Residents And Visitors Now Have A New Public Space To Enjoy Iconic Views Of The Shawangunk Mountains
New Paltz, NY – After opening the new Carmine Liberta Bridge at the end of Main Street in New Paltz twenty-two days ago, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein returned to unveil the second phase of the project: a viewing platform providing world-class views of the Shawangunk Mountains. The viewing platform was built by re-purposing the abutment of a temporary bridge that allowed traffic to continue to cross the Wallkill River without interruption. The viewing area features large boulders comprised of Shawangunk conglomerate, the same type of stone that comprises the Shawangunk Mountains as well as informational signage providing maps, facts and details of nearby attractions.
Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive
“We set out to reinvent how infrastructure is done in Ulster County and create something very special and I want to thank the Legislature for their support throughout the process. With the overlook, everyone now has the opportunity to truly enjoy the natural beauty and iconic views of the mountains,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “Whether it is our residents or visitors to Ulster County, this will be a breathtaking place available for everyone. I am so proud that our incredible Department of Public Works accomplished this amazing viewing platform less than a month after delivering the new Carmine Liberta Memorial Bridge ahead of schedule and under budget with virtually no negative impact on our citizens during construction. I now invite everyone to enjoy this extraordinary public space.”
Tim Rogers, Mayor, Village of New Paltz
“We knew the ridge was beautiful but the new Carmine Liberta Memorial Bridge and overlook do a remarkable job highlighting what a stunning asset we live amongst,” said Tim Rogers, Mayor of the Village of New Paltz.”
Glenn Hoagland, Executive Director, Mohonk Preserve
“The new scenic overlook and Carmine Liberta Bridge replacement have opened up the iconic views of the Shawangunk Mountains and further connected the New Paltz community to the Ridge. County Executive Hein did better than his promise of completing the overlook in 45 days. He is the only politician who delivers even more or sooner than he promises,” said Mohonk Preserve Executive Director Glenn Hoagland. “As the Preserve and OSI start construction on the River-to-Ridge Trail, we look forward to further building upon this success by linking the Preserve and open spaces to the village for walkers and bicyclists to enjoy.”
Kim Elliman, President and CEO, Open Space Institute
“The scenic overlook we celebrate today will visually connect New Paltz to the Open Space Institute’s planned River-to-Ridge trail, a new anchor for access to an ever-expanding premier network of recreational trails,” said Kim Elliman, OSI’s President and CEO. “We are excited to be part of this greater, transformative effort and appreciate the community’s support and enthusiasm for this new world-class feature.”
Mary Etta Schneider, Chair, Historic Huguenot Street
“County Executive Hein is to be applauded for his vision for the New Paltz community,” said Mary Etta Schneider, Chair of Historic Huguenot Street. “The new bridge clearly opens up the views to the Gunks. The Overlook, which ultimately will add the Walkill River and Historic Huguenot Street as additional areas of focus, brings together the best of what Ulster County has to offer.”
Ada Xiao, Owner of Asian Fusion Restaurant on Main Street in New Paltz
“This bridge and the new overlook are great improvements for the local community as well as tourists,” said Ada Xiao, Owner of the Asian Fusion Restaurant in New Paltz. “I want to give a big thank you to Ulster County Executive Hein and the Ulster County Government for making such improvements to the New Paltz downtown area!”
Michelle Walsh, Owner, Mudd Puddle Cafe in New Paltz and Yard Owl Brewery in Gardiner
“Thank you County Executive Hein for envisioning this gorgeous new bridge and overlook for the New Paltz community,” Michelle Walsh, Owner, Mudd Puddle Cafe in New Paltz and Yard Owl Brewery in Gardiner. “As the owner of the Mudd Puddle in the Water Street Market, my staff and I have had the pleasure of watching your DPW crew from beginning to end, working around the clock for what doesn't seem like a very long time, to create this piece of art. The end product will enhance the experience of our customers for years to come.”
The scenic overlook is located adjacent to the new redesigned Carmine Liberta Memorial Bridge which opened on October 11, 2016. The bridge was named in 2008 for Carmine Liberta, a New Paltz Native, a decorated Korean War Veteran, and Veterans affairs activist. The new “Pony Arch” bridge features rustic weathered steel allowing it to blend into its surroundings. It now includes an enhanced LED lit sidewalk and wider shoulders for safer passage by pedestrians and bicyclists. Through County Executive Hein’s “Building A Better Ulster County” initiative, the county has spent over $30 million this year and last year to overhaul its infrastructure and has committed another $15 million in the proposed 2017 Executive Budget.
