There was a post over on Ahead of the Torch:

"Soon to meet its end: the Mechanicstown Station of the New York, Ontario & Western, near the Galleria Mall in Middletown, NY:"

Asked for more info but no reply. Anyone here know what the story is? Looks like the property has been for sale for some time and not maintained.

Strret view:
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2Fmaps%2FqayXGiERw7K2&h=AT0ujFqbLpuOwvA1UGl60QbBDRrZJBNVmqN6d9Iq1P8T1EPifuw9PM9x08zXet_tKilEgeIhX4h-Yuayp9WLKel1K8wvVx5QXb2vKh9CEwuDiomtoB1vds4Joj5a5dGswQ

The problem is the city will not allow it to be rehabbed for housing. Maybe they will at least save just the section facing the road.

Not the same station. Both are equally endangered of being torn down. The Mechanicstown Station is on Dunning Road in the Town of Wallkill while the Middletown Station is on Low Ave. in the City of Middletown.

The Mechanicstown structure is a wood building and the Middletown Station is of masonry construction.

My understanding is the station was altered substantially inside when it was converted to a restaurant.

I believe is has been vacant for nearly 20 years now. I don't ever remember seeing it open in the 35 years I have been railfanning.

Being just off two major highways the property has become valuable and ripe for redevelopment. Nearby are several big box retail developments.

Ok found it.

The Mechanicstown Station met it's end this morning, burning to the ground. Arson is suspected.

A link to the local newspaper: https://www.recordonline.com/news/20181 ... kely-arson

I want to be outraged by this news; at least I feel like I should be, but I am not.

From an historical perspective, the O&W, LNE and Rutland are among my favorites. Despite their early departures from the world of living railroads, each left a significant amount of buildings, locomotives and rolling stock to be preserved.

And some was, mostly by men who had the means in the 1960’s, though bits were saved much later.

Today, whatever is left in situ without an owner with a plan should be considered a lost cause. I’ve seen it. My first forays up the O&W 30 years ago revealed many more remnants than what a similar trip would now.

What little remains of the O&W (locomotives, cabooses, depots and a business car) survived either from happenstance or a rescuer with deep pockets.

Those pockets are running dry.

All will not be saved.

It’s a good time to jump on your bike or get in your car and witness what’s left. Unless you come bearing a check, there’s a good chance that what you see will be the last time you see it.

That’s pretty much your choice up the O&W: bear witness to what’s left and/or
try to buy as much of it as you can.

Rob