Foundation Projects
Sugar Loaf Historic District
In March, 2023 the Sugar Loaf Community Foundation and the Town of Chester joined together to begin the process to have the hamlet of Sugar Loaf designated as a Historic District on the NY State and National Register of Historic Places. The Nomination process will take approximately one year.
We hired a Historic Preservation Consultant - Neil Larson - who will compile and document the historic information as it pertains to the historic and architectural significance of the buildings in the hamlet and the history of the hamlet dating back to the 1800’s.
It is our hope that having Sugar Loaf listed on the State and National Registry of Historic places will preserve its history for posterity. We hope the residents of the hamlet will support us in our efforts to obtain this designation.
* UPDATE: Congratulations - the hamlet of Sugar Loaf has been approved for nomination as an historic district on both the National and State register of Historical Places.
One proposal is to emphasize the gateway to the main business corridor with road divider and planters to send a message to morotists that they have reached a specific place and must reduce speed.
Kings Highway Pedestrian District
The county's population has grown along with traffic moving through the hamlet. As a county road, Kings Highway is currently regulated by onerous regulations which prohibit sidewalks and trees within the fifty foot right-of-way or lowering the speed limit.
Transfer of the road to the Town of Chester has officially been completed!
The SL Community Foundation employed both SUNY Albany and the private architectural firm IQ Architects to assess our community concerns and develop a plan to improve the quality-of-life within the hamlet. Please review the plan by clicking here.
* UPDATE: The road has officially been transferred over to the town of Chester. Abd the Sidewalk Project is almost complete. Just waiting for some final steps including stamping the crosswalks and landscaping certain areas. Congrats all! Click here for latest plan.
Scotts Meadow buildings
Scott's Meadow is in the heart of Sugar Loaf and consists of several buildings that the county has owned for years.
A public auction was held in 2025 and resident Faron Peckham won the bidding.
Along with his family, they have been steadily repairing the buildings, readying them for new tenants. The goal is to create spaces of different sizes for potential artists and artisans to live, create and sell their products.
Several spots should be open for new tenants in the summer of 2026.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
The OC Land Trust led an effort to purchase the land and make it available for the public to hike and enjoy.
In 2025, Orange County did purchase the property from the OCLT and have been steadily creating hiking trails and access.
The public will have access for hiking, recreation and enjoyment. This land also contains valuable archeological and Native American relics.
Facilitating the creation of a trail system would connect the center of the village to the mountain's summit potentially boosting local business and tourism.
UPDATE: The summit of the mountain has some issues concerning residents who own the land- so details are being worked out and should be resolved in 2026
"Sundays on the Loaf" Concert series
Using a seed grant from the Mid Hudson Arts Council, The Sugar Loaf Community Foundation produced numerous successful concerts with Jeff Zahn at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center.
Since then, the SLCF has produced other events at different locations in Sugar Loaf - including "Voices of Sugar Loaf" at the Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church.
In 2026, the SLCF is producing "Voices of Liberty" - Celebrating America's 250th Birthday - to be held on July 3 at Sugar Loaf Crossing - 1405 Kings Highway.
We have many other events planned for the year.
Membership and Communication
Between work, family, friends and hobbies/activities, everyone is busy. But Sugar Loaf remains a very special place to live and work.
In order to continue to grow and thrive, we need as many new voices as possible - to share ideas, opinions, identify issues and bring a renewed energy to the town.
So with that positive intent - we're hoping to expand the membership of our organization. Please consider adding your voice by becoming a member of the Foundation and attend our meetings.