COLD SPRING – Each weekend thousands converge on the Village of Cold Spring and Town of Philipstown to enjoy hiking and recreating along the Hudson River.

During the past decade as word has spread regarding the beauty of the region, increased pedestrian as well as vehicular traffic has caused safety issues.

Now Putnam County has submitted an application for a State Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to construct and extend sidewalks along Fair Street in the two municipalities.

County Executive Kevin Byrne said the application was developed through a partnership involving Philipstown, Cold Spring, the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail and county government and if awarded, the project would extend the existing sidewalk along Fair Street from Mayor’s Park toward Little Stony Point, creating a safer pedestrian route connecting Cold Spring with the entrance to the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. 

“This project reflects what can happen when local governments and community partners work together toward a shared goal,” said Byrne. “With more visitors coming to Philipstown and Cold Spring to enjoy the Hudson Highlands, improving pedestrian safety along Fair Street has become increasingly important. By working together, we are pursuing state funding that would allow us to make these improvements without placing any burden on local taxpayers.”

The initiative was the result of months of collaboration by Philipstown Supervisor John Van Tassel and Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen Foley.

Foley described Fair Street as a “vital connection between our village, our parks, used heavily by both our residents and the many visitors who come to experience the beauty of the Hudson Highlands. The project is about making that connection safer and more accessible for everyone.”