Government

Clarkstown Sets Record with Over $261,000 in 2025 Code Enforcement Fines

Published

3 weeks ago

January 1, 2026

New City, NY – Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann announced that the town secured over $261,000 in code enforcement fines in 2025, marking the largest annual total ever collected for code enforcement actions.

The Town Attorney’s office prosecutes code violations in justice court, seeking fines that can reach tens of thousands of dollars. In cases involving extreme safety risks or serious violations, additional action is taken in the State Supreme Court.

Supervisor Hoehmann stated,

“Clarkstown continues to enforce our code and safety standards across the town. If you violate our laws, we will hold you accountable. This year alone, we have secured over $261,000 in fines for code enforcement actions. I want to thank our code enforcement officers and our Town Attorney team for their diligent work to protect our neighborhoods. Do not violate the code in Clarkstown – we will hold you accountable.”

Town Attorney Kevin Conway added,

“Supervisor Hoehmann and the Town Board have prioritized code enforcement prosecutions. Our code enforcement team has handled multiple cases, including illegal occupancy, residential overcrowding, failure to comply with rental registry requirements, and zoning violations, with record fines levied. The Town, through its various departments, will continue to vigorously pursue these cases with an enhanced enforcement staff to make Clarkstown a safer place to live.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the town plans to expand its code enforcement staff and Town Attorney capabilities to ensure violators are held accountable and Clarkstown neighborhoods remain safe for all residents.

If you are aware of a potential code violation, please report it to the town through its MyClarkstown 311 App or calling the Building Department at 845-639-2100.

Government

Rockland County Legislature Selects Leadership for 2026

Published

24 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Rockland Report Editor

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Legislature voted Thursday night to fill its leadership positions for 2026, reelecting Jay Hood Jr. to a fifth consecutive term as Chairman.

Aney Paul was reelected Vice Chairwoman, while Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.

Party leadership roles were also confirmed, with Democrats reelecting Alden H. Wolfe as Majority Leader and Republicans reelecting Lon M. Hofstein as Minority Leader. Dana Stilley was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, and Raymond W. Sheridan III was appointed Deputy Minority Leader.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for once again placing their trust in me,” Hood said. “I look forward to continuing our collaborative work within the Legislature and with the County Executive and Administration to deliver responsible governance and positive results for Rockland County residents. We accomplished a great deal in 2025, and I am confident we can build on that momentum in 2026.”

Hood has served in the County Legislature since 2007 and previously held the positions of Vice Chairman and Majority Leader. Before joining the Legislature, he served on the Haverstraw Town Board.

Paul was elected Vice Chairwoman for the seventh time. She was first elected to the County Legislature in 2012 and has previously served as Majority Leader.

In addition, Moshe Hopstein was sworn in after being appointed last year and subsequently winning election in November to fill the seat vacated by Aron B. Weider, who was elected to the New York State Assembly.

Legislators also unanimously reappointed Laurence O. Toole to a one-year term as Clerk to the Legislature. Toole appointed Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk.

All officials were sworn in by Donna Silberman.

Government

Rockland County Executive Day Declares January as National Blood Donor Month

Published

24 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Rockland Report Editor

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day has officially proclaimed January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the critical role blood donors and collection organizations play in saving lives. To honor Blood Donor Month, County Executive Day presented a proclamation to New York Blood Center (NYBC) in appreciation of their tireless efforts to ensure a steady and reliable blood supply.

In 2025, nearly 5,000 blood donations were collected from 129 New York Blood Center blood drives across Rockland County – a 16% increase over 2024.

“Blood donation is the greatest gift anyone can give as it saves precious lives,” said County Executive Day. “We’re proud to honor New York Blood Center for their unwavering commitment to this cause.”

New York Blood Center serves as a lifeline for hospitals and patients across the region, providing critical blood and platelets to meet the needs of individuals undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, or emergency care. During the colder months, NYBC—like all blood banks—often faces shortages due to seasonal challenges such as inclement weather, flu season, and holiday distractions, making January an essential time to raise awareness.

“Thank you so much to the County of Rockland for recognizing the importance of blood donations during National Blood Donor Month and throughout the entire year,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “A single blood donation can save up to three lives, and this year alone, Rockland was responsible for approximately 5,000 blood donations. This is a testament to the County’s leadership as well as to the extraordinary generosity of its residents.”

Each blood donation can save up to three lives, and the demand for blood is constant, with someone in the United States requiring a transfusion every two seconds.