A Building Left Behind (late 1980s)

The Cherry Valley School building (built in 1900) sat empty and neglected after the school merged with Springfield and a new facility was built, quickly falling into a state of disrepair. Once the largest structure in Cherry Valley – and the second-largest in northern Otsego County – it became an eyesore, marked by broken windows and piles of litter. The village couldn’t afford to tear it down, and so it remained untouched and deteriorating.

A Community Vision Takes Shape (1992)

A few concerned citizens became committed to the idea that the forsaken building could contribute to the future of Cherry Valley, and they set about acquiring it from the Board of Education. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was formed, and in 1992, the Cherry Valley Community Facilities Corporation (CVCFC) was born.

Listening to the Community

The first step in developing a renovation strategy involved polling community members for feedback as to what was most needed to improve the quality of life in Cherry Valley. The survey indicated a need for cultural programming and a place for all ages to socialize. With the help of generous private donors, the office of New York State Senator Jim Seward, and a grant from the Scriven Foundation, the infrastructure of the building was restored and two rooms were renovated to serve as a community center.

Creating Space for Youth and Seniors

An enterprising young high school student presented the idea of a teen café that would provide a drug- and alcohol-free place for young people to congregate. The Leatherstocking Promise of Otsego County provided grants for this project. In conjunction with youth programming, a senior meal site was established with funds from the Otsego Office of the Aging.

A New Home for the Post Office

When the Post Office needed to relocate, the CVCFC negotiated its installation at the Old School. With the help of Wilber Bank’s financial advisors, a mortgage was given against a long-term lease with the Post Office. The Post Office, which occupies 4,000 square feet in the front of the building, has not only served as a cornerstone tenant in the further development of the Old School, but it also serves as a place where neighbors meet every day while getting their mail.

Expanding Public Use

To further expand the use of the facility, the CVCFC leased the gymnasium section of the building to the Town and Village for a community activities center. As an addition to the activity center, the Village also converted six acres of the Old School’s land into a park that includes a Kid’s City playground, walking and running tracks, and playing fields.

Building for the Future (2004)

Through start-up and expansion grants from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and the New York State Office of Children & Family Planning, the CVCFC undertook the construction of one of the largest daycare facilities in the county. In the 7,000-square-foot wing that had formerly been the elementary school, the Cherry Valley Children’s Center opened its doors in the spring of 2004.

From Daycare to Senior Housing

Once the ten-year commitment to operate a daycare was fulfilled, the daycare wing was transformed into 10 low income senior apartments.  This was enabled by a $1.5 million award from New York State's Small Residential Development Initiative, along with the help of Otsego Rural Housing Assistance (OHRA),

A Community Hub Today

The CVCFC now houses Town and Village offices, spaces for cultural and social programming, senior meal services, a food pantry, and senior housing.

Ongoing Projects and Future Growth

While our trustees have accomplished much, the task of restoring the remaining parts of the facility and expanding programming are ongoing projects.