The Kiryas Skvere community in Sullivan County welcomed Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday afternoon for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its new shtetl and affordable housing development in the Town of Bethel.

The event primarily served as an opportunity for community leaders and residents to express their appreciation to Governor Hochul for her assistance in securing the necessary approvals and helping make the affordable housing development a reality.

During her visit, Hochul addressed a packed room of Skvere schoolgirls and discussed New York’s phone-free schools policy. The students proudly shared that they do not use smartphones, reflecting the community’s longstanding emphasis on maintaining a distraction-free educational environment.

The governor also participated in a roundtable discussion with elected officials, law enforcement leaders and Kiryas Skvere askonim. Those in attendance included Village of New Square Mayor Izzy Spitzer, Assemblyman Aron Wieder, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, Undersheriff Eric Chaboty and leading Skvere community representatives.

Community leaders thanked Hochul for her support and cooperation throughout the development process, saying the project will provide much-needed affordable housing for families and allow the growing community to continue flourishing in Sullivan County.