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“Office of Buildings & Codes Two Years Later” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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Two years ago this month, we fulfilled an order by New York State Department Of State (NYSDOS) to assume all functions and responsibilities of the Spring Valley Building Department, launching our Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC). 

We are working diligently to correct decades of mismanagement and neglect of the New York State Uniform Code in a village best described as ground-zero for illegal housing problems and remind everyone this is not something that can, nor will, be fixed overnight. 

Since launching we have conducted over 2,000 property inspections, uncovering more than 12,400 violations in those inspections, and thus far collected nearly half a million dollars in fines.  

To put this in further perspective, within the first year OBC had discovered an average of 10 violations per property, 5x more than other municipalities which discover an average of one or two per property.  The second-year inspection process has shown a decrease in the average number of violations cited. 

Despite all the hurdles, we completed 3-years’ worth of inspections in 2 years – 1 year ahead of schedule. 

So many people continue to express that they want this administration to do more; expand into other municipalities. Not only do we not have that authority, but it would be a massive undertaking and indicative of why Building and Fire code enforcement is one of the focuses of local municipalities.  

Illegal housing is becoming a major problem and in this village it’s at near-crisis level, but code enforcement is a temporary solution and does not solve the true cause of this issue. It is up to those we elect to local office to make sure development is happening properly, responsibly, and safely. Allowing landlords to get by without building permits and Certificates of Occupancy or building at substandard levels places, residents, business owners, merchants and first responders at risk.

I remind everyone at home that this problem underscores exactly why local elections matter. 

Voting for our nation’s leaders certainly has value but voting for local officials making decisions that directly affect your quality of life and wellbeing has even more impact. These local elections determine the leaders  you elect to make decisions that impact your families, your homes, your schools, and your taxes. 

If you don’t like the choices being made on behalf of your community, I encourage this County’s 200,000 active registered voters to cast their next ballot for candidates who will get it done right. 

Any building and fire code complaints in the Village of Spring Valley can be submitted to OBC at 845-364-3700 or by email to BuildingsandsCodes@co.rockland.ny.us.

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

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Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State on Monday, June 16 in Honor of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman

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ALBANY, NY – Governor Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who passed away during the politically targeted shootings in Minnesota on June 14. Flags will be at half-staff Monday, June 16.

“I join the State of Minnesota, family and loved ones in mourning the horrific loss of Representative Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman, and I am directing flags to be flown at half-staff in New York to honor Mr. and Ms. Hortman,” Governor Hochul said. “We should be settling our political differences in civil means — like at the ballot box — because violence is never the answer.” said Governor Hochul.

Congressman Mike Lawler

Assemblyman Patrick Carroll said “I am horrified by the murder of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murder of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, by the same perpetrator.

Any elected official enters public service to share our voice in government and advocate for our neighbors and the community. While disagreements and opposition to our positions is expected – never should any public servant be the target of violence or threats of violence. Our families sacrifice time with us as we do our governmental work but never themselves should worry that our service is putting them in harms way.

My heart is with the Hartman and Hoffman families. Be safe everyone.”

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New York State Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Weber’s Bill to Expand Trade Union Recruitment in High Schools

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Nanuet, NY – In a major step toward expanding career opportunities for students across New York State, the Senate has unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Weber (Senate Bill S5675), which empowers trade unions to conduct recruiting presentations in high schools. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, is being sponsored in the Assembly by Labor Committee Chair Assemblyman Harry Bronson.

Under current law, trade unions have limited access to high school students to share information about apprenticeships and career paths in the trades. Senator Weber’s legislation changes that by allowing trade unions—when invited by school administrators—to speak directly with students, distribute materials, and explain the benefits of union-supported career training and employment.

The bill will help address workforce shortages in critical sectors while providing students with a clearer understanding of all post-graduation options—including those that do not involve student debt.

“This legislation is about expanding horizons for our students,” said Senator Weber. “College is one path, but not the only one. Trade unions offer well-paying careers with benefits, security, and a future. Our young people deserve to hear about every opportunity available to them.”

Residents and advocates are encouraged to contact Speaker Carl Heastie’s office at 518-455-3791 and urge him to advance Assembly Bill A03734 to the floor for a vote.

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