State health officials say polio has been found in wastewater samples taken from both Rockland and Orange counties, calling this development “just the tip of the iceberg of much greater potential spread.” The New York State Department of Health says samples taken from two different locations in Orange County in June and July tested positive. The CDC found three positive samples from Rockland and four from Orange County that are genetically linked to the single human case found in a Rockland County resident. The findings suggest local transmission. As such, area health officials are urging those who are not immunized to get vaccinated now. State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said that for every single case of paralytic polio, there may be hundreds of other people infected. As of August 1st, among children who are two years old or younger, Rockland has a polio vaccination rate of about 60 percent and Orange County, 59 percent. That’s compared to the statewide average of nearly 80 percent. Learn more about polio and the vaccine at health.ny.gov/polio.
Breaking News
Rockland Officials Line up to Oppose MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan
Rockland officials aren’t keeping quiet about the MTA’s plans to move forward with congestion pricing by the end of 2023. New Jersey’s governor earlier this week came out against the plan as well, saying it amounts to a double tax on many Garden State commuters. According to NJ.com, the double tax kicks in when drivers who use the George Washington Bridge would enter Manhattan, then get tolled a second time when they go below 60th street. They wouldn’t get credit for the bridge, though drivers who enter through the Lincoln or Holland tunnels, it is being recommended, would get a break on any congestion pricing fee. Rockland’s state senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick agrees with Murphy, GWB users should get a break…
Orangetown supervisor Teresa Kenny says Rocklanders are being mistreated when it comes to congestion pricing…
A caller to The Morning Show on Tuesday, Susan, noted that for people like her, who do volunteer work with the city’s homeless, the congestion pricing plan will be devastating…
The MTA announced last week they’ll be holding public hearings on the issue later this month.
Orangetown Considers Purchasing Portions of Nyack College Campus, if the Price is Right
The former Nyack College campus could be purchased by the Town of Orangetown, for the right price. The campus was sold in late 2020 to a Hasidic congregation for about $45 million. Orangetown supervisor Teresa Kenny says the town may still be interested in, at least, part of the campus…
It’s not clear what the town might do with the property if they buy it. The current owner closed on the property just after South Nyack residents voted to become part of Orangetown.
“Hazardous Material incident” Shuts Route 59 in Spring Valley Monday Night
Route 59 had to be temporarily closed in Spring Valley around 7pm last night between Dutch Lane and South Pascack Road. Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps was among the first responders at the scene, which they described only as a “Hazardous Material incident” in the area. Reportedly a chemical spill caused a fire in the Valley Cycle bicycle shop. No word on any injuries. The road was re-opened around 11:30 last night.
Rockland Officials Slam MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan
Area officials are slamming the MTA’s decision to move forward with their controversial congestion pricing plan. That’s the toll that many suburban commuters will eventually have to pay to enter Manhattan. Rockland County Executive Ed Day says we already pay enough and get nothing in return…
The MTA’s Central Business District Tolling Program’s Traffic Mobility Review Board will recommend a plan for credits and discount programs, but the board won’t have anyone from west of the Hudson, so Rockland won’t be represented. Rockland Business Association CEO Al Samuels says the MTA’s logic is that repairs have to be made to the system, and some of the people that use it should foot that bill…
Stony Point supervisor Jim Monaghan, a former member of the NYPD, knows the difficulties of commuting into the city from North Rockland, and says the dream of a one-seat ride into Manhattan is not likely to happen anytime soon…
The MTA will hold public hearings online on the project later this month. The first hearing is being held on August 25th. Comments may also be submitted online as well as via email, mail, voicemail, and fax. The full list of public hearing dates is below. Contact and more information can be found here.
Thursday, Aug. 25, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 28, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 29, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.