A smaller-scale version of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative called New York Forward is aimed at helping smaller communities. In late February, Cornwall, Cornwall-on-the-Hudson and Sleepy Hollow were given $4.5 million each as funding for more rural areas.
Troy Kelleher is always on the clock at the Cromwell Manor Inn. A faint ring from his jacket pocket reminds him of the constant foot traffic of visitors coming into his boutique rooms.
“Thank you for calling Cromwell Manor Inn, my name is Troy, how may I help you?”
The Hudson Valley’s influx of visitors can be seen on any given weekend in towns like Cornwall, including those that have the chance to stay at the historic Cromwell Manor Inn.
What You Need To Know
- Cornwall-on-the-Hudson and Sleepy Hollow were given $4.5 million each as funding for more rural areas
- A smaller-scale version of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative called New York Forward is aimed at helping smaller communities
- The Cronwell Inn sees visitors from West Point, Storm King Art Center and other Hudson Valley attractions
“Alright my friend, just give me a call in case I’m not in my office at that time, just so I can come and see the family, and we’ll get you settled in in your suite,” Kelleher said.
As part-time chef, part-time concierge and part-time front desk employee, he sees the whole picture.
“Cornwall is a small town with unlimited potential,” he said.
Capitalizing on that means linking downtown to Cornwall-on-the-Hudson’s, along with improving signage and infrastructure for visitors.
Kelleher isn’t receiving any of the $4.5 million, but the inn is planning to receive more guests as a result of it. He’ll point them in the right direction.
“It is a gorgeous place to raise a family, a gorgeous place to come visit. The restaurant owners, the shop owners, barbers… I do everything in this town now since I’m basically stuck here so.. I live here, I love it here and I want to support the other small businesses in the town of Cornwall,” said Kelleher.
Maybe it’s football at West Point or hiking at Storm King Art Center in the fall, Newburgh to Beacon on a boat in the summer, or a spring day antiquing in Cold Spring, Cornwall visitors have plenty of stories to share with Kelleher.
“I like talking with new people every single day and then finding out their story. Their life is actually a really big plus," he said. "I have to say. I wish they could stay a little bit longer than just a day or two, but I'm glad that they're staying with us whenever they can, and we have a good time while they're here.”