By Joanne Louis-Paul
RAMAPO, NY – The Village of Spring Valley’s Board of Trustees convened for its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18, addressing a range of issues including personnel decisions, financial approvals, and significant zoning and development proposals. The meeting was held both in person at 200 N. Main St. and virtually via Zoom, offering residents multiple ways to participate.
During the meeting, the board approved a 30-day extension for Multi-Agency Coordinator Anthony Mallia under his Independent Contract Agreement. Trustee Joseph Gross motioned for the approval and subsequently excused himself from the remainder of the session. The board also initiated discussions to begin interviewing candidates for the role of Village Clerk, suggesting a potential transition in the administrative staff.
In financial matters, the board approved a general abstract for $28,496.96 and a post-audited abstract totaling $179,341.13. A $7,900 contract with USI Consulting Group for accounting services for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 was also authorized. Additionally, Mallia was tasked with seeking clarification from the Court Administration regarding $12,000 in unused grant funds, with the hope of redirecting these resources effectively.
Community members expressed concerns about clogged catch basins, illegal dumping, insufficient code enforcement, and general cleanliness within the village. Specific worries included potential flooding and ice hazards due to poor drainage, as well as a call for better allocation of police resources and enhanced support for the Department of Public Works to address these issues.
The board continued its review of a zoning overlay request for 53 South Main St., which involves constructing a four-story building with 16 multifamily units, 32 parking spaces, and a large play area. While the board approved the overlay district and multifamily construction, discussions on a retaining wall variance were postponed until the next meeting. The developer requested an override of six of the County Planning Department’s recommended changes under New York’s General Municipal Law (GML) provision, leaving only the retaining wall variance undecided.
Another zoning issue involved a proposal to change the zoning for 1-6 North Cole Ave. from Planned Light Industrial (PLI) to R-2 residential zoning to facilitate the construction of a four-story or higher structure by Yeshiva Machzikei Hadas-Belz. Initially, Mayor Alan Simon was the only board member to oppose the measure, citing safety concerns, including the risks associated with a proposed rooftop playground. The mayor’s concerns prompted Trustee Asher Grossman to motion to reconsider the vote. The proposal was adjourned until the next meeting on March 4, with the developer instructed to consult with the fire inspector to address safety issues.
The board’s actions reflect a balancing act between encouraging development and maintaining safety and regulatory standards. The postponed decisions and upcoming discussions are expected to influence the direction of future village planning and development initiatives.
Residents seeking more information on the board meetings, including archived agendas and Zoom links, can visit the Village’s Meeting Dashboard. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, where further developments on these key issues are anticipated.
