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“Preserving Our History” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

6 years ago

November 19, 2019

Rockland Report Editor

Photo by Rockland Report

“Preserving Our History” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

This week we marked a momentous occasion; we cut the ribbon on a beautifully restored 223-year-old barn at the Cropsey Farm property in New City. The New World Dutch Barn was built in 1796 and is a wonderful example of the Dutch architecture of the time. This is a piece of Rockland’s history that, together with the Town of Clarkstown, we are preserving for future generations and saving from being developed.

Not that long ago there were farms and barns all over Rockland as most people made their living from the land. Back in 2006 Rockland County partnered with the Town to take ownership of the Cropsey property in order to preserve it as open space with the County owning 61 percent and the Town 39 percent.

This is the type of investment I am committed to continuing as we move forward in a way that not only preserves our natural environment for future generations but does so in a way that is fiscally responsible and fair to taxpayers. The restoration cost $1.55 million with Clarkstown contributing $604,000 and the rest coming from our Capital Projects Budget.

The Rockland Farm Alliance will use the barn in their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and education efforts. They are working to teach local children about our history of farming and building understanding that food DOES NOT come from the grocery store. Kids can get their hands dirty by planting, harvesting and bug hunting; they will gain a true understanding of sustainable farming right here in Rockland.

Since 2017 Cropsey Farm has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places; our investment in this renovation will ensure that future generations of Rocklanders can visit this property and get a glimpse into a period of time that is long past. Having this barn restored and up and running again soon will allow the Farm Alliance to continue their sustainable farming projects and give residents the chance to eat food that is once again being grown right here in Rockland.

And while this barn is beautiful and I am incredibly proud of our efforts to preserve it we cannot stop here. We must continue to make an effort to preserve what is left of our agricultural past and safeguard undeveloped land for the future. I urge everyone to come explore the barn at the Rockland Farm Alliance open house on Sunday, November 24, 2019, from 11 am to 3 pm.

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

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Update: Rockland County YouthFest Returns March 29 at RCC

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County will host its annual YouthFest on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockland Community College.

The free, family-friendly event is one of the largest community gatherings in the county, bringing together more than 150 local agencies, organizations, and service providers focused on youth and family programs.

YouthFest offers a wide range of activities, including interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, performances, and hands-on experiences for children and teens. Families can also enjoy entertainment, games, and attractions throughout the day while learning about resources available across Rockland County.

The event is held in conjunction with Rockland County Government Day, giving residents an opportunity to connect with county departments and learn more about public services and programs.

Organized by the Rockland County Youth Bureau, YouthFest draws thousands of attendees each year and serves as a one-stop destination for families seeking information, support services, and recreational opportunities.

Admission is free and open to the public.

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Frozen Toilet During Extreme Cold? What Homeowners Should and Shouldn’t Do

Published

3 months ago

January 29, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With freezing temperatures expected across Rockland County, Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to take steps to prevent frozen and burst pipes, which can cause significant property damage and even lead to fires.

Officials recommend allowing faucets to drip slightly, especially overnight, to keep water moving through pipes. Residents should also open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

Fire and Emergency Services advises keeping homes heated to at least 55 degrees, even when away, and insulating exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Residents are warned never to use open flames or unsafe heating devices to thaw frozen pipes.

If a pipe does freeze, officials recommend using a hair dryer or warm air to thaw it safely. Torches or other open-flame methods should never be used. A frozen toilet is inconvenient, but rushing the fix can turn a minor problem into major damage. Slow, careful warming is the safest solution, and professional help should be sought if the issue persists.

In the event of a burst pipe or water emergency, residents are urged to shut off the water immediately and contact emergency services or a licensed professional if needed.

Officials remind residents to stay warm, stay safe, and take preventative steps to protect their homes during extreme cold weather.