Ramapo Safe Campaign Launches Erev Yom Tov Shopping Initiative

by M.C. Millman

With Yom Tov rapidly approaching, the new Ramapo Safe Campaign – an initiative implemented by the Town of Ramapo and the Ramapo Police Department has launched a broad traffic safety plan to help shoppers save time, money, and energy. 

"The Town of Ramapo is always deeply committed to the safety of our residents and visitors," Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht shares with Rockland Daily. "As the holiday season approaches- our Police and Highway Department will utilize extra traffic and safety measures to help with expected congestion in certain key locations. The goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and smooth shopping experience. Please feel free to utilize the new Park and Ride area for quick walking access to many shopping plazas. Wishing everyone a safe holiday and a happy and sweet new year!"

The newest Monsey Park & Ride Facility is located at the intersection of Route 59 and Saddle River Road (County Route 73) in Monsey. The new facility replaces the leased facility at the former Route 59 drive-in theatre site. Parking is free of charge, and no permit is required. The lot is accessible from Route 59 at the Friedman Way entrance right before Key Bank or from Saddle River Road at the new Baron Court entrance (across from Monsey Glen Park).

The parking lot is conveniently located just a short walk from many major shopping hubs. Shoppers who park there are a two-minute average walk to Town Square, a three-minute average walk to Redelicious, or four minutes to Monsey Hub. 

"The goal is to save time for everyone," says Joshua Hans, Program Coordinator at the Town of Ramapo's Office of Emergency Preparedness and Safety. "Utilizing the new parking facilities allows shoppers to save time by avoiding the traffic, especially at places like that left turn out of Evergreen at Robert Pitt Drive."

In addition to the extended parking, the Ramapo Police Department implemented the seasonal gridlock traffic plan Sunday, September 18. The plan includes additional police personnel at specific high-traffic locations and temporary changes to traffic patterns.

Gridlock traffic plan details include no left turns from:

Saddle River Road onto Route 59

Shoppers Haven onto Route 306

Second Street onto Route 306

One-way traffic on:

First Street from Main Street to Saddle River

Orchard Street from Main Street to Saddle River.

To further cut down on gridlock and to avoid the rush, it is suggested that shoppers shop early during off-peak hours and utilize the delivery service provided by many stores.