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

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4 weeks ago

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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.

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Government

$16 Million Route 304 Repaving Project Set for Rockland County

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4 days ago

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March 7, 2026

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NANUET, NY — A long-awaited repaving project along State Route 304 is scheduled to begin this spring, bringing a $16 million infrastructure investment to Rockland County.

New York State Senator Bill Weber announced the project alongside Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, members of the Clarkstown Town Board, and Rockland County Legislator Will Kennelly.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) confirmed that crews will mill and resurface Route 304 from the pavement joint south of West Nyack Road to U.S. Route 9W.

Construction is expected to begin during the spring 2026 construction season. Most of the work will take place overnight to reduce disruptions for drivers and nearby businesses.

“For years, residents have raised concerns about the poor condition of Route 304,” Weber said. “Potholes, uneven pavement, and safety issues have been a constant complaint. I’m pleased to see this $16 million investment moving forward and relief on the way for the thousands of drivers who use this road every day.”

According to Weber, his office began advocating for improvements to the roadway several years ago after hearing concerns from residents and local officials. He said the project reflects continued engagement with state transportation officials to secure needed infrastructure upgrades.

The project will include milling the existing roadway and installing a new asphalt overlay. Crews will also complete targeted concrete repairs, review drainage conditions, restore pavement markings, and install audible roadway delineators to improve driver safety.

Weber also pointed to another major infrastructure project in the 38th Senate District. A $9 million improvement project on Route 303, stretching from Al Foxie Way to Route 9W in the towns of Clarkstown and Orangetown, is currently underway and expected to be completed by next winter.

“Safe roads are essential to our daily lives, our local economy, and the well-being of our community,” Weber said. “I will continue working with state and local partners to ensure Rockland County receives the infrastructure investment it deserves.”

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Government

Pentagon Identifies 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iran Drone Strike

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7 days ago

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March 4, 2026

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WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Tuesday identified four of the six American service members killed during the opening hours of the war with Iran.

The soldiers died Saturday in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck a U.S. tactical operations center at the Port of Shuaiba, a key military logistics hub supporting regional operations.

Those identified are:

  • Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven

  • Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue

  • Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake

  • Spc. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines

Defense officials said the service members were supporting operations in the region when the drone impacted the command post. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified pending notification of next of kin.

The strike marks the first confirmed U.S. military fatalities since hostilities between the United States and Iran escalated. Military officials have warned that further casualties are possible as operations continue across the region.

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