Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. have announced that the County will not sign a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) until the company provides direct financial relief for local small businesses and residents affected by the ongoing project.
“This project has caused real and measurable harm to our community,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Small businesses are losing customers, residents are facing constant disruptions, cars and properties are sustaining damage, and our first responders are facing delays that could literally cost lives. That is unacceptable.”
County officials have met with CHPE representatives multiple times, most recently on September 11, to demand compensation for impacted small businesses, damaged public property, and the costs associated with maintaining traffic control devices along project routes.
Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr., who resides in Haverstraw, expressed frustration on behalf of residents and business owners. “CHPE’s ongoing disruptions have made daily life a nightmare—damaging our roads, clogging our traffic, and wearing down our vehicles. Worse, local businesses are paying a steep price, losing the customers and revenue they depend on to survive. CHPE must take responsibility and establish a meaningful business relief fund, while also covering the costs of long-term traffic control on local roads,” said Hood.
While CHPE has provided funding to some municipalities, county leaders say it is insufficient and fails to address countywide impacts.
Following a discussion with Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monaghan, Day reaffirmed his stance: “We cannot and will not grant host county taxation benefits to CHPE while our communities are left to bear the burden of this project. 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.”
The County has not yet received a response from CHPE regarding its demand
Please make them pay their full taxes
Like the working people are doing.