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Economic Growth over my 30 years as Cortlandt’s Town Supervisor

Release Date: April 26, 2021

Economic Growth over my 30 years as Cortlandt’s Town Supervisor         

            I’d like to feature our town’s economic growth which is equally important in any level of government but, especially at a local level.  I have always felt that balancing the open space with economic growth is critical in the evolution of a community for many reasons:  Businesses, current and new, small and large employ many residents and provide full-time and part-time jobs.  Also, businesses bring in tax revenue to our town’s treasury and help to offset tax increases for residential property owners.  Businesses provide interesting shopping experiences, dining, grocery stores, delis, catering venues, professional services and, of course, commercial or industrial. 

 

            Cortlandt has approximately 200 small businesses.  I have attended many ribbon cuttings over the years giving out proclamations and have welcomed in new businesses to be part of our business family (hair salons, restaurants, medical offices, insurance businesses, realtor’s offices and many more).

 

            Our largest taxpayer and employer of course was always Indian Point and the two operating nuclear plants currently owned by Entergy, Inc.  It is located in the Village of Buchanan and in the Town of Cortlandt, as well.  These plants will be permanently closed this April and will be dismantled /decommissioned by a new company for 20 to 60 years.  Only about one third of the 900 jobs will remain and significantly reduced revenue will result.

 

            Due to this closure and the challenges it brings, the Town is seeking new businesses with an economic consultant to help offset the loss of revenue.  We work closely with the Village of Buchanan, the Hendrick Hudson School District which will also be affected and with residents on our local task forces.

 

            During the thirty years there was a large expansion of our major shopping mall called the Cortlandt Town Center (for identity) off Rte. 6, which we call the Cortlandt Boulevard (also for identity).  It doubled in size, brought in additional tax revenue, many new jobs and exciting new stores, restaurants and a movie theater (still opened today).  This took place in the late 1990’s. 

 

            More recently, across from this Center a smaller but lovely shopping mall opened named “Cortlandt Crossing” with a clock tower that I insisted on for aesthetic purposes.  This produced once again more jobs and revenue and a different variety of shopping for our residents.

 

            Some stores recently closed in these malls nationally or regionally but I am in constant communication with the mall owners and they tell me new stores/restaurants will replace them very soon. 

 

            We have worked with our local contractors, builders, developers to build new housing areas (apartments, affordable units, condos, townhouses and subdivisions) which adds to our growth, as well.  I was instrumental in lobbying Metro North for a state of the art new Cortlandt train station (identity, once again), which opened in 2000 where many of our residents and business owners can commute if need be to New York City.  The fact that we are only one hour from Manhattan is important to a company or a business looking to locate in Cortlandt. Along with our economic consultant, board members and staff we have many exciting possibilities for our future economic growth.

 

            The town has a new brand which is a trademark called “Where Life works”.  We believe this logo/brand tells our successful story in Cortlandt.

 

            Each Spring we host a month long emphasis on a “SHOP/DINE/DO BUSINESS” event to showcase our many businesses. Incentives from the small businesses are given out to our residents their consumers.  It is a lot of fun! However, I always say every day of the year everyone should SHOP/DINE/DO BUSINESS in our wonderful community.

 

            We also have an expanded hospital center in Cortlandt recently purchased by New York Presbyterian Hospital of NYC bringing in additional medical services and jobs of all kinds to our community. We’ve also seen expanded nursing homes and soon will have a Senior Living Complex in town.  All add to our overall economic and service oriented story.

 

            In conclusion, I am very proud of our economic growth during my thirty years as Town Supervisor.  We have a vibrant and healthy economy and we have also assisted our smaller businesses navigate the Pandemic by giving them information and guidance. 

 

 

Linda D. Puglisi

Supervisor, Town of Cortlandt