Foundation News
Annual Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction June 21, 2008
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The Hunter Foundation is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1997 to improve the Hamlets (Haines Falls) and Villages (Hunter and Tannersville) that are included in the Town of Hunter. It is the mission of the Hunter Foundation to restore the historic integrity of the Town’s housing stock. During its 9 years of existence, the Foundation has renovated or contributed to the renovation of over 85 buildings in the Town of Hunter – an impressive accomplishment for this small foundation! Some of our most recent are summarized below.

Tannersville Laundromat

Cheers Restaurant
The Hunter Foundation has been very successful in raising funds, through grants and donations, as well as volunteer labor for area building improvement projects. Most notably, through the help and support of corporate sponsors and local residents, the Foundation has implemented a “Paint Program”. This program has generated publicity in print (newspapers, magazines and corporate paint brochures) and on national television.

In addition to renovating existing buildings, other objectives of the group include a focus on: 1) the local economy and 2) the quality of life. The economy of the Town of Hunter and specifically, the tax base is of major concern to the Hunter Foundation which is why Foundation bylaws require that we pay taxes on the renovated value of all properties owned by our organization.

In 2004 the Hunter Foundation and Town of Hunter received an award in the amount of $400,000 from the Governor’s Office for Small Cities to implement the “Rip Van Winkle Trail Micro-Enterprise Program” which provides grant monies to create new businesses, invigorate established businesses and ultimately create 22 new jobs.

Thus far, the Micro-Enterprise Program has provided assistance to 6 existing businesses and has aided the start-up of 8 new businesses in the Town of Hunter. This program comes to a close in September of this year so get your applications in!

As a non-profit corporation, all contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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2006-2007 Renovation Projects Completed:

Wayside Inn Park (Haines Falls) – partnering with the People of Haines Falls to develop this “Pocket Park” in Haines Falls. Utilizing Catskill Watershed Corporation funding and community volunteer labor, this little park is very calming with the new gazebo, sidewalks, historical lighting and landscaped grounds.

Astor House (Tannersville) – Royce funding allowed us to convert a dilapidated old building into a bright and cheery Main Street landmark.

Visitors Center (Haines Falls) – NYS Dept of Transportation TEA-21 grant funds created a “Welcome Center” for travelers entering the Town of Hunter on Route 23A thru Kaaterskill Clove.

Village Bistro (Tannersville) – Royce Funds combined with some NYS Main Street and Greene County Main Street funds to rehabilitate this modernized old building into an already popular new eatery.

Alberto Gotay residence (Tannersville) – next to Warm’s Restaurant, this house once sat in the background unnoticed. Using Royce Funds, Paint Program funds and Owner contributions, this building was given a new facade and paint job.

Astor House - Before & After
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Village Bistro - Before & After
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Gotay Residence - Before & After
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Scheduled and/or In Progress:

Reen residence (Haines Falls) – A cute Victorian house with stunning period details will once again “POP” when it gets a new color scheme through the Hunter Foundation Paint Program.

Hye-Land (Tannersville) – Royce funding provided for the purchase and ongoing renovations of what was a vacant summer retreat into a beautiful Adirondack Lodge renamed “Black Bear Inn and Suites”. A summer 2007 completion date is expected. This skillfully unique project is being - sales listing here

Sun View Motel (Tannersville) – Owner funds are being matched with Hunter Foundation Paint Program funds to give a fresh face to the 3 buildings on this property.

Hathaway (Tannersville) – Royce Funds were used in 2005 to acquire this breathtaking former “Macy Estate” located on the outskirts of Onteora Park. Plans are underway to restore the property.

Bucca residential property (Tannersville) – The owner’s efforts to improve this property will be rewarded when the Hunter Foundation Paint Program steps in to help with a beautifully colored exterior.

Slopes (Tannersville) – Ownership of this massive, derelict building was transferred to the Hunter Foundation in 2006. The Foundation’s vision is to create an Antiques Mall on the first floor with office and or residential space on the second and third floors. Structural repairs are slated for summer of 2007 but renovations are not expected prior to 2008.

Bubba’s (Tannersville) – Renovations are expected to be complete in the fall of 2007 on this former American Legion hall (and renamed “Bubba’s Bayou Shack” in the 1990’s). When complete, Greene County Soil and Water is expected to take up residence here along with an unconfirmed retail entity.

Aspens (Tannersville) – Another defunct nightclub on Main Street no more… utilizing Royce Funds, the Hunter Foundation acquired this property in 2006. Renovations are planned for 2008. Business Plans are currently being considered for anyone looking to start up a non-competing retail business in this space.

Fairlawn Inn (Hunter) – This Bed and Breakfast was rescued and magnificently restored a decade or so ago but is now much in need of a new paint job and thanks to the Hunter Foundation Paint Program it will have one!

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Reen Residence

Sun View Motel

Bucca Residence

Bubba's

Fairlawn
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