The former Chief of the South Nyack-Grand View Police Department died Wednesday. That’s according to The Journal News. Chief Alan Colsey, who chased down and helped arrest three suspects in the 1981 Brinks case, served the department for 31 years until June 2004. Funeral arrangements are pending. He was 69.
Breaking News
Spring Valley Official Charged in Fatal Fire in Village Pleads Not Guilty
Spring Valley’s chief building inspector pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges connected to the fatal fire at an adult care facility in the village in March. That’s according to the Journal News. Wayne Ballard is accused of filing a fraudulent report with the state. He and five others face various charges related to the fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults that killed 35 year-old volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd and a resident of the facility. Ballard’s attorney told the Journal News that the facts would show he’s not guilty. Ballard was released without bail and is due back in court September 28th. Meanwhile, News 12 is reporting the state sent a scathing letter to Spring Valley’s mayor over serious “discrepancies” in the village’s record-keeping.
Area Assemblyman Looks to Establish Land Trust in Orangetown with Proposed State Law
An area assemblyman is heralding passage in the Assembly of a proposed law that would establish a land trust in the town of Orangetown. But a local state senator says while he likes the idea, he’d prefer the plan raise money a better way. Assemblyman Mike Lawler says the community preservation fund would protect local parks, open spaces, and historical monuments…
Rockland state senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick says he loves the idea of a land trust, but not the way the Assembly plan would fund it…
Lawler says Orangetown home buyers want to see it preserved for future generations and understand the need to have a fund to help do that. He suggests that to reduce the tax burden on area residents, spending and taxes at the state level should be reduced.
Area Politicians and Community Leaders Call for Peace and Assistance for Haiti Following President’s Assassination
Dozens of area politicians and community leaders came out yesterday to Spring Valley Village Hall to show solidarity for the people of Haiti and the Haitian community in Rockland following last week’s assassination of Haiti’s president. Among them, Rockland congressman Mondaire Jones…
Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home on Wednesday. His wife, Martine, was injured and is being treated in Miami. Spring Valley mayor Alan Simon decried the violence that has become too commonplace…
Ramapo legislator Toney Earl called upon national service organizations and international leaders to help Haiti in their time of crisis…
The New York Times says an estimated two dozen “heavily armed mercenaries” gained entry with little resistance to the president’s heavily-guarded home in multiple vehicles, and opened fire. An intense international investigation continues.
Area Business Groups Bringing Back In-Person Events
Area business groups are looking to get back to in-person meetings, at least two are holding their first tomorrow since the pandemic stopped the world in March 2020. North Rockland Chamber of Commerce acting president Tom Ossa says area business professionals are ready to start meeting face-to-face once again…
The group is holding a breakfast at 7:45 at the Stony Point Pancake Factory. Visit NorthRocklandChamber.org for pricing information and to register.
The Rockland Business Association is taking a different approach, as CEO Al Samuels feels summertime isn’t the most popular time for business meetings…
Samuels says monthly luncheons will start up again in September and they’ll hold their annual golf outing that same month at New City’s Paramount Country Club.
But the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce is also ready to start up again. President Peter Gallo says they’ll get up and going again tomorrow evening with a free event at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern…
The Mahwah Chamber’s free Summer Bash Barbecue will be on the outdoor patio at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern tomorrow at 5:30pm, weather permitting. For more information and to register visit Mahwah.com.