Government

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

Published

2 months ago

February 10, 2026

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.

Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

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.

Government

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

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

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