Derelict Building on Haverstraw Waterfront to be redeveloped by Monsey Builder

By: Yitzy Fried 

Change is coming to a Rockland County village due to joint efforts of local government and a Monsey developer. 

The former “Graziosi Building” in Haverstraw has sat for a number of years a short distance from the waterfront, dilapidating and falling into further disrepair. 

According to plans unveiled by Mayor Michael Kohut, it will become a 56-unit market-rate multi-family rental building with six affordable units. “[This] is a catalyst for a downtown renaissance,” he said. “This was a white elephant in the village for more than 25 years,” he said further. “There were all sorts of trials and tribulations. Finally, we have a developer who saw the need for good, quality housing downtown. The developer is willing to take a risk. We believe this will be a real game-changer.”

The project, to be known as ‘Village Square At Haverstraw LLC’, was able to create these plans under the PRI Redevelopment Incentive Floating District, which gives more flexibility in zoning, so that it makes sense for builders to invest in such projects, and the guidelines are not as rigid. By the same token, it asks the developers to give in other areas, such as additional green spaces. 

Lauding the changes, the mayor said, “We had to learn to do things differently. We had to bend. You can’t always do business as usual.”