Stony Point Voters Reject Town's Multi-Generational Housing Proposal Again

by Rockland Daily Staff

The proposed development for the decaying Letchworth Village site in Stony point has been rejected again on Tuesday's ballot. 

Voters rejected the opportunity for the Town Board to continue negotiations for the proposed multi-generational development. A total of 3,926 votes rejected the plan, and 1,716 votes favored the plan, demonstrating a 70% to 30% margin. 

The plan was to sell 23 acres for $3.1 million to developer Glen Vetromile, founder and managing principal of Hudson Park Group. Vetromile proposed building 500 mixed housing units: 150 apartments and townhouses for seniors, 170 rooms in an assisted living facility, and 180 other units, including rentals. 

According to the Rockland County Business Journal, some residents have called for a master plan for the site. Still, these are the same people who worry that the property could be flipped and become dense housing, stoking opposition and creating fear.

Last May, the Stony Point town board entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hudson Park Group LLC to purchase and redevelop the property. The MOU was nonbinding. it was intended to establish the basic principles and framework so they could negotiate a final agreement. 

The Town of Haverstraw also has a draft proposal and contract with a developer for a different portion of the former Letchworth Village. The proposal is to build 250-300 apartment units on the 23-acre parcel with prospective builder BNE Real Estate Group. The proposal includes pools, a community center, walking trails, a playground, dog parks, a gym, and tennis courts. 

According to the Rockland County Business Journal, Haverstraw, unlike Stony Point, is not having voters weigh in on the sale of land. The existing zoning for the site permits residential development, and the Urban Renewal Plan allows the Town to sell the property without a referendum.

Photo Credit: Lohud