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

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2 years ago

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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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Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

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1 week ago

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April 19, 2026

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NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management is encouraging residents to learn how climate change is affecting water availability and what steps they can take to protect the county’s supply.

Experts say climate change is increasingly being viewed as a water crisis, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns lead to stronger storms, flooding, and drought. Although water covers much of the planet, less than one percent of freshwater is readily available for human use, making conservation critical.

Rockland County depends entirely on local surface and groundwater sources to serve homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. As the population grows and climate conditions evolve, officials say responsible water use is essential to maintaining a stable supply.

“Protecting our water supply is essential to the long-term health and economic stability of Rockland County,” said Ed Day. “Education and conservation are key tools that help ensure our water resources remain reliable for future generations.”

💧 Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Residents can make a meaningful impact with small, everyday actions:

  • Fix household leaks promptly
  • Take shorter showers
  • Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
  • Use water-efficient appliances
  • Plant native or drought-tolerant landscaping
  • Water lawns and gardens efficiently

Reducing water use also lowers energy consumption, since energy is required to pump, treat, and heat water—helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials encourage residents to follow the task force online for updates, resources, and conservation tips. More information is available through the county’s water conservation program.

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Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks and Minnows to Fight Summer Mosquitoes

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1 week ago

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April 19, 2026

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The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is giving residents two free tools to fight mosquitoes:

1. Mosquito Dunks®

  • Donut-shaped tablets placed in standing water
  • Kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults
  • Safe for use in:
    • Unused/covered pools
    • Hot tubs
    • Other stagnant water containers

2. Fathead minnows

  • Small fish that eat mosquito larvae (up to ~200 per day each)
  • Good for:
    • Unused pools
    • Ornamental ponds
    • Water sources with at least 8 inches of water

 How to get Mosquito Dunks

  • Pickup location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex (Pomona)
  • Appointment required
  • To request:
  • Bring a completed Mosquito Dunk Order Form to pickup

 Minnow giveaway details

  • Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • Time: 4:30–6:00 PM
  • Location: 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona
  • Reservation required (call or reserve online)
  • ⚠️ Must be used within Rockland County (permitting rules)

 What residents should do

Even if you don’t pick these up, the most effective step is simple:

  • Check your yard weekly
  • Dump or remove anything holding water (buckets, tarps, gutters, planters, etc.)

Why it matters

These efforts help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses (like West Nile virus), which spread through standing-water breeding.

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