Vacant Rockland county government building to be redeveloped
Rockland County officials announced a new plan on Wednesday for the Sain Building at 18 New Hempstead road in New City.
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Rockland County officials announced a new plan for the Sain Building at 18 New Hempstead Road in New City on Wednesday.
The county building that has not been used since 2017 will soon be declared a “surplus,” which County Executive Ed Day tells News 12 will help attract developers.
A request for proposal, or RFP, will allow for bids on the 3.69-acre property. The ultimate goal is for it to become mixed use with commercial and housing space.
"I ask the people of Rockland County, don't judge this,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Don't automatically think that it's a bad thing. I will not allow it."
Rockland County believes developing the property could add up to half a million dollars to the tax roll.
Redeveloping the building is part of the county's plan to address housing issues.
According to a housing needs assessment completed earlier this year by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, about 40% of Rockland residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs and the median home price is $700,000.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle, from different levels of local government, united on Wednesday to show their support.
"I look forward to working on this with the county exec, and with the Legislature, so this property can be appropriately redeveloped," said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann.
"The citizens of Rockland County have been waiting for this day," said Republican Rockland County Legislator Lon Hofstein.
"I couldn't be happier to see this major step happening," said Democrat Rockland County Legislator Jesse Malowitz.
