New York Department of State announces completion of Newcomb’s community and historical center that will serve as a hub for recreation and events

New York – Tucked into the scenic heart of the Adirondack Mountains, the Town of Newcomb just added a new gem to its landscape—a Community and Historical Center designed to bring people together, celebrate local heritage, and support regional tourism. New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley announced the facility’s completion earlier today, marking a major milestone for the small North Country town in Essex County.

Backed by a $1.5 million grant from the New York Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), the Center is already being recognized as a key feature in the Adirondack 5 Towns Upper Hudson Recreation Hub. Located on the site of the historic Finch & Pruyn Farmhouse next to Overlook Park along Route 28N, the newly constructed 4,850-square-foot building replaces a long-vacant property with a vibrant new space that blends past, present, and future.

“This project serves as a shining example of how North Country communities can leverage their scenic and natural assets, while also celebrating their rich culture and history,” said Secretary Mosley. “This new community center will serve as an accessible and inviting public gathering space and a central hub for the area’s natural resources for both residents and visitors for generations to come.”

The new Center is not just about aesthetics. It’s designed to serve real needs in the community—housing educational exhibits, offering co-working spaces, and supporting both youth and senior programs. One of the most practical components is a commercial kitchen that will directly benefit the Essex County Office of the Aging’s Senior Meal Program, ensuring that older residents have consistent access to nutritious meals.

Read also: New York Department of State announces completion of Newcomb’s community and historical center that will serve as a hub for recreation and events

There’s also ample meeting space for local organizations, which has been sorely needed in Newcomb. With the addition of these resources, the Center is expected to become a popular site for town events, civic meetings, school programs, and even small business collaborations.

“I’m proud to announce the completion of our town’s new Community Center – a space that will bring neighbors together; support youth and senior programs; and provide a welcoming environment for all,” said Town Supervisor Robin DeLoria. “This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration and shared commitment to community development. We are especially grateful for the partnership and financial support provided by the state, which played a crucial role in making this vision a reality. Together, we’ve invested in a place that will serve generations to come.”

In addition to serving the people of Newcomb directly, the new Community and Historical Center is expected to stimulate economic activity by enhancing the town’s role in regional tourism. The Adirondack 5 Towns Upper Hudson Recreation Hub is a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting tourism and recreation across five connected communities. With its proximity to world-class hiking, paddling, and snow sports, Newcomb sits in a prime location to welcome visitors year-round.

Amanda Lefton, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), highlighted how the project connects both environmental stewardship and economic growth. “By bringing together state and local partners, New York State continues to prioritize the economic health of communities like the town of Newcomb in the Adirondacks. Projects like this are a win-win for communities, both benefiting economically important tourism while helping connect upper-Hudson River residents to accessible meeting and educational spaces in a scenic natural Adirondack setting.”

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In addition to the DOS funding, the project received a $125,000 boost from the DEC’s Adirondack Park and Catskill Park Community Smart Growth program. The remaining project expenses were covered by the Town of Newcomb itself, showcasing a strong local commitment to long-term growth and development.

At the heart of the new facility is a focus on preserving local history. The Center will feature a series of exhibits dedicated to the area’s industrial and cultural legacy. From the days of the Finch & Pruyn lumber operation to the town’s role in conservation and recreation, the stories of Newcomb’s past will be brought to life for residents and tourists alike.

The site of the Center—the old Finch & Pruyn Farmhouse—is symbolic in itself. Once a cornerstone of the town’s logging history, the land has now been reimagined as a modern gathering space, bridging the past and present in a deeply meaningful way.

The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, administered by the Department of State’s Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure, is part of New York’s broader commitment to sustainable community development. Funded through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the LWRP helps waterfront communities like Newcomb revitalize underused or blighted properties, protect natural and cultural resources, and expand public access.

In the recently enacted 2025-26 State Budget, the EPF saw a record increase to $425 million, signaling New York’s continued investment in environmental resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable growth across its towns and cities. Through initiatives like the Newcomb Center, those dollars are being put to work in tangible ways that make life better for real people—today and for years to come.

The completion of the Community and Historical Center marks a turning point for Newcomb. Long regarded as a quiet, picturesque corner of the Adirondacks, the town now stands ready to welcome more visitors, host more events, and deepen its sense of community. With the support of state agencies and local leaders, Newcomb is turning its natural beauty and historical legacy into a launching point for future success.

Whether you’re a longtime resident, a curious visitor, or someone simply passing through the mountains, the new Center is more than a building—it’s a reflection of what community spirit, shared history, and vision for the future can create when brought together with purpose and care.

For more information about the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, visit: https://dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program.
https://dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program