Businesses cut staff, tires blow out, as pipeline project takes toll in North Rockland
The monthslong construction nightmare that's been severely hurting businesses along 9W in North Rockland is now affecting some peoples' employment, and it is costing drivers more than just time.
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The effects of a pipeline project cascade from Stony Point to Congers, including lost revenue and staffing cuts.
The monthslong construction nightmare that's been severely hurting businesses along 9W in North Rockland is now affecting some peoples' employment, and it is costing drivers more than just time.
The owners of Deli Central on Route 9W said Tuesday they are cutting back their employees hours because construction of the Champlain Hudson Power Express pipeline is blocking customers from the deli.
Co-owner Angela Heller told News 12 the deli typically draws about 500 customers from when it opens through lunch.
That figure is down to about 300 due to the construction, she said.
"I've always had to make sure I had a lot of people on," Heller said. "I've had, probably, four or five less people than I usually have on, at least."
CHPE project leaders originally told local governments work on this segment of the Canada-to-New York City hydropower line would happen at night to avoid disruptions to businesses.
Project leaders say the plan did not work out because some contractors have not been able to work at night.
Since June, even work stops for a few days, the road blockades have stayed up.
Those who choose to navigate the construction are at risk of damaging their cars.
Professional Care Auto Repair in Haverstraw has been overrun with cars with bolts stuck in their tires.
"We do like eight, nine cars per day," auto repair tech Anthony Charles said. "It's definitely from the construction. It's gotta be that. There's no way else."
A CHPE spokesperson said Tuesday project leaders are considering changes.
"We are continuing to have conversations with state and local elected officials about potential adjustments to our construction schedule," the spokesperson wrote, "and the best ways to support local businesses and expect to have a community update later this week."
CHPE project leaders have pledged $100,000 to help cover the losses of local businesses due to construction.
North Rockland Chamber of Commerce members said $100,000 is not close to what is needed.
Chamber leaders recently met with Stony Point business owners to help calculate their losses since June and projected losses through November when the project is supposed to end.
The chamber is also meeting Wednesday afternoon with Haverstraw business leaders to tally their losses due to the construction.
Once the losses are added up, the chamber will likely be seeking millions for an emergency fund to help businesses along 9W survive the CHPE project.
