Government

Kevin McGuinness Named Rockland County Coordinator of Environmental Resources

Published

2 years ago

January 27, 2024

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced that Kevin McGuinness has been named the new Coordinator of Environmental Resources. McGuinness accepts the Coordinator role following a position with Ramboll, an architecture, engineering, and consultancy firm, as a principal scientist. In that role McGuinness was responsible for environmental investigations and appropriate remediation of contamination on former industrial properties.

“I am proud to share the news of this great addition to lead our Division of Environmental Resources. I have no doubt that Kevin McGuinness understands the complexities involved in maintaining our county-owned parklands, specifically preserving, and protecting resources and environment. McGuinness is incredibly qualified with an array of experience conducting environmental remediations and negotiating environmental projects with regulatory agencies and I am confident that experience will ensure he gets the job done,” said County Executive Ed Day.

McGuinness’ other work experience includes being a former Rockland County Parks Commissioner and is currently co-chair of the NY/NJ Trail Conference. In that role he is responsible for the maintenance, improvement, and preservation of 180 miles of the Long Path from New York City to Green County, NY. He additionally manages trail maintainers, supervisors, and trail crew members and meets with stake holders, politicians, and municipalities to aid in the preservation of the existing trail and to acquire open space to further improve the trail.

The Coordinator of Environmental Resources position pays $114,827 annually and requires the confirmation of the Rockland County Legislature.

“The Coordinator of Environmental Resources plays a critical role in managing administrative and managerial functions of Environmental Resources in addition to handling all work related to the parks including security, determinations on granting permits, and enforcement of rules and regulations, to name a few,” explained County Executive Day. “I’m confident McGuinness will guide DER down the right path.”

Government

New York State DMV Offices Closed Feb. 13–17 for System Upgrade

Published

4 days ago

February 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will temporarily suspend all in-person and online services due to a scheduled technology system upgrade, officials announced.

The system update will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, at which time all DMV offices statewide will close. Offices will remain closed through Tuesday, February 17. During this period, online transactions and phone services will also be unavailable.

All DMV services are expected to fully resume at the start of business on Wednesday, February 18.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and complete any urgent DMV transactions prior to the closure. Additional information is available on the DMV’s website at dmv.ny.gov.

Government

Rockland County Issues $42K in Penalties After 51 Violations Found at Spring Valley Property

Published

4 days ago

February 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW CITY, N.Y. — The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes has assessed approximately $42,000 in penalties against property owner Joel Friedman of Spring Valley after inspectors identified 51 building and safety violations at 18 White Street.

The inspection took place on January 22 at the request of the Spring Valley Police Department, following a 911 call related to the death of a child at the residence. The child’s death remains under investigation. County officials said there are no known facts at this time indicating the condition of the structure contributed to the death.

The property is certified as a two-family residence, which is not subject to routine inspections under state law. County officials said inspectors were authorized to enter the property after police reported evidence of an unlawful conversion.

Inspectors found that the garage, basement, and second floor had been illegally converted for residential use, contrary to the building’s Certificate of Occupancy. Uninhabitable areas were found to be occupied, with doors and windows boarded up.

Among the violations cited were:

Alterations without permits
Unsafe electrical conditions
Blocked or obstructed exits
Missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Presence of combustible materials
Unlawful changes to use and occupancy

Officials said additional hazards included unsafe wiring and the use of hot plates and portable heaters.

County officials confirmed that no children were present during the inspection and that this was the first inspection request ever received for the property, with no prior violation history.

The County also addressed social media claims suggesting the property was operating as an unlicensed daycare, stating there was no signage, licensing, or other visible evidence to support that allegation.

“This tragedy underscores the importance of code compliance and community responsibility,” said County Executive Ed Day, urging residents to report unsafe conditions in properties not subject to routine inspections.

Edward Markunas, Director of the Office of Buildings and Codes, said the violations posed “serious life-safety concerns.”

The County confirmed that Child Protective Services is involved and continues to work with law enforcement as appropriate.

Residents can report building and code violations to the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes at 845-364-3700 or obcmain@co.rockland.ny.us.