Clarkstown, NY –Dorina Maragliano, president of the Upper Nyack Senior Club, has been named Senior of the Year for 2024. This recognition honors her outstanding dedication and contributions to the club and her community.
Thiells, NY – The new turnabout near North Rockland High School has been operational for approximately two and a half weeks, and early testing suggests it is functioning effectively. Drivers are navigating the turnabout smoothly, exiting onto their desired roads, making it a safe and efficient mode of travel.
Despite the turnabout’s success, a significant update has been announced: the road leading to the turnabout between Rosman Road and Letchworth Village Road will be closed to traffic until spring 2025. This closure began on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and affects Thiells- Mount Ivy Road.
Drivers heading toward North Rockland High School via Thiel’s Mount Ivy Road will need to take an alternate route. Instead of making the usual right-hand turn followed by a left to access the high school, vehicles will now be directed to use Ridge Road as a detour.
The road closure is expected to remain in place until spring 2025, allowing for additional construction and improvements. Commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly and anticipate potential delays during peak travel times.
The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved an $876 million budget for 2025, marking the second consecutive year of a 2 percent property tax reduction for residents. The budget also allocates increased funding for nonprofit organizations and introduces a $30 million countywide sidewalk initiative aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day praised the budget, stating, “This budget ensures we can continue to invest in the safety, health, and quality of life of everyone in Rockland County.”
Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Legislator Aron Wieder highlighted the tax cut’s impact. He said, “this means our hardworking taxpayers will keep more of what they earn in their wallets.”
The approved budget maintains essential services without layoffs and reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing community needs. County Executive Day has five working days to review the amended adopted budget and may issue line-item vetoes if necessary. The Legislature has until December 20 to override any vetoes, requiring a two-thirds majority vote per item.
by Keith Shikowitz, Reporter
Haverstraw, NY – The Village of Haverstraw Board of Trustees held a meeting on November 18th, to discuss several critical topics, including updates to the local panhandling ordinance and the proposed redevelopment of the historic Chair Factory site. The meeting featured public hearings, presentations by developers, and input from village officials and residents.
The meeting opened with a public hearing on amendments to the village’s panhandling ordinance. Haverstraw Village Attorney Jay Hood, Jr., explained the updates requested by the police chief to address aggressive solicitation. The new provisions include:
“This update allows our police department to better enforce the law and address concerns about aggressive panhandling downtown,” said Village of Haverstraw Mayor Mike Kohut.
One resident questioned whether the ordinance could include restrictions near public schools, but Hood clarified that the issue primarily occurs in commercial areas downtown. The amendment was unanimously approved by the board.
The second public hearing focused on the redevelopment of the Chair Factory site, a long-anticipated project involving 450 residential units, 6,900 square feet of retail space, and 503 parking spaces. Ryan Porter, managing partner of Chair Factory LLC, outlined the progress and plans for the site, which has undergone a detailed environmental review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
Porter highlighted key features of the project:
Haverstraw VillageTrustee Rafael Bueno asked whether the parking spaces would exclusively serve retail customers, and residents voiced concerns about the strain on local traffic. Developers assured attendees that traffic impact studies had been conducted and efforts were underway to mitigate potential issues.
With comments and questions addressed, the public hearing on the redevelopment project was closed, and the board moved to regular business.
Nyack, NY – The Village of Nyack has unveiled its “Holiday Village” initiative, a festive program aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to shop and dine locally this holiday season. The initiative features a range of exciting events and activities designed to make Nyack a vibrant holiday destination while supporting local businesses.
The “Holiday Village” program is designed to make Nyack a must-visit destination this season, offering festive experiences that bring together the community while supporting local businesses. Whether it’s enjoying live music, participating in family-friendly workshops, or discovering unique gifts at downtown shops, the initiative has something for everyone.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.nyackholiday.com. Celebrate the season while supporting your local community!
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