NEW CITY, NY — Town and county officials swiftly shut down an illegally operating daycare facility in New City this week, rescuing approximately 70 children from hazardous and unlicensed conditions that posed imminent risks to their safety and well-being.
At a press conference led by Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, local leaders, inspectors, and law enforcement described the alarming scene discovered on July 7 at properties located at 86 and 96 Maple Avenue. Officials found at least 69 children were using the facility at least for the past two weeks—some as young as three months old—along with 21 adults occupying a building with a legal occupancy limit of just 33.
“Children were found sleeping in pack-and-play cribs in an unfinished basement filled with flammable materials such as gas cans and propane tanks, without ventilation or proper emergency exits,” said Hoehmann. “These were nightmares come to life.”
Anonymous tips submitted via the town’s 311 system prompted the investigation. When building inspectors and code enforcement officers were initially denied access to the properties, owned by entities controlled by Aaron Altman and associated with Congregation Moira Chani, the town sought and obtained a search warrant.
The buildings were not licensed to operate as a daycare. The only approved uses were as a house of worship, a vape shop, and a tailor shop—none of which allow child care services. A prior application to operate a daycare had been submitted but was never completed or approved. Nonetheless, daycare operations reportedly began in late June or early July.
According to officials, the basement—used for infant care—lacked windows, had exposed nails and wiring, and only one exit. The facility also illegally operated as a U-Haul rental and storage site. “This is one of the most egregious violations of health and safety codes I’ve ever seen,” said the town’s fire inspector.
The Town of Clarkstown has filed for a temporary restraining order and is seeking a preliminary injunction in state court to prevent the re-opening of the facility. State and county child welfare authorities, including CPS and the Office of Children and Family Services, were notified and responded within hours. The facility was shut down the same day.
Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker confirmed that a criminal investigation is ongoing and potential charges are being reviewed by prosecutors.
Supervisor Hoehmann urged parents to always inspect daycare facilities personally and reminded residents to report suspicious activity. “Protecting our children is our most critical duty,” he said. “If you see something, say something.”
Monica Castner, Acting Commissioner of Rockland County’s Department of Social Services, commended the town’s rapid response. “This is what government should be: responsive, coordinated, and decisive in protecting children,” she said.
The investigation continues as the town pursues civil, criminal, and administrative action against those responsible for operating the illegal facility.