Government

Speaker Heastie and Assemblyman Carroll Announce Over $2.1 Million in Funding for Projects in the Village of Haverstraw

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2025

Haverstraw, NY — New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblyman Patrick J. Carroll visited the Village of Haverstraw on July 3, 2025, joining Mayor Michael Kohut on a tour of major community assets while announcing more than $2.1 million in state funding for essential public safety, affordable housing, and youth programs.

Stops included the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry Landing, the Haverstraw Fire Department, the future site of Westhab’s Affordable Housing Project, and the Haverstraw Center, highlighting the community’s collective commitment to building a safer, more supportive environment for working families.

“Our visit today was a plentiful showing of this community’s commitment to investing in the safety and security of hardworking families,” said Speaker Heastie. “The Village of Haverstraw is a true blueprint for how public investment strengthens neighborhoods.”

One of the major highlights of the visit was the announcement of $1 million in funding for Westhab, the Hudson Valley’s largest non-profit affordable housing developer, to support the construction of 81 new housing units for low-income families in Haverstraw. The investment aligns with the Assembly Majority’s statewide mission to expand access to affordable housing in high-need areas.

“Today’s tour showcased the incredible work this community is doing to support each other,” added Assemblyman Carroll. “From the life-saving work of our fire department to the outreach provided by Westhab and the Haverstraw Center, these projects are making a real difference.”

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Carroll also pledged:

$650,000 for the Haverstraw Fire Department’s fireboat, used for river patrols and mutual aid operations across neighboring districts.

$350,000 for essential firefighting equipment, ensuring the department’s all-volunteer force remains well-equipped to protect the community.

$140,000 for Youth Programs and Summer Camp at Haverstraw Center

The tour concluded at the Haverstraw Center, home to the Department of Youth and Family Services, where the leaders announced $140,000 in funding to fully cover the cost of two summers of youth camp. The center plays a vital role in delivering mental health counseling, food access, educational programming, and legal assistance for families across the area.

Project Funding Breakdown:

$1,000,000 – Westhab Affordable Housing Development (81 units)

$650,000 – Fireboat support for river patrol and mutual aid

$350,000 – New fire department equipment

$140,000 – Full funding for youth summer camp (2025 & 2026)

Government

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

1 week ago

September 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

Shower timers
Toilet leak-detection tablets
Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.