Rockland County Redistricting Forums Continue

By M. C. Millman

The Rockland County Redistricting Information and Feedback Sessions, which began on Wednesday, June 8, will continue through the end of the month. Rockland County Legislature's Special Committee for Redistricting will conduct five public forums in each of Rockland's five towns. The forums will outline the redistricting process and timeline and allow for public comment.

Drawing district boundaries involves many complicated aspects. One such aspect includes keeping communities of interest together based on similar social, cultural, religious, ethnic, economic, or political interests and priorities.

“The redistricting forums clarify the process for all of Ramapo and allow for everyone’s questions to be answered. “ says Legislator Aron Wieder. “Based on population growth in Rockland County, Ramapo will gain at least one more legislative seat.”

As much of Ramapo’s tremendous growth is a result of the expansion of the frum community, it is expected that the redistricting will allow Rockland's Orthodox Jews to experience an increased representation in the County Legislature.

.The last time redistricting occurred in Rockland County was ten years ago, after the 2010 Census. At the time,  each of the county's 17 legislative districts was drawn to contain about 18,000 people. Now, each district will be reapportioned to include around 19,918 people, based on the new 2020 Census. The new redistricting will even out the districts, assuring all district residents are equally represented. As it is impossible to divide all districts equally, the Rockland County Legislature will allow a deviation target of under 3 percent, which means a district will not exceed 20,515 or be less than 19,321.

During the series of five public forums, a presentation will outline the process and timeline involved in the redistricting effort.

The three remaining upcoming forums will take place in Stony Point on Tuesday, June 21 at 6 p.m., at the Rho Building, located at 5 Club House Lane. The Town of Clarkstown will hold its forum on Wednesday, June 29 at 6 p.m., at the Clarkstown Town Hall, located at 10 Maple Avenue in New City. The Town of Ramapo's meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m., at Ramapo Town Hall, located at 237 Route 59 in Airmont.

The new district maps are expected to be completed in August or September this year when they will be available for public viewing and comment.