Rockland County to Issue RFP to Redevelop County-Owned Sain Building in New City

NEW CITY—Rockland County Executive Ed Day, alongside nine members of the County Legislature and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, announced a new strategy to redevelop the Sain Building located at 18 New Hempstead Road in New City, which has been vacant since 2017, into mixed-use commercial space and workforce housing.

Following the Rockland County Legislature’s action to declare this property surplus, which the legislature’s leadership has agreed to do, the County’s Division of Purchasing will issue a Request for Proposals or RFP for the redevelopment of the roughly 3.69-acre site, Day said.

County officials stated that the redevelopment project will create new workforce housing for essential workers, generate nearly half a million dollars in property taxes annually, and enhance the local community.

“Rockland County is at a crossroads,” said Rockland County Executive Day. “We’ve heard from seniors, families, business owners, and young adults about the challenges they face in finding affordable housing. This housing crisis is not just about homes—it’s about the future of our community. We must act decisively to ensure that Rockland remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive.”

Rockland County Legislators in attendance included Lon Hofstein, Beth Davidson, Doug Jobson, Will Kennelly, Jesse Malowitz, Aney Paul, Ray Sheridan, Aron Wieder, and Itamar Yeger. Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann also attended the announcement.

Rockland County Legislative Chair Jay Hood Jr. stated, “The national housing crisis is happening right here in Rockland and taking steps to address it is important for our residents, our economy and our county’s quality of life. The new housing loan fund and the redevelopment of existing county-owned properties such as the Sain building can assist the overall effort to increase housing opportunities. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues and the County Executive on these vital initiatives.”

Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann said, “Our comprehensive plan called for mixed-use housing here at the Sain building and in anticipation of this day I want to thank the County Executive and County Legislature for working together and their vision for this property. We look forward to this property coming onto the tax rolls and pledge my support and support all the staff in the Town of Clarkstown.”

In the spring, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress completed the county’s first-ever comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment which identified significant gaps in housing affordability and availability including:

• more than.40% of Rockland residents spend +30% of their income on housing costs.
• The median home price in the county has soared to $700,000.
• The median household income in Rockland is $100,000, which qualifies for a $260,000 mortgage. (a huge gap for the average resident).

To address this crisis, the county has launched several key initiatives, including the Sain redevelopment plan. In addition, the county has allocated $13.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide direct loans for creating or preserving workforce housing. Demand for the program has been high, with application requests totaling over $29.7 million.

The county is also expected to launch soon a new marketing and education campaign to inform residents about the county’s housing needs and dispel common myths about affordable housing.

Adam Bosch, CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress said, “Rockland County should be applauded for pursuing smart and aggressive strategies to combat its housing shortage. If the Hudson Valley hopes to alleviate its housing crisis, local governments must play an active role by allowing, encouraging, and incentivizing more housing for people across the full spectrum of incomes. County Executive Ed Day and the County Legislature have created positive momentum Wednesday by announcing a plan that will help to preserve a workforce, support local businesses, and give the next generation a chance to be home in Rockland County.”