Orange County 

Office of County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus

NEWS RELEASE 

County Executive Neuhaus Signs Resolution to Purchase Maple Avenue Building in Chester 

Agreement with the school district is in motion 

Goshen, N.Y. – On Monday, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus officially signed the resolution, entering into an agreement to purchase the Maple Avenue Building located in the Village of Chester. The future of the building has been under consideration for some time, including a failed referendum in 2019 until on July 2nd, the Orange County Legislature moved the process of acquiring ownership along with a unanimous vote.

Neuhaus has been passionate about this project from the start and knows the building can ultimately be a benefit for the residents of Orange County. A potential use of the building is redeveloping it into a high-tech training facility and sharing the space for municipal use.

“First and foremost, we must stabilize the property,” stated Neuhaus. “After securing the property, developing a phased plan for renovating and upgrading the building will be the priority.”

The Maple Avenue building was erected in 1947 as Chester High School, with a second portion being added in 1965. It was retired upon the opening of the Chester Academy on Hambletonian Avenue in 2004. Orange-Ulster BOCES utilized the former high school until 2019. It is important to note, the Chester Union Free School District will maintain ownership of the gymnasium and athletic fields.

“I’m excited about what’s in store for this terrific building and for our community,” said Orange County Legislator Glenn Ehlers, who was present for the resolution signing. “County Executive Neuhaus and the great team that will repurpose it have a wonderful vision, and I’m grateful to them for seeing the potential in this structure and what it can ultimately become.”

This would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of Orange County Government, the Village of Chester, and the Chester Union Free School District, as well as the support of the Orange County Legislature.

“Much of our world is already built,” said Orange County Legislator Joseph Minuta. “Adaptive reuse of existing constructs repurposes past investments of materials, efforts, and skilled trades. This reduces the time, resources, and materials required while at the same time reviving a community.”

Before Orange County officials proposed to the school district the option of purchasing the building plans being considered included listing it for sale, demolition, and just letting it deteriorate through the years.

“This is the recipe for a success story in the County and we are going to get to work on this project to make it something very beneficial to County residents,” said Neuhaus. Winston Churchill said, ‘We shape our buildings; thereafter, our buildings shape us.’ I look forward to working to create a future for this beautiful building that will shape and enrich our community for years to come.”

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

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(Caption) – Second Portion of Maple Avenue Building

(Caption) – County Executive Steve Neuhaus pictured with (from left), Orange County Legislator Glenn Ehlers, Superintendent of Chester United Free School District Catherine O’Hara, along with other school members, Village of Chester Mayor Christopher Battiato, Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Reilly, and Trustee Anthony LaSpina.

(Caption) – Maple Avenue Building

(Caption) – Maple Avenue Building

(Caption) – Maple Avenue Building

Rebecca Sheehan

Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus 

Director of Public Information & Media Relations

Orange County Government Center

255-275 Main Street, 3^rd Floor

Goshen, New York 10924

Main: 845-291-2700

Direct: 845-291-3255 

This communication may contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Any review, dissemination, or copying of this communication by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender, and destroy all copies of the original message. No responsibility is accepted by Orange County Government for any loss or damage arising in any way from receiving this communication.

This communication may contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Any review, dissemination, or copying of this communication by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender, and destroy all copies of the original message. No responsibility is accepted by Orange County Government for any loss or damage arising in any way from receiving this communication.