Former town supervisor is bullish on downtown Ti

TICONDEROGA | Former Ticonderoga Town Supervisor and science teacher Bob Dedrick is a familiar face around town. While no longer in elected politics, Dedrick is happy to be a regular citizen but with a "finger in the pie", so to speak. A native son, and a 1965 graduate of Ticonderoga High School, Dedrick believes Ticonderoga's best days are still ahead. After serving as town supervisor from 2000 to 2010, he remains active in the community especially through the Knights of Columbus Council 333 as well as serving as a local bus driver for area seniors, one day a week. Last month, Dedrick helped open a 1921 time capsule in the Knights' 100-year-old hall which included documents and artifacts sealed for posterity by Council 333's founders. The event helped focus new attention on the town's past, present and future. Walking downtown last week, Dedrick likes what he sees. From "Star Trek" to Stewart's, Dedrick is bullish on Ticonderoga's future. Framing Ticonderoga's present is the recent past, as many locals remember it. Dedrick recalls personal memories of the downtown during the 1950s and 1960s; with that in mind, he believes the current downtown renaissance bodes well for Ticonderoga's future. "People are really interested in the downtown," Dedrick told The Sun. "Of course, it was an incredible downtown in the past. It was booming when International Paper was downtown. Hundreds of employees spent their lunch hour here, enjoying the eateries and shops." Dedrick points to new things happening that will help reboot the 21st-century downtown. One construction project is the refurbishment of the Burleigh House, located at the corner of Montcalm Street and Champlain Avenue. "Lots of work is going on there," he said. "I was a teenager when the Burleigh House had been a hotel, then a bar, into the 1990s. Mr. Labatore operated the original establishment. His family is still here. It's going to be such a super building when the work is completed." Dedrick also added that town board member Tom Cunningham purchased the old Michalek's Tavern building as a restaurant. "As things like this happen, downtown comes alive more and more," he added. Dedrick is proud of his contribution to the town's evolution, especially helping to extend the town's waterlines north to the Streetroad area. But much work still remains, now being done by those who follow in Dedrick's footsteps. "The downtown hasn't been a destination spot like the fort for a long time," he said. "Bicentennial Park is beautiful and it's going to be one of those focal, destination spots in the future." Dedrick said he is pleased to see that Pride of Ticonderoga is heading up the French Saw Mill project, which will see a living history facility built at the top of LaChute Falls. The site, along Tower Avenue where a 1758 mill once stood to help build a fort, is progressing nicely. "Not much has been written about the project," he said. "There was a public meeting and locals got to see the architect's rendering. It's going to be beautiful and a real tourist destination." With 70,000 to 80,000 tourists visiting nearby Fort Ticonderoga, Dedrick believes they will want to visit the downtown when more attractions and things to do come online. "We need to come up with those ideas that make the downtown a destination. With that many people visiting the fort, we have to continue to work with the fort to help promote our downtown," he said. Putting his money where his mouth is, Dedrick and a local group purchased the old armory on Champlain Avenue for $1 in 2004-05. With others in town, he helped create a new center for the town's youth program, as well as a gathering place for senior residents. With a gym and two kitchens, rooms are open for computing, gaming, senior arts and crafts, and other community activities. "I think since 'Star Trek' came in there's been a real excitement about the downtown area," Dedrick said. "When you bring the actor (and now real astronaut) William Shatner here for two or three days you create a lot of excitement. You should have seen the lines of fans stretching from the Star Trek Original Series Set Tours to the monument. The motels are full now. (And the old J.J. Newberry building will be a new 'Star Trek' studio set.) The Chamber is doing remarkable things, too, downtown. The K of C, Kiwanis, the Elks, all help to promote the community through their vibrant members." Dedrick noted that the town's strong school system is ideal for families considering relocating. And as far as local employment goes, there's the paper company looking for workers offering solid salaries, some in the $22 an hour range. "I am encouraged to see local people investing in downtown real estate, too," he added. "...Jim Majors has purchased properties and Bobby LaBounty purchased the old Agway building, the oldest building in town. I feel good about all of this. There are many, many positive things going on right now."

Signup for our newsletter

Former town supervisor is bullish on downtown Ti

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS