The two victims of a fatal wrong-way crash on the Palisades Parkway early Sunday morning in Clarkstown have been identified. State Police say based on their preliminary investigation, 22 year-old Aristan Garandeau of Croton-on-Hudson entered the roadway traveling southbound on the northbound side. He then struck a car head-on between exits nine and ten that was traveling north driven by 27 year-old Brendan Seabrook of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Garandeau was pronounced dead at the scene. Seabrook was taken by New City EMS to Montefiore Nyack Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The incident remains under investigation.
Rockland Legislature to Vote Tonight on Budget for New Building and Codes Department
The legislature is scheduled to vote tonight on the budget necessary to create an office of Building and Codes to take over that function for the village of Spring Valley. The county is state-authorized to do that come Monday, but needs the money to fund the office. Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht says even though Ramapo legislators objected to a rules change that would have allowed the vote to take place last week, he expects the budget to pass…
Former Director of Fire and Emergency Services and CUPON Founder Gordon Wren said on Friday’s “Who Wants to Be a Volunteer” program that he still remains skeptical…
The state-authorized move to take over the village building department comes in the wake of last year’s fatal fire at the Evergreen Adult Home in which a resident and Spring Valley firefighter Jared Lloyd were both killed. Two former Spring Valley building department employees and four others have been charged in connection with the blaze.
GoFundMe Launched for Orangetown Volunteer Firefighter Facing High Medical Bills
A GoFundMe has been set up to help a long-time Rockland volunteer firefighter and official with high medical bills, some of which are not covered by insurance. Kenny Gordon is a 50-year member of the Orangeburg Volunteer Fire Association and currently serves as President of the Association of Fire Districts of Rockland County. For more information and to help out, click here for the GoFundMe page.
Rockland Lawmakers Line Up to Oppose “Accessory Dwelling Unit” Legislation
Rockland state lawmakers are lining up to oppose legislation that could allow multiple-family units on single family homes all across the state. The so-called “accessory dwelling unit” legislation is designed to address the housing crunch, but some say it doesn’t take into account infrastructure challenges that less urban areas have already been built on. Rockland Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski says he’s opposed to the plan…
Rockland State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick says he’s also opposed to the plan and can’t see it passing as a stand-alone bill…
Rockland Assemblyman Mike Lawler dislikes that the governor put ADU legislation in this year’s budget…
Governor Kathy Hochul defends the move, saying the legislation would expand the State’s housing supply…
The budget calls for municipalities to let a minimum of one ADU on owner-occupied, residentially-zoned lots. The budget must be passed by April first.
Rockland Mourns Philanthropist Who Died Sunday
A Nyack man who died Sunday is being hailed for his philanthropy here in Rockland. Jerry Chazen, a former fashion industry executive, was remembered by Past President of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Rockland County, Bob Silverman, for his involvement with new generations in various groups, including JCC Rockland and the Center for Safety and Change. He was 94 years old.