Strong local tourism means a strong local economy, and Orange County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) is excited to announce major wins for our community’s hospitality sector. When people visit Orange County’s beautiful downtowns, farms, wineries, and breweries, we want them to stay overnight. A lack of lodging risks losing these guests to neighboring New Jersey or Pennsylvania, meaning their dining, shopping, sales tax, and occupancy tax dollars go with them. Hotels and inns ensure that money stays in our county to support our municipalities and small businesses, so OCIDA is working hard to make sure our visitors have great places to stay right here in Orange County, NY.
Project Highlights: OCIDA’s Recent Progress
OCIDA is playing a key role in advancing several exciting lodging projects across Orange County. Here is a look at the statuses of those projects, including what’s open for business and what to look forward to.
Candlewood Suites, Town of Wallkill: Now Open
This 58,000-square-foot, 101-room hotel in Town of Wallkill is already a success. OCIDA Chairman Jeff Crist and CEO Bill Fioravanti attended its grand opening this summer, and the hotel is already booked with guests from outside Orange County, bringing in those crucial new sales and occupancy taxes. Given OCIDA’s labor policy, over 90% of the construction workers on this $14.7 million project were local. The hotel has also created 14 new full-time hotel jobs for Orange County. OCIDA secured these benefits for our community through a sales tax exemption on building materials, furniture, and fixtures.
Cornwall Arms, Town of Cornwall: Groundbreaking
This upcoming 5-story, 35,000-square-foot boutique hotel is planned for downtown Cornwall. OCIDA attended the September 12th groundbreaking for the $12.3 million project. Set to be part of Hilton’s upscale Tapestry collection, the Cornwall Arms will create 35 new full-time hotel jobs and significantly boost local tax revenues. In April, OCIDA approved $465,000 in sales tax exemptions and a $79,000 mortgage recording tax exemption for this development. No PILOT was requested for this project.
Cedar Lakes Estate, Town of Greenville: Planning an Expansion
In August, Cedar Lakes Estate, a popular wedding and retreat resort in Town of Greenville, presented plans for a $10 million expansion that would add 20 new guest units to their existing 36. This will allow the resort to keep their overflow wedding guests—about 1,300 people each year—in an Orange County hotel. Currently, those guests typically find lodging in neighboring Pennsylvania. In total, the expanded hotel would attract 15,000 unique visitors to Orange County and create at least 13 new permanent fulltime hotel jobs and 450 direct and indirect local construction jobs. The applicant is seeking a sales tax exemption and a standard 10-year PILOT, which would generate an estimated $260,000 in new annual tax revenue.
Inn the Fields, Town of Warwick: Public Hearing Scheduled
The OCIDA Board is currently considering a proposal to build a new wedding and lodging venue on 29 acres in Town of Warwick. The project calls for the construction of a 24-room, approximately 15,000-square-foot hotel building and renovations to an existing barn. This $8.3 million project would create 21 new full-time hotel jobs and offer a needed place for Orange County’s tourists to stay. The developer has applied for incentives, seeking $377,812.50 in sales tax exemption and a 10-year property tax abatement. A public hearing to discuss the requested incentives is scheduled for November 20th.
Holiday Inn Express, Town of New Windsor: Incentives Approved
At its October meeting, OCIDA greenlit incentives for construction of a 93-room Holiday Inn Express on Route 300 in the Town of New Windsor. Banta Hospitality, a local developer with an impressive record in Orange County, is planning to build the 4-story hotel on the site of their former Steak & Stein restaurant. This $24 million investment would create 24 new hotel jobs in Orange County. OCIDA approved a $782,053 sales tax exemption, a $82,800 mortgage recording tax exemption, and a property tax abatement to support this project.
Staying Strong: The Future of Orange County Hospitality
These diverse projects—from a successful new extended-stay hotel to major expansions and new venues—clearly demonstrate that Orange County, NY is a prime location for hospitality investment. OCIDA is proud to partner with local and regional developers to ensure visitors stay longer, spend more, and contribute directly to our shared prosperity. By continuing to support strategic lodging development, we are not just building hotels; we are building a stronger economic future where the crucial dollars generated by tourism stay right here, supporting our local businesses, municipalities, and residents. The doors are open in Orange County, and we are ready to welcome the world. Learn more about our incentives here.
