Haverstraw, NY – The Rockland Business Association (RBA) held a town hall meeting this morning, bringing together local business leaders, government officials, and community members to discuss upcoming economic development, small business growth, and infrastructure improvements in Rockland County.
The meeting was held at Haverstraw Town Hall, at 8 am Friday, on Pi Day. As numbers for both residential and commercial projects in the area were discussed in detail, it seemed like the appropriate day to meet.
The meeting, attended by representatives from the Towns of Haverstraw and Stony Point, members of the Rockland Business Association and the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce and a few members of the local press, provided a platform to address both ongoing and upcoming projects impacting the region’s economic landscape.
Other notables figures in attendance included Debi Thomas from the Workforce Development Board of Rockland, Barry Dorfman – Board member for the Rockland Community Foundation, and Jenna Nazario from the Rockland County Office of Economic Development and Tourism.
Town Supervisors Outline Local Economic Initiatives
Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips and Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monahan addressed the gathering, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing their respective towns. Monaghan, who recently announced he will end his 10-year run as Supervisor at the end of this current term – also gave note to his long-time Assistant Amy Conklin-Stamm, who will be running for Supervisor during this current election cycle.
Conklin-Stamm, whose family has resided in the area for many generations, has often been noted to arduously focus on digital communications at Town Hall, as well as one of the architects of the Town’s e-Newsletter series, also provided to the public in print format and mailed each quarter. Prior to Monaghan and Conklin-Stamm’s work together at Town Hall, there had been no centralized communication system built over time to get word out to residents quickly, especially in times of emergency.
Haverstraw’s Economic Development Efforts
Supervisor Phillips, whose Town Hall hosted today’s event, along with bagels and coffee – highlighted several significant development projects aimed at revitalizing the town’s economy, primarily with residential housing projects that worked within widely accepted constraints for new infrastructure development in the region:
- Birchwood Bungalows Redevelopment: The long-neglected Birchwood Bungalows site will be transformed into market-rate apartments with modern amenities, reducing crime and increasing property values.
- Letchworth Village Development: Plans for a high-end residential and recreational community, including pools, tennis courts, and walking trails, are moving forward with a several agreements that are within tax and infrastructure constraints.
- Haverstraw Marina Investment: Blackstone, notably one of the world’s largest investment firms, recently acquired Safe Harbors and is set to make the marina its premier East Coast destination, enhancing tourism and local business opportunities.
On the last point, Phillips noted that he was looking forward to a higher degree of quality development on the waterfront for the Town.
Despite these developments, Phillips noted that infrastructure remains a critical issue. “Route 9W and Route 202 are in dire need of upgrades. Traffic congestion is a growing problem, and we need state intervention to improve our roads,” he stated.
Stony Point’s Business Growth Strategies
Supervisor Monahan outlined Stony Point’s focus on attracting business investment through strategic zoning and infrastructure projects, some which will be inherited by the next administration:
- Brownfield Redevelopment Zone: The town’s floating zone encourages businesses to utilize its two key transportation assets—the Hudson River and the CSX rail line.
- Hogland Group Expansion: This company is leveraging Stony Point’s industrial space to facilitate green energy projects, including the shipment of clean manufacturing components for Long Island.
- Eagle Bay Development Challenges: The long-planned Eagle Bay waterfront townhouse project still faces ongoing legal battles, despite strong support from residents who seek luxury housing options in the area.
Monaghan also indicated that the developers for Eagle Bay have made years and years of micro-adjustments to their proposals and plans in order to achieve a high level of Town and community consensus.
Monahan also acknowledged the community’s cautious approach to new development, and encouraged local residents that may have concerns for local development: “Many Stony Point residents resist large-scale projects, but economic growth requires some level of change. We’re working to balance business investment with community concerns.”
Public Concerns on Infrastructure and Transportation
During the Q&A session, community members voiced concerns about public transportation access and traffic congestion on 9W, 202 and other State highways in the area, particularly as new housing developments increase population density. Local business leaders also questioned how these projects would support small business growth.Both Phillips and Monahan stressed that business-friendly policies, infrastructure improvements, and streamlined permitting processes are key to attracting investment.
However, they both specifically expressed frustration with state regulations, particularly unfunded mandates that place financial strain on municipalities – and the car tires of hundreds of thousands of cars per week.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming RBA Events and Legislative Engagement
The meeting kicked off with announcements from Zebrowski regarding upcoming events, including:
- March 18: Hospitality and Tourism Alliance at the Haverstraw Brick Museum, followed by an after-hours networking event at M&T Bank’s Haverstraw branch.
- March 20: General Membership Luncheon at Hotel Nyack, featuring Congressman Mike Lawler as the keynote speaker.
- April 29: RBA’s visit to the state capital, where business representatives will meet with legislative committees to discuss economic issues affecting various industries.
CEO Al Samuels emphasized that the RBA’s mission extends beyond business development, stating, “The RBA is not just about the business community; it’s about the community of Rockland. Our work is deeply connected to the well-being of the entire county.”
The RBA concluded the meeting by inviting participants to upcoming discussions within other towns throughout the year. Zebrowski mentioned that the next Town discussion will be held in Orangeburg, with Supervisor Kenny. The ongoing dialogue between government officials, businesses, and residents will be crucial in shaping Rockland County’s economic future.