Please see attached press release from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.
Town of Orangetown
Orangetown Town Hall
26 W Orangeburg Rd.
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-5100
www.orangetown.com
Hudson Lyric Opera’s Fall Fancy Concert Serenades Pearl River
Pearl River, NY – The Hudson Lyric Opera is set to enchant local residents with a captivating concert on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the Pearl River Library located at 80 Franklin St., Pearl River, NY. This event is free of charge and will begin at 2:00 p.m.
The performance promises a melodic journey featuring mesmerizing arias from well-loved operas like Puccini’s “La Boheme” and Gounod’s “Faust,” along with other renowned opera arias. Additionally, attendees can expect to be serenaded by memorable Broadway tunes from classic shows such as “The Music Man” and “Kismet.”
Music enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike are invited to attend.
For more information about the event or any inquiries, call (845) 709-2273, send an email to info@hudsonlyricopera.org, or visit the official Hudson Lyric Opera website here.
Camp Shanks Museum Announces Fall Hours for 2023
Orangeburg, NY – The Camp Shanks Museum is pleased to announce its fall hours for 2023, inviting visitors to explore the rich history of the largest World War II embarkation camp on the East Coast of the United States.
The museum will be open to the public on the following Saturdays:
- Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Located at 20 Greenbush Road in Orangeburg, just behind the Orangetown Building Department and Orangeburg Library, the Camp Shanks Museum serves as a tribute to the historical significance of the camp.
During World War II, Camp Shanks played a crucial role as a point of embarkation for troops departing overseas. Often referred to as “Last Stop USA,” the camp accommodated approximately 50,000 troops across 2,040 acres. Notably, it processed 1.3 million service personnel, including a staggering 75% of those who participated in the historic D-Day invasion. In 1945, Camp Shanks even housed German and Italian prisoners of war.
After the war, Camp Shanks underwent a transformation, becoming housing for veterans with families who were attending colleges and universities in the New York City area under the GI Bill. This settlement, known as Shanks Village, continued to thrive until its closure in 1954.
In June 1994, a small museum was established near the camp’s historical site, preserving its legacy for future generations.
The Camp Shanks Museum welcomes history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in learning more about this significant chapter in American history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit and explore the remarkable story of Camp Shanks this fall. Admission is free.
Orangetown Meeting Agenda Includes Key Contracts and Zone Change
Orangeburg, NY – The Orangetown Town Board is gearing up for its upcoming meeting, which promises to address several critical issues and proposals of importance to the community.
One of the key items on the agenda is the Blauvelt Fire Protection District Contract. This contract is vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the Blauvelt area, and its discussion and approval are expected to be of great interest.
Additionally, the meeting will also touch upon the Orangetown Library District Contracts. These contracts pertain to the Blauvelt, Tappan, Orangeburg, and Palisades Libraries, and their approval will have a direct impact on the services and resources available to local residents.
Another significant point of discussion will be the Preliminary Budget, a fundamental aspect of the town’s financial planning. The budget will outline the allocation of funds for various town projects and services in the coming year.
Furthermore, the Town Board will deliberate on a Local Law proposal regarding a zone change for 90 West Madison Avenue in Pearl River. This proposed change could have lasting implications for the development and land use in the area.
Residents and community members are encouraged to attend this meeting to stay informed and have their voices heard on these local matters. The meeting is scheduled for October 10, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. , and it will be held at Orangetown Town Hall, located at 26 W Orangeburg Rd in Orangeburg.
County Executive Ed Day Submits 2024 Proposed Budget to Legislature
2% County Property Tax Cut Proposed
New City, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day unveiled his proposed 2024 $870 million budget at the Robert Yeager Health Complex in New City Monday, which includes a 2% County Property Tax cut.
“On the heels of zero County property tax increases two years in a row, this year I am proposing a 2% reduction in the County property tax,” said County Executive Day. “This 2% reduction is a huge leap from the double-digit tax increases from years past.”
The reprieve is attributed to the County of Rockland recovering from a $138 million deficit in 2014 to a surplus resulting from conservative budgeting, responsible economic growth, and hard work of county employees.
“Our economic turnaround is nothing short of miraculous. I thank our dedicated employees for staying true to our commitment to conservative spending which is enabling us to absorb costs while still providing reprieve for our residents in a responsible and balanced manner,” said County Executive Day.
The 2024 Proposed Budget includes:
- 2% County Property Tax Cut.
- Increasing amounts available for patriotic observances from $1250 to $3000.
- $1 million for additional positions to strengthen our Department of Social Services, seeing increasing demand.
- Another $1.5 million for college tuition assistance for volunteer fire fighters and emergency responders.
- An additional 10% in possible funding increases to nonprofit contract agencies and 224 agencies.
County Executive Day concluded the Budget announcement by reiterating his commitment to fiscal responsibility and refusal to put off costs or difficult decisions onto future generations.
“We have come a long way in Rockland, but I promise you this administration will not rest nor stop trying to do everything possible for the people of this county. We will continue the prudent and protective practices that have gotten us this far and work hard to preserve our County for future generations,” concluded County Executive Day.
“The details of an $800 million budget require a detailed review, but based on what the County Executive announced today, it appears to be a good solid footing,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said. “The most important goal is that we have the most efficient spending plan while also continuing to provide the services our residents and businesses rely on.”
Rockland County Legislature Budget & Finance Committee Chairman Aron Wieder said a schedule of budget review dates will be released this week.
“Based on what the County Executive expressed today, the proposed budget seems to address many of the evolving needs of county government,” Legislator Wieder said. “I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner with all of my Legislative colleagues, as well as the County Executive and his staff, as a final plan is decided.”
“After attending meetings with the County Executive, his staff, and Legislative leadership, I look forward to supporting his initiatives and working with my colleagues in the legislature on the 2024 budget,” said Lon Hofstein, Minority Leader of the Rockland County Legislature.
Budget Timeline:
- By October 1 – County Executive must submit Proposed Budget to County Legislature.
- By November 20 (tentative) – County Legislature must hold a public hearing on the Proposed Budget.
- By December 7 (tentative) – County Legislature will vote to adopt the Budget. If the Legislature takes no action by December 7, the budget is deemed adopted. If the Legislature amends the proposed budget; it goes to the County Executive for review; he has five working days after receipt of the amended version to veto. He has line-item veto power.
- By December 20 – County Legislature must override, or the amended version with any vetoes becomes the budget. It takes a two-thirds vote per veto item to override that veto (Two-thirds is 12 votes).
