Orange County moves to buy Newburgh’s Woolworth Building for real-property office; legislators say investment will allow repairs and improved public access
Summary
The legislature approved a supplemental appropriation authorizing purchase of the Woolworth Building in Newburgh for the Real Property Tax Services office. Legislators described the building as historic, said renovations are planned and noted the DMV there is temporarily closed while work proceeds.
The Orange County Legislature on Aug. 14 approved a supplemental appropriation to purchase the Woolworth Building in the City of Newburgh for use by the Real Property Tax Services office.
Legislators Luhan and Faggione sponsored the measure, which passed by roll call vote (16 ayes). Legislators described the property as a historic Woolworth storefront and said the county intends to invest in repairs, accessibility upgrades and eventual occupation by county services.
One legislator noted the Department of Motor Vehicles operations at the site remain affected: the on-site DMV is closed during renovations and the county’s mobile DMV visits the site on Mondays, a point offered to help the public find services while the building is renovated.
Discussion vs. decision: The action authorized the appropriation to purchase the property and move forward with capital improvements; detailed renovation scope and timelines were not specified during the session.
Vote/action: Roll call recorded 16 ayes; motion carried.
Next steps: County staff to manage the acquisition, renovate for accessibility and transition Real Property Tax Service operations to the site as appropriate.
