Bridge named for late local resident, teacher
The span that carries Bruyn Turnpike over the Wallkill River has been designated the Stewart Crowell Bridge.
The bridge that carries Bruyn Turnpike over the Wallkill River in the town of Shawangunk has been named for a retired Newburgh school teacher and former Shawangunk resident remembered as a “distinguished citizen” who made significant contributions to his community.
The Ulster County Legislature voted unanimously Tuesday to name County Bridge 127 the “Stewart Crowell Bridge.” Crowell died in 2014 at age 72.
The Shawangunk Town Board adopted a resolution in August recognizing “the tireless efforts of Stewart Crowell, who loved his community and lived his life trying to improve it for all of the residents of the hamlet of Wallkill,” and asking the county to name the bridge after him.
Legislature Chairman Ken Ronk, who represents part of the town of Shawangunk, has lauded Crowell as a longtime volunteer in the town who worked to bring a sense of community to the hamlet of Wallkill.
Ronk, R-Wallkill, said among Crowell’s contributions was the creation of a community garden on property he owned in the town. Ronk said Crowell also started a farmers’ market in the town and donated the proceeds to the local food pantry.
According to his obituary, Crowell served on the boards of the Wallkill Public Library, the Shawangunk/Gardiner Historical Society and Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan. He also was on the Collections/Historic Houses Committee of the Huguenot Historical Society in New Paltz and was a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program.
According to the resolution adopted Tuesday, Crowell’s grandfather was the first person to walk across the bridge when it first opened.