PORT JERVIS, NY — William Paladino, CEO of Elliott Development, which owns Pike Plaza next to the railway station in Port Jervis, came to the April 11 common council meeting with project manager Tim O’Brien to give a presentation about the Pike Plaza progress. O’Brien showed an artists’ rendering of the exterior façade still being worked on.

Paladino talked briefly about the past delays in the project, and indicated the project is now almost ready to be occupied, and should have at least some stores opening in the next few months. Paladino bought the Plaza in 2012 after the roof collapsed, and he said delays are normal in the construction business.

Paladino talked about other changes. “We’ll be replacing a lot of storefronts,” he said. The work left includes painting, masonry and general repairs, to make nine to 12 store spaces available. “We want to get tenants in as soon as possible,” he added.

Council members asked what kinds of stores can be expected in the plaza once work is completed. Councilman and planning board chair Bob Ritchie asked if a grocery store in the plaza was in the plans.

Ritchie said, “I think it would be a good be a thing,” but continued, “Port Jervis now is leaning more toward being a recreational area. Have you looked at stores that sell bikes, and other products like that?”

Paladino said, “We have talked to all kinds of businesses. The products they sell are more for kids, trampoline kind of stuff. But nothing’s solid, nothing’s committed yet. I think once we start opening, we’ll narrow it down to more serious interests. We continue to search, and will maybe reach out to nearby towns, to businesses that may be wanting to relocate.”

Ritchie commented, “In January, we talked to Mr. O’Brien, and he indicated there could be some tenants in by July or by August.”

Councilman Stan Siegel added, “I agree with Ritchie. I’m not sure grocery shoppers would come with New Jersey and Pennsylvania grocery stores nearby. I’m thinking more of big tickets, where people could go without walking over to Walmart and so on. That would not compete with the businesses in town, and it would draw people into town.”

Paladino said, “That’s exactly what we’re looking for. Engineers are working on the plans, and once we get the final approvals, and have confidence it’s safe, it will come much quicker than the last few months.”

Ritchie said, “We’re looking for municipalities and the state to use our town, to come and check out the facilities. They say Port Jervis income is not good, but if they know people come here from outside the area, it might be a lock.”

Paladino explained, “We’re trying to get more info [sic] out regarding the place, including that there’s the train right next to it, and about the city’s recreation plans. Anything like that helps us in our sales effort. We’re broad based and talk to anyone who’s interested, who can occupy it. We’re narrowing it down only to those with serious interest, but we’re not excluding anyone, and hope it will be successful.”

Paladino also said he thought all necessary permits had been obtained.

Rite Aid and Burger King, which are already functioning in the plaza, are doing very well, and Paladino said, “I’m very happy.”

He praised the city, saying the mayor, planning board, and Orange County DA have been very helpful with his project.