Port Jervis teacher revamps downtown to benefit community.

Port Jervis physical education teacher ‌Cory Puopolo has ⁣embarked on an ambitious project: ​building the tallest downtown hotel. But‌ his motivations go beyond profit.‍ Puopolo’s goal is to make a ⁤positive impact on the community, particularly⁣ on ‌young‌ people from challenging family backgrounds. He envisions a brighter future for the city and aims to create ‍opportunities for its youth to thrive.

Port Jervis is currently experiencing an economic revival, with new businesses flocking to the area. This momentum will soon be amplified by ​a $10 million⁣ downtown redevelopment grant from the ⁣state. Puopolo believes that now is the perfect time to take action.

Although‍ the construction of his seven-story‌ hotel won’t be completed until‍ next year, Puopolo is already planning a grand opening fundraising event. ⁤The‍ proceeds will go towards building new basketball courts at Church Street Park, providing a safe and engaging space⁣ for ‌kids to hang out.

Puopolo’s dedication to the community doesn’t end there. He plans to organize regular charity events and encourage customers to round‌ up their checkout ⁣totals to ‌support various ⁤causes. ‍For example,⁣ he wants to offer free pizza⁣ for kids on Friday nights ⁢to keep them off the streets.

Involving the youth ‌in the hotel‍ project is also ⁣a priority for Puopolo. He⁢ has​ enlisted Port Jervis high schoolers to design hotel rooms inspired by local themes and attractions. By engaging young people, Puopolo believes he can guide them​ towards a brighter future and ultimately benefit the entire community.

Helping Youth

Puopolo’s journey in⁤ helping young ⁢people began 12 years ago in a ⁢downtown Port Jervis gym. He encountered a troubled seventh grader and encouraged him to improve his academic performance. This teenager ⁤came from a challenging family⁣ background, with absent⁣ parents and siblings⁣ struggling with substance abuse.

The impact of Puopolo’s ⁢support was evident as the student started to excel in school. One day, the teenager asked Puopolo, “You are⁢ encouraging me to do well, ⁤but‌ what are you doing with ⁣your life?” ​This question prompted Puopolo to reflect on his own path.

Determined to make a difference, Puopolo decided to pursue a physical education degree at ⁤Stroudsburg‍ University.​ While studying, he initiated a⁤ project‍ involving⁢ at-risk teenagers. They⁣ grew and sold pumpkins on a family farm, ‍using the proceeds to ‌support community causes, including‌ funding basketball tournaments⁣ at Church Street Park.

Eventually, ⁣Puopolo became‍ an educator at Port Jervis School⁣ District,⁢ teaching⁢ physical ​education to ‌students from kindergarten to sixth⁣ grade. ‍He finds immense fulfillment in his role, especially ‌knowing⁣ that many of his students⁤ come ⁢from disadvantaged ⁣backgrounds and view school as a safe haven.

According⁤ to Puopolo, three of his students have followed in ⁢his footsteps and are now pursuing physical⁤ education degrees. ‌His impact⁣ extends beyond the farm and‌ the school, as he has ‍also fostered and provided guardianship ⁤for several teenagers in the neighborhood.

Port Jervis Revival

When Puopolo decided⁣ to become a teacher, he defied the advice of his⁣ friends and bought an old house in Port Jervis. Despite the city’s ‍reputation, Puopolo saw its potential⁣ and affordability. He began renovating old houses⁤ and selling‌ them,​ contributing to⁤ the revitalization of Port Jervis one property at a‍ time.

Simultaneously, the ‍downtown area⁣ of this former ⁣railroad city started to undergo a transformation. New businesses like‌ Foundry42 and⁢ Fox ⁢N Hare Brewing replaced boarded-up storefronts, breathing new life into the community.

Puopolo’s⁤ persistence paid off when⁤ he ‍finally ​convinced his ⁢business partner to invest‌ in Port Jervis. They⁢ attended the Fall Foilage ⁤Festival and had a drink at Fox N Hare, experiencing firsthand ⁣the positive⁢ changes taking place in the city.