STONY POINT, N.Y. — Congressman Mike Lawler is calling for immediate state and federal action to address what he described as a “nightmare” unfolding along Route 9W in North Rockland. At a press conference flanked by local officials and business leaders, Lawler accused the state of gross mismanagement in overseeing the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission line construction, blaming Albany for the crisis devastating the region’s economy and quality of life.
It’s dangerous
“This project is a disaster,” Lawler said bluntly. “It’s dangerous, it’s disruptive, and it’s directly harming the small businesses and families who call this place home.”
For months, 24/7 construction has wreaked havoc in Stony Point. Small businesses report revenue losses of 50% to 75%. The North Rockland Chamber of Commerce estimates that over $10 million in economic damage has occurred so far.
“The so-called small business relief fund from CHPE? A pathetic $150,000,” Lawler said. “That’s not relief. That’s an insult.”
Residents are fed up. Constant jackhammer noise, late school buses, emergency vehicles delayed by detours, and sewage backups from recent water main breaks have turned daily life into chaos.
Governor Kathy Hochul
Lawler laid the blame squarely on Governor Kathy Hochul and state officials for failing to coordinate the project properly. “Albany rubber-stamped this, then walked away. Meanwhile, families and first responders are left navigating cones, closures, and gridlock,” he said.
Lawler outlined four immediate demands:
- End overnight and 24-hour construction to restore livability.
- Establish an emergency state and CHPE-funded grant program for impacted businesses.
- Restore safe traffic flow, deploy crossing guards, and enforce truck restrictions.
- Declare an economic disaster to unlock federal SBA assistance.
Gothic horror show
County Executive Ed Day and Chamber President Stephanie Malowski echoed Lawler’s call. “We were told this project would be like laying an extension cord. Instead, it’s a gothic horror show,” Day said.
Malowski emphasized that North Rockland’s 100-plus small businesses are in crisis. Many have cut hours, laid off workers, or closed completely. “This isn’t just inconvenient—it’s catastrophic,” she said. “Our local shops need more than thoughts and prayers. They need money, coordination, and leadership.”
Community survival
The power line project, intended to bolster New York’s grid after the closure of the Indian Point nuclear plant, has spiraled into a public relations and logistical disaster. Lawler made it clear: the infrastructure may be essential, but not at the cost of community survival.
“The state failed. Governor Hochul must fix this—this week,” he said. “North Rockland is out of patience.”
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Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
