x
Breaking News
More () »

They’re Painting The Town In Hawley

HAWLEY — The finishing touches are being put on a project bringing a new look to one Wayne County community. Downtown storefronts have a fresh coat of pai...

HAWLEY -- The finishing touches are being put on a project bringing a new look to one Wayne County community.

Downtown storefronts have a fresh coat of paint, but that's not all.

We first showed you what Hawley looked like when the Main Street Matters project started last month.

Hawley won the Benjamin Moore contest for free painting and got a grant to do some other work, and people can't help but notice a change for the better.

Even on a dreary June day the newly-painted storefronts in Hawley stand out.

Painters have been at it since last month, bringing back to life the borders and colors that define the lake region community.

The old look is history and the new look is thanks in part to Benjamin Moore's Main Street Matters Project. Hawley won that contest and got a matching state grant to make other improvements like benches and planters throughout downtown.

"We would like to see area of Hawley be more beautiful and vibrant than it has been," said volunteer Angelo Pesola.

While volunteers filled the planters with water, several crews were slapping paint where it was needed.

The new owner of Hotel Belvidere said he's impressed to see all the improvements happening just before the vacation season begins.

"I love it, think it's great. It's revitalizing the town, it just freshens everything up," said Chris Cykosky.

By week's end about 22 businesses on Main Avenue in downtown Hawley will have fresh coats of paint; some businesses will also have new awnings. It will be a whole new look for the community and lots of people are very happy to see it happen.

"It's great, everything's looking great, such an improvement. I don't know how else to describe it. Look at the Odd Fellows building there," said Phil Hunt, owner of Hunt's Printing.

To celebrate all the changes there will be a party Friday afternoon for the last brushstroke of the project.

"It's going to be a lot of fun, really encourage people to come out and see the colors and see what`s happening on Main Avenue," said Simon Knox of the Hawley Downtown Partnership.

Aside from the painting, some businesses are getting new awnings over the next few days and new signs as well, all virtually free of charge.

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out