July, 2001 issue

from GM and the Mayor of Sleepy Hollow, Philip Zegarelli It was also revealed Roseland is a full-service real estate organization primarily involved in the development and construction of waterfront and mixed-use residential properties throughout the northeastern United States, according to Marshall B. Tycher, principal of the company.

The project will be called "Lighthouse Landing at Sleepy Hollow." The company's flagship endeavor is the development and construction of Port Imperial, a $1.7 billion mixed-use, master-planned waterfront community that spans two miles, directly across the Hudson River from midtown Manhattan. Another Roseland project is Pier One in Boston, where the company is redeveloping a half-mile of Boston Harbor into a luxury residential community.

Roseland employs a staff of 270 associates including real estate professionals specializing in land use, construction, property management, finance and asset services. During the summer, it expects to begin construction in the summer on Signature Place, a three-tower luxury apartment complex in Stamford, Conn. Work has started on the Marbella, a 40-story apartment building in Jersey City, N.J.

GM talked with several other developers including Trump Co. and Collins Enterprises of Greenwich, Conn., prior to selecting Roseland.

Matthew P. Cullen, general manager of GM's Enterprise Activities Group, said that GM and Roseland have signed a memorandum of understanding to do the project. He considered, based on its other developments, Roseland was well-positioned to "bring to realty our shared vision for the property."

Cullen said, "We have been working closely with Sleepy Hollow Mayor Philip Zegarelli to understand community issues and needs and will continue to work with the mayor and the larger community as we work with Roseland on the master plan and vision for the site. This project is an example of GM's commitment to a sustainable America through a creative approach to reinvestment of a former plant site.

Actual plans for the site will not be prepared until the public has had an opportunity to provide input. Mr. Tycher considered there would be fewer than the 1,900 housing units permitted under the village's zoning laws, as parts of the property would be reserved for open space. It was agreed final plans will be available in six months.

The housing complex will be mixed with retail and commercial businesses and office space. Possibilities of a conference center, a village square, affordable senior housing and a marina were also mentioned. Mr. Tycher emphasized that the company wants to provide a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Financing for the project has also yet to be arranged. Mayor Zegarelli noted there were opportunities for some state funding.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been approached about building a new train station at the property.

Mayor Zegarelli was adamant that Lighthouse Landing would not overwhelm the current Village of Sleepy Hollow and its Main Street, Beekman Avenue. Beekman Avenue itself was developed in the mid-1800s by Cornelia Beekman, widow of Gerard Beekman and owner of Philipsburg Manor. One of its most distinguished apartment houses on Beekman Avenue, the Van Tassel, was built by John D. Rockefeller.

"The development will benefit the community economically and aesthetically," said Mayor Zegarelli.

Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson, a group that has participated in community meetings about the GM site, was cautiously enthusiastic about the announcement, but said the environmental group would remain vigilant.

The former plant, one of GM's oldest assembly plants when it ceased operation in 1996, was originally built in 1899 for the production of Walker Steamers. GM founder William Durant bought it in 1914 for an assembly plant. Between then and 1966 the plant had produced 11,889,266 autos, with time out during World War II for aircraft construction.

It has been completely razed, offering train travelers a view of the Kingsland Point Lighthouse for the first time in decades.