Gardiner's level 2 electric charging station was installed through a grant from the DEC submitted by the Climate Smart Gardiner TaskForce. After being approached by Climate Smart Gardiner, the Gardiner Library agreed to donate the parking spaces for the charging station since they were on library property. During the grant period (the first two years following installation), charging was free for the first two hours of charging. The town maintains the station, but the fees are set so that the town does not incur any additional cost for offering the opportunity.
The charging station in the Library parking lot is adjacent to both the town's municipal lot and an entrance to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. It is also a short walk to village shops and restaurants. Marybeth Majestic, Town of Gardiner Supervisor, said after installation, “It has been a long time coming, but has been well worth the wait. Gardiner now has the only EV charging station adjacent to the Rail Trail, which is something we are very proud of."
“We hope that the station will attract more visitors to Gardiner businesses,” said Holly Shader, member of the Climate Smart Gardiner Taskforce. “EV drivers who may otherwise drive through Gardiner on their way to Minnewaska State Park or Mohonk Preserve will now have a reason to stop. They can enjoy a meal or walk around the town while charging their vehicle.”