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“14 Acres Preserved & Protected” by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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1 year ago

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I’m proud to announce something very special this week – the latest properties purchased, preserved, and protected under the County of Rockland’s Open Space Acquisition Program. Those properties are located at 176 and 180 South Mountain Road in New City, totaling 14 acres. The newly acquired Park will be preserved as open space, with the potential to add hiking trails in the future.

In 1950, hundreds of farms sprawled across more than 17,000 acres in Rockland. Fast forward to current day; we only have a handful left on 400 acres and only 4% of land remaining to be developed or protected.

This is why my administration is doing what it can to preserve more land, irreplaceable resources, and the wildlife calling it home. 

I’d like to remind everyone that what makes this program so special is the collaboration involved in this program. 

The public first nominates the properties that are then vetted by our Open Space Advisory Committee made up of representatives from the Division of Environmental Resources, Department of Planning, Department of Health, and Finance Department’s Tax Enforcement Unit.

Field inspections are then done, and each property is scored using a point system based on their attributes which include: 

Connecting open spaces, preserving environmentally sensitive resources, protecting farms, preserving historic and cultural places, protecting the Hudson River, promoting opportunities for recreation, protecting rivers and streams, and protecting the watershed.    

When myself the County Legislature revived the Open Space Acquisition Program in 2020 the public nominated 16 properties comprised of 23 lots that were than narrowed down to 6 recommended for purchase to my office which ultimately decided to pursue purchasing the top four rated properties, encompassing 6 lots. 

There is one more property expected to be purchased in the last round of Open Space Acquisition nominations, totaling another 10 acres saved. 

I truly appreciate the partnership of the County Legislature and private citizens preserving this land and making Rockland a greener and more sustainable County and look forward to sharing more progress on this front in the coming months. With more funding added to our Open Space Acquisition Program we can guarantee that acreage will increase as we sort through a second round of properties nominated for preservation.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection is Warning Residents About a Resurfacing Scam

Published

2 days ago

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March 31, 2025

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Recent reports from local businesses and residents indicate that scammers are posing as legitimate contracting companies, falsely claiming urgent structural issues to convince homeowners to sign expensive contracts for unnecessary repairs.

In one instance, scammers impersonated a reputable roofing company, Gikas Roofing, and tricked a homeowner into signing a $78,000 contract for fraudulent roof repairs. A similar case involved an elderly woman who paid $60,000 for a roof replacement she didn’t need—only for the scammers to disappear after causing damage to her home.

“These types of scams follow a familiar pattern, with unlicensed contractors using scare tactics to rush homeowners into making costly decisions,” said Rockland County Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn. “Our department successfully impounded a vehicle and is working closely with the company being impersonated, along with Orangetown Building and Police Departments, but we urge families to be vigilant.”

Always remember to:

  • Ask for proof of a Rockland County license and insurance. A New Jersey license does not qualify in Rockland County.
  • Do not make immediate decisions under pressure. Take time to research and compare contractors.
  • Never pay in full upfront. Legitimate contractors will provide a written contract and schedule reasonable payments.
  • If approached by an unsolicited contractor, contact Rockland County Consumer Protection immediately.

If you suspect a scam, contact the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection at [email protected] or 845-364-3901.

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Government

Rockland County Honors Marine Corps Veteran Elizabeth Rubio with 2025 Freedom Award

Published

7 days ago

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March 26, 2025

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County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized a female veteran with the Freedom Award Monday, an annual County honor made to female veterans for outstanding service to our nation.

“Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial, particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked.” said County Executive Ed Day.

The 2025 Freedom Award was presented to Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Veteran Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio. Rubio, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served honorably from 2011 to 2019, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Throughout her career, she held key roles across multiple commands, including Marine Corps Recruiting Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. A dedicated leader, she supported multinational training exercises, mentored recruits, and earned multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Lisa continued her commitment to others as a Veterans Service Officer in the County of Rockland, securing $12 million in benefits for local veterans and surviving spouses. Now pursuing a law degree, she remains devoted to advocacy and service.

“I am so proud to present this award to Lisa who not only has been a trailblazer as a female Marine, but a dedicated Veteran Service Officer, and now is completing her first year in law school. I have no doubt that she will continue to do well and serve as an inspiration to future generations,” said Veterans Service Agency Director, Susan Branam.

“We thank Lisa for her bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the women recipients of the Rockland County Freedom Award in years past,” concluded County Executive Ed Day.

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