Rockland businesses affected by CHPE construction can now apply for financial relief
Applications are now open for the Good Neighbor Fund, a $1 million relief program for businesses impacted by Champlain Hudson Power Express pipeline construction.
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Small businesses in the Rockland County towns of Clarkstown, Haverstraw and Stony Point, which are impacted by construction related to the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) power line project, can now apply for financial assistance through the "Good Neighbor Fund Grant Program," administered by the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland.
Information about it can be found on the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce website.
Rock's Kitchen in Stony Point is among the businesses that have started the application process. The restaurant is one of several businesses that have reported impacts from CHPE construction.
News 12 got an exclusive firsthand look at the process Friday.
Lisa Mitchell, of the Community Foundation, said applicants should be prepared with documentation that demonstrates how their businesses were affected, including documentation for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
"Any bit of documentation that proves how much your business was hurt during the closures, that's what you should include because it helps build a whole narrative as to how your business took that hit," Mitchell said.
As News 12 has previously reported earlier this year, Blackstone, the parent company of the CHPE project, is providing $1 million for affected businesses through the fund.
The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 30.
After applications are received, a committee consisting of a North Rockland Chamber of Commerce member, an accountant and a community member will determine how the money is distributed.
Mitchell encouraged business owners not to wait to apply.
"I would suggest you get to it as soon as possible. Why? Because time gets away from everybody and the sooner they can get started on it, the better," she said.
Stephanie Melowsky, president of the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, wants to remind businesses to be cautious when submitting information and be aware of potential scams.
"Please be very careful with your information and make sure that it's going to the right place because AI and the scammers are out there," said Melowsky.
She said she hopes funds will begin to be distributed before the end of the year.
Businesses that need assistance with the application process can contact Lisa with the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland for guidance at Lisa@cfosrny.org or 845-769-9393.
Rep. Mike Lawler helped facilitate meetings between the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce and CHPE to get these funds for businesses.
