On June 20, the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) hosted a first-of-its-kind in the community Developers Conference. The goal? To find partners to help them develop the seven buildings AOG has purchased in Highland Falls.

Hudson Valley Program (HVP) is the official name of the massive project AOG has undertaken. Erin Helle, who is running HVP for the AOG, explains what the mission was: “The Developer’s Conference was designed to advance WPAOG’s Hudson Valley Program by convening key stakeholders to present revitalization opportunities in Highland Falls and attract private investment aligned with our mission to support West Point and the surrounding community. The goal is to find development partners to land-lease AOG’s properties in the Village of Highland Falls.”

Those properties are: 457, 451, 427 and 216 Main St.; 5 and 9 Drew Ave.; and 8 Webb Lane. Of those, The Park Restaurant has reopened in 451 Main St. and Westy’s will open later this summer at 427 Main St.

To the conference, WPAOG invited not only representatives of large firms which develop properties, but also local elected officials, lenders, and those involved in existing programs. Fifty-seven people attended.

“We had registered guests plus elected officials from the Town of Highlands and Village of Highland Falls,” Helle said. “Twelve development teams were present and engaged: PC Construction, Crossroads Company, FuND, Cross Management, Trammel Crow, Sonata Group, Prestige Hospitality, F&S Industrial, Northwest Partners, Point Capital Development, Coli Construction and Legacy International.”

In addition, she said, ESR Development (Rick Minicozzi - Thayer Flats Hotel) and Church Hill Properties (Ken Fleisher – Pointers Echo Hotel site) were also presented and were given an opportunity to share their projects. WPAOG does not have anything to do with those projects – the land involved in them isn’t owned by WPAOG.

There were four private money-lending teams, and the Orange County Partnership and Industrial Development Agency were also present.

Speakers at the event included Senator James Skoufis, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Businesswoman and USMA Distinguished Graduate Kathy Hildreth, Orange County Partnership’s Conor Eckert, Army Athletic Director Tom Theodorakis and Director of Academy Advancement Tom Oakley.

“They shared overall vision and strategy; support from county and state governments; funding opportunities, tax credits and grants available to developers; investment packets; feasibility studies; and community development priorities,” Helle said. “The presentations provided the background and context for development needs while the site walks, lunch and networking sessions allowed for collaboration and creative problem solving. Key connections were made between experienced developers and local leadership, unlocking potential partnerships that combine capital, creativity, and local insight.”

Helle was happy with the turnout and outcome for the day. “It demonstrated that there is strong alignment between WPAOG’s strategic vision and local leadership and elevated the visibility of Highland Falls as a viable location for investment and placemaking.”

She added that she thinks there is momentum among leaders on both sides of the gate.

So, what’s next?

Helle said WPAOG is creating a committee to help keep the momentum going, and she’ll be doing follow up with the developers. She said Requests for Proposals for the WPAOG buildings are out and due back on October 1. Helle said they will keep the community informed about what does occur.