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.
Early Voting Begins in Rockland County
Early voting is underway in Rockland County. Though Election Day isn’t until November 2nd, all Rocklanders can vote at any town hall, with the exception of Stony Point. Hours are from 9 to 5 today, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8pm Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 to 2 Saturday and Sunday. Rocklanders will be casting ballots in several local races, including County Executive, the 9th judicial district, and supervisors and town councils in all five towns, though supervisors in Ramapo, Orangetown and Haverstraw are running unopposed. Some towns are also electing town clerks, highway superintendents, and receivers of taxes and other positions. In Suffern, Republican Mayor Edward Markunas faces a challenge from Democratic candidate Michael Curley. Nyack mayor Don Hammond is running unopposed, as are the mayors of Spring Valley, Piermont and South Nyack, though that village will be folding into Orangetown this spring, and in West Haverstraw two trustees are running unopposed. In Stony Point, residents will vote on the pending sale of the Patriot Hills golf course and Letchworth Village property. For a complete list of candidates and other election information, visit rocklandgov.com for a PDF of the candidates.