A Village Transformed

A Village Transformed. . While the Flood Buy-Out Program allowed many families to relocate out of the floodway, it also permanently changed the community. , More than six acres of land in the heart of Margaretville, mostly on Main Street, became vacant. Local residents and civic leaders did not want the parcels to get overgrown and neglected. And while they understood that permanent structures could never again be built on them, nor could water quality be compromised, they began to discuss possible compatible community uses for the parcels with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)., In 2001 and 2002, the DEP entered into cooperative management agreements with Margaretville Central School and the Village of Margaretville for the use of all 21 parcels, including the one on which you are now standing, and the one across the street, on which a community playground has been installed. Riverside paths have been established, and a new entrance to the Village Park created as part of a community revitalization plan. Other projects are envisioned on other Buy-Out lots., If the Flood of 1996 was the worst that ever struck Margaretville, it will certainly not be the last. The cooperative efforts at flood mitigation that have transformed the village have also made it more resilient, and it is hoped that future floods will come at a reduced cost to everyone. , This exhibit was made possible by the Catskill Watershed Corporation in partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Margaretville Central School. , Sources: History of Delaware County,W.W. Munsell, 1797-1880, , The Early Indians of Delaware County: The Lenni Lenape, Mary Ann Mayes VanBenschoten, 1976, , United States Geological Survey, Report 97-4252, , Catskill Mountain News, , Delaware County Planning Department, and , NYC Department of Environmental Protection , Kiosk and panel design: Tom Rapin's Margaretville Central School Product and Computer Design Students, 2003-2004 , Kiosk panels fabricated by: Timely Signs, Kingston, NY , Kiosk structure built by Margaretville Central School Buildings and Grounds staff. , Research: Carol O'Beirne , Text written by Diane Galusha , Special assistance provided by Mike Porter