Government

Town of Clarkstown, State and Federal Officials Demand Action for State Route 59 Flooding

Published

3 years ago

January 23, 2024

NEW CITY, NY – Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Board, along with Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Senator Bill Weber, Congressman Mike Lawler’s office and Highway Superintendent Bob Milone held a press conference today at the site of the recurring State Route 59 flooding and road closures.

In the last year, State Route 59 in West Nyack has been closed 8 times due to rain events, with the 9th time expected this upcoming weekend due to forecasted weather conditions. Town, State and Federal officials joined together calling for the State to take action, since State Route 59 is a state road, with a taskforce of agencies needed to solve this problem.

State Route 59 is used by over 45,000 cars a day. It is a main artery for commercial business in the town and region, and for police, fire and EMS. Every day that the road is closed has catastrophic safety and economic impacts.

Requested actions called for:

State to take the lead in a multi-agency task force approach to solve this problem. Only the state can take this action since it is a state road.

Army Corp. of Engineers to dredge the Hackensack River.

State to add drainage basin capacity in areas impacted by the flooding.

State to increase culvert capacity on Route 303 that is causing the issues on Rt. 59.

Replacing/Repairing CSX bridge that serves as a choke point for water causing more flooding.

Since this is a State Route, the Town of Clarkstown cannot take independent action. Only the state is authorized to do the work necessary to fix this recurring problem.

Supervisor George Hoehmann stated, “We are calling for action and a comprehensive approach to correct the flooding on Rt. 59 in West Nyack. This will require all levels of government to work together, but the state must take the lead and develop a plan. This will also require the federal government to address the Hackensack River, likely allowing dredging and other solutions. I look forward to working with my colleagues in government to fix this problem.”

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski stated, “Flooding on Route 59 routinely causes traffic issues for drivers across Rockland County. The rise in severe rain storms has only made the problem worse. It is time for the state DOT to take action on this roadway and remedy the cause of this flooding. While the causes are broad and varied, the DOT must serve as the lead agency, developing the engineering remedies so that we can secure the funding and support necessary to fix this roadway. I will continue to work with my colleagues at all levels of government to ensure that they do so.”

Senator Bill Weber stated, “My colleagues and I gathered to address persistent flooding on route 59 near the Palisades Mall as a result of the Hackensack River overflowing each time there is a rainstorm. Together with Supervisor George Hoehmann, Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, and Congressman Mike Lawler, I am committed to effectively resolving this issue, ensuring the safety of our residents and their ability to pass through Rt. 59 even during a storm. The four of us are collaborating with multiple agencies to finally fix this problem which has occurred eight times last year alone.”

Congressman Mike Lawler stated, “The habitual flooding on Route 59 is a major concern that requires immediate attention. Throughout the appropriations process, I’ve made it a top priority to secure funding for important Hudson Valley priorities, including critical flood prevention projects and infrastructure. In the House-passed appropriations bill for Homeland Security, we secured millions for a project on Jeffrey Court. New York sends far more of our tax dollars to Washington than we receive back. I will never stop fighting for the funding our community needs and look forward to seeing the fruition of this important project.”

Government

Rockland County HEAP 2026-2027: Applications Open November 2

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With winter approaching and heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, Rockland County residents will be able to apply for financial assistance through the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The Rockland County Department of Social Services announced that applications for Regular HEAP benefits will open Monday, November 2, 2026. The federally funded program helps eligible low-income households pay their home heating bills.

Residents do not need to have a heating emergency or receive a utility shutoff notice to apply. County officials are encouraging eligible households to submit applications early.

“With high heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, HEAP can help eligible low-income households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families with young children, keep their heat on and stay warm this winter,” said Pat Frawley, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services.

How Much Heating Assistance Is Available?

For the 2026–2027 heating season, base Regular HEAP benefits for eligible households that pay directly for heating include:

$400 for households using natural gas or electricity.
$990 for households using oil or propane.

Additional benefits may be available depending on household income and whether the household includes a child under age six, an adult 60 or older, or someone with a disability.

Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including some residents whose heating costs are included in their rent. Benefits are generally paid directly to the household’s heating supplier.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on:

Household income and family size.
The type of heating fuel used.
Whether the household includes a young child, older adult or person with a disability.

Households with active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) cases may not need to file a separate Regular HEAP application.

How to Apply

Starting November 2, residents can apply through the following options:

Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
In person or by mail: Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building L, Pomona, NY 10970.
By phone: Call 845-364-3486 to see if you qualify for a telephone application.
By email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
By fax: 845-364-3130.

Residents applying by mail, email, fax or in person must submit a completed and signed application along with the required supporting documents.

Emergency Heating Assistance Begins in January

Additional assistance will become available January 4, 2027, when Emergency HEAP opens for eligible households facing a heating crisis, such as a utility shutoff or a shortage of heating fuel.

Emergency applications cannot be submitted online through myBenefits. Residents must contact the HEAP Unit for assistance.

Homeowners may also qualify for help repairing or replacing heating equipment through the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program, as well as assistance through the Clean and Tune program. Both programs opened October 1, 2026.

Where to Get More Information

For questions about eligibility, applications or available heating assistance, contact the Rockland County HEAP Unit:

Phone: 845-364-3486
Email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
Fax: 845-364-3130

HEAP benefits are subject to available funding. Residents are encouraged to apply early.

Government

Rockland County Warming Center Opens November 1 for Winter

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As colder weather approaches, Rockland County is preparing to provide shelter and essential services to residents experiencing homelessness with the reopening of its Warming Center on November 1.

County Executive Ed Day and Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley announced that the Rockland County Warming Center, located at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, will begin its winter season at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1.

Operated by the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS), the facility can accommodate up to 75 homeless single adults each night, providing a warm and safe place to stay during the cold winter months.

The center will generally operate overnight, allowing guests to stay through the following morning. During periods when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 32 degrees, the facility will also remain open during daytime hours.

Beyond providing a warm and safe place to rest, the Warming Center will offer guests access to essential services, including hot meals, showers and laundry facilities. On-site staff will also help individuals apply for public assistance benefits, explore job placement opportunities, obtain housing referrals and connect with other supportive services.

Transportation Available From Four Rockland Communities

Transportation to the Warming Center will be available from designated pickup locations in Nyack, Haverstraw, Spring Valley and Pomona.

The transportation schedule is as follows:

Nyack: 7 p.m. at Broadway and Burd Street, in front of First Reformed Church of Nyack.
Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. from the commuter parking lot across from Village Hall.
Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the Spring Valley Bus and Train Station.
Pomona: 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Building L bus shelter on the Health Center campus.

County officials encourage residents who may need assistance, as well as those seeking information for someone experiencing homelessness, to contact the Department of Social Services.

For additional information about the Warming Center and available services, call the Rockland County Department of Social Services at (845) 364-2332 or (845) 608-6670.

Rockland County also operates an Emergency Family Shelter specifically for children and families. You can contact the Rockland County DSS or call their Rockland County Warming Center information line at (845) 364-2332.