The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce held its monthly breakfast meeting on May 6 at Linda D. Puglisi Town Hall in Cortlandt. Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker took the opportunity to update Chamber members in attendance on the state of the town as it pertains to quality-of-life enhancements and business policies designed to simplify and expedite processes such as permitting, licensing and applications. 

He noted that in 2025 Cortlandt was recognized by 914Inc magazine as one of Westchester County’s “Best Places to Work,” the first time a municipality earned that distinction, which typically is bestowed on businesses and other organizations. 

Becker pointed to improvements in town communications, such as its weekly newsletter that reaches 15,000 residents each Friday and the 311 mobile app that can be downloaded from app stores for Android or Apple iOS devices. The app allows residents to “conduct any type of business that you would come to town hall for, in the palm of your hand,” he said. “People use it to report potholes, water main breaks, and other emergencies. You also can get all your permits and applications and licenses.” Sign up HERE for the newsletter and other town communications.

Activities at Cortlandt Waterfront Park have increased this year, with an event almost every weekend,” said Becker. Examples are a yard sale (May 16) and an America 250 re-enactment celebration (June 25), culminating in fireworks sponsored by CertainTeed. He said the Independence Day celebration purposely is scheduled for a week before 4th of July weekend to avoid competing with other local festivities during that busy period.  

Especially notable on Cortlandt’s calendar is its first Juneteenth festivities (June 19), at Town Hall, rain or shine. Town Board member Joyce White, who leads an 11-person Juneteenth committee, encouraged Chamber member businesses to participate as sponsors and vendors, and to promote the event to their customers. For more information, contact [email protected].

A video promoting Cortlandt, produced by Peekskill-based ad agency Enormous Creative, was played. It highlighted basic facts and features of Cortlandt. The town comprises 34.5 square miles, with 90% residential and open space. There are some 45,000 residents across about 15,000 households. It includes 29 parks and 15 miles of Hudson riverfront, “much of it unobstructed.” Outdoor performances featuring movies and live music and theater are held on a waterfront stage erected in 2023.

The supervisor noted that for the past 33 years, the average annual tax increase has remained under one percent. New business openings in the past year include Floor and Decor, Goodmark restaurant, Lila within Hot Yoga, and Wingstock. Among businesses due to open soon are Ulta Beauty and Dave’s Hot Chicken. He pointed to the ongoing upgrades at the Cortlandt Town Center Regal UA multi-plex movie theater. There are additional composting sites at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library and Cook Pool. A pocket park has been added along the Albany Post Road corridor in Montrose. He thanked Franzoso Contracting and Curry Auto Group for donating vehicles to the Cortlandt-Peekskill Regional Paramedics, which specializes in advanced life support, and has an average response time of seven minutes.

“Cortlandt has made changes to expedite permitting processes for new business,” said Becker. The zoning code has been modified so that if a business wants to move into a space previously occupied, “you no longer have to go to the planning board.” He noted the board is staffed by appointees with “a very positive attitude about business and growth.” 

Zoning is another area of special focus for the town, said Becker. The Route 6 corridor anchored by Cortlandt Town Center has been rezoned to a mixed-use district from commercial–only, in anticipation of new residents, affordable housing and new customers to support business growth. Specialty zones under ongoing development are the Medical Oriented District (MOD), Transit Oriented District (TOD) and Route 9 District (extending from roundabout at Table 9 restaurant). Supervisor Becker said, “Cortlandt has a story to TELL: T for twice the [commercial] space at half the cost. E for an educated and diverse workforce. L for location, location, location (including two train stations, Cortlandt and Croton-Harmon). L for lifestyle. He ended his remarks with, “We want your business here in Cortlandt. It’s where life works,” echoing the town’s official slogan.

Chamber Chair of the Board Tim Warn said membership has grown to 545 organizations, with a goal of 600 by June. 

Calling Gateway “the fastest growing chamber in Westchester County,” Chamber Executive Director Carole Voisey said its success with social media – ovsrseen by Marketing and Communications Associate Julia Miranda-Roach – has earned it a seat on a panel at a national conference of chambers of commerce. 

Voisey paid tribute to Membership Relationship Manager Karen Vogel for increasing the organization’s productivity and being her “right arm” and then invited the gathering to sing Happy Birthday to Vogel as she held a bouquet of flowers. 

The chamber’s next major event is its May 17 Stars Along the Hudson gala brunch featuring five honorees. More information at the Chamber website.