News

A Peekskill police officer, a resident of the Orangetown hamlet of Palisades, was freed on $100,000 bond yesterday, after a brief court appearance in Peekskill City Court. 33 year-old Michael Agovino faces charges of first-degree sexual abuse and stalking, and second-degree burglary, for allegedly sexually abusing a Peekskill woman. He’s accused of going to the woman’s home while on duty and in uniform several times and forcing her to undress. He’s been put on administrative leave. Peekskill’s mayor called the incident an embarrassment for the police department and the entire city. Agovino is due back in court on March 12. The case could be brought before a grand jury for potential indictment.

Rockland could be facing a lawsuit from second amendment advocates for allegedly denying concealed-carry pistol permits for some residents. News 12 reports veterans, members of the Orthodox Jewish community and others claim the practice is unconstitutional. The County Clerk’s office saw a spike in pistol permit applications following the Hanukkah stabbing in Monsey. The county told News 12 it’s a judicial issue, not a county issue, and had no further comment.

The Pascack Ridge housing project is up for discussion tonight in Ramapo. The 290-home project targeted for Spring Valley needs a zoning change, and that’ll be discussed at tonight’s workshop and town board meeting. Residents are concerned about the project’s impact on the environment, traffic, taxes and other issues. The workshop is being held tonight at 5:30 followed by the town board meeting at 6:30 at Ramapo Town Hall.

That congestion pricing plan scheduled to start early next year in the city may be delayed. The feds haven’t decided yet whether a complete environmental impact statement, which could take years, or an abridged version, is necessary. Without the decision, WCBS says congestion pricing may not be able to move forward in January. Congestion pricing would create a toll for all vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district.

In honor of Black History Month, the Town of Ramapo is hosting a two-act drama inspired by a true story. Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht says a theater company in 1821 became the first to cast a black actor in the title role of Othello…

Performances are being held on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd at the Ramapo Performing Arts Center on Main Street in Spring Valley. For ticket information visit ShadesRep.com or call 845-675-8044.