The prospect of work comes as local entities look to improve infrastructure in the hamlet, established as a company town for cement plants on the banks of the Hudson River in the early 1900s. Cementon’s population was estimated at 800 people during the height of plant operations in the early 20th century. Following decades of industrial decline and plant closures, the U.S. 2020 census reported 164 residents in the Cementon hamlet. Abandoned cement plants were left as industrial ruins without cleanup.

“If you look back in the history books, it was an awesome, happening little hamlet,” said McCulloch.

The Town of Catskill and Greene County (of which Catskill is the county seat) both want to improve Cementon - with the town focusing on infrastructure for hamlet residents and the County interested in larger scale economic development of the vacated industrial buildings and land, officials confirmed.

Though the Phase 1 grant agreement isn’t yet final due to a state delay, the board agreed to start work, even if the town must front cash out of its reserves.

Phase 2 will begin with a public hearing on April 7 at 6:30pm. The town hasn’t yet publicly disclosed the details. In May, the town will initiate a proposal process to hire engineers. Pursuing grant funding for Phase 2 will follow, town officials said.

When Phase 1 is complete, McCulloch said, “Cementon residents shouldn’t notice anything except that when they wash their dishes, do their laundry, or flush the toilet, all that greywater goes where it’s supposed to go and it’s treated properly.”