Data shows that from 1996-2021, the Hudson Valley region lost a net total of 146,763 people to out migration, which calculates out to 5% of the Hudson Valley’s population.
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.
On Friday, May 8th, the Putnam County Business Council launched a “Reopen Putnam County Safely” Task Force, which gathered a cohort of town, village, and business stakeholders for an initial meeting to discuss the reopening of Putnam County.
Representatives from Carmel, Southeast/Brewster, Kent, Patterson, Philipstown/Cold Spring and Putnam Valley were joined by retail and service businesses, as well as non-profits, to give input to the Reopen Putnam Safely Task Force.
In support of the county’s Small Business Advisory Committee and the latest Phase 1 Reopening Guidelines set forth by New York State, the mission of the task force in the initial reopening phase is to help businesses understand and adhere to the guidelines, access training and other support that is available to them, so the business community is in a state of compliance and readiness when Putnam is set to reopen.
There is Good News
As of this writing, the North Country will join the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mohawk Valley in reopening on Friday, May 15th. These regions have met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state’s regional phased reopening plan.
Phase one includes reopening construction, manufacturing, retail for curbside and in-store pickup, agriculture, forestry, and fishing. On May 13th, Governor Cuomo released clear and specific guidelines for Phase 1 industries.
We are confident that similar guidelines are forthcoming for all industries across all reopening phases.
What You Need to do Now
Businesses, particularly those designated as a Phase 1 industry, should view the summary guidelines, affirm the Safety Plan Template, Print and Display your plan so it is visible to the public. Adopting the industry Phase 1 guidelines will work towards preparing your business NOW. To date, Putnam County has achieved five out of seven benchmarks to enter Phase 1. Other regions are beginning to open and we believe we are right behind them. If we continue to practice social distancing, wear masks and use hand sanitizer, as recommended, I think we can get to Phase 3, possibly by the end of the summer.
Access the new Reopening Phase 1 Industry Guidelines here: https://forward.ny.gov/
Next Steps For Task Force:
● Town & Village Supervisors/Mayors will collaborate and meet to share strategies and unite on reopening guidelines and tactics.
● Weekly calls with County Executive on Fridays with the supervisors, mayors, Board of Health, EDC, and Tourism.
● Develop a list of needs from the municipalities and businesses, including masks, gloves, shields, signs, training, technology, etc.
● Source items and create an online list of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other small business resources that are available.
● Investigate if towns and the county can purchase equipment in bulk to reduce costs.
● PCBC will provide training and education opportunities.
● The Task Force will host a Public Town Hall Forum Monday 5/18 at 9 a.m. via ZOOM to hear from as many businesses as possible on what their needs are to re-open safely. Go to Putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com to register.
TASK FORCE MEMBERS
Town and Village Representatives
Richard Williams, Town of Patterson NY-Supervisor
Sam Oliverio, Town of Putnam Valley NY- Supervisor
Kenneth Schmitt, Town of Carmel Supervisor
Village of Brewster, Mayor Jim Schoenig Mayor
Maureen Fleming, Town of Kent Supervisor
Robert Flaherty, Trustee Town of Philipstown
Fran Murphy, Trustee Village of Cold Spring
Lisa Mechaley, Trustee Village of Nelsonville
County Representatives
Bill Gouldman, Putnam County Legislator/ Chair of Economic Development
Business Leaders
Bill Nulk, Putnam County IDA
Jennifer Maher, Chairwoman Putnam County Business Council
Nat Prentice, Putnam County Business Council/Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce
Rose Aglieco, Breswter Chamber of Commerce
Michael Celestino, CEO of the Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce
Businesses and Not For Profit Representatives
Caryn Cannova, Kismet Owner, Retail
Joe Ciatto Business, Owner, Worlds Gym
Jim and Patty Rathschmidt, United For The Troops
Sabrina Cruz, Ultimate Auto Dealing
Stacy Tompkins, Tompkins Excavating
Nick D’andrea, Business Owner, Park Ford
Candice Sciarrillo, Non-Profit Organization, Equestrian Therapy
Rick Megna, Business Owner Restaurant, Savor Restaurant
Johnny and Nicky Crecco, Villa Barone Owner
Tina Sherwood, Owner, Downey Oil Company
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
These systematic barriers hindered the accumulation of wealth for African Americans for decades; this hindrance deprived many black families of the opportunity to pass down property and assets to future generations, thereby perpetuating economic disparities.
Traditional lenders often hesitate to finance such projects due to perceived risks or unfamiliarity with emerging technologies and practices.
This initiative aims to create housing opportunities without the high costs of land acquisition, utilizing properties that often enjoy central locations within communities.
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