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

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6 months ago

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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)

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Government

Rockland County Legislature Selects Leadership for 2026

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22 hours ago

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January 19, 2026

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NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Legislature voted Thursday night to fill its leadership positions for 2026, reelecting Jay Hood Jr. to a fifth consecutive term as Chairman.

Aney Paul was reelected Vice Chairwoman, while Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.

Party leadership roles were also confirmed, with Democrats reelecting Alden H. Wolfe as Majority Leader and Republicans reelecting Lon M. Hofstein as Minority Leader. Dana Stilley was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, and Raymond W. Sheridan III was appointed Deputy Minority Leader.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for once again placing their trust in me,” Hood said. “I look forward to continuing our collaborative work within the Legislature and with the County Executive and Administration to deliver responsible governance and positive results for Rockland County residents. We accomplished a great deal in 2025, and I am confident we can build on that momentum in 2026.”

Hood has served in the County Legislature since 2007 and previously held the positions of Vice Chairman and Majority Leader. Before joining the Legislature, he served on the Haverstraw Town Board.

Paul was elected Vice Chairwoman for the seventh time. She was first elected to the County Legislature in 2012 and has previously served as Majority Leader.

In addition, Moshe Hopstein was sworn in after being appointed last year and subsequently winning election in November to fill the seat vacated by Aron B. Weider, who was elected to the New York State Assembly.

Legislators also unanimously reappointed Laurence O. Toole to a one-year term as Clerk to the Legislature. Toole appointed Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk.

All officials were sworn in by Donna Silberman.

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Government

Rockland County Executive Day Declares January as National Blood Donor Month

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23 hours ago

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January 19, 2026

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NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day has officially proclaimed January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the critical role blood donors and collection organizations play in saving lives. To honor Blood Donor Month, County Executive Day presented a proclamation to New York Blood Center (NYBC) in appreciation of their tireless efforts to ensure a steady and reliable blood supply.

In 2025, nearly 5,000 blood donations were collected from 129 New York Blood Center blood drives across Rockland County – a 16% increase over 2024.

“Blood donation is the greatest gift anyone can give as it saves precious lives,” said County Executive Day. “We’re proud to honor New York Blood Center for their unwavering commitment to this cause.”

New York Blood Center serves as a lifeline for hospitals and patients across the region, providing critical blood and platelets to meet the needs of individuals undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, or emergency care. During the colder months, NYBC—like all blood banks—often faces shortages due to seasonal challenges such as inclement weather, flu season, and holiday distractions, making January an essential time to raise awareness.

“Thank you so much to the County of Rockland for recognizing the importance of blood donations during National Blood Donor Month and throughout the entire year,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “A single blood donation can save up to three lives, and this year alone, Rockland was responsible for approximately 5,000 blood donations. This is a testament to the County’s leadership as well as to the extraordinary generosity of its residents.”

Each blood donation can save up to three lives, and the demand for blood is constant, with someone in the United States requiring a transfusion every two seconds.

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