In the works for a dozen years, the waterwheel began to turn last Saturday in Cobleskill’s Veterans’ Memorial Centre Park.
More than 50 people were on hand as creator Jonathan DiCesare cut the ribbon on the project he started as an Eagle Scout in 2012.
The project combines Cobleskill’s long history of mills with modern-day renewable energy.
“This was the foundational aspect of my life,” said Mr. DiCesare.
“I learned project management, engineering and fundraising. It was impactful.”
Mr. DiCesare also learned patience and persistence. Numerous delays cropped up along the way, and some in Cobleskill believed the wheel would never turn.
But on Saturday, it did.
The wheel will turn about one-third of the time, Mr. DiCesare said, cautioning that it isn’t broken, just idle. It will provide enough energy for two houses.
Mr. DiCesare thanked many who helped, including Cobleskill Partnership Inc., the downtown improvement group that backed the project from the start.
Mr. DiCesare also pointed to Brendon Becker of Lamont Engineers, who was the project manager.
“If it works, I did it. If it doesn’t, Brendon did it,” Mr. DiCesare joked.
Former Assemblyman Pete Lopez was also an advisor.
“Jonathan found a project that brings people together,” Mr. Lopez said. “All of us invested in him, and he invested in the community.
“We’re celebrating the growth of this young man.”
Saying that he was “in awe” of the project, CPI President Lucas Fiedler said Mr. DiCesare was “turning the wheels of progress.
“I’m proud CPI could be a small part of this.”
Cobleskill Mayor Becky Stanton-Terk called Mr. DiCesare “brilliant” and described Saturday’s event as history-making.
“This will be here long beyond any of us,” Mayor Stanton-Terk said.