COVID has taken two more Rockland lives since our last report about two weeks ago. The total now at 990. We’ve got 17 hospitalized with COVID and 812 active cases.
League of Women Voters to Host Rockland County Executive Candidates Debate Tonight
Rocklanders can see an online debate today between the County Executive, Republican Ed Day, and his challenger, Democrat L’Tanya Watkins. The League of Women Voters Zoom forum gets underway tonight at 5:30.
Accident Takes Out Poles in Nanuet, Route 59 Blocked Near Spring Valley Marketplace
Clarkstown Police say Route 59 in Nanuet from Forman Drive to Old Turnpike Road is closed after an accident took out several utility poles. That’s right by the commuter parking lot near the Spring Valley Marketplace. Orange and Rockland is on scene, and they say repairs could be complete by late afternoon.
Rockland Lawmakers Slam Proposed “Accessory Dwelling Unit” Bill
Rockland lawmakers are concerned over pending legislation that looks to make it easier to create affordable housing but could pose a danger for volunteer firefighters in the county. At issue is the so-called “Accessory Dwelling Unit” bill that might work for more urban areas, but not for suburban or rural areas. Rockland County Executive Ed Day says he opposes the bill, because while it’s goal is to help keep people in their homes with their families, there’s no way to enforce that…
Justin Schwartz chairs Rockland’s Illegal Housing Task Force, and says the bill could dramatically change the character of Rockland County by essentially canceling most local zoning laws…
Rockland state senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick say it’s not likely that the bill will pass…
Rockland assemblyman Mike Lawler says a state law like this one shouldn’t take precedence over local zoning…
Schwartz urges Rocklanders to tell their local and state representatives to oppose the bills, in the Assembly it’s Bill 4854 and in the Senate it’s Bill 4547.
Rockland Breaks Ground on New Animal Shelter in Pomona
Rockland ceremoniously broke ground on the new $8.3 million Hi Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona last week. The county is officially seeking bid requests to construct the new animal shelter building, a state-of-the-art, 14,000 square-foot shelter to replace the current 4,000 square-foot facility. The bidding period is open for six weeks, and once a builder is chosen, construction should begin next spring.