The recent announcement for Restore New York awards has brought millions to the Hudson Valley. For Sullivan County, this money means big changes for their communities. 

In all, Sullivan County received $2.5 million in awards. This includes

  • Village of Liberty: $1 million toward the restoration of the former Liberty Theater
  • Town of Liberty: $500,000 to revitalize Main Street in the hamlet of Parksville
  • Town of Rockland: $1 million for the continued restoration of the historic Antrim Lodge in the hamlet of Roscoe. 

The Liberty Theater has been closed for years. Locals say it was a staple in the community, but it has been boarded up for a long time. Many say they look forward to having some entertainment in the area, without having to travel far. 

"I think it would be the best thing. And it keeps the kids in the village, so they don't get in trouble," said Liberty Village resident Kathleen Reynolds. "I'm not sending my kid all the way to Middletown by herself or by himself without a chaperone to see a movie or live show or something like that on public transportation."

There is also some excitement that the theater's restoration may bring back more business to the area and help the village thrive.

"We'll bring a lot of people to see a show, see a movie, be there, buy food around that area. There's several restaurants, so of course it's going to improve the economy of the Village of Liberty," said Sullivan County Legislature Chairperson Luis Alvarez.

The project should take about a year and a half. 

"The first phase would be to revitalize the storefronts, which are actually vacant right now, and some of the office space upstairs. That would be the second phase, and the third phase would be theater part of it.," said Liberty Theater Owner Bruce Davidson.

The theater's owner anticipates the project will cost about $1.8 million. After the money is put into the project, as long as it meets state guidelines, he is supposed to be reimbursed the $1 million by the state.