Town of Ramapo Council Re-Organizational Meeting Covers Ground

By M.C. Millman

Tonight's multi-faceted Town of Ramapo Council Re-Organizational Meeting  included a State-of-the-Town Address by Town Supervisor Michael Specht, covered a variety of important topics and included appointments to four new committees.

First-time homebuyers' property tax exemptions were discussed during the evening's public hearing. The exemptions would be for new homes or new construction and would phase out over five years. 

Rockland County Legislator Aron Wieder spoke in favor of passing the first-time home buyer partial tax exemption to provide tax relief and boost the local economy.

"After parents have invested in our community for all these years," Wieder shared with Rockland Daily, "they deserve to reap the benefit of affordable housing, allowing them to have their children and grandchildren living nearby to enjoy. It's the least we owe our lifelong tax-paying residents." |

An introductory local law was also introduced to allow property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance service workers. The possibility of the new law was previously reported by Rockland Daily here. It will be another two weeks before any decision on the subject will be reached, including if Chaverim members will be eligible for the tax break as well.

A local law for establishing regulations and licensing of taxis in the Town of Ramapo was also discussed.

Part of the agenda for the evening included a discussion of the $18M bond for smart LED street lights and improving streets and sidewalks, as reported by Rockland Daily here.

The four new committees made included Sidewalks & Safety; Parks & Recreation; EMS, and Traffic and Taxi. New appointments were made to each committee.

"It's a great honor to join the Parks Committee," Chaim Rose, Village of Chestnut Ridge trustee, shares with Rockland Daily regarding his appointment as a member of the Park Committee. "Ramapo is an exemplary Town in all aspects. It's truly a privilege to be able to assist the Town with enhancing its parks, playgrounds, and open spaces for the betterment of all the Town residents. Kudos to Supervisor Specht and the entire Town Board for going above and beyond for the community!"

"Even though I am a husband and father of five with many different responsibilities in levels of government." Sruly Eisenbach, Village of Spring Valley trustee, shared with Rockland Daily, regarding his appointment as member of Park Committee, "when the Honorable Supervisor Specht asked me to join the Park's committee, I accepted it to be able to help the community in another aspect. I am humbled and excited and looking forward to serving."