Local business retailers along 9W reportedly suffered many millions more in losses last summer. Settlement reflects increase in relief from original $100k offer.
By Tom Ossa, Correspondent
STONY POINT, N.Y. — Local, county, and federal officials joined small business owners Tuesday at Stony Point Town Hall to announce a $1 million settlement from the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), marking a tenfold increase from the company’s initial $100,000 offer, but falling short of the original request of $5 million, made in 2025.
Congressman Mike Lawler, who pressed CHPE for the $900k increase in offer – stated that New York State did not offer much assistance in the negotiation process that has played out for the past 6-8 months.
Watch the Full Press Conference Now:
The funding, described as a “Good Neighbor Fund,” will be administered through the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland to support dozens of small businesses affected by construction along the Route 9W corridor over the past two years.
The announcement follows months of advocacy by business owners, the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, and elected officials, who cited significant disruptions caused by the infrastructure project.
Officials Highlight Advocacy Effort
Mike Lawler, who helped broker discussions with CHPE and its stakeholders, said the agreement reflects sustained pressure from the local business community.
“After a lot of communication, a lot of back and forth, and a lot of advocacy by small businesses, CHPE has agreed to put $1 million into a Good Neighbor Fund,” Lawler said during the press conference.
Lawler noted the fund will be independently administered to ensure transparency and fairness, with the goal of distributing relief funds as quickly as possible.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day described the outcome as the result of a prolonged effort.
“This was not something we stumbled upon. This was a continuing battle for the rights of our local citizens,” Day said.
Local Leaders Emphasize Impact
Town supervisors from both communities most affected by the project underscored the challenges faced by businesses.
Amy Stamm said the construction created “real challenges,” including reduced access, traffic disruptions, and operational difficulties for local establishments.
“These are businesses that are the backbone of Stony Point,” Stamm said, adding that the funding represents “a meaningful step” toward recovery.
Howard Phillips characterized the construction period as a “nightmare” for small businesses and noted that earlier project timelines and commitments were not met.
“This additional $1 million is going to be a big help,” Phillips said, while acknowledging that more compensation had been sought.
Business Community Response
Stephanie Melowsky, president of the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, said the funding represents both relief and recognition.
“This is more than a number. It represents survival. It represents hope,” Melowsky said, pointing to the extensive disruptions businesses faced, including road closures, reduced visibility, and loss of customer access.
Chamber board members, including Mari-Morrison Rodriguez, Rocky Alexander, and Michelle Alexander, were recognized for their advocacy efforts alongside local business owners.
Representatives from affected businesses—including The Jewelry Gallery, Beckerle Lumber, Stony Point Pancake Factory, FZ Perfection, Vinny’s Automotive, Hole Shot Bagels, and Titan Fitness—attended the event in support of the agreement.
A representative from Titan Fitness described the direct impact on operations, noting that construction blocked parking access for an extended period, limiting customer traffic.
Funding Structure and Next Steps
According to statements read at the event, CHPE officials said the fund is part of broader community support efforts along the 339-mile project route. The Community Foundation confirmed it will oversee an open and transparent application and review process for distributing funds.
Officials stated that guidelines for eligibility and distribution will be developed in coordination with the Chamber and other stakeholders, with an emphasis on timely disbursement.
Broader Context
While the $1 million settlement represents a significant increase from the original offer, it remains below the estimated $13 million in reported losses cited by affected businesses following construction disruptions along Route 9W.
The CHPE project, a major energy transmission initiative, has been the subject of ongoing local coverage and concern regarding its economic impact on small businesses in Stony Point and Haverstraw.
Tuesday’s announcement marks the first formal financial relief effort specifically targeted at those businesses.
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