New York Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Congers, New York

Population: 8,303

Located in Rockland County

In the hamlet of Congers, “new” is a relative term. Institutions like Romolo’s and the Last Chance Saloon, which have anchored the downtown for decades (if not centuries), make anything less than five years old seem like a young’un. But now, with Clarkstown doubling its revitalization efforts, businesses have begun to pop up, and the early-1900s downtown has gotten a 21stcentury facelift. If you haven’t driven by to check out the new and improved Congers, here are 10 of the recent additions you’ve been missing.

1. Choo-Choo Charm. Originally built in 1890 by a land developer as an inducement for wealthy New Yorkers to settle in Rockland, the Congers Train Station had, in recent years, become a downtown albatross. Passenger service ended in the 1960s, and though locals tried to revive it as a garden store and nursery, it never felt quite right—sort of like turning Restaurant X into a Toys ‘R’ Us. Thankfully, Clarkstown bought the station and its surrouding 10 acres for $1 million in 2003, hired architects for a $3 million overhaul, and even sought a paint analysis to reproduce the station’s original colors. The just-finished building, with its stunning indoor community center, may become the regional draw it was first built to be.

2. Walks by the Water. The three-mile paved trail around Rockland Lake has always been one of the most scenic and rollerblade-worthy paths around. Now Clarkstown is taking the same approach to Congers Lake. In early 2006, the new half-mile trail along the 303 side will be extended from Rick’s Club Ameri-can to the train station, along with a boardwalk along Lake Street.

3. Sensational Sushi. Despite the slightly generic name—Seafood on 303—and the shopworn exterior, we’re thrilled that Congers finally has a bona fide sushi restaurant. With 24 à la carte sushi options (from $1.50 fluke to $4.50 tuna belly), the selection and freshness rival any other Japanese joint in the county (97 S. Rte. 303; 268-6868).

4. Manicures Making Waves. After making over its customers for 12 years, Making Waves Hair Design Studio finally got some cosmetic work of its own. Proprietor Elena Russo overhauled the interior last spring into what she calls “a cross between Tuscany and Manhattan”—complete with burnt-orange furniture and walls, an expanded waxing room, and a new pedicure machine dedicated to Russo’s mother, Gloria. According to Russo, one reason she bought the salon three years ago was because her brother knew it was a good idea to ride the coming Congers’ revitalization wave (75 Lake Rd.; 268-2748)..

5. Black Belt Ice Cream. The last thing Rockland needs is sissy ice cream. And thanks to Sensei Peter Clemente, longtime owner of Clemente’s Martial Arts, Congers now has the most kick-butt scoops in the county. Among the creations at Sweet Pete’s, which opened last May right in front of his karate studio, is the Cannoli Concoction—with Mascarpone, cannoli shells, chocolate, caramel, and your choice of Sedutto’s ice cream. Though the shop is closed during winter months, we’re counting the days until Peter starts scooping again in mid-March (57 Lake Rd.; 268-2091).

6. Our Own Big Ben. It might not be as tall as the London landmark, but the green and gold-trimmed, four-sided Victorian Clock at Congers Station Park is every bit as pretty. Plus, it plays holiday tunes and chimes 24 ways (a new variation for every hour). Thanks to the Rotary Club for raising $50,000 to build the clock, which they unveiled at the Firemen’s Parade in September (Lake Rd. and Burnside Ave.)..

7. Pizza Paradise. Sure, there are a half-dozen take-out options on 303, but it took Angelo DeVizio to open a truly cozy sit-down pizzeria. After his operation moved from Valley Cottage into the beautifully renovated Dickenman building, Angelo & Sons quickly cornered the market on Sicilian pies—not to mention chicken marsala and espresso. Our favorite dish? The number 12 special ($23): chicken cutlet over sautéed spinach, with tomatoes, mozzarella, and peppers (38 Lake Rd.; 267-0666).

8. Norman Rockwell Details. The stately antique lamp-posts, with their faux oxidized patina, were charming enough to tide us over until 2007. Then local officials went and stamped brick crosswalks into intersections, upping the quaint quotient higher than we thought possible!!

9. Nonexistent Crime. Simple question: When was the last time you heard about any robberies? Exactly. Even the litterbugs have vanished.

10. Sidewalks and Curbs and Benches, Oh My! Freshly paved roads, drainage improvements, new sidewalks, and, of course, that beautifully landscaped Patriot Garden next to the train station. It’s the little things that make a big difference.

Source: thejournalnews.com