Breaking News

A trial that could be worth millions of dollars to Palisades Center, the town of Clarkstown and the Clarkstown School District is scheduled to begin today in Rockland County Supreme Court. Tina Traster is the editor of the Rockland County Business Journal online, and says the trial will focus on whether the mall was over-assessed and how much money they might, or might not, see in refunds…

The mall’s lawyer told RCBizJournal the issue is not whether Palisades Center was over-assessed, it’s by how much. Earlier this month, Rockland County Executive Ed Day told “The Morning Show” that the struggling mall is critical to the county’s bottom line…

Palisades Center is the town’s largest taxpayer, reportedly paying more than $22 million a year in property taxes.

A bi-partisan effort is backing a package of bills that proposes statewide fire safety measures aimed at making things safer for residents and first responders. The legislation includes money for fire and building code enforcement; making some code violations that result in injuries felonies; and setting staffing levels for local government inspectors. At a press conference at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona on Friday, Rockland County Executive Ed Day said the bills will help save lives. Rockland Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear was encouraged by the bi-partisan effort behind the proposed legislation.

A proposed group home in West Nyack for teenage girls with eating disorders was approved by the town of Clarkstown. The Rockland County Business Journal said 200 people showed up Wednesday night for a public hearing. Supervisor George Hoehmann told “The Morning Show” Monday the for-profit group behind the group home is governed by state law…

The 7,500 square-foot home on Sickletown Road in West Nyack, is very close to the Orangetown border. Supervisor Teresa Kenny says many oppose the group home, but she doesn’t see why…

Residents reportedly were concerned about traffic, safety, and threats to the character of the neighborhood, but Kenny says she doesn’t expect much traffic at the inpatient facility or the other concerns to be a problem.

Ramapo’s Town Board last night approved the Miller’s Pond Development that would include 637 apartments and townhouses with retail space and parks. That’s according to News 12. Developers want to build the community at the former 143-acre Minisceongo Golf Club on Pomona Road near the New York Boulders ballpark. Once built, the project would reportedly bring in around $7 million in tax revenue. The project next goes before the town planning board at a date to be determined.

Ramapo PD Warns of AI Scams

The Ramapo Police Department is warning folks about a scam that’s making the rounds using sophisticated AI technology. Police say the scammers use an AI-generated version of a friend or family member’s voice, and request help and money after being involved in an accident or other emergency situation. They’ll request bail money or credit card information, they’ll even use fake voices to pretend to be a bail bondsman or prosecutor to get you to send money or give out personal details about yourself. Police say don’t give them any information over the phone, and try to reach friend or loved one on your own. You should also report these scams to your local police department or other law enforcement agencies.

New North Rockland Fire House to Be Voted on in April
Residents of the Roseville-Thiells Fire District in North Rockland will be voting next month on a $24 million bond issue to pay for a new firehouse. That’s according to the Journal News. The vote will be April 30th. The Thiells Fire Department has been operating from an outdated facility on Route 202 for decades. The building’s been around since 1960, and does not meet some modern state codes.

Congressman Cancels Mobile Office Hours in Upper Nyack
Rockland Congressman Mike Lawler’s Friday mobile office hours in Upper Nyack have been cancelled. That’s due to a scheduling conflict. The mobile office was to be at the Old Stone Meeting House on North Broadway tomorrow, but it will be rescheduled, and Congressman Lawler apologizes for the inconvenience.

The Nyack School District is reeling after a recent vote of no-confidence in the district superintendent by several of its unions. That’s according to News 12. Five unions representing teachers, secretaries and security guards voted against Susan Yom at a closed-door meeting Friday. Rockland State Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski of District 96, which covers Nyack, told “The Morning Show” yesterday the unions hadn’t approached him about the issues, and he’s always worked well with Superintendent Yom…

News 12 reported the unions are unhappy about alleged hostile interactions between Yom and staff, incompetence, bullying, and low morale. Neither Yom nor the school board commented on the situation.