Drum beat picks up for Levon Helm Memorial Boulevard

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Lombardo

The Levon Helm Memorial Boulevard in Ulster County moved one step closer to becoming a reality with its approval by the state Senate on Wednesday.

The proposal, which passed the Assembly earlier this year, creates a memorial boulevard that would run along state route 375, from where it intersects state route 28 in West Hurley to where it intersects state route 212 in Woodstock.

State Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk, D-Duanesburg, whose district includes part of Ulster County, said in a statement on Wednesday that Helm was a “true American Icon.”

“And as a critically-acclaimed international star he could have lived anywhere in the world, but made his home in Woodstock and did so much for his community and for the local economy,” Tkaczyk said.

Catskills Democratic Assemblyman Kevin Cahill introduced the first version of this bill, which he said was to preserve the legacy of Helm.

“Levon Helm was a true inspiration to not only millions of fans but our community,” Cahill said in February. “His Rambles became a mainstay in the town of Woodstock, bringing back old soulful music worth listening to in a welcoming venue he created.”

The bill now requires the signature of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

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