ROCKLAND'S FIELD OF DREAMS
by Al Samuels, August 2010

We've lost the Empire Zone program.  Our Tourism Department is under fire.  We're still burdened by the MTA Payroll Tax.  We're facing consolidations by some of our largest employers.

We need a shot in the arm.  We need something positive we can point to that says, "Hey, that Rockland County's got something pretty darn good going for it."  We need a Field of Dreams.

And, guess what?  We're getting it.  It's the Rockland Ballpark project in Ramapo and the independent, expansion CanAm League team that will begin play in June 2011.

This one project is a shot in the arm for ecomomic development, tourism and a public relations/image message that will say Rockland is "special."

Burt Steinberg, RBA Chair, and I had a luncheon meeting with Ken Lehner and Shawn Reilly, two of the teams owners, at Marcello's Ristorante in Suffern, and came away with a feeling of enthusiasm and support for this effort.  To begin with, there are local construction workers already on-the-job at the stadium site.  And, more will be employed as the work on the structure begins.  Next, there will be approximately 75 full-time jobs and a like number of part-time jobs once play begins.

The project will feature seven unique group/picnic areas, a sports bar and the opportunity for local college and high school teams to use the ballpark.  In addition, special events and concerts will be scheduled.  This facility will become a focal point of new tourism activity.  It will bring new dollars to Rockland and will be a new quality of life selling point when our colleagues at the Rocklkand Economic Development Corp. talk to businesses about relocating to our county.

See you at the ballpark in 2011.
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