If Legoland receives approvals, it could open in 2019. John Ussher, of Merlin Entertainment, explains development plans, timing, impact, tourism, and more in this update.
LegoLand May Be Coming to Goshen
Legoland may be coming to Goshen. According to the Times- Herald Record, Merlin Entertainments, owner-operator of the amusement side of Lego, is pursuing land purchases just off Route 17 at exit 125.
Orange County officials and New York State have been working with the amusement group and offering incentives to entice the building of what could be a 250 million dollar park build out. If built, Legoland will bring 1000 jobs and spur more regional development.
The Town of Goshen was chosen for its close proximity to major routes leading to and from the Greater New York City metropolitan area. Drawing crowds surrounding population centers, while maintaining a country environment, seems to be a good formula for success.
Governor Andres Cuomo is expected to make a announcement sharing this information. Local officials are holding off on commenting until the project is made official.
Nevele sports complex plans still in the works
A resurgence in the Catskills is gaining momentum. The former Nevele Hotel, defunct since 2009, may yet soar again. Dubbed the Nevele ProSport Campus, this sports complex may bring renewed interest and energy to the Town of Mamakating and the Ellenville area. Michael Treanor, CEO for the project says financing is in place with investor interest high. Read the article.
Pine Bush hosts community educational input meeting
The Pine Bush School district is striding forward. In a recent community meeting sponsored by district personnel, ideas were brought forward by a diverse complement of administrators, teachers, parents and community members.
Moving into the new millennium means change, challenges, and vision. The meeting was convened to encourage community brainstorming and action. Read the full story.
Metro-North ridership increased in Orange County NY last year
Getting to work is a very big deal, but so too are family trips into the New York metropolitan area and beyond for fun and family visits. Economically speaking, the increase in Metro-North ridership indicates interest in Orange County continues. Regardless of of the increase ratio of pleasure to job travel, ridership statistics point to a healthier vibe for our area.
As Orange County continue to flourish, real estate continues to draw families up to the Mid-Hudson. Taxes are lower than in Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties, general pricing reflects the farther from the city, the less expensive home purchases are, more land, sometimes many acres, are among factors driving interest in our area.
The many calls I receive from Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan residents tells me many suburban and city dwellers want country homes, but need City income to support a reasonable lifestyle. They are willing to take on the travel challenges that come with the territory.
New Tappan Zee Bridge Tolls Stream Lined
A new toll system will be put into operation on April 23rd. This stream lined toll collection takes advantage of automated camera surveillance allowing for the recording of license plates.
Automatic billing will come via the regular mail for those without EZ Pass. Those with EZ Pass, will continued to be billed as already setup by account holders. Review this video from the NY Bridge Authority for a quick explanation of the accounting system to be used for billing.
The trek from Orange, Rockland, Westchester, Ulster and other surrounding areas will be faster. Not stopping or slowing down to pay tolls moves traffic along at normal highway speeds which works well for all those traveling over the Hudson River at the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Chinese Investment in Orange County, NY
Mid-Hudson Investments-Chinese See The Value in Orange County, NY
Chinese entrepreneurs have landed in the Mid-Hudson. Where Eastern European and Canadian money once cascaded, a waterfall of Asian wealth is moving the Orange County, NY economy.
The Times Herarld Record is reporting that 33 million (http://www.recordonline.com/article/20160220/NEWS/160229949/101008/NEWSLETTER100) has already been spent on land purchases alone in 2015 and more acquisitions are coming.
According to Steve Israel, Record Reporter: “The purchases identified include the New York Military Academy in Cornwall and the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, both of which developers want to revive. Other plans call for TV studios at a farm developers bought in Deerpark and construction of a new country inn for Woodbury Common shoppers at a former prison in Warwick.”
Just why are the Chinese investing in the Mid-Hudson?
- It’s close to New York City which provides a large population of prospective tourists
- It’s inexpensive when compared to the New York City, New Jersey real estate market
- It’s pristine providing environmentally friendly resources and keenly sought after fresh air
Orange County has a bright future ahead. Investment continues to pour in and there’s nothing better than building based on the tried and true formula so dear to American Business psychology. “Build it and they will come.”
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