Rockland lost another to COVID, the first in two weeks, the total is now 968. Two are currently hospitalized with coronavirus and we have 129 active cases. Concern over the Delta variant continues to grow, as several areas consider bringing back mask mandates. Los Angeles County announced last week they’ll require masks indoors, and while New York City mayor Bill de Blasio isn’t ready for masks just yet, Kentucky governor Andy Beshear called for mask-wearing by the vaccinated and unvaccinated alike. Several Kentucky state lawmakers, who have been vaccinated, recently announced they tested positive.
Breaking News
Future of Letchworth Village and Stony Point Golf Course on Ballot in November
Stony Point residents will vote in November on Election Day on the future of the town-owned Patriot Hills Golf Course and 26 acres of Letchworth Village. Supervisor Jim Monaghan told “The Morning Show” earlier this month it’s better than having a special election over the summer…
Election Day is November 8th. The town announced in April they had a contract with a private developer to take over the town golf course and Letchworth. The developer will keep and improve the golf course but also handle the clean-up of old buildings on the grounds, and design and construct a new community center.
Former Chief of South Nyack-Grand View Police Department Dies
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.
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.