a $2,500 member item from State Assemblyman Greg Ball, which will go towards refurbishing the veterans memorial.

            Another exciting aspect of the Green project will be the incorporation of artwork commemorating the community’s history. Karen Zukowski, a Foundation member, has been heading up this unique effort. She pointed out that the artwork grew out of discussion sessions held last summer with local historians, who were asked to determine what people, places and events in Pawling’s rich history have shaped our community in the past, and would likely influence our future. A local artist, Leslie Lee, has conceived a set of images and words that will be cast in bronze and embedded in the paving stones of the plaza that will be built at the intersection of Charles Colman Boulevard and Arch Street.

            As we move closer to the fruition of the Green, a project that sprung from the vision of many community leaders and residents, Mayor Liffland’s words truly strike a chord. “The Pawling Green has really brought the community together.”

Pawling Community Foundation

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