New City, NY – In a step towards addressing Rockland County’s ongoing housing crisis, local officials have announced the recipients of the Housing Action Loan Opportunity (HALO) awards. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to support the creation and preservation of attainable workforce housing, helping residents afford safe and sustainable homes.
At least one of the projects, involving the old Chair Factory in the Village of Haverstraw, have been a source of debate and controversy over the past six months. Penrose New York LLC – who along with the private Realtor collective MPACT, have been vying to redevelop the Chair Factory site – was today granted $3 million dollars.
Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillps and MPACT have been at the center of an ongoing conversation regarding the latter’s eligibility for a PILOT program (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), MPACT has asserted is necessary to green-light the development. Phillips and the Town Board have indicated that the development is not necessarily feasible for the area, based on the metrics for affordability. Phillips, on a recent Rockland News podcast, cited the impact that MPACT would have on local infrastructure services, such as Police, Fire and Ambulance, to name a few.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day emphasized the critical nature of the housing crisis, acknowledging the difficult decisions many Rockland residents face regarding housing and financial stability. “This crisis is a daily struggle for our neighbors, our friends, and our loved ones,” said Day. “But today, we take an exciting and hopeful step forward in addressing these challenges.”
The HALO Fund, launched with $13.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, operates without the use of local taxpayer dollars. The program provides direct loans to housing initiatives, ensuring that the repayments flow back into the fund, creating a self-sustaining cycle of reinvestment. According to Day, this strategy differs from other government initiatives that often come with restrictive conditions, stating, “There are no strings attached.”
Four Major Housing Projects Receive HALO Loans
The awards will fund four key projects across Rockland County, with a focus on expanding affordable housing opportunities in the village of Haverstraw and the town of Clarkstown.
1. Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation
Funding: $2.5 million
Project: Haverstraw Place (Village of Haverstraw)
The Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation received a $2.5 million loan to acquire and preserve Haverstraw Place, a 90-unit affordable rental development for senior citizens. This project aims to ensure long-term affordability, allowing seniors to age in place within the community. “Our acquisition of Haverstraw Place will permanently preserve 90 apartments for Rockland County’s senior citizens,” said Matthew Janeko, CEO of the Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation.
2. Westhab, Inc.
Funding: $3 million
Project: 30 West (Village of Haverstraw)
Westhab, a nonprofit housing developer, was awarded $3 million to build an 81-unit fully affordable rental project. The housing will cater to residents earning 60% or below the area median income. “This project is a true partnership between the village, the county, and our team,” said Andrew Dermanski, Westhab’s Senior Vice President of Real Estate.
3. Penrose New York LLC
Funding: $3 million
Project: Chair Factory Redevelopment (Village of Haverstraw)
Penrose New York LLC secured $3 million to redevelop the former Haverstraw Chair Factory site along the Hudson River, transforming it into a mixed-use development featuring 308 affordable housing units. The project, which is part of a larger $300 million investment, aims to create a thriving residential and commercial space. A key feature includes a housing set-aside for veterans through a partnership with the nonprofit Soldier On.
4. Regan Development Company
Funding: $5 million
Project: Nanowi Commons (Town of Clarkstown)
Regan Development Company, a family-owned real estate firm with deep roots in Rockland County, was awarded $5 million for the Nanowi Commons project, which will create 52 high-quality affordable senior rental units. The housing is designed to accommodate retirees who wish to downsize while maintaining financial stability. “This project is about keeping Rockland seniors in Rockland at an affordable level,” said Larry Regan, President of Regan Development.
A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Housing Access
The announcement highlighted the collaborative efforts between government agencies, developers, and nonprofit organizations to create long-term housing solutions. Director of Community Development Alexandra Oremski emphasized the rigorous selection process for the loan recipients, which included thorough financial and compliance reviews by industry experts.
Local legislators also expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to alleviate the housing crisis. Legislator Jesse Malowitz, Chair of the Economic Development and Housing Committee, shared his personal experience with housing affordability struggles, reinforcing the importance of investing in sustainable solutions.
As Rockland County continues its efforts to expand affordable housing, the HALO Fund is set to play a pivotal role, but one of hundreds of steps toward project greenlighting.
For further details on the HALO program and housing initiatives, visit the Rockland County Office of Community Development.
“These projects represent hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for Rockland County,” said County Executive Day.