WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CBA AND THE CDI? WHO'S DOING WHAT?

The Callicoon Business Association (CBA) was established in 1997 to promote business and tourism in the hamlet of Callicoon while preserving its historic and natural assets. The CBA helps its members improve services for their customers and visitors through creative advertising, fundraising, and coordinating annual events. Established businesses, emerging merchants, and local community groups, including not-for-profit groups, all rely upon the CBA for its rigorous promotion of the hamlet, highlighting its wide-open river-town setting and rustic charm.

The Callicoon Depot Inc (CDI) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization made up of stakeholders specifically set up as an administration & management entity for the depot site’s development and programming, as well as advocacy for the interests of the Callicoon train Depot/Visitor’ Center Project for the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB). The CDI works in partnership with the CBA and is bound by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CBA and the CDI and is beholding to the existing executed MOU between the CBA and the UDSB.

HOW DOES THE GRANT MONEY WORK? HOW MANY GRANTS ARE THERE?

The State has awarded the CBA a New York Economic Development Program (NYEDP) grant for the construction of the visitor’s center at the Callicoon depot site. The CDI, working with the CBA and the UDSB, is in the process of implementing the agreed to program elements, developing a scope of work based on a series of reports and assessments on the state of the depot and the extent of work needed to bring the facility to a state of good repair, to code compliance, ADA accessibility, making the building occupiable by the public and open for business.

An independent cost estimating firm completed a cost estimate in 2024 that was reconciled against the grant monies to assure the project is viable and affordable. Based on the estimate, a “Phase 1” was identified that can be funded with the existing grant. Phase 1 includes renovation of the former waiting room, ticket office, restrooms, telegraph room, and the hallway between the ticket office and freight room. The report was submitted to the Dormitory Authority State of New York (DASNY) in late 2024, upon whose acceptance will release the grant.

Additional grant requests have been submitted to fund replacement of the roof and improvements to the exterior of the building. Additional funding is needed to address water infiltration issues. Future project phases will include landscaping and other site improvements (Phase 2), and renovation of the former freight room (Phase 3).

WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG?

The process of responding to very specific information and procedures associated with working with state entities and their requirements can be time consumptive and arduously complex. It is essential that proper procedures be followed and needed information delivered in a concise and responsive way to assure approval and processing. That being said, progress is being made. Architectural plans were prepared and approved by the Railroad, State agencies, and the Town of Delaware in 2025. A Request for Proposal for construction services will be released in early 2026 to renovate the interior of the Depot, with the exception of the freight room.

The CDI has begun a monthly open house initiative that allows the public to see the inside of the depot as well as partake in scheduled presentations that speak to the history of the depot, its place within the hamlet of Callicoon, and to the rich history of the region. The public is welcome to come to the depot and experience the historic fabric of the interior spaces and feel the strong presence and grace that this structure holds in the history of the region and to the history of passenger travel that was so prevalent in the past. Other events are also being planned for 2026, beginning in the Spring. Check back periodically, and watch for announcements on Facebook and Instagram.

WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON THE DEPOT/GRANTS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS?

Since taking possession of the lease in 2021, the CBA/CDI have undertaken stabilization programs such as reinforcing structural deficiencies along the west side of the structure, evaluated water drainage/ foundation penetration issues, removed non-historic interior partitions, removal of dropped ceilings, and the construction of a new stage along the east façade. Flexible outdoor seating, tables and planters have been provided, as well as a demarcation railing along the non-operational track to the north, to denote and protect users from the active railway.

During 2025, the CDI, CBA, and UDSB worked with the firm Bade Stageberg Cox (BSC) Architecture to prepare design and construction drawings for Phase 1 of the depot renovation. Those plans were completed in July 2025. The drawings were then submitted to the State Office of Historic Preservation (SHPO) and the Central New York Railroad, and were approved by those agencies in December 2025. The Town of Delaware has also approved the plans.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON THIS YEAR?

A request for proposals (RFP) for bids from contractors to undertake Phase 1 renovations will be released in early 2026. Phase 1 includes renovations to the interior of the Depot, with the exception of the freight room. Negotiations with and selection of a contractor are anticipated by Spring. The start of construction will depend on the the contractor’s schedule.

The CDI, CBA, and the UDSB are also planning to hold community town hall meetings during the year. The town halls will provide a forum to update everyone on the progress of the work, listen to suggestions, and address any immediate concerns.

Open houses and other events will be held at the depot from Spring through Fall. Check the “Events” page of this website and our Facebook and Instagram sites for upcoming events.

This webpage was launched in 2024. Here one can become familiar with the history of the depot, the hamlet of Callicoon, and the surrounding environs that have shaped this rich and desirable community. Contact information, the CDI mission statement, and the composition of the current board of directors, as well as a schedule of ongoing events, and means to offer volunteerism and donations are provided.