Thiells, NY – Nearby residents of an area of North Rockland have raised significant frustrations over a county construction project that has disrupted their daily lives since it began in June. The project, taking place on Suffern Lane and Hammond Road in Thiells, aims to improve traffic flow but has sparked frustrations among those living nearby.
Homeowners have reported several issues, including unexpected utility shutoffs, excessive dust from the construction site, and difficulties in accessing their properties. Some residents also fear that the vibrations from the heavy machinery could lead to structural damage to their homes.
Joyce Wilamo, a resident directly affected by the construction, expressed her frustration to News 12 with the lack of communication and responsiveness from the county. “No consideration, no compassion. No notification,” Wilamo stated. “I’m getting the runaround. If anything changes, it’s because I complain. But all of these issues should’ve been addressed prior to breaking ground.”
Wilamo urged local leaders to take the concerns of the residents seriously, demanding clear answers and timely solutions. “You need to provide us with answers, with resolutions. And you need to be more considerate with us,” she added.
In response to the growing complaints, a Rockland County spokeswoman released a statement emphasizing the importance of the project. “We respect and sympathize with the concerns being raised by neighbors, which our Highway Department has and continues to meet with to formulate solutions. This project is necessary to alleviate congestion on that roadway, which will improve traffic safety and air quality for residents, and is widely supported by the local community. We plead for patience as this short-term inconvenience will have a long-term benefit to all in that area.”
The construction is expected to be completed by this fall, with road striping scheduled to take place once the school year ends.