STONY POINT, NY – The community room at Patriot Hills was abuzz as town officials and residents gathered to discuss possible future development of the Letchworth property. The meeting aimed to explore viable avenues for redeveloping the site while addressing past challenges and gathering community input, while aiming to minimize misinformation from local special interest groups.
In attendance were representatives from the Towns of Stony Point, as well as Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny, Rockland County Chief of Staff John Lyons, County Tourism Director Jenna Nazario, and officials from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).
Stony Point Town Supervisor Jim Monaghan outlined the property’s history, noting that the town acquired it for $3 million in 1999. Since then, portions have been converted into a veterans memorial park, recreational facilities, and Little League fields. The meeting emphasized the importance of preserving these community amenities.
The discussion highlighted the town’s earlier efforts to develop the property. For instance, in 2016 – Great Wolf Lodge expressed serious interest in building a resort at the site, but eventually withdrew due to concerns about competing with their existing facility in Pennsylvania. Similarly, Toll Brothers evaluated a development plan but determined the site’s zoning constraints and potential return on investment were not feasible for their business model.
In 2018, a local businessman proposed a comprehensive development that included a hotel, community center, and semi-private golf course. Despite extensive efforts to engage the public and market the proposal, opposition from local residents led to the project’s rejection. Residents voiced concerns primarily over potential housing development and changes to the golf course. A referendum, held amidst political campaigning, ultimately voted the project down. Town officials expressed concern over what they described as misinformation campaigns by organized local groups, with the intent of influencing public opinion, during this period.
The panel of experts invited to the meeting discussed the future possibilities for the site, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and community engagement. Environmental engineers and urban planners highlighted potential brownfield redevelopment incentives, historic rehabilitation credits, and tax advantages available through both state and federal programs. These professionals also stressed the importance of conducting further environmental assessments to qualify the site for state and federal cleanup programs, which could make the property more attractive to developers, and quell the overall concerns of local residents who wish to preserve the historic character of the Town.
Community members also participated in the discussion, with some expressing a desire for amenities like sports facilities or art centers that would align with the town’s existing recreational focus. Others emphasized the need for affordable housing options for young professionals and families, despite acknowledging the challenges such proposals might face with the current zoning and local sentiment.
One recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need to bridge generational divides and engage different demographics in the community to achieve consensus on development plans. Town officials underscored the importance of involving young residents who may want to settle in Stony Point but face financial barriers due to high housing costs.
The session concluded with a call for ideas, seeking innovative approaches that could meet the community’s needs while ensuring environmental and economic viability. The town plans to continue its partnership with organizations like the Urban Land Institute (ULI), NJIT, and environmental engineering firms to develop a comprehensive plan for the property that aligns with both local desires and regulatory requirements.
Future meetings will focus on refining development proposals, gathering further community input, and exploring funding opportunities to move the Letchworth property redevelopment forward. The town remains committed to finding a solution that enhances the area’s value while preserving the essence of the community.