Government

Town of Clarkstown Supervisor Hoehmann Issues Emergency Order on NYC Migrant Bus Rerouting

Published

3 years ago

December 31, 2023

NEW CITY, NY – Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann today issued a town wide emergency executive order in response to the Mayor of New York City’s executive order rerouting migrant buses.

Mayor Eric Adams has announced a new city emergency order, modeled after one used in Chicago, that intends to reroute buses carrying migrants who entered the country illegally away from New York City. Since this policy was enacted in Chicago earlier this month, Chicago’s suburbs have been overwhelmed with unannounced bus loads of migrants being dropped off. Creating safety and security hazards for impacted communities, who were unprepared and ill-equipped to handle these migrant bus arrivals.

In order to prevent Mayor Adam’s bus rerouting from overwhelming Clarkstown Supervisor Hoehmann’s emergency executive order will prevent charter bus companies and any chartered vehicle from making unannounced migrant drop offs at any location within the Town of Clarkstown or face penalties of $750 per person illegally dropped off plus impoundment of vehicle with related costs and fines.

The timing of Mayor Adam’s order could not have been worse for NYC suburbs. A historic sized migrant caravan is expected to cross the US/Mexican border this holiday weekend, with the potential to multiply the amount of migrants being bused to New York. Local governments and first responders have not been given time to prepare nor have the resources to respond to the overwhelming needs of hundreds or thousands of unannounced migrants.

This emergency order will be effective initially for 30 days with the plan for formal town board legislative action to make the order permanent in the New Year.

This action follows Supervisor Hoehmann’s unprecedented code enforcement actions to prevent illegal housing conversions and rentals to migrants as well as preventing NYC from housing migrants in Clarkstown hotels.

Supervisor George Hoehmann stated, “Clarkstown will not allow Mayor Eric Adams to potentially reroute countless numbers of migrant buses to our communities. We do not have the resources nor the ability to process even a single busload of unannounced migrants. My emergency executive order takes effect immediately. The town will vigorously enforce this order. All charter bus companies are on notice you cannot reroute unannounced migrant buses within Clarkstown’s borders. I will continue to ensure a whole-of-government approach to protect our communities in Clarktown. I urge all residents, if you see something, say something. You are our eyes and ears on the ground. If you see suspicious buses or vehicles, call the town immediately.”

Town Attorney Kevin Conway stated, “Supervisor Hoehmann using his emergency executive authority has issued this order for the safety and welfare of all residents of Clarkstown. Charter bus companies or any entity found violating this order will be subject to immediate penalties and enforcement. The town of Clarkstown is unable to safely handle and manage any rerouted migrant buses.”

If you see something, say something. In emergency situations call 9-1-1. Non-emergency calls can be placed to the general dispatch number for the CPD at 845-639-5800.

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.