In his 10th State of City address on Jan. 25, Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker recounted initiatives in the past year that improved the city’s recreational and cultural destinations and looked forward to future projects to make it an even more visitor-friendly place. 

He highlighted the completion of a yearslong annexation project with the Town of Deerpark in 2022 and the potential economic development it would bring to the city. 

While commending his department heads for their work for the past year, he also thanked a group of volunteers for donating their time and money to building up the city. 

“So, what really could draw even more people to Port Jervis? We see it, we know it, and we just need to expand it—it is rafting, canoeing, and kayaking down the river; it is hiking and biking on the watershed trails; it is camping in the Elks Brox Park; it is attending festivals and events,” he said 

“It is having a city that has activities and museums for people to pass their time,” he said. 

After having steered the city for almost a decade with a vision of making it a top recreational center, Decker said he is not seeking reelection this fall. 

“Is there still work to be done? Absolutely,” he said, “But I believe that this is the time to step aside and give someone else the opportunity to help move our city forward.” 

“Different ideas inspire change, and it is my hope that someone is elected who can offer a breath of fresh air to our city with positive hope for the future,” he added. 

Museums, Parks, and Sidewalks 

Last May, the Port Jervis Transportation History Center had a grand opening in the city, offering exhibits, an event space, and a dining experience in a restored dining car built in 1947. 

“This development is breathing new life into our downtown as well as our past by attracting people from near and far to visit our little city on the banks of the Delaware River,” Decker said. 

To make the downtown business district more friendly to visitors, the city added sample wayfinding signs last year and will continue to erect around thirty of them in 2023, he said. 

The multi-year sidewalk improvement project will also continue, with new paving, lighting, waste receptacles, and trees in planning. 

Two major park improvements will begin soon: new lighting and sound systems at the Orange Square Memorial Park and improvements to the bathhouse and parking lot at the West End beach.

A new disc golf course is…