NEWBURGH - Leyland Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh are teaming up this year to bring a new face to an old block off Broadway near Washington Headquarters in what the mayor says will cause a “ripple effect throughout the city.”

The private firm and not-for-profit organization will be rebuilding most of the dwellings on East Parmenter Street, which connects with Liberty Street just across from Washington’s Headquarters, over the next year and a half, bringing 24 new duplex cottages, townhouses, and single family homes to the aging corridor.

“Our mission is not just to build affordable homes for a partnership for families in need, but to also make a difference in our community and our neighborhoods,” said local Habitat President Moacyr Calhelha.  “This is a big step up for Habitat for Humanity.”

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh has already renovated one home at that location as part of last year’s capital project, but they will be constructing eight new dwellings as part of this initiative; Leyland Alliance, the firm also in charge of the Newburgh Waterfront development projects, will be developing the other 16 homes into workforce housing and small single family homes.

Along with new infrastructure, street lamps, curbs, sidewalks, and two small parks are also on the plans for the East Parmenter Street project.

Leyland Alliance VP Lou Marquet noted the energy to complete this project, and move along with the Waterfront development, is very high in Newburgh, and that “this is just the beginning.”

Local public officials agreed.  “One of the most important responsibilities we have is to maintain integrity in this city -- reestablish and reinvigorate the integrity, and that is what we have been focusing our attention on,” said Congressman Maurice Hinchey. 

Mayor Nicholas Valentine had a strong message himself.  “We’re all committed to keep this rolling and never lose momentum, and with the players we have here I think it will happen.  So watch what goes on here because it will truly ripple throughout the city.”

Construction by both organizations is expected to start in the upcoming weeks and the first home is slated for move-in by winter 2009.  According to officials, the starting cost of one of these homes will be in the high $100,000 after subsidized funding from Habitat for Humanity, the county Office of Economic Development, and private donations.