Sources: Blackstone to provide $1 million for North Rockland businesses hurt by construction
Local businesses impacted by year‑long Champlain Hudson Power Express pipeline work welcome news of financial relief.
Blackstone will provide $1 million to help businesses affected by the year‑long construction tied to the Champlain Hudson Power Express, also known as CHPE, a source tells News 12.
Blackstone owns the company behind the energy project, which will eventually carry power from Canada to New York City. The project's website states that major construction wrapped up earlier this year. News 12 also did not see any work during a drive on State Route 9W in Haverstraw and Stony Point.
Clever Torres, owner of Hole Shot Bagels in Haverstraw, said he is relieved to hear about the funding. He previously spoke with News 12 in December when construction along Route 9W blocked access to his shop.
"Anything at this point. Anything helps," Torres said.
He added that conditions improved after attention was brought to the issue by News 12.
"After you came in, the company understood how much difficult it was for the small businesses. When they start work at nighttime, we all got a little relief, ya know? We started picking up business."
Businesses in the area have reported financial losses, traffic problems, and other disruptions throughout the construction period. One lawmaker estimated a total loss of $10 million among dozens of businesses.
News 12 reached out to CHPE for confirmation of the funding announcement. The company said it is not yet able to share additional details but will do so when possible.
For Torres, the prospect of financial support is welcome news.
