The plan has four overarching goals, each supported by actionable recommendations:

  • Change the Narrative – strategic marketing and physical improvements
  • Destination: Ellenville – events, signage, and other improvements to attract visitors
  • Invest in the Future – activate former industrial sites, community and youth programming
  • Outdoor Connections – capitalize on nearby outdoor recreational opportunities

Newburgh (April 29, 2021) – Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress announced the release of a Strategic Revitalization Action Plan for the Village of Ellenville. The plan provides goals and recommendations designed to support the revitalization of the Village and improve quality of life for Ellenville residents. The plan was funded through a Strategic Planning and Feasibility Grant awarded to Pattern through the New York State Consolidated Funding (CFA) program.

“The potential for Ellenville was excellent pre-COVID.   Pattern sees this as one of the best opportunities to revitalize the community by taking advantage of the current movement of people and increased interest in commercial properties in both Ellenville and throughout the Hudson Valley.  The changing nature of work means people can now work from anywhere. To work in a community surrounded by the natural beauty of Ellenville, is a strategy whose time has come,” said Jonathan Drapkin, President and CEO of Pattern for Progress.

The strategic plan sets forth four overarching goals for Ellenville that are each supported by a series of recommended action steps to achieve those goals. They include: changing the perception of the Village through physical improvements and marketing, making the Village a more attractive destination for visitors and tourists, improving opportunities and quality of life for current and future Village residents, and strengthening the Village’s connection to outdoor recreational opportunities. These goals are supported through recommendations ranging from implementing streetscape improvements, to creating a Community Center focused on youth programming.

The Plan is a culmination of a year-long effort by Pattern for Progress to understand the current conditions and needs of the Village. Every goal and recommendation in the plan is informed by existing plans and reports, local demographic and socioeconomic trends, community input, and stakeholder interviews.

“Like so many small communities throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, Ellenville has struggled to find its place in the economy of the 21st century. Yet for all the challenges that its residents have endured as industry has faded, they have held onto a truly special community. With Pattern’s help, and with a concerted effort by local businesses, residents and community leaders to implement the steps laid out in their plan, I’m confident that Ellenville’s second act is just beginning,” said Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan.

The strategic plan reveals that there are both significant challenges and opportunities in the Village of Ellenville. The recommended action steps in this plan provide means to mitigate these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.

Pattern also wishes to thank all of the people who completed the survey or agreed to be interviewed as part of the research process.

About Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress is  policy, planning, advocacy and research nonprofit that has promoted regional, balanced and sustainable solutions for the Hudson River Valley since 1965. Visit Pattern-For-Progress.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.