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My Plan to Stop Overdevelopment and Preserve Orangetown! By Teresa Kenny

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5 years ago

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As a local real estate attorney and Deputy Town Attorney in Orangetown for the last twenty-three years, I have seen firsthand the challenges we face and worked with the Town Board to implement common sense strategies to protect taxpayers, stop overdevelopment, and preserve our quality of life in Orangetown. 

During my time in the Deputy Town Attorney’s office, I have worked closely with the Town Board to craft and implement critical laws designed to address these concerns.  

Over the last decade, the town has made significant progress under the Republican Majority by passing laws and taking action: 

– An LLC Disclosure Law, that requires all LLC’s to reveal their members whenever they apply for a permit or an action before the land use boards;

– A law to regulate the placement of places of worship and schools by addressing deficiencies in the Town code regarding lot and bulk controls, which resulted in a larger minimum lot size requirement;

– A law to implement the town’s “Do Not Knock” registry;

– A law to establish a landlord registry;

– A law to improve the public notification to neighbors of land use projects and zone change requests;Establishing non-residents fees for use of our parks and recreational facilities;

– Increasing fines for violators of our town code; and

– Hiring additional code enforcement officers. 

However, these laws and actions are not enough. With the continued efforts of Ramapo developers to change the character of our suburban communities in Rockland (see the proposed Pascack Ridge Development), more must be done to strengthen and protect our zoning laws and enforce our town code. 

– In order to preserve our suburban community and our single-family residential neighborhoods, we must move forward on these additional laws and initiatives: 

– Update the Town’s woefully outdated comprehensive plan, which hasn’t been updated since 2003 and review and strengthen our zoning laws and town code;

– Establish a land trust to purchase “under threat” properties to avoid fire sales and market the properties to proper buyers or repurpose for use by town residents;

– Work with environmentally friendly businesses to commercially develop RPC, fill the IRG property, improve the Route 303 corridor and protect large properties such as Nyack College and HNA;

– Grow our economy, with prosperous businesses – new and existing – and vibrant downtown business districts, to help produce clean tax ratables and reduce the property tax burden on town residents; and

– Judiciously use PAC (Planned Adult Community) zones to allow seniors to stay in our town and consider market rate “Millennial Housing” in and around our downtown business districts for our young residents to move to until they are ready to buy a single-family home in the town. 

The future of Orangetown depends on strong leadership and a vision for the future. We cannot afford to go backwards.  

As Supervisor, I will continue the good work of the current board and tackle these issues head on in a bipartisan way, as I have done for the last 23 years in the Town Attorney’s office. 

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Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann Announced His Re-Election Campaign

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4 minutes ago

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February 24, 2025

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New City, NY — (02/21/25) Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann (R,C-New City) formally announced his re-election last night in front of a packed house of nearly 200 supporters in New City. Hoehmann has served as Supervisor since 2015 and previously was an elected member of the town board and appointed member of the planning board. Hoehmann, a Clarkstown native, is running to continue his proven bipartisanship track record of delivering on behalf of all residents of the Town of Clarkstown.

Supervisor George Hoehmann stated, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Clarkstown Supervisor. I have dedicated all my efforts to serving Clarkstown as a bipartisan problem solver who gets things done. From cracking down on illegal housing, to keeping our town finances in check, to keeping our families safe with the top ranked police department in the state, expanding our parks and recreation offerings for all residents, protecting and improving our environment, securing record grant funding for major infrastructure work – there is a lot for our residents and taxpayers to be proud of, and we are just getting started. I will work hard through November to earn each and every vote for re-election. I would be honored to have your vote.”

Congressman Michael V. Lawler stated, “Supervisor George Hoehmann and I work together on a daily basis for the betterment of every resident in Clarkstown. George knows what needs to get done in town and works non-stop to keep Clarkstown a great place to live, work and raise a family. I fully endorse and urge all to support George in his re-election.”

Senator Bill Weber stated, “Supervisor George Hoehmann works tirelessly for the Town of Clarkstown. He gets things done. We have a strong working relationship focused on helping all residents of the town. It is without hesitation that I endorse and support George in his re-election campaign. ”

County Executive Ed Day stated, “George Hoehmann delivers results for Clarkstown. We are strong partners who work together every day to protect the taxpayers and residents of Clarkstown. George has my complete support and endorsement to keep serving as Supervisor. I look forward to running with him this November and ask all to cast their vote for Supervisor George Hoehmann.”

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Politics

New City Attorney Nabeela McLeod Announces Candidacy for Rockland County Family Court Judge

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1 month ago

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January 21, 2025

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Nabeela McLeod, a dedicated advocate for families and justice, joined by family, friends, and supporters announces her candidacy for Rockland County Family Court Judge at the Rockland County Courthouse in New City. Nabeela has a proven track record of practicing law for over 18 years and has a deep commitment to supporting children and families. Nabeela is ready to bring fairness, compassion, and integrity to the bench.

“If elected, I promise to approach every case with dignity, compassion, and respect. Every family, every child, and every individual who comes before me will be treated with fairness and care. As you can see, I’ve invited people from all over Rockland County—across different towns, villages, and political backgrounds—because I am committed to serving each and every resident fairly and equally.” said Nabeela McLeod.

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