Author: HaverstrawLife.com

My family history extends back to the 1890s in the Village of Haverstraw. My ancestors came to the Village to work in the clay pits at the many brickyard companies that lined the shores of the Hudson River here. While my father's side of the family (the Livseys, the Natales, and the Rodriguezes) have since moved to all different corners of the United States, their history and memories are all still rooted in the Village. I currently live on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, and my parents reside in Stony Point, N.Y. where they remain very active in the Village of Haverstraw through their non-profit North Rockland Rowing Club INC. I am excited to share with you Haverstraw's vast history and current revitalization efforts. If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact me directly. Keep reading and enjoy! Best Regards, Jared Rodriguez

Calls for “Olympic-sized” Celebration of Hudson River’s 400 Years

March 12, 2007

The Westchester County Business Journal recently released an article citing Mr. Martin Ginsburg, prominent Hudson Valley developer, in calls for an “olympic-sized” celebration for the Hudson River’s discovery by Henry Hudson, 400 years ago (1609). Celebrations for Robert Fulton’s first steamboat ride up the Hudson, which was in 1809, are also planned. Ginsburg calls the … More Calls for “Olympic-sized” Celebration of Hudson River’s 400 Years

Support for Tappan Zee Alernative 4A

March 8, 2007

The Tappan Zee Bridge task force has whittled down the list of alternatives for replacement or maintenance of the Tappan Zee Bridge (I-287) corridor. They have settled on six alternatives: (1) No build – maintain the bridge “as is,” (2) Rehabilitate the existing bridge with seismic and structural upgrades, (3) a new bridge and full … More Support for Tappan Zee Alernative 4A

Ferry on Ice: Why It’s a Problem!

March 7, 2007

The New York Waterway Ferry has been suspended until further notice for the second time this winter season. Heavy ice on the Hudson River near Ossining has prompted ferry officials to, once again, shut the service down until the ice clears. The reason for ferry disruption is that ice chunks get drawn into the ferry’s … More Ferry on Ice: Why It’s a Problem!

Our Neighbor Gets a Facelift

March 1, 2007

The Ossining Ferry dock and train station area is about to undergo a complete transformation into a beautifully appointed mixed-use neighborhood. Ginsburg Development Companies and Capelli Enterprises have teamed up to build One Harbor Square between the existing ferry pier and the Metro North train station. Easy access to New York City, the rest of … More Our Neighbor Gets a Facelift

HaverstrawLife is Seeking Your Ideas!

February 14, 2007

HaverstrawLife is looking for your ideas on what can be done to make the Village of Haverstraw a better and more exciting place to live. What can be added into the Revitalization Effort? What do you expect of the local government? What stores would you like to see on Broadway or Main Street? Should Haverstraw … More HaverstrawLife is Seeking Your Ideas!

Clearing a View: Condemnation Moves Ahead on Broadway

February 9, 2007

Through the controvercial eminant domain law, the Village of Haverstraw has acquired two parcels on either side of the Lady Warren Hose Co. No. 5 firehouse on Broadway. The two properties, 80 and 92 Broadway, were condemned and will be torn down to open up the view of the Hudson River from Broadway. The revitalization … More Clearing a View: Condemnation Moves Ahead on Broadway

Revamping the Village’s Streets

February 2, 2007

The Village of Haverstraw recently applied for a Federal Community Block Grant that might supply the Village with $2 million needed to improve drainage and the quality of its streets. The money will be used for paving, work on crosswalks, and drainage systems for New Main Street, West, Lincoln, Broad, and Sharp Streets. The first … More Revamping the Village’s Streets

General Electric Cleaning up the Hudson’s Dirty Past

January 29, 2007

The General Electric Company, who is responsible for the dumping of PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) into the Hudson River in the north-of-Albany region, has hired two contractors to develop an environmental dredging facility. The federal government recently mandated the Hudson River cleanup, which will cost GE over $700 million. Scientists believe PCBs are probable carcinogens, or … More General Electric Cleaning up the Hudson’s Dirty Past

Ferry’s Move to Main Street Approved

January 18, 2007

The Haverstraw – Ossining Ferry by New York Waterway and the future Haverstraw – Yonkers – Lower Manhattan Ferry by New York Water Taxi are soon to move to the end of Main Street in the Village of Haverstraw. The plans, refined during summer 2006, have been approved recently by local and state officials. M … More Ferry’s Move to Main Street Approved

Columbus Day Parade a Hit

October 9, 2006

For the first time in 25 years, the Rockland County Columbus Day Parade weaved its way through the Village of Haverstraw’s streets. Read more at the Journal News website.

Cruise Culture: Luxury Ships Dropping Anchor in Haverstraw?

October 6, 2006

From the flatboats of the Rhine and Danube Rivers to the breathtaking cruises through Norwegian fjords, cruise culture is alive and well in the world. Four million spectators a year once sailed up through the Hudson River Valley. Once the automobile began to dominate the transit landscape in the early 1950s, river traffic all but … More Cruise Culture: Luxury Ships Dropping Anchor in Haverstraw?

Hudson River Sculpture Trail Officially Opens

September 29, 2006

On Saturday, September 30, the Hudson River Sculpture Trail will be officially dedicated and opened. The project lines the shore of the Harbors at Haverstraw and will be expanded along the waterfront promenade as construction is completed. The Hudson River Sculpture Trail is: “. . . a visionary and ambitious project for the Hudson River. … More Hudson River Sculpture Trail Officially Opens

Funds for Short Clove Road Overpass

August 30, 2006

The Federal Transportation Bill of 2005 allotted a significant amount of funds for the reconstruction of the Short Clove Road and Route 9W intersection, which includes construction of twin-bridge overpasses that will carry Short Clove Road over the West Shore Rail Line below. The current intersection is known to be one of the worst in New … More Funds for Short Clove Road Overpass

Midrises Coming to Maple Avenue?

August 28, 2006

Recently, in the Rockland Journal News, a developer who owns several apartment buildings at the corner of Maple Avenue and West Street in the Village of Haverstraw released his plan to build four- and six-story apartment buildings after completion of demolition of his existing properties. The present apartment complex has been a source of blight along Maple Avenue … More Midrises Coming to Maple Avenue?

Imports: Jewelry by Mónika Rodriguez

July 14, 2006

Haverstraw’s rich wealth of culture and history continues to create new opportunities for residents to share aspects of their customs with each other. 18 year old Mónika Rodriguez lives in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. She began designing and creating jewelry at age 15. Mónika’s Godmother and Aunt, Floriana Gonzalez, lives in Haverstraw and receives samples … More Imports: Jewelry by Mónika Rodriguez

On the verge of. . .