In a September speech to the area's local chapter of the Noonday Club, the group's 2006 Citizen of the Year Dr. Mark Craft said, "I believe it is time for the village and town to create a position of joint Economic Development Officer. This individual would not only recruit businesses, help to streamline permits, handle zoning challenges, and secure grants but help existing businesses grow and diversify."

Roughly three months later, little has been done by the Town of Wawarsing towards this goal, while the Village of Ellenville has begun to actively look into filling the position.

In 2007, more than fifteen businesses have left the area or closed, including large employers such as Hydro and small ones such as Pizza Hut. Rumors are that more loss of businesses is on the way. (See sidebar.)

With all the businesses that have closed in the last year or are suspected of closing, the Journal asked the Town and Village whether that doesn't require a sense of urgency on the part of local government.

Outgoing Town of Wawarsing Supervisor James Dolaway appeared to think it was an urgent matter but admitted that efforts were, "…no further than they were three months ago. The only progress that was made was writing a generic job description. There was one meeting after that and there has been no discussion since about how are we going to seek this person, how much were we going to pay this person, what the responsibilities really were going to be."

Business Comings & Goings Below is a partial list of businesses that closed and opened in 2007 within the Town of Wawarsing. BUSINESSES THAT HAVE CLOSED IN 2007: Hydro Lock 31 Pizza Hut Lakeside II Pizzeria Albi's Pizzeria Poppa Tony's Pizzeria Picnic Pizza Shanghai Red Chinese Restaurant RJ Smith Shear Magic Cottage By The Creek Ellenville Lumber Maria's Gift Shop Fins and Feathers Pet Store The New York Style Deli NEW ADDITIONS IN 2007: Colorworks Mex-Mix Grill D&E Deli Eastern World Market Arianna's Restaurant and Pizzeria T's Barber Shop Lou's Market GONE IN '08? Sunshine Burger may be moving its production to Delaware in March 2008. JM Originals has laid off some workers and insiders say they may close by February 2008. COMING IN 2008? Blue Heaven Hosiery Roll-eze Maestro Cafe

When asked when and if he is going to fast track the issue when he takes office in January, Town Supervisor-elect Ed Jennings replied, "Right now it is on the back burner but it's on the stove. I think it is a good idea but I have not taken over yet. One of the things I plan on doing that James did not do is I want to work together with the board. It has got to be a board decision. I want one but it is not my decision alone. If we do decide, we have got to come up with qualifications, salary."

Jennings added, "You know, we didn't get into this situation overnight. There is no sense in rushing into any cure we might come up with. It depends on what we are looking for. Are we looking to help the local businesses? Are we looking to fill the Schrade and Hydro plants? ...which is going to be very, very difficult to do. I am going to have to sit down and talk with a few people from the county, from the state, and see what we can possibly do. I am not sure as a town, what we can do."

Ellenville-Wawarsing Chamber of Commerce President Holly Houghtaling said, "I do feel there is great need for our town, including our government, to focus on our current economic state and work together to develop in a way that will keep our area attractive and provide the services and goods that we as consumers not only need, but desire."

She then added, "I am not aware of any discussion between the town and village regarding the creation of such a position. It is my understanding that the Village LDC [Local Development Corporation] has agreed to commit a certain amount should the position be created."

Ellenville Mayor Jeff Kaplan expressed the most sense of urgency, stating, "At this point, with regards to the town, we are waiting for the new administration and we already have a list of items on an agenda to discuss with the new supervisor and his board, right after the first of the year. With regards to the village, we have had on-going discussions with the principle employees of Shingebiss Associates, of New Paltz, who were the grant writers for the village that we used to hire. Shingebiss is going out of business and we are hoping to have a relationship with two of the major people who worked there, who we hope to contract. That will either be done as a village initiative if we can't get the town to move, or it will be done as a joint effort by the two, which we'd much prefer. But, one way or the other, we are going to be putting forth a proposal to the village LDC as well as the village board."

Village Manager Elliott Auerbach was excited about the on-going discussions with the chief grant writer for Shingebiss, Nikki Koenig-Neilson, who was the author of several of successful proposals including bid for $250,000 for the village's "micro-enterprise grant."

"She definitely has her fingers on the pulse of our community and knows how to translate our needs into economic initiatives," said Auerbach.

Auerbach suggested the need to "start asset building, as opposed to lamenting our losses." He said that begins by taking a "windshield inventory of what we have here and what that translates into in the way of employment — why these companies are here, who they employ, and what makes us attractive."

Auerbach pointed to the fact that two companies are relocating to Ellenville — Blue Heaven Hosiery of Brooklyn, a maker of pantyhose, and Roll-Eze of Pine Bush, a manufacturer of rolling filing cabinets. "[They] appreciate the availability of large spaces and a strong workforce in the village," and the latter, Auerbauch said, "has a strong interest in a factory space on Clinton Avenue."

Auerbach explained the assets now in the area include the Ellenville School District which employs over 300 people, Eastern Correctional Facility, which employs around 450, and Ulster Correctional, which employs another 300-400. Samaritan Village, Family, Ulster ARC, Step One, Renaissance, Children's Annex, and Head Start adds another estimated "three hundred professional and paraprofessional employees."

He then listed other companies that are in the village including Optimum Windows, Canal Street Cutlery, General Gillette Creamery, Top Self Jewelry, and others, which add up to "probably another two hundred jobs" he said.

Houghtaling concluded, "I applaud each and every business in the town that has assumed the risk to open and cater to our needs and I believe they should be recognized for their dedication to the community by doing so. There is a lot of energy flowing through the town right now, through individuals, organizations, and through all different levels of leadership in our area. It is my desire to find a common interest among this energy and work together to create the ultimate synergy for the sake of our future and the future of our town. Whether it is the creation of an economic development officer or an entirely different way, we as a community must decide to commit to a successful future for our town."

COMMENTS about this article (69)