Stony Point, NY — What was initially presented as a landmark green energy project for New York State has devolved into a grinding, months-long crisis for small businesses in Stony Point and neighboring towns. Now, it’s gotten the attention of Federal officials.
The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project, as well as mandated Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R) gas line relocations, has turned Route 9W into a near-constant construction zone—crippling storefront access, deterring customers, and slashing revenues, reportedly for over 100 local retailers.
At a joint press conference held at Malloy Park, Congressman Mike Lawler stood with County Executive Ed Day, Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monaghan, North Rockland Chamber Board members, and local business leaders to call for state-level emergency intervention. “This was supposed to be well-managed,” said Lawler. “It hasn’t been. Albany has failed, and North Rockland is paying the price.”
Estimates from the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce now place the financial toll at approximately $10 million in lost revenue—and rising. Businesses have reported revenue declines ranging from 25% to 75% over the past year.
“We Didn’t Ask for This”
At the heart of the issue, according to officials, lies poor coordination between CHPE and O&R. CHPE had promised overnight construction to minimize disruption. But soon after, O&R required its own gas main work—during daytime hours—leading to round-the-clock construction along one of the County’s most critical commercial arteries.
CHPE, in a monthly newsletter, provided context for the daytime work: “In addition to the CHPE installation work, which is being constructed largely at night or on private properties, CHPE’s team is also replacing and relocating certain gas piping within Orange and Rockland’s gas system to accommodate the CHPE project. Following Orange and Rockland’s safety and other requirements, this work on the active gas system is being performed during daytime hours.”
CHPE, in the same letter, indicated that it committed “$150,000 to a small business relief fund administered by the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce.”
“$150,000 is a drop in the bucket when a single business pays $14,000 a month in rent,” said Chamber President Stephanie Melowsky. “Some owners aren’t even paying themselves.”
Storefronts now sit behind orange cones and blocked driveways. Gym owners have canceled classes. Retailers report customers abandoning appointments due to gridlock. “We didn’t ask for this,” said one business owner. “Now we can’t even pay rent.”
$5 Million in Losses Updated to $10 Million
At a previous Town Hall meeting in September, Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monaghan confirmed he requested $5 million in direct financial assistance from CHPE to aid struggling businesses. “This is not what we were promised,” Monaghan said, referring to CHPE’s original commitment to minimize disruption.
At today’s press conference, Monaghan asked Melowsky to provide an updated report on the data they had received from local businesses regarding their total losses: “$10 million”.
Compounding frustration, town officials say they have no legal authority to halt or reroute construction, since the transmission line is a state-mandated project. Community benefit funds totaling $31 million—negotiated between CHPE and local governments—cannot be distributed directly to businesses under New York State law.
Easements and Inequity
Meanwhile, commercial landlords who negotiated easement agreements with CHPE have reportedly received six-figure payouts. Tenants, however, have been left to shoulder the burden. “If we complain to the landlords, they can evict us—and then make more money from tax breaks,” said one anonymous business owner.
As an example, further south on 9W – Titan Fitness in Haverstraw, one of the most heavily impacted businesses, has lost access to its parking lot for over a year. Owners have reported more than $30,000 in monthly overhead, with no recourse. “We help kids get into college. We’re more than a gym. But $2,000 isn’t going to save us.”
State Response and Federal Pressure
State Senators Pete Harckham and Bill Weber, and Assemblyman Chris Eachus have publicly supported the call for increased funding at previous meetings. Still, available resources remain scarce. “There’s no magic pot of money,” said Harckham, urging residents to document their losses and demand action.
Lawler and Day both emphasized the urgency of declaring an economic disaster, which could open the door to federal SBA relief. “Families can’t sleep. Seniors can’t leave their homes. Emergency responders are delayed. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s dangerous,” Lawler said.
To highlight this point: Shortly after the press conference, our Rockland News team noted this random traffic jam on the Charles C. Eccher Bridge:
In previous meetings, local community members like resident Kevin Nolan, also called for further legal recourse, suggesting a class action lawsuit may be necessary to recover damages.
Next Steps and Ongoing Impact
CHPE officials previously stated they have shifted a significant portion of the Orange & Rockland-mandated gas work back to nighttime hours, but daytime construction continues in several zones. Work on the Farley Bridge is now expected to conclude in mid-October, while full restoration of Route 9W is scheduled for spring 2026.
Rockland News reached out to several Orange and Rockland officials, but have not received a response.
The North Rockland Chamber has created an online form for businesses to report losses.
“This isn’t just about money,” Melowsky emphasized. “It’s about proving the scale of the harm done—so we can ask for what’s truly needed.”