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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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New York State Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Weber’s Bill to Expand Trade Union Recruitment in High Schools

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3 hours ago

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June 16, 2025

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Nanuet, NY – In a major step toward expanding career opportunities for students across New York State, the Senate has unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Weber (Senate Bill S5675), which empowers trade unions to conduct recruiting presentations in high schools. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, is being sponsored in the Assembly by Labor Committee Chair Assemblyman Harry Bronson.

Under current law, trade unions have limited access to high school students to share information about apprenticeships and career paths in the trades. Senator Weber’s legislation changes that by allowing trade unions—when invited by school administrators—to speak directly with students, distribute materials, and explain the benefits of union-supported career training and employment.

The bill will help address workforce shortages in critical sectors while providing students with a clearer understanding of all post-graduation options—including those that do not involve student debt.

“This legislation is about expanding horizons for our students,” said Senator Weber. “College is one path, but not the only one. Trade unions offer well-paying careers with benefits, security, and a future. Our young people deserve to hear about every opportunity available to them.”

Residents and advocates are encouraged to contact Speaker Carl Heastie’s office at 518-455-3791 and urge him to advance Assembly Bill A03734 to the floor for a vote.

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Government

Assemblyman Patrick Carroll Statement on Tragedy in Minnesota

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12 hours ago

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June 15, 2025

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NEW CITY, NY – Assemblyman Patrick Carroll released the following statement following the tragic events in Minnesota.

“I am horrified by the murder of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murder of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, by the same perpetrator.

Any elected official enters public service to share our voice in government and advocate for our neighbors and the community. While disagreements and opposition to our positions is expected – never should any public servant be the target of violence or threats of violence. Our families sacrifice time with us as we do our governmental work but never themselves should worry that our service is putting them in harms way.

My heart is with the Hartman and Hoffman families. Be safe everyone.”

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