A rollover accident on the Tappan Zee Bridge temporarily shut down the westbound lanes yesterday. News 12 said the accident happened during the heavy rain Monday afternoon around 3:30 near the Tarrytown side of the bridge. No word on how many vehicles were involved or if there were any injuries.
NYS Bill Could Assist East Ramapo Schools
A local state lawmaker has introduced a bill that could help the East Ramapo school district, giving a state-run board the power to raise taxes and fund the school system. Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski of the 96th District, covering Clarkstown, Haverstraw and Nyack, told Lohud.com that without that drastic step, East Ramapo’s schools may not have enough money to open in September. There’s no Senate version of the bill, but it does have the backing of the New York State Department of Education. East Ramapo residents rejected the budget in a vote last week. New York’s Attorney General has indicated her intent to investigate the district, citing quality of education, crumbling school buildings, and reports of lead-contaminated water.
CUPON Rockland and Nanuet Agree to Disband
A grassroots group that keeps its eyes on local development has agreed to disband as part of a settlement with an Orthodox Jewish group that had been looking to buy a former church in Nanuet. The Rockland and Nanuet chapters of CUPON, Citizens United to Protect our Neighborhoods, both agreed to dissolve instead of continuing to fight a federal lawsuit filed against them by Ateres Bais Yaakov Academy of Rockland. The head of CUPON Rockland, Micheal Miller, said Friday CUPON admitted to no wrongdoing or liability, and said they could have won the lawsuit but couldn’t afford the legal representation. The Academy had agreed six years ago to purchase the Grace Baptist Church property. CUPON and CUPON of Greater Nanuet opposed the move. The town of Clarkstown denied permits for Ateres to open a school, the school sued. In April, Clarkstown settled with Ateres for $200,000. Clarkstown bought the property for $4.5 million four years ago, with the goal of bringing in new development. In a statement, Ateres’ attorney, Yehudah Buchweitz, said the case was an example of local residents working with a municipality to try to keep religious minorities from moving in or practicing their religion freely, adding that in America, people should be permitted to live, worship and go to school wherever they choose.
Work Today on Ramapo Road
The Rockland County Highway Department says Montebello Road from North Airmont Road to Mile Road in the Town of Ramapo will be closed today 5/28 from 8:30am – 4pm for tree removal. Expect delays, plan accordingly. A detour route is in place.