BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Editor/Investigative Reporter
This is the second in a series of stories that will be written about the ongoing situation with CHPE (Champlain Hudson Power Express) and the disruption to businesses and residents their work has created. You will hear the frustration in their voices and words over this.
The first story in this series is a look at the affect CHPE has had on Pasta Cucina in Stony Point.
Watch for more individual stories on the affect this has had on other businesses along the 9W corridor.
Construction projects are supposed to help the residents and businesses by improving the infrastructure in an area, not create a nightmare that ends up costing many of the businesses in the area a combined millions of dollars in lost revenue. This is what has happened in the Route 9W corridor from Congers all the way to Stony Point, which is what the businesses and residents in this area say CHPE has created and caused. They have blocked off streets and even private property entrances or made it more difficult for customers to get to the businesses in this corridor, so they go to a similar one not being affected by this.
Senator Bill Weber along with Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt as well as Rockland County Executive Ed Day and local business organization leaders like Daniel McConnell from the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Stephanie Melowsky from the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce moderated a round table discussion with business people from Global Collision, (where the round table was held) Titan Fitness, Hole Shot, Deli Central, Yummies, Stony Point Bagel and Toy Wiz who have been adversely affected by this project.
With that, Weber introduced Stephanie Melowsky. “Maybe Stephanie, you’ll go and talk about it, maybe we can introduce the leader and the leader maybe give a quick synopsis of, you know, what you’d like to get out of the meeting as well too.
“I’m Stephanie Melowsky on the current president of the North Rock Chamber of Commerce. We’ve been fighting, for, well, it’s been 2 years. CHPE’s been here, when they first came here, they were very careful.
They made some deals with the towns. They gave some money to the towns and to the school districts, but unfortunately they forgot about the small businesses. So, we spoke to them and they said okay. We understand that this is an emergency and that the businesses are hurting so we’ll put up $100,000 for you guys to distribute, how you think it, it was needed. We went to the Rockland Community Foundation we thought about doing a grant program, but then we very quickly realized that $100,000 is not going to do anything.”
She explained that it might help one business, but the reality of the situation was when they started speaking with all the local businesses that are being affected, it was so unsubstantial that they could not accept that and they started talking to their political leaders to try to help with putting more pressure on CHPE and they did increase the amount of 150,000 but unfortunately it still is not is nowhere near what they need.
“After all the talking and all the research that we’ve done and all the businesses that we’ve spoken to we’re at about 10 million amongst about 100 businesses along the 9W corridor. That that would really help and really make a huge impact and help our businesses from losing their livelihoods. There’s a couple of businesses that are already closed unfortunately there are businesses that are cutting hours. There are businesses that are losing employees, and our main street is going away and all the residents, although, there were taxes given to the schools to improve our streets. We’re going to lose our main street and that’s terrible. We’re asking our political leaders for help in talking to CHPE and Senator any insights that you could help with or give us would be appreciated.
“I want to thank my colleague Senator Weber, who I assume, I hope, most of you know, if not all of you. If not, we’ll make sure he works even harder to get out there and, but most of you probably don’t know me.
I’m Senator Rob Ortt so, I’m a State Senator like Senator Weber. My district is in western New York, so I represent Niagara Falls, like that region of the state, Niagara County, New Orleans County, and then part of Monroe County. Sort of northwest corner along Lake Ontario in addition to my role as a state senator for 300,000 people, I also served as the Senate minority leader, the Senate Republican conference leader.
He said, Bill, of course, a member of our conference, a colleague of mine, has spoken to me about this issue. I think it’s fair to say many of our conference regardless of whether you represent an area that is impacted by this project. A lot of people know about it or at least are familiar with it. The idea behind it, and while he has his own thoughts, and in some cases he still has concerns about the project itself from an energy standpoint.
“The parameters I think can remain to be seen. I’m not going to sit up here and pretend to know exactly the best way that would look. That’s one of the reasons we want to hear from you. But, I think we have an opportunity, especially going into the budget. That we’re going through now, the governor’s putting her budget together, but I think there can be conversations that needs to be had by her and us as well, but I think she has the political heft to be able to bring them to the table to do the right thing, especially because she is a huge or she is for now she’s a big part of the project.” Ortt explained.
He continued, “So if you’re, if you’re a part of the project, that’s fine, but make sure it’s done the right way. It’s already over 2 years and look at all of you have dealt with from New York State. I’m sure in various ways, it wouldn’t surprise any of you that New York State is late, or that we’re behind schedule on these kinds of construction projects. That’s not surprising even if it is disappointing, but again I think it is incumbent upon us to hear from you try to formulate what the solution looks like. I think at the end of the day, this is going to require New York State from the governor on down using our, bully pulpit using every means we have to try and get Jimmy to do the right thing on behalf of the community, which is on behalf of all of you, not just you and your families, but you and your customers, because I’m sure they’ve been affected, as well.”
He said he and Weber want to hear from the business owners and that they will have follow-up conversations and try to lead with their best foot after they leave here at some point here in the near future to try and urge the governor and others to do the right thing by this community.
Watson Salvant of Salvant Enterprises located in the northern end of the 9W corridor in Stony Point was the first business owner to speak, “What do you expect to hear as part of the solution instead of big bank eating up little bank and this whole big domino effect is bringing it back to the table. We appreciate your time and everything, but we’ll be looking for solutions at this point. So, what would you want to hear?”
Ortt reminded the attendees that he doesn’t represent this area. But he’d like to hear from them what the impact has been on their business, what it’s been from a cost perspective, what they think would make them whole or help make them whole, because as he hears from everyone here that they’re going to have to get help for them to put together some parameters of what a solution might look like when they talk to the governor and their colleagues across the aisle.
“I’ll speak to some of that. I’m Rocky Alexander. I own Rock’s kitchen over in Stony Point, just outside of your district. That was one of the first times where we saw that our numbers year over year were plummeting. I thought at one point it was my competition. I started going around to look to see what’s going on with my competition. The heartbeat of our area is Deli Central. He’s not a competitor, but the heartbeat is Deli Central. This is this gentleman over here. When I went and saw his lot half full when it’s completely full every single day of the week, no matter the rain, sleet snow, everything. I then said there’s an issue. Something’s going on. I went to other areas. I just sat in the parking lot and saw little by little there was nothing happening during lunch time. Little by little where our place, which is predominantly a lunch time cafe we get tons of teachers that will come in to eat lunch to where they started disappearing.”
“I’m known in the area so I would just go and ask the debate what’s going on?” They would tell him that they can’t make it there and get back in time because of the construction. They only have 40 minutes. “That’s the biggest thing, that’s part one. Part two, as we then ask our political leaders to help; all I am seeing over and over and over now is political grandstanding. I don’t see that people are doing their jobs to help us. I see this as a political thing that hey, November 4th is around the corner, I’m doing the right thing. I don’t see that we’re being heard. We’re talking to you. What happens when you guys leave here from every single one. I’ve gotten zero follow-up from Mike Lawler. Mike Lawler decides to sling mud back and forth with the governor. That’s not the right way to do things.” Alexander added.
Weber responded, “I think what we’re going to take that back and use that possibly as a solution. Stephanie, we’ll, we’ll follow up on that. I wasn’t at the original meeting some point, so I hadn’t been informed to what you guys had come up with on that, but I appreciate that. I think that would be a great way to do it.
Alexander point out that every last person will tell you they’re not looking for a handout. The government is supposed to help its people. Whether that be business. Whether that be residents and the whole nine. What happened during COVID, it helped the businesses, kept everybody afloat. You guys shut it down.
To him this is a statewide shutdown. “We didn’t ask for this. To me this is a COVID part two. You guys asked for it to be shut down. You guys have halted thruway traffic coming into our areas. I have people from New City, Nanuet, Pearl River that used to come to my place all the time. Not anymore because they can’t get to us.
Pasta Cucina, Sazon, all of these are the, the Mexican place. These are all thru fares to get to a popular eatery.
They’re not coming through. I ask because the supervisor, our town supervisor said it’s not fair to give you guys money and not the residents.”
He asked, “My question is, is it fair for us to lose our businesses where residents aren’t losing their homes? I’m not saying residents should be losing their homes. I’m just equating it to this is our foundation.”
“It’s more existential for you right now than it is, folks.” Weber answered.
“I get it. Aside from the residents, bottom line is no one is helping the businesses, and it’s a shame. There’s money that has been passed out and it’s, it’s not criminal to be immoral, but this is the most immoral compass that I’ve seen in regards to what’s happening to our businesses. $117 million for the river. $47 million for the school district. $33 million for this town, $18 million for another town, $20 million for another town.
Business is absolutely 0. It’s a slap in the face to say 100 and something businesses should split $150,000. It’s disgusting. What I’m saying, if I don’t hear anything on this next part of the political side, it would say to me it was just another dog and pony show, right? That it came down, let’s get Bill Webber re-elected. Sorry, but that’s how I see it.” Alexander stated frustrated.
“I’m not having an issue. I think the point was, and the point is, that the leader, the minority leader here, was coming through and I thought it was valuable for him to come and hear your concerns because he hasn’t heard them.” Ortt said he couldn’t get out to the meeting when you were here two months ago because he had work. Weber continued, “But I think what it’s going to take is a collective effort because as you know, in Albany you have, you have a majority and a minority, we’re in the minority. The majority, controls the purses and the governor has a big say in where the money gets distributed to.”
“Our goal is to try and come away with the information here so that we can go back and get the government involved who hasn’t gotten involved yet even though there’s been conversations and discussions at your initial meeting with the senator at some point, nothing’s progressed since then. So, our effort has been to try and utilize that effort as well to go to the executive branch and to the majority and talk about the issues that you’re facing not a dog and pony show, but a conversation that will bring and heightened to their attention and just look at that.”
“You know, but it sadly, I’ve been a part of dog and pony shows. I hate being a part of them as much as you hate listening to them, right? I think everybody understands that. Obviously I realize as I’m sitting here I’m sort of coming into this. You’ve already had, right, this is not a new thing for you.”
Ortt explained:
As Ortt finished his statement, Cou8nty Executive Ed Day was introduced.
The owner of a gym in Haverstraw was next to air her grievances. “Good morning. I’m not born here but raised in North Rockland, so I’m 42 plus years here, long enough. Unfortunately, it feels like it’s almost the end because it’s been really frustrating. The construction began in front of our business in July 2024, before it hit Stony Point but it began with us. I have served as a valet because there’s no parking. I’ve been a police officer. I’m a detective because people got into car accidents in front of our business. I’ve had members help push fences because when CHPE’s not working and you’re not doing anything, I’m moving shit so I can park. Excuse me, and it hasn’t been fair.”
“Rock spoke about COVID. We were closed for 6 months. My landlord got a lot of money for COVID and also for this project. She refused to trickle down, and all I asked, even if you couldn’t give me money, compensate me some way because I’ve lost so much. I’ve changed my schedule for my classes. I do not have any classes I have parking issues. They’ve taken away 100 spots. If you come to my business, what it used to look like it’s not the same. My partner is a Marine and a NYPD officer 37 years total, and he’ll tell you; it was harder going to war than dealing with the town and just trying to get so we should keep this business going. That’s not fair. They offered the $150,000 for 100 businesses. My rent is $15,000. You’re disrespecting me. I would have rather you said $0 than to tell me $2000 with a split among all these people. It’s, it’s ridiculous.” She added
“I hear Orange and Rockland made zillion dollars. I pay $6000 a month in Orange and Rockland to run my AC in my business. We can’t grow as a town. We can’t grow as a community. We are very frustrated. He didn’t come today because it’s not in. He’s not sleeping. This is his PTSD kicking up to 10,000, and it’s not fair to my family. It’s not fair to my members, and they feel bad. We speak to everyone in here and it’s like. We’re a small business. When they decided to do this project, they knew it was going to be an issue, and that’s why they gave out the money. They gave it to those at the top and they stopped. You knew it was going to be a problem.
You didn’t ask for an application. You didn’t say, hey, let’s figure out where it was. You said this is going to happen, divvy it out now so we kind of keep it quiet!” she exclaimed.
“I run a senior citizens class at the gym. I had a lady who had to walk across on a wheelchair in the cemetery because the bus, the van drops her off in front of the cemetery. That’s not fair and that’s a state road 202 that they can’t even put a light or a reflector, so you can’t even see coming out. It’s just not fair, and we are at the point that we’re trying to figure out if our local government can’t help, then who do we turn to. We don’t want to step on those, but I’ll step on something.
Alexander compared this to two similar situations in the Schenectady area that did have MOU agreements set in place with this project. “This was all the way up in Schenectady area all the way down. It’s been done. So, I don’t understand why you can’t do it here. It’s not reinventing the wheel. It could be done.”
Steve Beckerle, of Beckerle Lumber, which is a local family business, said his business is in a unique position because they have 4 locations in Rockland County and that two of the locations are impacted by this chippy thing, and two are not. “So, it’s obvious that it’s impacting businesses, and I echo the sentiments that these guys feel. We’re a little bigger than most of you guys, so we’ll survive. A lot of these small guys will not survive. We’re a family business. We’ve been around for a long time. Our Haverstraw location is probably down 20 – 25%. For this month, our Congers location, which is right up here, is not as affected, but also down like 15%. Our other locations Spring Valley and Orangeburg are not affected. So, if you need evidence of an impact, if there’s the evidence.”
“We’ve been around a long time, and family’s been in this county since 1859. We’ve been in business since 1940. With any lumberyard it’s competing against the big boxes, the superpower is convenience. CHPE has squashed and killed it. We have 2 Lowes and 2 Home Depots in this county. If you think that somebody’s going to drive from Haverstraw and go to another yard 13 miles away, passing 2 Lowes and 2 Home Depots, you’re going to have pretty loyal customers, so we’re losing a lot of business. CHPE took our superpower away.
I do not blame CHPE. I blame the local representatives of ours that got outclassed by a bigger power, as you were saying in the beginning.”
According to Beckerle, Ed Day was the only guy that hasn’t signed a 30-year PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement. These contracts have all been signed. This is all dead. They’ve lost. “You start stealing money from other people, the residents, that’s not fair. You’ve got to get more money. Hochul’s got to sit down with these guys and say, give me more money. These contracts are signed. “We got out classed, we got beat. They gave nothing to the businesses, nothing and the money they’re talking about sounds good. I’m going to get $30 million in 30 years or $18 million in 30 years. That’s peanuts. These contracts, these 30-year PILOT contracts should really be looked at and see what happens at the end of 30 years.”
He doesn’t criticize CHPE. He does criticize the politicians, their representatives who are getting outclassed. “They’re getting beat every which way at the expense of the little businesses that can’t yell loud enough. Not the Home Depots and the Lowe’s. But these guys, (spreading his arms apart pointing at the business owners in the room). You’ve got to get them more money. That’s the solution, get more money from these guys.
Weber asked Day if he’s like chime in and asked him if he would like to segway into the PILOT program that was mentioned?
“I’ve been visiting people for a while now in Rockland and we saw each other a couple of times at Stony Point. I kind of can’t quarrel with Mr. Beckerle. He’s got a lot of good points here. So where do we go from here? We had some people give us some information that we once look I think when I walked in I was hearing what he was speaking about a way of getting funds to the people of small businesses from what we got, that was not something that was viable. However, if we, if we have any kind of situation where we can do that, I know that Senator Ortt was looking into this approach. If it works, it’s great.” Day stated.
Mary Morrison Rodriguez is a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a small business owner with her husband and sons who said her business is not necessarily being affected in the way that the businesses others are. “I am here on behalf of the chamber want to reiterate that when the chamber first started their advocacy for everyone in the home pretty much we came to our town officials and our state officials with the solution. We pointed out that we had the idea for a grant program to perhaps be funded in many ways hopefully by both CHPE and I know the state can perhaps but the local towns do get money and there was public statements made that that money back in the day 2018 that that money that the community host money was supposed to be for urgent situations with businesses and it wasn’t and now we’re being told it’s illegal.”
She explained that they went further than that. They had meetings in Haverstraw and Stony Point with, she thinks Senator Weber was there and Pat Carroll came. She said, “We presented the solution already after doing a lot of research on Rocky’s wife said about how that could be facilitated with funds if everybody was ethical enough to put the money into a pot, the problem could be, you know, maybe not entirely solved, but at least help. I would also like to reiterate that pretty much everybody in this room and everybody that owns a business in the town also lives there. They pay taxes there. They have homes there. It’s not just the loss of their business. It’s the loss of their homes. It’s a loss of where they grew up. These are decades long businesses that we’re talking about a Blackstone, BlackRock coming in as an entity and wiping out mom and pop. It is the epitome of that.”
“We have the Rockland Community Foundation who stepped up and said they will help us with that application process. They’re a 501 and they can help us with distributing the funds. They’re an entity and the towns can create a grant with the entities. The municipalities can do that. They can also apply for other grants besides the one we’re presenting that that are helpful to the business.”
I asked for that and they said we don’t qualify, which I disagree with, but at the end of the day there are solutions we just need help manifesting them and so further conversations I hope with Stephanie and you guys where she can explain further about what we’ve already presented would be appreciated and I just want to say that even though the town is saying it’s not fair right now for all the residents if you don’t have a downtown and businesses paying taxes it falls on the residents taxes.”
“It is completely fair, and I mean I’m not getting anything out of it and I’m sure a lot of people aren’t, but I don’t, I, this is the town I grew up in. I want to save it, so I’m hoping that everybody in here agrees that including you guys, that we have a solution. Let’s implement it. That’s all I’m saying”
Melowsky added, “We did start a petition where we got thousands of, yeah, we had 2000 or more signatures.”
Frank from FZ Perfection Autobody and Collision right on the 9W corridor in Congers was given the floor. When he finished, Tom from Deli Central in Stony Point took over.
“My name’s James just someone from Congers. I have 3 commercial properties here on the route. As of right this second, my drivers can’t get in my parking lot. I don’t know if North Rockland experiences the same thing.”
Interviews with business owners and testimony from business owners at the roundtable shows that they are experiencing the same problems.
“I can tell you right now I haven’t been to North Rockland in a year because of the work. I had to go there for an accident call, and it took me 45 minutes to get from the new bridge here. I don’t even go to North Rockland. What I’ve experienced here is my business parking lots completely shut down for a month straight, you know, there’s supposed to be an ingress and egress every single day for a month. You can’t even pull in the parking.
Blocking Congers Collision 180 Rte 9W
As James was talking, he got some text messages right now. They told him that his drivers can’t tow a car in or tow one out. His customers can’t get in and out. “There’s political stuff, there’s public documents that say that they’re supposed to. Leave it open, but this is a wide-open trench that was open for 30 to 40 minutes and right directly from my building.”
Broken Drain at Congers Collision – still not fixed at time of Roundtable
“These are the things that are happening throughout. So which also prompted me to look into calling the FBI because there’s a lot of health concerns, the, the blocking of rises and you can’t do that. These people have come here and just said we’re going to do whatever we want. The argument that I made, what if a worker gets hurt?
What if somebody gets hurt, inside the business and they have a trench that’s 3 or 4 ft wide open. The ambulance is not coming. They’re going to get a technical rescue to lift the patient up over this thing, and they’re talking about these guys taking over the parking lot. They’re parking on my front lawn, and then when I ask about it, they say, oh, the 1st 8 ft is the state property. Too bad!” James exclaimed.
Part 2 to this story coming soon: