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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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11 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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West Point Memorial Monument Unveiled at La Fière Bridge Honors WWII Leaders

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16 minutes ago

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June 10, 2026

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A new West Point Memorial Monument was unveiled on June 4, 2026, at La Fière Bridge in Sainte-Mère-Église, France, as part of the 82nd Anniversary commemoration of D-Day.

The monument honors more than 150 graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Long Gray Line who led and fought during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that began on June 6, 1944.

Among the most notable West Point graduates associated with the Normandy campaign are General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force; Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, who commanded U.S. ground forces on D-Day; Lieutenant General J. Lawton Collins, who led VII Corps during the assault on Utah Beach; and Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, who commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the airborne operations preceding the landings. These leaders played pivotal roles in planning and executing the operation that helped turn the tide of World War II in Europe.

Situated near the historic La Fière Bridge, a strategic objective during the Normandy campaign and the site of intense fighting following the airborne landings, the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of West Point graduates who served during the liberation of Europe.

The bridge itself was a critical objective for Allied airborne forces, particularly elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, who fought to secure crossings and protect the inland advance from Utah Beach. The surrounding area remains one of the most studied and visited battlefields of the Normandy campaign.

The unveiling ceremony brought together military leaders, dignitaries, historians, veterans, and members of the public to honor the legacy of those who fought during D-Day and the broader Normandy campaign. The monument serves as a permanent reminder of the contributions made by generations of West Point graduates in defense of freedom during World War II.

Photo: Samantha Sergi

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Rockland County Promotes Native Plants and Water-Smart Landscaping

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1 week ago

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June 3, 2026

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The Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to embrace water-smart landscaping practices that conserve water and support environmental health.

Officials recommend reducing nonfunctional lawn areas and replacing them with native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, bioswales, and rain barrels. These practices help reduce water consumption, manage stormwater runoff, improve groundwater recharge, and increase resilience to climate change.

According to the Council, water demand in Rockland County rises from an average of 30 million gallons per day to as much as 45 million gallons per day during the warmer months, placing additional strain on local water supplies.

Residents are encouraged to consider native plants such as Creeping Phlox, Foamflower ‘Elizabeth Oliver,’ and Jacob’s Ladder, which require less watering once established and are well-suited to local conditions.

Examples of successful rain gardens featuring native plants can be found at Orangeburg Library, Bowline Point Park, Kennedy Dells County Park, and Piermont Library.

By replacing sections of lawn with native plants and incorporating features that manage rainwater naturally, residents can play a direct role in protecting Rockland County’s water resources.

The initiative is part of the county’s ongoing effort to promote sustainable landscaping and encourage participation in the national “Less Lawn More Life” movement.

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