Briefly noted | New Paltz (2024)

The president of DASNY and SUNY New Paltz president Darrell P. Wheeler tour campus housing construction

The president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) Robert J. Rodriguez and SUNY New Paltz president Darrell P. Wheeler toured construction sites of campus residence halls last week to view work managed by DASNY that is both completed and in process, and to discuss student housing needs and current trends in residential facilities.

DASNY is currently managing the fifth in a series of five major student residence hall renovations at SUNY New Paltz. The tour included Awosting Hall, which completed construction in January, as well as Mohonk Hall, where construction began earlier this year.

“The residential facilities resulting from the collaboration between DASNY and SUNY are integral to students’ educational and social experiences during critical years of their lives,” said Rodriguez. “I value the partnership with President Wheeler and look forward to working closely with presidents throughout the SUNY system to ensure DASNY provides the best options possible for students.”

President Rodriguez, who assumed the role in May, noted that the $42 million renovation project for Awosting Hall, completed in January 2024, added approximately 16,000 square feet of student living space through a newly constructed, steel-framed fourth floor. DASNY oversaw a full gut renovation of the 56-year-old residence hall, named for nearby Lake Awosting, to create an integrated living and learning environment with contemporary features. All student rooms were reconfigured to provide suite-style housing.

“High-quality residential spaces designed for today’s college student are so critical to overall student success,” said SUNY New Paltz President Darrell P. Wheeler. “The complete renovation of Awosting Hall delivers on this goal, as does the ongoing renovation of Mohonk Hall. I am grateful for our DASNY project partners, our outside design and construction firms, and my campus colleagues whose dedication and hard work on these projects and for our students will support our students’ well-being.”

DASNY has contracted with Consigli Construction, utilizing the construction manager at Risk project delivery method.

“Consigli is committed to work that goes beyond construction and prioritizes projects that will support communities grow and succeed for many years to come,” said Jason Salyer, project executive at Consigli Construction. “Awosting and Mohonk Halls will deliver new, energy-efficient living spaces for the students who call this campus home, and we are grateful for the continued collaboration and partnership with the SUNY New Paltz and DASNY teams on these essential projects.”

Anthony Musso to discuss his latest book at the New Paltz/Gardiner Senior Club meeting

Author and historian Anthony Musso will talk about his latest book, Madams, Mobsters and Murders at the New Paltz/Gardiner Senior Club meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2 p.m., at the New Paltz Community Center, located at 130 Chestnut Street in New Paltz.

The tranquil environment of New York’s Hudson Valley is the site of both peaceful rural communities and single-family housing developments. Tourists visit the area’s historic Gilded Age mansions, elaborate gardens, Revolutionary War battlefields and many other points of interest. Yet, some of the Hudson Valley’s heritage includes more harrowing tales. Madams, Mobsters and Murders is a true reflection of the darker side of life in a region otherwise known for its beauty, peacefulness and quiet way of life. The crooked activities that appear in this book are the true stories reported in various Hudson Valley and New York City newspapers and in the archives of local historic organizations.