Economic Development
Aerial views of Village looking towards Canada (left) and the Korean War Veterans' Memorial Bridge (right) to Vermont.
Located in the northeastern corner of New York State on Lake Champlain, the Village of Rouses Point offers exceptional economic development opportunities for commercial and industrial ventures.
Strategically positioned in the center of major travel routes and well-known destinations throughout New York State, Vermont and Canada, Rouses Point has long been a significant transportation crossroads. Originally used as a ferry, railroad and barge canal center, it is now a stop on a major route from the United States to Canada and benefits from a steady stream of traffic throughout the year.
The Village offers a charming, well-preserved Main Street featuring classical architecture, a variety of stores and specialty shops, and an array of restaurants. The historic downtown is accentuated by the region's beautiful landscape and panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks, the Green Mountains of Vermont and Lake Champlain.
In addition to the community's landscape and historic allure, Rouses Point has surprisingly affordable lakefront real estate, excellent educational resources and exceptionally low cost power. As a Municipal Electric community, Rouses Point offers extremely low electric rates, making it an ideal place to start a business or expand an existing one.
The Village is strongly committed to supporting existing Rouses Point businesses as well as attracting new northern New York businesses to the area. In the last three years, over fifteen new businesses have opened in the Village, eager to take advantage of the region's accessibility and affordable cost of living. The Village has forged a strong partnership with regional economic development agencies, including Empire State Development, the Plattsburgh/North Country Chamber of Commerce, the Development Corporation of Clinton County, and the Small Business Development Center at Plattsburgh State, allowing us to maximize our efforts to assist new and existing entrepreneurs.
Redevelopment Planning
In 2006, the Village of Rouses Point developed a Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Lake Champlain shoreline for residents and visitors alike. Since that time, the Village has been busy implementing the plan, with construction of a scenic pier and shoreline walkway, as well as improvements to the boat launch, downtown and restoration of the former railroad station to a History and Welcome Center. The Village also developed Design Guidelines for the downtown and waterfront to assist property owners and developers as they renovate or construct buildings.
Rouses Point joined with The Development Corporation of Clinton County to draft a Comprehensive Redevelopment Strategy for vacant and underutilized parcels within the Village's municipal electric franchise boundary. The Comprehensive Redevelopment Strategy contains valuable information for businesses interested in opening in Rouses Point.
For more information on starting a business in Rouses Point, please fill out the inquiry form or contact the Village Clerk/Administrator, at admin@rousespointny.com
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