Rockland Electeds Weigh In as Community Pressure for Fencing-in Lake Suzanne Mounts

by M.C. Millman

Families who live in Monsey's Lake Suzanne were particularly shaken by what happened on Shabbos on the first day of Sukkos when a seven-year-old accidentally fell into the lake and nearly drowned, as reported by Rockland Daily here.

And this isn't the first time. On February 6, 2023, a boy became trapped under the ice he fell through after chasing a ball onto Suzanne Lake. He was rescued by emergency personnel, as reported by Rockland Daily here.

After that harrowing incident, the neighborhood continued the pressure they had been applying for years, requesting fencing around the lake, which has long been regarded as a dangerous eyesore. A request that Rockland County Supervisor Michael Specht responded to on Rockland Daily here after the February 6 incident. 

Now, after this latest near-drowning incident, the hue and cry for a fence has been revived. 

Rockland County officials are not turning a deaf ear. 

"Our hearts go out to the family of the young boy, and we pray for his full and speedy recovery," Town Supervisor Michael Specht shares exclusively with Rockland Daily. "I have been told that his condition has been improving, and we are all very happy to hear this. Our deepest gratitude goes to Hatzoloh, Ramapo Police, Chaverim, Monsey Fire Department, and all the first responders for their heroic, life-saving actions.  

"Our ongoing Safer Ramapo campaign includes working with our schools, community organizations, and local officials to increase awareness of hazards and actions everyone should take to help protect themselves and their families. We look forward to sharing our latest campaign with you very soon."

"I echo Supervisor Specht's expressions of sympathy for the young victim and the hope for a speedy and full recovery," says Rockland County Legislator Itamar Yeger. "I also repeat his thanks to the various volunteer organizations who assist us every day, and to our hard-working police officers. Above all, educating our residents on safety is and remains our overarching goal.  We need to better educate them all, and especially our vulnerable youth, on how to better protect themselves from all dangers.  I look forward to working with residents and officials, including the Supervisor, to accomplish this."

"I was happy to hear that the boy who nearly drowned the other day at Lake Suzanne is doing well," Senator Bill Weber shares with Rockland Daily. "Like all of you, I am very concerned about the safety and well-being of our residents in that area. I am equally worried about the recent incidences at the lake, and I am hopeful that appropriate safety measures will be taken so no one gets hurt moving forward."

"I believe the town should look into how Lake Suzanne can be a place Town residents can enjoy while also making sure it is a safe place for our children to benefit from as well," Rockland County Legislator Joel Friedman tells Rockland Daily. "While we want the government to do its job in providing safe infrastructure, parents are always encouraged to be extra cautious when letting their precious children play near such areas."

The good news is that the wheels of change have already been set in motion with regard to revamping the lake for the neighborhood. Rockland County Legislator Aron Wieder shared the welcome news of the upcoming transformation of Lake Suzanne, which has long been regarded as an eyesore, into a parklike oasis, as reported by Rockland Daily here on April 3, 2023. The process is expected to take a year.

Photo Credit: Google Maps