It's been almost 30 years since a group of Pine Bush businessmen took a hard look at their dilapidated Main Street and decided something had to be done to improve the visual appearance, and thus the economic viability of the commercial district.

Funding was scarce, and many of the buildings were vacant and boarded up. Clearly, it would be a big job. But with support of the community, they managed a renaissance that gave Main Street the charm you see today.

Under the auspices of the Pine Bush Businessmen's Council, a committee was formed that included John Tarolli, an engineer and municipal planner; Tony Buckley a landscape designer; Tom Rowe, an architectural illustrator, John Egerolla, an industrial designer; Bob Black, a photographer; Don Tirell, an artist and set designer, and RJ Smith, a local realtor.

Combining their skills, they produced a plan that included landscaping, parking facilities, traffic flow, economic analysis and suggestions for improvement of 29 buildings. RJ Smith, who was involved in creating the plan, said the study would have cost more than $10,000 if done by hired consultants.

A 1982 story in the Times Herald Record reports that the Town of Crawford was not officially involved in the project, but did support the Hamlet of Pine Bush in its efforts. It was a grassroots effort and participation was voluntary, but enthusiasm for the project spread quickly.

Realizing that money would be an issue in making the plan a reality, the committee considered providing low interest loans to businessmen, and creating a special taxing district that would provide funds for paved parking lots, street lighting and sidewalks. Building owners would be responsible for their own renovations.

But the planners kept price in mind, suggesting improvements that could be made at a minimal cost. For many of the structures, a fresh coat of paint, simple landscaping, store signs in a traditional style and perhaps new trim would do the trick. Paint colors and design ideas were geared to return the hamlet's appearance to the 1850-1930 era.

While Bob Black photographed the buildings as they are, Tirell, a senior art director for Columbia Pictures, used old postcards of Main Street to create full color sketches of each of the 29 buildings as they were, and could be again. A taped narration described the work that would be needed on each building.

The committee said if the community supported the plan, it would bring new businesses and additional customers into the two-block Main Street, which already had at least 6 vacant and boarded up buildings.

"The area is a small bedroom community," said an insurance broker involved with the project. "The school district is the biggest industry. If it (the revitalization) doesn't bring business into town, we hope it will at least keep present businesses from leaving."

When the plan was presented to the town council and 50 or so interested residents, it generated "a surge of enthusiasm, pride and anticipation, "according to a 1982 story in the Citizen Herald. The same paper later reported on the "promise of a $75,000 federal grant."

Business owners began to come forward with commitments and the committee began the process of meeting with interested property owners to review the proposed renovations, modifying certain items to accommodate the owners, yet keeping to the basic theme. They looked at changes in zoning, and of course, talked with lending institutions and state and county groups about funding options.

By the end of 1982, there were many successes to create a path to success. The drugstore was under new ownership and being renovated for four new businesses; four dilapidated and condemned storefronts were rejuvenated for an attorney and an art gallery; the Pine Bush Art Center, formerly a boarded up dress factory, was completely renovated for art and craft shops and the Pine Bush Art Council offices and gallery; a municipal parking lot designed, paved and landscaped, new sidewalks along Main Street (paid for by federal grants) and many other buildings renovated and occupied.

A village square constructed behind the Art Center is home to a large gazebo for band concerts and other community events.

Success breeds success, and within a remarkably short time — five years — the project had changed the face Pine Bush shows the world, and picked up the pace of local commerce.

Today's look is clean, friendly; an eclectic blend of stores and styles that works. Many businesses have been around almost since the project began, and others continue to come to the area. There are several restaurants and mini cafes, gift shops, a natural foods store, a consignment shop, a dance studio and a store that sells toys and teachers' materials.

And in summer, an old-fashioned ice cream drive-in that draws old and young to sit at the outdoor picnic tables and visit.

Further down the road, a strip mall adds to shopper's choices with a hardware store, drugstore and most recently, a dollar store. Back and better than ever, Pine Bush is a model for other small towns for coming back in a way that works.

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