From: Rockland County Executive office
New City, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day & County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. are withholding entering into a PILOT Agreement (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) with Champlain Hudson Power Express, otherwise known as CHPE, until funds are provided for small businesses and residents.
“This project has caused real and measurable harm to our community,” declared County Executive Ed Day. “Small businesses are losing customers, residents are facing constant disruptions, cars and properties are sustaining damage by the work, and our first responders are facing delays that could literally cost lives. That is unacceptable.”
In addition to multiple communications with CHPE representatives, County Legislators, the County Executive, and County staff met with the representatives twice. At the most recent meeting on September 11th the County pushed for proper compensation for impacted small businesses, damaged public property, and traffic control devices.
“As someone who lives in Haverstraw, I’ve had enough — and so have our residents,” Legislative Chairman Jay Hood said. “CHPE’s ongoing disruptions have made daily life a nightmare, damaging our roads, clogging our traffic, and hitting our vehicles with extreme wear and tear. Worse, our local businesses are paying a steep price, losing the customers and revenue they depend on to survive. CHPE has a responsibility to the community, and they need to create a serious business relief fund. They also need to cover the costs of long-term traffic control devices needed on local roads. Yes, they have provided funding to the other municipalities, however it is not enough and the County of Rockland needs to be included as well.”
The County has not heard back from CHPE and have decided to not enter into this PILOT agreement until those negatively affected by this project are taken care of.
“After I met with Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monaghan, it became clear that we cannot and will not grant host county taxation to CHPE while our communities are left to bear the burden of this project,” declared County Executive Day. “We are putting everyone on notice – Until CHPE takes full responsibility, the County will not enter into a PILOT agreement. Let them pay their taxes in full when the bill comes due just like we all do.”