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Clarkstown Begins 2026 with Swearing-In Ceremony and Major Sidewalk Expansion Grant
The Town of Clarkstown launched the new year with its annual swearing-in ceremony at Town Hall. Re-elected Supervisor George Hoehmann took the oath of office alongside Councilmembers John Valentino, Michael Graziano, Donald Franchino, and Bob Axelrod—not to be confused with the television character of the same name. Highway Superintendent Bob Malone and Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wall were also sworn in.
The event featured musical performances by the Clarkstown South High School Troubadours and invocations from local clergy.
In a significant infrastructure development, Clarkstown was awarded nearly $1.6 million through New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Program. The funds will be used to expand sidewalks in the Nanuet Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone, enhancing walkability and connecting over 2,500 homes to key community resources like schools, the public library, and the train station. Supervisor Hoehmann emphasized that the investment supports smart growth and improved pedestrian safety.
Clarkstown also marked January 9th as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, honoring Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker and the department for maintaining the town’s status as one of the safest in the nation.
Orangetown Maintains Fiscal Health, Plans for 250th U.S. Anniversary Celebration
Supervisor Theresa M. Kenny delivered the State of the Town address during Orangetown’s 2025 reorganization meeting. She reported a perfect 0.0 fiscal stress score and a strong AA2 bond rating, the highest in Rockland County. The 2026 budget remained below the state’s 2% tax cap, preserving a healthy fund balance of $29.8 million.
Kenny outlined ongoing efforts to relieve the tax burden and attract new businesses while also highlighting strategic land acquisitions. Orangetown recently secured 6.2 acres of Hudson River waterfront in South Nyack for future passive park development.
Additional infrastructure plans for 2026 include pedestrian safety upgrades, new traffic signals, and water stations along the rail trail. The town will also rename the OMM Soccer Complex to honor Dennis Troy for his public service. Major events are planned for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, including a July 4th parade and festival led by the Orangetown USA 250 Celebration Committee.
Nyack Launches Whimsical Downtown Shopping and Dining Guide
The Village of Nyack introduced a vibrant new downtown guide featuring an artist-designed map by Sam Wedelik. The guide segments Nyack into five unique business districts: Main Street, Broadway, SoBro (South Broadway), Franklin Street, and Upper Main. Each is color-coded for clarity and easy navigation.
The printed and digital guide includes a business directory grouped into 14 product and service categories, offering an intuitive way for residents and visitors to explore local restaurants, boutiques, and amenities. Regular updates will reflect business changes.
The Nyack Business Council reminded members of their virtual meeting schedule, though a recently publicized date appears to have been for a past session.
Suffern Highlights Community Events and Local Business Support
Suffern Mayor Michael F. Curley issued seasonal well-wishes while urging residents to support local shops and restaurants during the winter months. He specifically encouraged continued patronage of the historic Lafayette Theater.
Upcoming community events include a Senior Valentine’s Day Luncheon on February 13 from 12–2 p.m. at the Suffern Community Center, featuring food and dancing. Free fitness classes such as chair yoga and “stay fit” sessions are also scheduled to begin January 12.
The community recently celebrated the 40th anniversary screening of Labyrinth, which took place from January 9–11.
New Liquor Law Offers Relief for Bars and Restaurants
Senator James Skoufis co-sponsored a new “retail-to-retail” law allowing bars and restaurants to directly purchase limited quantities of liquor and wine—up to six bottles per week—from local liquor stores. Previously, establishments were restricted to distributor deliveries, which often involved surcharges and logistical delays.
The new law is designed to reduce supply chain burdens, especially during peak demand periods. It takes effect on March 5, 2026.
Rockland Grand Jury Issues 10 Indictments in Final 2025 Term
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh announced that the 13th and final grand jury of 2025 returned 10 indictments, concluding a term that ran from December 12 through January 8. Charges span serious offenses including multiple counts of rape, weapons possession, burglary, DWI, and failure to register as a sex offender.
Walsh affirmed his office’s commitment to pursuing justice swiftly and in accordance with state law, while also reminding the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Spotlight Interview: Joe Call Discusses Financial Fallout from Bowline Power Plant
At approximately 10:30 a.m., AM Rockland News welcomed Joe Call of North Rockland to discuss the decades-long financial impacts of the Bowline Power Plant on local taxpayers.
Call provided a thorough historical overview, noting that the facility once generated significant tax revenue until the plant’s operators—originally Orange & Rockland—began grieving their taxes around 1999. The eventual result was a $330 million tax settlement, forcing the North Rockland Central School District to issue a 30-year bond. This burden, Call explained, shifted nearly $48 million in lost annual revenue onto residential taxpayers.
Bowline now operates as a peaker plant, functioning only during periods of high electricity demand. Despite running only about 67 days per year, the plant can generate up to $4 million per day when active and still receives standby payments while idle. Call noted that even during downtime, the facility earns potentially $150,000 or more per day through capacity payments.
He raised concerns over tax fairness and transparency, especially given the plant’s continued profitability and the transfer of land parcels to local governments, which removed those assets from the tax rolls. Call also referenced a recent $100 million mortgage filing by the plant’s corporate successor, Bowline LLC.
“This is a state-level issue,” Call emphasized, urging New York’s senators and assemblymembers to pursue equitable revenue solutions for host communities of power plants across the state. “These issues are replicated statewide, and municipalities often don’t have the leverage to fight back.”
The segment concluded with a broader reflection on local government accountability and the need for public vigilance in protecting community resources.
For more interviews and in-depth local coverage, tune in to AM Rockland News weekday mornings. Tomorrow’s show will spotlight developments in government and business.
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