“A new vibe,” those are the words used by Grafton Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum, when asked by The Eastwick Press to comment about the new businesses that have opened their doors in the town over the last year. Her summation says it all.
“I’ve been so pleased over the last few years to see so many young people moving to Grafton to make it their home and raise their families here. The best part for me is – I am seeing that it’s a pretty even balance of young people from outside of town who just fell in love with the mountain, and young people who were raised here and want Grafton’s quality of life and lifestyle as adults. Both groups make tangible investments and contributions to Grafton that benefit all of us – such as new construction – and also lovely restorations and renovations of some of Grafton’s oldest homes. And new ideas and fresh faces – Grafton can only benefit from embracing and welcoming all this positive new energy to town!”
Recent New Businesses:
Greywacke Meadows – “Just…WOW! The concept of a wedding venue in beautiful Grafton was brilliant from the get-go, and now we have a charming old family farm, lovingly transformed into the Capitol District’s most sought-after wedding and event venue. I thank Jane Walker McDermott and Brandon McDermott for working cooperatively to bring their dream to fruition under the guidance of our Planning Board and Highway Department, from the earliest phases of site approval and construction. I can’t say enough to congratulate them on Greywacke Meadows and to thank them for putting Grafton at the top of the list of premier locations for exquisite events.”
The Storage Units/The Shed Man – “A well-known, regionally established business decides to put down new roots in Grafton and provides a needed service at the same time: win-win! The owners have done a great job on the clean-up and repurposing of an old familiar property on Route 2 and I’m excited to see the variety of display sheds they’ll be featuring.”
Owners Sue and Gaston Robert have told The Eastwick Press their Cropseyville location is full and they were looking to expand in the community. The property, once owned by the late Town Supervisor Ray Darling, was “just right” and already has an outdoor storage facility on site.
Dave & Donna’s – “Dave and Donna have struck a perfect balance of old and new Grafton in their transformation of the former Coulter property on Route 2. I think they share a clear vision of what kind of economic future Grafton can pursue while still embracing our long-held traditions. Grafton has a 200 year history of logging and milling lumber – and they honor that with The Mill on the Hill, featuring rough-cut dimension lumber, firewood and landscaping materials. Donna’s planned artisan-inspired gift and craft shop in the restored old house is perfectly situated on Route 2 to capture the attention of the thousands of folks who pass through town annually – to make them slow down and stop and see something new that Grafton has to offer. Her plan to feature fine handcrafted items from local artisans in her shop supports other local small businesses. And they are planning a homegrown garden/farmer’s market appeal for the grounds adjacent to the house which will make this new business both timely and attractive to Grafton.”
The Grafton Elementary School – “I am inspired by the forward-thinking vision and sheer energy of Tom Withcuskey. Those who know Tom and are familiar with his business ventures know that he is meticulous with details and has a keen eye for aesthetics. I think many of us who attended GES over the years breathed a sigh of relief that the building will be properly attended to and not allowed to fall into further disrepair. Tom knows Grafton – better yet – Tom loves Grafton – and we’re all excited to see what he has in mind for repurposing one of Grafton’s beloved properties.”
“And I’d like to be one of the first to welcome Doug LaRocque and The Eastwick Press officially to Grafton. To think all we Eastern Rensselaer County folks were saddened by the prospect of losing our beloved Eastwick, and just a few short months later it is thriving and going to be headquartered in Grafton in the Principal’s Office at the newly purchased Grafton Elementary School!”