Lawler Calls CHPE Construction an “Economic Crisis” in Stony Point

Last week, Congressman Lawler called on Governor Hochul to immediately intervene and provide relief to small businesses in Stony Point that are facing devastating economic consequences due to overlapping state-approved construction projects along Route 9W.

In a letter dated September 18th, Congressman Lawler called on the governor to end the overlapping work, reschedule either O&R or CHPE’s projects, provide direct financial assistance to impacted small businesses, and implement stronger oversight and accountability to prevent similar crises in the future. Attached is the letter sent by Congressman Lawler to Governor Hochul.

Dear Governor Hochul,

I write to you today regarding the economic crisis currently being experienced by Stony Point due to the simultaneous construction along Route 9W by the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) and Orange and Rockland (O&R).

Route 9W is the main commercial corridor for Stony Point’s small businesses and a key artery for commerce in North Rockland. Many of these small businesses are being impacted 24 hours a day, at least 6 days a week, since CHPE works at night and O&R works during the day. With a massive loss of foot traffic due to the ongoing construction, these businesses have suffered significantly, with some reporting up to 75% revenue losses. These losses could shutter many of these locally owned small businesses and damage the local economy in North Rockland – an unacceptable outcome.

The Town was informed of the work to be done on the CHPE, which would take place at night to minimize any economic impacts on the main commercial corridor. However, O&R’s simultaneous relocation of a gas main in the town was not conveyed to the Town. This is a complete failure of coordination and oversight at the state level that risks devastating consequences to the local economy.

While both projects are important they cannot be worked on simultaneously at the expense of our local small businesses. I urge you to end the overlapping work and reschedule either O&R or CHPE’s projects to avoid simultaneous construction. Additionally, it is critical the state provide financial assistance to these businesses suffering from your failure to coordinate these projects properly, and ensure stronger oversight and accountability moving forward so infrastructure projects don’t negatively impact the communities they are intended to benefit.

The State has ultimately permitted these projects and it is up to the State to make sure that these communities are protected from the adverse consequences of your mismanagement.

I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter, and I expect a timely response to this letter coupled with a swift resolution to the damage caused by the State in North Rockland.

Sincerely,

Michael V. Lawler

Member of Congress

  chpe, gas main, Lawler, North Rockland, route 9W