Stony Point residents say construction project is hurting business, safety, emergency response times

Key Takeaways:

• Ongoing construction disrupts the entire community of Stony Point.
• Local businesses face an escalating economic crisis.
• Residents voice safety concerns, including slower emergency responses.
• Traffic issues plague both customers and business owners daily.
• The project underscores a broader tension between local needs and urban energy demands.

A Project with Far-Reaching Consequences

Stony Point, a small community in New York’s Rockland County, finds itself overshadowed by the realities of a multi-billion-dollar energy project designed to serve New York City’s growing power demands. According to residents, the ambitious construction effort has brought unintended repercussions, revealing a chasm between grand infrastructure goals and the needs of a local economy.

Traffic Troubles and Business Losses

Many small businesses along the local thoroughfares report a steep decline in customer foot traffic. Road closures and constant congestion contribute to what store owners describe as a full-blown economic crisis. As delays mount, potential customers opt to steer clear of the impacted zones, leaving small enterprises to bear the brunt.

Safety Under Strain

Local residents also raise alarms about reduced emergency and safety services. They claim that the traffic jams caused by closed lanes and heavy machinery have slowed response times for first responders. The risk, they say, is more than a matter of inconvenience; it undercuts the community’s overall sense of security.

An Uncertain Future

Whether or not the project meets its intended goal remains to be seen, but one fact looms large—many in Stony Point are worried about the fate of their businesses. As merchants struggle to make ends meet, town leaders and residents call for greater accountability from those behind the multi-billion-dollar plan, hoping to strike a balance between New York’s energy objectives and the well-being of the local community.