Regan Development Corp. of Ardsley and Rockland Housing Action Coalition (RHAC) were selected to redevelop the roughly 3.69-acre Sain Building site at 18 New Hempstead Road, according to Rockland County Executive Ed Day and outgoing Director of Community Development Alexandra Obremski.
The redevelopment proposal calls for a three-story mixed-use space with 23 age restricted affordable senior rental units, 25 non-age restricted affordable rental units and 3,100 square feet of retail space. The existing Sain building will be demolished to make for the development.
“Today marks an important step forward in transforming a long‑vacant property into high‑quality, affordable housing for seniors, vulnerable residents, essential workers and volunteers,” Day said. “We are helping ensure that long‑time residents — and those who serve our community—can continue to live and thrive here.”
The redevelopment also includes:
- Preference for 10% of units for veterans, 5% for first responders/essential workers, and 10% for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
- 40,000 sq. ft. of recreation and park space.
- A mix of units affordable to those earning 30%, 50%, 60% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
“As a company whose principals grew up in Rockland County right in the Town of Clarkstown, Regan Development is proud to partner with Rockland County and the Town of Clarkstown to create new high quality, energy efficient, affordable rental housing units,” said Larry Regan, President of Regan Development. “Rockland residents across the board are struggling to find affordable housing rental options in the County and these 48 new units will help alleviate the shortage.”
Rockland County Legislature Chair Jay Hood Jr. believes the project shows what can happen when a community comes together.
“This property has long served the public and through this new effort, it will continue to do so by providing vital affordable housing for those most in need of it,” Hood said. “This project reflects what can happen when government, nonprofit organizations and responsible developers work together toward a common goal.”
The Request for Proposals was published in June 2025. Of the four applications submitted, Regan and RHAC’s submission was awarded the exclusive negotiating agreement. Final proposal details are still under negotiation.
Proposals were evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Meeting goals for workforce and affordable housing, commercial uses, public space and sustainability
- Experience with similar affordable housing and mixed-use projects
- References and performance with similar developments within the past 5 years
- Strength of financial proposal and overall financial health of the developers
- Proposed community benefits like parks and open space
A public presentation of three redevelopment proposals took place in the County Legislative Chambers on Feb. 9. Survey responses from neighbors and the public after the presentations overwhelmingly preferred the Regan/RHAC proposals because of the amount of green space, sensitivity to local needs and more affordable rents.
“The RFP process was thorough and competitive, and this proposal stood out for its feasibility, the strong experience of the development team which have built and operate a combined 30 affordable rental developments across New York, and its overall alignment with community priorities,” said Alexandra Obremski, director of Rockland County Community Development.
Rockland County Legislature Minority Leader Lon Hofstein was glad to see something being done about the Sain Building site.
“The deteriorating structure known as the Sain building has been an eyesore in the heart of New City for many years,” Hofstein said. “As the county legislator representing the district where this property is located, I am pleased that this structure will be removed and the property will be redeveloped to include a building that will provide affordable housing along with community space for the residents to enjoy.”
The County’s 2024 Housing Needs Assessment identified significant gaps in housing affordability and availability including +40% of Rockland residents spend +30% of their income on housing costs. To address this crisis, the county has launched several key initiatives, including:
- Housing Action Loan Opportunity: $13.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to provide direct loans for creating or preserving workforce housing.
- Keep Rockland Home Campaign: A new marketing and education campaign informing residents about the county’s housing needs and dispelling common myths about affordable housing.
“We are grateful to collaborate with the County on a project that reflects thoughtful planning, real community engagement, and a shared commitment to affordability,” concluded Teressa Smith, Executive Director of Rockland Housing Action Coalition.
The Resolution awarding the exclusive negotiating agreement is being processed for submission to the County Legislature and is on track to be voted on during the June 16 meeting. After approval there will be several additional steps, final redevelopment details of the project will be negotiated by the County and Regan/RHAC, the redevelopment proposal will proceed through Clarkstown’s Planning Board process, the developers will seek federal, state and local funding support, and the County Legislature will vote on the final disposition of the property. These steps will occur over the next several years.
