A Spring Valley man will spend ten years behind bars after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a child over a three-year period. Rockland County D-A Tom Walsh says 41 year-old Evelio Mendez began abusing an eight year-old in September 2020. Walsh says Mendez was in a relationship with the victim’s mother at the time. Sentencing is scheduled for May 5th. Mendez will also be required to register as a sex offender.
News
MTA Holding Final Public Hearings on Congestion Pricing Proposal Today
The last two public hearings on the MTA’s controversial congestion pricing plan, formally known as the Central Business District Tolling Program, are scheduled for today. While there are several lawsuits looking to stop the program or create carve outs for various groups, it is believed the program will start later this spring. Rockland County Executive Ed Day says the MTA still hasn’t sufficiently revealed the financial ramifications clearly…
Rockland Sheriff Lou Falco says even police officers on official duty could be affected by the plan…
New York State Assemblyman Chris Eachus of the 99th District, covering Stony Point and parts of Orange County, said while it appears to be a done deal, he hopes the MTA will credit those who deserve discounts…
The MTA said last week 95% of the toll readers for the congestion pricing program have been installed. Cars will be charged an additional $15 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, while trucks could be charged between $24 and $36, depending on size. The readers are currently scheduled to be turned on mid-June. The last two hearings are scheduled for today at 10AM and 6PM. We have a link to the Zoom conference in this news article on our website. You can also register your comments by phone, by calling the MTA at 646-252-7440.
The hearings will be streamed on the MTA’s website.
Make online comments here.
VP Urges Hamas to Agree to Ceasefire, and Israel to Facilitate Aid in to Gaza
Vice-President Kamala Harris yesterday urged Hamas to agree to an immediate six-week ceasefire while also urging Israel to do more to boost aid deliveries into Gaza. That’s according to Reuters. Rockland Congressman, Mike Lawler of the 17th district says the Middle East presents a complicated situation…
At an event in Alabama, Harris said, “People in Gaza are starving, the conditions are inhumane” and Israel must do more to increase the flow of aid.
News Briefs: Ramapo Police Arrest Hillcrest Man Following Stabbing, Spring Valley Apt. Complex Faces Fines, Rockland DA Investigator Retires
Ramapo Police have arrested a man in connection with a stabbing last month. Police say a 21 year-old Nanuet man was stabbed in the arm in Hillcrest on February 17th during a fight. Police say the suspect fled on foot, but they caught up with him earlier this week. An unidentified 24-year-old Hillcrest man was arrested Monday and charged with 1st degree Assault and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He was arraigned and sent to the Rockland County Jail. He was being held on $25,000 cash bail.
Report: Spring Valley Apt Complex Had Permit Issues Prior to December Fire
The apartment complex that caught fire Sunday and displaced dozens of people had already been slapped by Rockland officials with alleged violations. That’s according to News 12. They report the Surrey Carlton Apartments on Ewing Avenue had been issued four violations in December for doing construction and electrical work without a permit. Another fire there that same month resulted in a fine, as the complex’s automatic alarm didn’t function properly. The owner of the complex could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army’s been helping put displaced residents in area hotels. The County is working to get permits so repairs can be made quickly and people can return to their apartments. The fire remains under investigation.
Rockland DA Investigator Retires
A long-time Rockland Police Investigator has retired. The Rockland District Attorney’s Chief of Detectives, Peter Walker, started his 30-year career with the NYPD’s 48th Precinct in the Bronx in 1994. Five years later he joined the Clarkstown Police Department and served as their Public Information Officer. After retiring from Clarkstown, he joined the DA’s office in 2020.
17th Penguin Plunge Comes to Nyack Sunday
Sunday marks the 17th Penguin Plunge fundraiser to benefit four local kids with high medical bills. Barbara Noyes runs the event, and says they’ll be raising money for four area children and their families…
The event gets underway Sunday in Nyack’s Memorial Park from noon to 2pm. For more information visit www.PenguinPlungeNY.com of their Facebook page.