As inventory inches up and prices continue to rise, more households are being locked out of homeownership and pushed into rental markets that cannot keep up.
The facility is expected to be the second-largest Amazon fulfillment center in New York State, surpassing those in New York City.
The role of an LPC includes attending public meetings, tracking local legislation, reporting back to HGAR’s Government Affairs team, and supporting the association’s broader communications strategy.
Smith, an Associate Broker with Rand Commercial, will be celebrated at the Ottaway Medal Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Villa Venezia in Middletown.
SUGAR LOAF—Veteran Orange County Realtor RJ Smith will be bestowed the 31st Annual Ottaway Medal by Vision Hudson Valley at a ceremony next year. The non-profit noted that Smith is being recognized for his decades of visionary leadership, civic engagement, and transformative impact across the Hudson Valley.
“From shaping the region’s real estate landscape to preserving thousands of acres of farmland, RJ’s legacy is one of innovation, stewardship, and deep community commitment. His contributions span business, public service, the arts, youth development, and historic preservation—embodying the very spirit of the Ottaway Medal,” Vision Hudson Valley stated in an announcement on social media.
Smith, an Associate Broker with Rand Commercial, will be celebrated at the Ottaway Medal Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Villa Venezia in Middletown.
Smith has more than 40 years’ experience in all types of real estate brokerage. Some notable projects in which Smith and his team have participated, either as broker or in taking through the approval process are: Amazon’s 1-million-square-foot warehouse in Montgomery, Medline’s 1.3-million-square-foot facility in Montgomery, Royal Wine’s 500,000-square-foot project in Goshen, Amazon’s “Last Mile” development in New Windsor, United Natural Foods facility in, Montgomery, Crystal Run Healthcare’s projects on Rykowski Lane, Middletown and the Braemar Assisted Living facility on Rykowski Lane in Middletown.
Smith holds several professional designations, including the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member). He also currently serves on numerous community and organizational boards, including Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan, Storm King Art Center and the Historic Huguenot Society.
Some community projects he has engaged in include helping to establish a community health center in Pine Bush and collaborating to preserve and protect more than 3,000 acres of farmland, open space, and watershed properties.
He is a founder and Past President of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. He is also a past President of the Orange County Citizens Foundation, the predecessor organization of Vision Hudson Valley.
Smith has received many awards, including the Hudson Valley Council of Boy Scouts of America's Distinguished Citizen Award, the Occupations Vision of Hope Award, Cornerstone Health Center Pillar of the Community Award and the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan David T. Cocks Award for Commitment to Community.
As inventory inches up and prices continue to rise, more households are being locked out of homeownership and pushed into rental markets that cannot keep up.
The facility is expected to be the second-largest Amazon fulfillment center in New York State, surpassing those in New York City.
Inventory is matching a five-year high, though it remains below pre-COVID levels.
The $607-million project is believed to be one of the largest private industrial developments in the history of Orange County.
Receive original business news about real estate and the REALTORS® who serve the lower Hudson Valley, delivered straight to your inbox. No credit card required.
