Monroe seeks $500,000 state grant to rehab the Stone Barn at Faber Farm
| 31 Jan 2023 | 01:40
The Stone Barn at Faber Farmhouse was constructed circa 1933 and is located at 105 - 109 Berry Road in the Town of Monroe. Photos provided by the Town of Monroe.
The Faber family owned the barn and surrounding property until 2004, when the Town of Monroe purchased the property. If awarded this grant, the town will focus its initial efforts on the rehabilitation of the barn including basic structural stabilization and preservation of the main stone barn.
The Town of Monroe has submitted an application for funding available through the Restore NY Grant with the hope of restoring a piece of Monroe’s history.
The Stone Barn at Faber Farm was constructed circa 1933 and is located at 105-109 Berry Road. The Faber family owned the barn and surrounding property until 2004, when the Town of Monroe purchased the property.
Initial efforts to rehabilitation of the barn
If awarded this $500,000 grant, the town will focus its initial efforts on the rehabilitation of the barn, including basic structural stabilization and preservation of the main stone barn.
Plans to further renovate the space to be utilized as a multi-purpose community event space will be addressed with future grant funding opportunities.
According to the Restore NY guidelines, the town must demonstrate at least a 10 percent match and hold a public hearing to discuss the application and the property assessment list.
Berry Road Park
Since its acquisition, the Town of Monroe has transformed the property into a passive park which includes areas of natural trails for hiking or a stroll through the park’s views of mountains, streams, lake areas and overall rustic beauty.
‘Home’ campground for scouts
The park is located on the site of the old Faber farm at the intersections of Berry and Ludlam Roads in the town of Monroe. The Town of Monroe purchased the Faber farm and some of the surrounding lands to set aside public land for the use of scout units and other outdoor groups.
Locally known, Berry Road Park is the “home” campground for various local boy scout troops.
Troop 440 became the first group to use Berry Road at an inaugural campout at the park with the help of James Rogers, former town councilman. Over the years many improvements at the park came through Eagle Scout projects to further enhance its use through marked trails and bridges to connect areas.
In April 2014 members of Troops 340, 440 and 540 gathered for the first Monroe Camporee. Scout skills were demonstrated and learned, games were played and lots of great food was eaten.
Restore NY
The town applied under the project name “Stone Barn Rehabilitation Project.” Through the grant application, the Town of Monroe requested approximately $500,000.
The Restore New York Communities Initiative provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures.