Welcome to Columbia County, NY's Online Planning Guide
This website has been developed by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Governmental Affairs Committee to assist applicants in navigating the site planning process in Columbia County.
It is intended to educate first time applicants on how municipal planning and zoning boards operate, what is required in a submission package,and how long the process can take. You will find information on planning and zoning boards including contact information, meeting schedules, checklists, and forms and applications required for initial submissions. Call 518.828.4417 for further information.
Business Profile:
Richmor Aviation Flying Strong and Steady for 43 Years
Richmor Aviation, Inc. has been the fixed-base operator at Columbia County’s airport since 1967, providing private flights, hangar space, jet fuel and flight instruction at the local headquarters plus several other sites in New York and across the country.
The privately owned company has grown from a one-plane, two employee-operation to a world-class luxury jet charter service. Richmor has 15 planes under charter or management, 18 flight school airplanes, and 120 employees from pilots to mechanics, flight instructors and office personnel.
Passengers enjoy private flights with personal service to any airport in the world, at competitive prices. Available aircraft range from eight-passenger King Air to a Gulfstream IVSP that holds 13 passengers.
Business Profile:
Village Dodge One of Columbia County’s Largest Dealerships
For 37 years, the Backlund family has operated Village Dodge, one of Columbia County’s most successful businesses. In 1992, the dealership relocated to the corner of Routes 9H and 66 in Hudson where it has become a mainstay.
Over the years Village Dodge acquired Jeep and Chrysler lines, so offers a range of new vehicles. They also sell pre-owned cars and trucks, commercial vans and medium duty trucks. The service department has an excellent reputation, with staff technicians who have worked there more than 30 years. While-you-wait oil changes and competitive prices are other hallmarks of the business.
Business Profile:
Hudson-based Taconic Farms Going Strong after 56 Years
One of the largest county employers is Taconic Farms, Inc., a company founded 56 years ago that now enjoys international reach. The company employs 1,000 people, with 450 of them based at two Columbia County sites. The company is run by the third generation of founder Robert Phelan’s family.
Taconic Farms breeds mice and rats for use in scientific research around the world. Their Germantown facility is the largest single site producing rats and mice for research in the areas of cardiology, oncology, immunology, metabolic disorders and neuro-degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Business Profile:
Ed Herrington Inc. Offers Hardware and So Much More
Local hardware giant Ed Herrington Inc. has a long history in Columbia County and recently expanded with the purchase of three former Dunn Builders Supply stores. Herrington’s now owns seven stores in three states – New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. In Columbia County, where its Hillsdale flagship store is still going strong, Herrington’s employs about 120 people.
Herrington’s has been family-owned since its founding in 1906 as a coal, lumber and feed dealer. Today, they offer high-quality building materials, top-level construction expertise, kitchen and bath design, landscaping stone inventory and blueprint services, as well as basic hardware supplies, Benjamin Moore paints and much more.
Business Profile:
Kinderhook Toyota’s New Facility an Investment in the County
Kinderhook Toyota is a family-owned Columbia County business that recently completed a long-term investment in our community – a brand new, state-of-the-art facility on Route 9H in West Ghent. The dealership, started by Ed Habeck Sr. in 1966 and run today by his son Ed Habeck Jr., has consistently been rated high in customer service and customer satisfaction, winning awards from Toyota International and being ranked in the top 10 out of 1,200 dealerships. The new building features two-story high glass walls along front, two drive-in bays for service calls and 17 bays where technicians service vehicles. The customer lounge includes a café and children’s play area.
Business Profile:
Mt. Merino Manor Offers Luxury Accommodations
Mount Merino Manor is one fine example of Columbia County’s wide variety of guest accommodations. Located on a scenic hilltop adjacent to the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, the luxury bed and breakfast was opened by husband and wife Patrick and Rita Birmingham six years ago.
The stately Victorian home is situated on 100 lush acres and has a rich history dating back to 1870. The three-story home offers privacy yet is close to major access roads. Views are breathtaking and there are plenty of activities nearby. The bathrooms are equipped with whirlpool tubs, thick linens, spa showers and aromatherapy products.
