Police/Fire/EMS

Town of Clarkstown Shuts Down Illegal Daycare Operating in Unfinished Basement

Published

11 months ago

July 10, 2025

New City, NY — Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker, and Town officials announced that they have taken swift legal action to shut down an illegally operating daycare discovered at 86 and 96 Maple Avenue in New City.

Following multiple complaints and tips received by the Building Department, a search warrant was obtained through Justice Court. Upon inspection, officials uncovered a shocking array of violations that placed dozens of children at serious risk.

Serious Overcrowding and Licensing Violations

69 children and 21 employees were found inside the building—more than double the legal occupancy limit of 33.
The operators lacked a New York State daycare license and had no special permit from the Town of Clarkstown to operate a daycare.
The premises were also improperly used for a U-Haul business, with no approval from the Town.

Unsafe Conditions: 30 Cribs in an Unfinished Basement

Investigators found 30 cribs located in a windowless, unventilated basement beneath a vape shop at 96 Maple Ave. The area failed to meet basic safety standards:

Only one access point via a rear staircase—violating NYS regulations requiring two ground-level exits for infant care.
Exposed electrical wiring, improperly stored flammable liquids, padlocked exits, and a lack of fire alarms were among 13 major fire and safety code violations identified.

Legal Action Underway

The Town has filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in New York State Supreme Court seeking injunctive relief to shut down the facility.
Code Enforcement proceedings are being initiated in Justice Court for overcrowding and numerous violations.
The case has been referred to the Clarkstown Police Department to determine if any criminal statutes were violated.
Child Protective Services (CPS) has stepped in and temporarily shut down the operation while further investigations continue.

“This was a dangerous and completely illegal operation that put dozens of children in harm’s way,” said Supervisor Hoehmann. “Thanks to the quick work of our Building Department, Police Department, and CPS, we were able to act quickly to protect the safety of our youngest residents.”

Officials have not yet confirmed whether charges will be filed against the individuals responsible for operating the facility.

Photos provided by Town officials show the cramped, unsafe conditions inside the properties. To see more photos visit/follow the Rockandreport on Facebook.

Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Police Department Promotes Matt Sheehy to Lieutenant

Published

3 days ago

May 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Clarkstown Police Department has announced the promotion of Sgt. Matt Sheehy to the rank of lieutenant.

Lt. Sheehy most recently served as the department’s Administrative Sergeant and has held several leadership and specialized assignments throughout his career with the department.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department, Sheehy has served as a member of the Honor Guard, participated in the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, supervised the department’s Bike Unit, and worked as a police academy instructor.

He has also been active in law enforcement advocacy and labor organizations, serving as an executive board member of the Rockland County PBA and as a committee member for the Clarkstown Police Department PBA.

Department officials said Lt. Sheehy will now be assigned to the Patrol Division, where he will continue serving the Clarkstown community.

The department congratulated Sheehy on his promotion, calling it well deserved and recognizing his years of dedication and professionalism in law enforcement.

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Officers, EMT Honored After Hudson River Rescue Saves Man’s Life

Published

3 days ago

May 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Two Haverstraw police officers and an off-duty EMT were recognized this week for their heroic actions in rescuing an unconscious man from the Hudson River last summer.

According to the Haverstraw Police Department, Officer Matthew Mancuso, Officer Cassandra Marrero, and off-duty EMT Stephanie Torres responded to an emergency at Emeline Park in August 2025 involving a 52-year-old man who had become unresponsive in the water.

Authorities said the victim was located approximately 100 feet from the shoreline when the rescue effort began. Mancuso, Marrero, and Torres entered the Hudson River, reached the unconscious man, and pulled him safely back to shore.

Once on land, the trio immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures, successfully restoring the man’s pulse before emergency medical crews transported him to a local hospital for further evaluation. Officials confirmed the man survived the incident.

This week, the three rescuers were formally recognized by John Gould Jr. for their quick response, bravery, and coordinated efforts that helped save the man’s life.

Officials praised the actions of both on-duty responders and civilians who work together during emergencies, noting that the rescue demonstrated exceptional courage and teamwork under pressure.