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Port Jervis mayor outlines projects, grants and growth in second State of the City address
Summary
The mayor delivered a State of the City address highlighting downtown revitalization awards, grants for water and fire equipment, low crime statistics, multiple business openings, and park and recreation projects slated for 2025.
Mayor (name not specified) delivered his second State of the City address to city officials and residents, summarizing achievements from the past year and outlining projects the city plans to pursue over the next 12 to 18 months.
The mayor opened by thanking county and state partners for returning the Department of Motor Vehicles to downtown Port Jervis and credited a mix of state and federal grants for funding major projects. He said the city received four downtown revitalization awards that fund the Jersey Avenue streetscape, Riverside Park work, a marketing and branding campaign, and a small projects fund, and that the city is awaiting state contracts so work can begin.
The address covered multiple departments and initiatives. The Department of Public Works will continue routine services and major projects including annual milling and paving, a Glass Street retaining wall project, a lead service line inventory and other work. The water filtration plant will receive a phased overhaul paid in part by a $1,500,000 CBTG grant, with an additional grant planned to replace a reservoir intake and a target to increase on-site water tank storage to 2,000,000 gallons. Police Chief William Wharton reported a drop in serious crime of more than 14% compared with 2022 and is pursuing New York State accreditation; the department also secured about $310,580 in outside grants for technology, facility upgrades and training. The volunteer fire department responded to 450 calls in 2024; the city and fire department obtained $825,000 toward a new fire engine through Congressman Pat Ryan's office, and the Community Development Agency helped submit a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant application for $541,599 to buy 55 self-contained breathing apparatus.
Economic development highlights included eight business openings during the year and a recent lease agreement for SA Baxter at 55 Jersey Avenue (the Flanagan Building). The Community Development Agency (CDA) reported securing multiple grants including Restore New York funds and USDA urban and community forestry funding. The CDA also contracted Draupkin Strategies to assist with economic and branding work.
Recreation and parks plans announced include a Church Street Park renovation that will add the city’s first splash pad with spring groundbreaking and a target opening by July 1, resurfacing of basketball courts, addition of pickleball courts, and renewed efforts to fund a multiuse recreation center that would also serve seniors. The mayor also announced the city will host the Big 10 Orange 10-mile race in October.
City administrative updates included hiring Stacy Hoskin as city clerk-treasurer and reporting a net positive cash flow that kept the city within the New York state tax cap for 2025; building-permit totals and changes to local fire inspection and occupancy-permit fees were also highlighted.
The mayor concluded by saying the city will continue to seek grants and partnership opportunities and that visible city improvements will appear over the coming 12 to 18 months.
