NYACK, NY – Village of Nyack Mayor Joe Rand provide updates bout the two major revitalization projects going on right now: the NY Forward Downtown Revitalization program, and the Memorial Park Improvements Project.

Nyack Mayor Joe Rand – To all my Nyackers and Neighbors,

We have so much going on with Village planning, that it’s hard to keep track. So I want to take a moment to clarify the two major revitalization initiatives going on.

1. THE NY FORWARD GRANT

As you know, in March we were awarded a $4.5M downtown revitalization grant from New York State. Right now, we are in the process of soliciting proposals from the public (including nonprofits, private businesses, and individuals) for how to spend that money. As part of that process, you can do the following:
* Come to our next NY Forward Local Planning Committee, when we will be providing updates on where we are and discuss the Open Call for Projects. That’s Wednesday, June 11, 5:30-7:30PM at Village Hall. The public is invited and will have an opportunity to comment.

* If you have an idea for a project, make sure to review the “Call for Open Projects” on the Nyack NY Forward website at www.nyacknyf.com/open-call-for-projects. And then if you’re interested, fill out a project proposal – you can get the form at this link: https://nyack.link/NYFProject

* If you’re a local business owner, take 5 minutes to fill out the Business Owner Survey to share your thoughts on what Nyack needs to do to revitalize the downtown. The survey is here: www.nyack.link/NYFbizsurvey

you have any questions about NY Forward, post in the comments. You can also email NyackNYF@vhb.com for more formal feedback.

2. MEMORIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

A totally separate initiative is the Memorial Park Shoreline Improvements Project, which is a grant-based program that focuses on rehabilitating and redesigning the existing waterfront pathway along Memorial Park’s shoreline. Planned enhancements include new landscaping, seating and overlook areas, shade trees, updated lighting, and public art and memorials.
We have a committee that has been working with a consultant to come up with ideas for the shoreline park, and has identified two very attractive plans for the waterfront. I’ve attached both of the plans (Plan A and Plan B) as images to this post so you can see them.

More importantly, you can share your thoughts on these plans on a survey that has been set up to get public input. Go to the link here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MPNyack

It will take ten minutes and you’ll have your voice heard about what we should be doing to improve the park.

To our business leaders, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations that make Rockland County the vibrant place it is, I want to bring your attention to a new and FREE training that will create a more inclusive Rockland one business at a time.

Here in the United States, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism. And yet, many of our public spaces, businesses, and institutions remain unfamiliar with how to support them.
That needs to change—and here in Rockland, we’re leading that change.

It was with that in mind that in April, during Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, my administration’s Department of Mental Health launched a new All-Abilities Training Program, created in partnership with the Anderson Center for Autism.
This training is available at no cost and is designed to educate the workforce, including our local businesses, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations. It’s a powerful tool to help you better serve all members of our community, especially those with Autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

This initiative is more than just training—it’s a commitment to understanding, acceptance, and accessibility for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

When we launched the Rockland Thinks Differently initiative in 2024, we committed ourselves to promoting inclusion at every level of our community. This training is a direct extension of that promise. It will help your team create more welcoming environments for all.

But this isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s also smart business.

Many individuals with Autism are loyal, capable, and hardworking.

The training includes insight into how to make your workplace more accessible for potential employees with Autism and the many benefits of hiring from this often-overlooked talent pool.

I urge every business and organization in Rockland to take advantage of this fantastic and free opportunity. Doing so will show the community that your organization not only accepts differences but embraces and celebrates them. Let’s work together and continue creating a Rockland that truly thinks differently.

To sign up for the training or learn more, please contact the Anderson Center at 845-889-9616 or ACCT@AndersonCares.org.

* This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.