Busy at work through all sorts of weather, the group of Michael Bruno buildings in Sloatsburg, NY, are fast taking shape as his resolute construction crew bangs away … getting things ready for a possible late spring/early summer opening.

Many have remarked on the busy construction activity in Sloatsburg’s village center, a very visible sign of economic activity that has people talking. Tuxedo, New York, resident Michael Bruno has staked claims in both Sloatsburg and Tuxedo and hopes to a create a constellation of inter-related businesses that cultivate the corridor as a unique destination to visit.

From weekend rooms for rent to biking and hiking that take advantage of the surrounding parklands, Bruno envisions a vibrant adventure and retail environment in Sloatsburg that continues up into Tuxedo.

Michael Bruno (seated at the table front right) met recently with the Village of Sloatsburg Community Design Review Committee, which works in tandem with the Planning Board. Village Code Officer Joe Tischenor (center and leaning on the table) led the committee discussion of Tuxedo Hudson Company plans.

Bruno met recently with the Sloatsburg Community Design Review Committee to present and fine tune plans for the row of houses now under renovation, as well as to get feedback on his intended general use of the block of properties he purchased in the village center.

The CDRC works in tandem with the Planning Board to preview development plans.

The Tuxedo Hudson Company recently added the old hardware store building to that list, or Henry Club as it’s known in village history books. Built in 1911, the building became the Henry Club in 1914 under the guidance of Mrs. Alfred Loomis of Tuxedo Park in memory of her son Henry. It continued as such until the early 1940s. Bruno also owns the famous Loomis Labs home in Tuxedo Park, which at one time was the gathering place for America’s scientific and visionary minds.

Tuxedo Hudson has also rented out the former computer store, long occupied by Delaney’s Computer, with the intention of using the location as both a real estate office and flexible floor space such as a gallery.

The immediate plans for the row of buildings includes using the four houses along Route 17 as bed and breakfast rental where customers will be directed to local restaurants for meals. There group of properties, which stretches from Route 17 to Mill Street, will also include a bike rental shop complete with coffee and juice bar, an onsite food truck, and the ever popular farm market where the old Blue Barn used to be.

The market will be open seven days a week in season.

Tuxedo Hudson has also rented out the former computer store location, longtime home base to Delaney’s computer store, with the intention of using the location as both a real estate office and flexible floor space such as an art gallery.

Bruno emphasized to the CDRC members that he believes the bike riding community will enthusiastically support Sloatsburg as a Hudson Valley biking destination — he said his bike shop and juice bar will contain showers and lockers, and other essentials that bikers traveling from afar might need.

“If we create this,” Bruno said, citing his company’s recent studies on the issue, “bikers envision it would be wildly popular.”

Another issue discussed at the CDRC meeting was the idea of addressing Sloatsburg’s Commuter Lot parking so that it reflects both general municipal use as well as specific commuter needs – which are often defined by morning/evening use.