Government

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

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2024

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

Government

Secure Shred Event: Safely Dispose of Personal Documents Near You

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Residents are invited to safely dispose of sensitive documents at an upcoming Community Paper Shredding Event, designed to help protect against identity theft while promoting environmentally responsible recycling.

The event will provide a convenient and secure way for community members to shred personal documents such as old bank statements, tax records, medical paperwork, and other confidential materials. All documents will be shredded on-site by a professional shredding service, ensuring that personal information is fully destroyed.

In addition to helping residents safeguard their private information, the event supports sustainability efforts by ensuring that shredded paper is properly recycled.

Residents are encouraged to bring documents in boxes or bags. Please note that paper clips and staples are acceptable; however, large binder clips, folders, and non-paper materials should be removed in advance.

To allow as many residents as possible to participate, there may be a limit on the number of boxes per household.

This event is open to the general public, and no businesses will be permitted. See flyer for dates in your town.

Government

Clarkstown Honors 2026 Women of Distinction for Leadership and Community Service

Published

3 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Town of Clarkstown proudly celebrated its second annual Women of Distinction Ceremony for 2026, honoring local women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the community.

Supervisor George Hoehmann selected two honorees, while each Town Council member recognized one woman from their ward. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to volunteerism, public service, and nonprofit work across Clarkstown and Rockland County.

“This year’s honorees embody the very best of our community,” said Supervisor Hoehmann. “Their compassion, leadership, and commitment to service continue to inspire us all.”

2026 Honorees

Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins (Supervisor’s Honorees)
Owners of River Court On Main in New City, Lyons and Levins have combined entrepreneurship with philanthropy, supporting numerous local charities, organizing drives for children in need, and giving back to community organizations.

Roberta Bangs (Ward 3 – Councilman Don Franchino)
A dedicated volunteer, Bangs has served as President of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter and the Nanuet Civic Association, while supporting organizations such as People to People and the Nanuet Ambulance Corps.

Jane Provenzano (Ward 2 – Councilman Mike Graziano)
A longtime advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Provenzano founded PRO U ED, a program for adults with special needs, and serves as Vice President of the Congers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Roxanne Perrone (Ward 4 – Councilman Bob Axelrod)
Perrone has played a key role in supporting New City’s small business community and serves as a trustee of the New City Library and member of the Clarkstown Planning Board.

Maura Donoghue (Ward 1 – Councilman Jon Valentino)
Donoghue oversees housing programs for the Rockland County Department of Social Services, managing initiatives that support vulnerable residents, including Section 8 housing and emergency services.

The Town of Clarkstown extended its congratulations and gratitude to all of the honorees for their lasting impact on the community.