Gilchrest

Orange County Citizens Foundation

Pat Gilchrest - Executive Director

In April of 1990, as the Executive Director of the Orange County Citizens Foundation, I was invited, along with our elected officials and community leaders, to take the first commercial flight from Stewart Airport to Chicago. It was a wonderful celebration.

As the head of the Citizens Foundation, I supported commercial passenger service at Stewart Airport and limited development of lands around the airport, known as the Stewart Properties. I understood the positive impact development would have for Orange County, and I fully supported it, as did my Board of Trustees.

On board the first flight

On the other hand, my family had been one of 400 families and businesses evicted from their homes and places of business in 1971 so that the State of New York could develop a fourth major jetport. Needless to say, most homeowners were outraged at this arbitrary action by New York State. Homes were condemned and destroyed as residents moved off the lands.

Fortunately, the State revised its vision of a major jetport in favor of a regional airport. Over time, and with the success of that first commercial flight, I came to realize that the economic vitality of Orange County and the region, and therefore our quality of life, was connected to the commercial success of Stewart. Now, I view development of Stewart as a real asset for those who are truly concerned about our economic future.

Aerial map shows planned Drury Lane connector

Another 15 years has passed. No commercial development of the Stewart Properties has occurred, and the planned major roadway infrastructure improvements have been stalled by lawsuits aimed at preventing the responsible, planned development of the Stewart Properties. Funds that could and should be used to improve our transportation system have been diverted to pay for costly lawsuits. As I often remind people, those lands were taken for airport related activities…not as parkland. Smart planning calls for development adjacent to major highways. In this case, Interstates 84 and 87, along with the Hudson River, make Stewart a prime location for economic development.

For many years, both the Citizens Foundation and I have been supportive of, and have worked for, the wonderful park system we enjoy in our county. Commissioner of Parks Graham Skea has been a true visionary in the development of our parks system and should be applauded for his efforts in this regard. Orange County’s planned parkland and open space have been well thought out and are secure.

Last month I flew from Stewart to Raleigh to visit my grandchildren. The flight was not direct, but it was comfortable, convenient, and cost-effective. On my flight home, I bumped into three friends from the City of Newburgh, including the Mayor and the Newburgh City manager who had flown from Stewart to Washington, DC for a weekend conference. We all remarked on the convenience of Stewart.

I don’t know if I’ll be in the area in another 15-20 years to assess the airport’s progress. I certainly hope, and sincerely believe, Stewart International Airport and the surrounding area will grow and prosper in a way that makes sense and that will benefit all our citizens.