This week in the villages: South Nyack is holding its rescheduled Dissolution Workshop. Upper Nyack is holding a public hearing for amendments to several local laws. There are currently 170 active COVID-19 cases in the Nyack river villages; the 7-day positivity rate for Rockland County is 5.6%. The Rockland Community Power collaborative municipal energy program hosts another informational meeting. And there are various food, toy, and clothing drives to help your neighbors in need.
Nyack Area COVID Update for Dec 5
| 5-Dec | 30-Nov | ||
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Active cases by community
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| Nyack | 66 | 48 | |
| Valley Cottage | 48 | 32 | |
| West Nyack | 48 | 48 | |
| Piermont | 8 | 6 | |
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Rockland County
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| 7 day postivity rate | 5.6% | 4.1% | |
| Active cases | 1,953 | 1,478 | |
| Hospitalized | 52 | 65 | |
| COVID-19 deaths (total) | 707 | 695 |
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- Active cases by community
- Nyack: 66
- Valley Cottage: 48
- West Nyack: 48
- Piermont: 8
- Rockland County: The 7-day positivity rate for the county was 5.6% (update as of 12/5).
- Active cases: 1,953
- Currently hospitalized: 52
- There have been 707 COVID-19 related deaths in Rockland County
- Active cases by community as of Nov 30
- Nyack: 48
- Valley Cottage: 32
- West Nyack: 48
- Piermont: 6
- Rockland County: The 7-day positivity rate for the county was 4.1% as of Nov 30
- Active Cases: 1,478
- Currently Hospitalized: 65
- There have been 695 COVID-19 related deaths in Rockland County
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Source: Rockland County Health Department / NYS Health Department, 12/5/2020
The Rockland County Department of Health has partnered with Good Samaritan Hospital to provide one week of testing for school districts within Rockland’s Yellow Zone, beginning Monday, November 30th. Schools within the Yellow Zone are required to test 20% of students, faculty, and staff over the 2-week period immediately following the announcement of a Yellow Zone designation in order to stay open for in-person instruction. School districts have until December 9, 2020 to meet this initial requirement. More info at rocklandgov.com
Village of Nyack
Today (Dec 7), the Planning Board will consider applications for revised site plan, a site plan application for alterations to the interior onsite traffic flow, an application for the construction of a mausoleum at Oak Hill Cemetery, and site plan applications and requests for referrals to the Zoning Board of Appelas for required variances. Read the full agenda at Nyack-NY.gov before Zoom-ing into the meeting at 7p.
Mayor Don Hammond will hold his weekly Communication Meeting via Zoom on Thurs, Dec 10, 2020 at 9a.
And the Village Board of Trustees will hold a pre-meeting workshop on Thurs, Dec 10 at 6:30p before the Village Board meeting at 7:30p.
Holiday Parking
There will be NO charge for parking in the village’s Main St lots on Saturdays from Nov 28 to Dec 19, 2020. Please note that on-street meters will still be in effect. Parking is always free village-wide on Sundays. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses by shopping small and by enjoying the eclectic restaurant scene. Be safe!
Nyack Homeless Project
The Nyack Homeless Project is collecting donations of money, new clothes, and non-perishable food. Please help feed and clothe your Rockland neighbors in need. Visit nyackhp.org to donate or send a check to Nyack Homeless Project, PO Box 164, Nyack, NY 10960. For a list of drop off locations for non-perishable food, visit nyackhp.org.
Village of South Nyack
The Board of Trustees will meet on Tue, Dec 8, 2020. Read the Organizational Meeting agenda and the Board of Trustees agenda at Southnyack.ny.gov before Zoom-ing into the meeting at 7:30p.
The Planning Board will meet on Wed, Dec 9, 2020. Read the full agenda at Southnyack.ny.gov before Zoom-ing into the meeting at 7:30p
The rescheduled CGR follow up Village Dissolution Workshop will be held on Thurs, Dec 10, 2020 at 7:30p via Zoom. CGR will give an overview of their November 24th presentation, address concerns that have been previously mentioned, and provide a Q&A period.
Village of South Nyack Dissolution Vote Set for Dec 17
The Village of South Nyack dissolution referendum will be held on Thurs, Dec 17, 2020. Read the top takeaways from the outside consultant’s analysis in CGR’s S. Nyack Dissolution Report: 10 Important Takeaways.
The Village Board of Trustees and Mayor Bonnie Christian have engaged the services of CGR to provide consultation services related to a Citizen Dissolution of South Nyack Petition that was filed on Aug 14, 2020. CGR has created The Future of the Village of South Nyack website to inform its residents.
South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian
Last week, South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian wrote to residents to address misleading information about dissolution that has been posted on social media.
What happens if voters choose to dissolve the village?
- Representation: After dissolution, the self-governing municipality of South Nyack will be eliminated and the former village will instead become an unincorporated area within the Town of Orangetown. ALL LEGISLATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES would be taken over by the Orangetown Supervisor and Town Board, none of whom lives in South Nyack.
- Land use, planning, and zoning laws: These laws allow South Nyack to regulate the development of land within its boundaries, including the ability to control the size and type of buildings, the purpose for which buildings and lots may be used, the location of high-density housing and green spaces, the amount of commercial activity and business, and so on. These local laws allow South Nyack to directly control the character and vision of the village. It is critical to understand that, after dissolution, ALL CONTROL OF LAND USE, PLANNING, AND ZONING would be handed over to Orangetown. The Town of Orangetown would have no obligation to honor any of our existing land use laws or zoning codes and it is impossible before the referendum to carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Orangetown laws. No member of the Orangetown Planning Board or Zoning Board lives in South Nyack.
- Nyack College: By law, a municipality–whether the Village of South Nyack or the Town of Orangetown–is not allowed to interfere with the sale of private property. Dissolution would have no effect on the sale of Nyack College. With the status of the Nyack College property being a major issue for the village, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO THROW AWAY CONTROL OF LAND USE MATTERS.
- Village staff and services: The highly-responsive staff and the exceptional services provided by the village would also disappear. Many South Nyack residents have interacted with Jill, Sokuna, and Scott from our Village Hall and Building Department; with Jim, Matt, and Nelson from DPW; and, with our community police officers and Chief Wilson. With dissolution, ALL VILLAGE STAFF AND SERVICES WOULD BE LOST. Orangetown would be under no obligation to hire any of our staff, and the quality of replacement services from Orangetown is unknown.
- Taxes: Currently, almost 2/3 of our property tax dollars are consumed by the Nyack School District and Library. After dissolution, that high taxation would remain exactly the same, saving residents nothing. It is, however, true that if the village dissolves, taxpayers would no longer pay village-related taxes. The owner of a median-assessed property would see a net reduction in tax-and-service-related costs of about 6.3%*.
Voters must determine if an estimated 6.3% decrease in tax and service-related costs is worth the real cost of dissolution:
- the loss of self-governance,
- the loss of control over our land,
- the loss of excellent services,
- the loss of staff,
- the loss of the ability to determine our own solutions for local issues.
— South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian
Absentee ballot applications for the Dec 17 dissolution referendum are available on the Village of South Nyack website or at Village Hall (845-358-0287). The original, signed application must be returned to the South Nyack Village Clerk’s Office (cannot be emailed or faxed). Voters with COVID-19 concerns may vote by absentee ballot. The referendum ballot will not be available until the first week of December; however, voters can submit absentee ballot immediately. Ballots must be returned to the village clerk’s office, 282 S Broadway 9p on Dec 17, 2020.
Leaf Collection
Curbside leaf collection will go through Fri, Dec 18, 2020, weather permitting. Please place loose leaves in the gutter in a wind-row for pick-up by the DPW vacuum. The leaves must be free of sticks, rocks, and trash. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to inform their landscape contractor of village requirements. Grass clippings and other yard debris should be put in bio-degradable bags and placed on the grass between the sidewalk and the curb.
Bio-bags are available at Village Hall for South Nyack residents. A copy of South Nyack Department of Public Works guidelines may be found on southnyack.ny.gov.
Village of Upper Nyack
Clean Energy Program – Answers to Your Questions
The Nyack Villages, the Town of Clarkstown, the Town of Orangetown, and the Village of Haverstraw are proud to be among the founding members of a collaborative municipal energy program called Rockland Community Power. This program will bring 100% renewable energy to the communities, while also lowering costs and strengthening consumer protection.
Do you have questions about Rockland’s Clean Energy Program? Are you confused by a letter you got from O&R or an email from Constellation energy? Join an online information session to get answers to all your questions tonight, Mon, Dec 7, 2020 at 7p.
Yard Debris
As a reminder to all residents and contractors, yard debris must be bagged or bundled as follows:
- Brush: Must be tied in bundles no longer than 5 ft and must be easily handled by one person.
- Leaves, Grass, Clippings, and Yard Debris: Must be placed in biodegradable paper bags (available at the Village Hall). May not be placed in the roadway. Will not be collected if in plastic bags, boxes or cans.
- Dirt and Stones: Will NOT be collected. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to dispose of them
- Construction Materials and Debris: Contractors are responsible for the removal of all construction materials and debris. All trees or brush cut by professional tree services and landscapers must be removed by the contractor.
- Mattresses: Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic.
Save the Date – Public Hearing for Amendments to Local Laws
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Upper Nyack will hold a public hearing on Thurs, Dec 17, 2020 at 7:30p at the Upper Nyack Village Hall to amend the following local laws from the 1965 Code of General Ordinances as follows:
- Chapter 2, Regulation of Vehicles, amending Ordinance 2.2 e. Parking of Vehicles, extending no parking on North Broadway, also known as local law #7 of 2020.
- Chapter 3, Fires, Burning, Refuse, etc. – Permit Required, amending Ordinance 3.3 sections a, b., and c. to allow for fire pit or burn barrels, also known as local law #8 of 2020.
- Chapter 4, Health and Sanitation, amending Ordinance 4.1 c. Receptacles for Rubbish, etc.: Collection and Charges, amending the time you may put your receptacle curb side, also known as local law #9 of 2020.
The meeting will be held via Zoom videoconferencing, and a transcript will be provided at a later date. The public will have the opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments. Comments and questions can also be provided via email before the meeting to Carol G. Brotherhood, Village Clerk at village.clerk@uppernyack-ny.us. The full text of the proposed amendments will be available on uppernyack-ny.us.
Recording of the November 19 Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees
In case you missed it, a video recording and a transcript are available for the November 19 Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees.
Town of Orangetown
Spotted Lanternfly
The NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets will be in Orangetown to survey for a possible infestation of an invasive species, the Spotted Lanternfly. This insect has the potential to damage agricultural crops and trees in New York State. If you should spot a spotted lanternfly, please take a picture, note the location and e-mail spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov
Santa’s Mailbox
What better way to mail your letters to Santa than in the beautiful mailboxes set up at the Orangeburg Fire House? The mailboxes will be set up on Monday nights from 6:30 – 8p and during the toy drive. If your name and address is on your letter, you will receive a response from the North Pole. Santa was sighted at the mailboxes removing the letters that were already dropped off. If you have any questions, please call the elf hotline at 845-721-4267.
Orangetown Recreation Santa Claus 5k Run
The 29th annual Orangetown Santa Claus 5K Run will be held on Sun, Dec 13, 2020 at 10:30a. This will be a safe and socially distant event and will follow all NYS guidelines:
- Staggered start based on registrants’ times. Faster runners will go out first.
- Runners will be placed in groups of 10-12 to allow for proper spacing.
- 2 runners will cross the start line every 10-15 seconds.
There will be pre-registration for this event only at communitypass.net. No race day registration will be available. The fee is $25. Unfortunately, children’s races are cancelled for 2020 and there will be no division or overall prizes.
Toy Drives, Chanukah Packages, and Food Drive
The Orangetown Police Benevolent Association is hosting its annual toy drive. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off in the box outside the Orangetown Police Department.
The Orangeburg Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a toy drive. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the fire department on the following dates:
- Fri, Dec 11 from 5-8p
- Sat, Dec 12 from 12p until the parade start
- Sat, Dec 19 from 10a-2p
The Chabad of the Nyacks is putting together special DIY Chanukah packages to be delivered to families in the community. To request a package for your family or a friend or if you would like to sponsor some packages or help deliver them, visit chabadnyack.org.
South Orange Central School District is holding a Food Drive. The drop off dates for non-perishable and perishable food items, and toiletries are Tue, Dec 8 and Tue, Dec 15 from 4-7p at the SOCSD Food Pantry, 561 Rte 9W, Piermont. You may also drop off non-perishable food only at the Orangetown Town Hall Police Station. Donations may also be made by purchasing items from the Amazon Wish List for direct delivery to the pantry. For more information, visit socsd.org.
Town of Clarkstown
Comprehensive Plan 2020 Teleconference Meeting, Wed, Dec 9, 2020, 7p
Join Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Planner for a Teleconference Meeting on the Comprehensive Plan 2020 based on your ideas and vision for the future of the town. Residents can call 845-639-2150 or 845-207-0875 to join or watch on FB live.
Toys for Tots
There is a U.S. Marine Corp Toys for Tots donation box located at Clarkstown Town Hall, 2nd floor lobby, 10 Maple Ave, New City.
Rockland County
Rockland Jews for Immigrant Justice Receives Grants to Provide Aid to County’s Immigrants
Rockland Jews for Immigrant Justice (RJIJ) has helped Rockland County’s immigrants by providing food, information, and support to families struggling with immigration and detention issues. RJIJ has been partnering with locally-based Proyecto Faro/Project Lighthouse to support their emergency food purchase and distribution program that feeds 200 immigrant families.
Recently, RJIJ received 2 grants to fund its work, a $2,500 mini grant from the Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus Institute for Immigrant and Refugee Justice at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and a $400 PATH grant from Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension of Rockland County.
In addition to providing food, Proyecto Faro holds a monthly Zoom legal clinic to assist undocumented immigrants with questions and completing immigration documents and other paperwork. The clinics are participatory and focus on empowerment through sharing knowledge. Jeff Shalom, an attorney, joins in the clinic sessions. Proyecto Faro also operates a Rapid Response Hotline at (845) 262-9586 in the event of an ICE detention.
Proyecto Faro assists immigrants living in Spring Valley, East Ramapo, Haverstraw, Nyack and throughout the county.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Programs) Applications Available to Rockland Residents
Rockland County families with low incomes can apply for grants to help pay for their heating bills under New York State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The amount of the benefit depends on income and family size and payments are made directly to the utility company. To be eligible, single persons living alone must have a monthly gross income no higher than $2,610. Monthly income limits for larger households may be found at rocklandgov.com. Anyone who is living in federally subsidized housing or who is enrolled in the Section 8 Voucher/Certificate Program where heat is included in the rent may be eligible for a $21 benefit if they have an electric bill in their name.
New and returning HEAP applicants can apply online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or by mail. New HEAP applicants will be called for a phone interview. In person interviews are not required; there are no in person appointments at this time. Please call the HEAP Department at 364-3480 or 364-3212, Mon through Fri, between 8a and 5p if you want a paper application or if you have any questions.
4th Annual Department of Social Services (DSS) Toy and Clothing Drive
The DSS announced that the county will be accepting new, unwrapped toys, gifts, and clothing during its 4th Annual Toy and Clothing Drive. The drive takes place each year to ensure that every child in Rockland County has a gift to open for the holidays. Toys and gifts are requested for children 18 or younger. The drive will run through Fri, Dec 18.
For the first time this year you can drop off toys, gift cards, or clothing on Sat, Dec 12, 2020 from 10a to 2p at the DSS Office, 50 Sanatorium Rd, Bldg C, Pomona. Someone will come to your car and take the items for your convenience. A list of drop off locations may be found at www.rocklandgov.com.
Rockland County Online Holiday Shopping Expo
The Rockland Business Women’s Network will host the first ever Rockland County Online Holiday Shopping Expo from Dec 5 until Dec 9, 2020. This virtual event on rocklandshopping.com will offer every business in Rockland County the opportunity to showcase their products and services online in time for holiday shopping.
