Rockland County legislators voted last night 15-1 to amend and approve next year’s County Budget with no property tax increases, program cuts or layoffs. District 12 Legislator Charles Falciglia was the only “no” vote. District 16 Legislator Vince Tyer was absent. In a statement, the legislature said they eliminated the Motor Vehicle Tax and gave a new Gun Violence Prevention Program $70,000. Two non-profits, the African American Historical Society and the Parkinson’s Wellness Project, will each get $7,500. The $790 million amended adopted budget comes with $131 million in property taxes, that’s a zero percent increase over last year’s budget. The County Executive has five working days to issue any vetoes. The Legislature then has until December 20th to override any vetoes, with a two-thirds majority vote.
Rockland Officials Continue Investigation into Devastating Fire at Pearl River Shopping Center
No official cause yet in the Pearl River fire that took out three businesses in a Middletown Road shopping center Sunday night and Monday. Orangetown supervisor Teresa Kenny spoke with people at the scene, and says some believe the fire started underneath Dollar General and Dunkin’ Donuts in the underground gun firing range known as “RISE”…
Rockland Sheriff Lou Falco says local officials continue to investigate the cause of the blaze…
More than 100 firefighters from Rockland and New Jersey came in to battle the fire since it began on Sunday. Six suffered smoke inhalation injuries and were treated and released from area hospitals. No one else was reported injured.
Virginia Man Arrested Stemming from Weekend “Shots Fired” Incident in Pearl River
Police have arrested a Virginia man in connection with a “shots fired” incident at a popular restaurant/bar in Pearl River over the weekend. Orangetown Police say 21 year-old Brandon Andino of Norfolk, Virginia, faces a felony charge of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and prohibited use of a weapon, that’s a misdemeanor. Orangetown supervisor Teresa Kenny says the incident took place early Saturday morning outside “The Saloon” on East Central Avenue near Route 304…
Andino was being held in the Rockland County Jail on $100,000 cash bail.
Rockland Girl Wins Full Ride at SUNY/CUNY School For Getting COVID-19 Vaccination
A semi-identified Rockland 5-11 year-old has won a full scholarship to a SUNY or CUNY school, including tuition, room and board, just for getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Keira H., last name and town of residence withheld, was listed as one of ten winners in the second-round of the state’s “Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate” incentive program. The Pearl River-based Pfizer vaccine was granted emergency use approval by the FDA in late October.
Pfizer is also gearing up for its first shipments of their COVID-19 pill. That’s according to News 12. Pfizer’s pill is about 90% effective at reducing hospitalizations or death when taken within three days of symptoms. It still needs approval here in the U.S. Merck got the OK from U.S. regulators earlier this week. Pfizer is letting other companies make the pill for 95 countries around the world.
United Women of Rockland to Hold Fundraiser in Stony Point Friday
United Women of Rockland is holding a fundraiser tomorrow in Stony Point so they can help women struggling with illness, medical bills, or other issues that prevent them from providing care to their families. Supervisor Jim Monaghan says the event will be a take-off on a famous TV game show…
The fundraiser is being held tomorrow at 6pm at Kirkbride Hall in Stony Point. It’s $40 in advance, $50 at the door. For more information visit their website or on Facebook.