Liberty, N.Y. — The Village of Liberty Police Department has completed a year-long building transformation aimed at making the department more welcoming, visible, and connected to the community it serves.
The work was funded through a 2025 beautification grant from Sullivan 180 and included a full redesign of the department’s public-facing spaces. Officials say the project was driven not only by aesthetics, but by a broader goal of strengthening relationships between residents and local law enforcement.
The department’s lobby—once described as dark and uninviting—has been reimagined as a bright, open space for the public. Outside, new lighting, including a dedicated flagpole light, improves visibility and safety around the building. Updated interior and exterior signage and new landscaping, including garden beds and large flower pots, create a more inviting entrance along North Main Street.
Students from Liberty Central School District, including third- and fourth-graders, worked alongside police officers to plant flowers in the new garden spaces. Department leaders say the hands-on collaboration helped foster positive interactions between young people and officers.
Local artist Nora Liddle, a college student, also contributed to the project by creating a mural that now adorns the building.
Two new community resources were added to the department’s grounds as part of the renovation: a Little Free Library and a Little Free Pantry. The library was installed in partnership with the Liberty Rotary and offers books for all ages. The pantry, supported by Leadership Sullivan and the Liberty Police Benevolent Association, provides nonperishable food items to residents in need through ongoing community donations.
Officials say the project’s impact extends beyond physical improvements. In addition to beautification, the renovation emphasized wellness, youth engagement, and community pride. Programs such as the Merchant Discount Program helped stretch grant funding further, allowing the department to complete the work within budget.
Note: Sullivan 180 is a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.