On Friday morning a delivery person for Freskeeto drops off a delivery at Lock 31's side door. Holiday decorations accent light poles and a slight breeze rustles outreaching branches of maple trees. Though school does not commence until January 2, there are only a few passersby on Center Street, slowly walking towards unknown locations. The scene is a far cry from the depiction of Center Street in a December 12 Times Herald Record article, where John Doherty describes Center Street as "the seedier side of Ellenville," with "rowdy drunks and blatant drug-dealing activities."

The article, which was met with strong emotions from Center Street business owners, was in response to the December 11 murder that took place on nearby Maple Avenue.

"Does Center Street have a reputation? Sure it does!" exclaims Sam Bugna, of Lock 31, "At one time it may have been fair," continues Bugna, "but not anymore." Bugna is one of many locals who were offended by Doherty's speculation.

"Doherty's comments were untrue and shoddy, because the murder had nothing to do with Center Street," explains Mike Halliday, who, along with his wife Beverly, owns The Laundry Room. Doherty had seemingly embellished comments made by local businessman Greg Black. In reaction to the murder, Black was quoted as saying he "was surprised when [he] heard it happened on Maple Avenue," because of the "reputation" that Center Street has. When asked whether or not he was misrepresented by Doherty, Black declined to comment, though he did not wish to retract his statements.

Unlike Bugna and Halliday, who were angered by the article, Don and Rosemarie of Lou's Food Market, who are relatively new to the area, were hurt by the comments. "We've owned Lou's since July," explains Don, "and we've never had a problem." The market, a meeting place for regulars, has been a Center Street fixture for well over a decade. "Lou had owned this store for fourteen years," says Don, "and he never complained of any problems."

Many speculate reasons for Center Street's alleged reputation. "Major shifts in economy have occurred in the last thirty years," explains Mary Sheeley, of Orange Business Solutions and H&R Block, "…such as the loss of resorts and manufacturing (i.e. Channel Master, Schrade)."

The overwhelming consensus of Center Street is though it may have acquired a reputation in the past, many people are trying very hard to improve the area. "Ellenville is a village that is beautifully set at the foot of the mountains, with a proactive government and affordable housing," says Halliday. With one vacant storefront that formerly housed Richie's, and new construction, Center Street optimizes prosperity. "Nobody is embracing the fact that Center Street has made headway," adds Bugna.

When approached, Doherty declined to comment about his article that offended so many. Instead, he suggested that we speak to the Record's City Editor, Adrianne Reilly, who, as of press time, has failed to return our call.

"Doherty's article perpetuates peoples' misconceptions," says Halliday, "His comments were glib, condescending, mean-spirited, harmful and untruthful."

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