The trash keeps piling up at both entrances and exits to the Palisades Parkway in Stony Point. What used to be a once or twice a year Spring cleanup now requires monthly trash cleanups by Stony Point Democratic volunteers. The amount of trash being tossed out of the windows of cars exiting and entering the Parkway is hard to believe and it's disturbing on many levels. For most of us, it's just hard to understand how people can be so thoughtless with their garbage. But even more disturbing are the number of impaired drivers that must be on the road based on the sheer number of whiskey and vodka bottles peppering the entrances, to say nothing of beer cans. We'll continue to be out there regularly cleaning up but our hope is that the Town will make an effort to monitor and catch a few of these thoughtless people, who are drinking and driving and leaving piles of trash wherever they go. |
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I'm Interested in Helping! |
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Please forward this newsletter to a family member, friend, or neighbor. |
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Congratulations for SPPD Promotions |
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The Town of Stony Point on the recommendation of Chief of Police, Ed Finn has promoted Officer Dan Hylas Jr. to Sergeant and Officer James Monaghan Jr. to Detective. A large gathering of family and friends were in attendance at the last Town Board meeting to celebrate these promotions. Good luck to both! |
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Town of Stony Point to hold its 3rd PUBLIC HEARING , March 12th, 2024 @7pm on proposed amendments to Ch 215 of Business (BU) Zoning District The Town of Stony Point is still hearing public concerns about adopting and amending Chapter 215 of the Town Code regarding regulations in the Business (BU) Zoning District, which includes the Route 9W business corridor. The amendments being proposed by the town place limits on the size of developments in the mixed use district and whether rooftops and private balconies can be considerer outdoor recreational space in lieu of on the ground recreational space that's required in the present regulations. You can read the proposed amendments here. Note: Thanks to George Potanovic Jr. and SPACE for the link to the proposed zoning change information. |
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What's Going on Behind Shoprite? |
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We're curious as to what's happening on Holt Dr. behind ShopRite at the old Kay-Fries site. Much work is being done on the property and its seems there are roads being built. Calls to the DEC and Planning Board have not been returned. Kay Fries is a superfund site believed to be owned by a local resident. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies sites such as Kay Fries because they pose a potential risk to human health and/or the environment due to contamination by one or more hazardous wastes. Kay Fries Inc is currently registered as an Active superfund site by the EPA. In 2017, New Planet Energy Inc. proposed building a garbage burning plant on the property which would have incinerated untreated municipal waste from NYC in hopes of creating jet fuel. The project was opposed by many in the community based on its close proximity to West Haverstraw Elementary, a senior citizen's complex, Helen Hayes Hospital and the ShopRite store. |
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Congratulations to George Potanovic Jr. and SPACE |
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Whether or not you agree with every position that the Stony Point Action Committee on the Environment (SPACE) has taken over the last 35 years they deserve accolades for being an organization that's showed up at Town Board meetings when many of us did not, spoken up when others did not, and asked questions when others did not. Not many of us have been as involved in the community as George Potanovic Jr. and SPACE. George was on the original committee that created our first Town Master Plan in the 1990's, and has been a tireless advocate for more comprehensive planning and town government transparency. Because he often speaks out against overbuilding and the lack of transparency in decision making, he's often scapegoated by those in power and those who support unchecked development. George has taken a lot of abuse over the years but his dedication to his ideals and values, and to Stony Point, have never let the name calling and snide remarks stop him. He soldiers on. |
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Recently, George was an important part of the opposition to the 111 South Liberty project. He makes hard to find information such as the proposed update to our zoning regulations easily available, AND he attends and records Town Board meetings posting the recordings for those of us that can't attend. These are just a few of the public services that SPACE and George have performed in the past and continue to perform. So hats off to a community group that has been a part of our town for 35 years and to the driving force behind their work, George Potanovic Jr. |
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Please forward this newsletter to a family member, friend, or neighbor. |
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Public CHPE Meeting to be Scheduled |
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Keep your eyes open for a public meeting on the CHPE project which will be coming to Stony Point soon.The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) is a planned high-voltage direct current (HVDC) underwater and underground power cable project linking the Quebec area to the New York City neighborhood of Astoria, Queens. |
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Elected officials from all five municipalities said their biggest concerns were the traffic impact to their communities during construction, but said the taxes they will receive would be a significant boon in the long run. |
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Joseph Coe Human Rights Hall of Fame |
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North Rockland's Joe Coe was recently inducted into the Rockland County Human Rights Hall of Fame. Coe, is the youngest and first openly gay man inducted to the Hall of Fame. Joe was selected for his tireless dedication to LGBTQ+ justice and fight for the dignity of all people. |
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No matter how high the stakes and no matter the opposition Joe's tenacity paved the way for Rockland's Queer youth. |
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Read "The Bloc" by Sasha Linden Cohen |
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"The Bloc" is a 10 Part series that explores the impact that "The Bloc" has had on Rockland County. Every Rocklander and Stony Pointer should take time to read Sasha's excellent work. It's available via Pete's Substack |
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Ellie Kassner to Accept "Extraordinary Women" Award |
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We're excited to share the wonderful news that Ellie Kassner has been selected to receive the “Extraordinary Women” award from NYS Assemblyman Chris Eachus. Many of you have met Ellie over the past two years and have found her to be understanding, bipartisan, and a true leader. Whether it be as a small business owner, a candidate, a local board member, or an activist, we're proud of the common sense and integrity Ellie always brings to the table. Congratulations Ellie, this is well deserved! |
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New Congressional Maps Approved |
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The New York State Legislature has adopted new Congressional maps. Our Congressional District - 17, is largely unchanged from the 2022 map. |
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Still Savoring Our Winter Gala 2024 Honoring the Stony Point Seals |
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John Fox accepts a proclamation on behalf of the Stony Point Seal's 25 years of community service from NYS Senator Pete Harckham's office |
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Michael Sparta, his Dad, Joe and Mom, Leona. They were the very first recipients of the Seal's generous fundraising. This year's Winter Gala at Lynch's on the Green was a tremendous success with attendees from throughout the county celebrating the contributions of the Stony Point Seals. |
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Get Involved! Join SP Dems Community Service Team! |
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors! Each month the Stony Point Democratic Committee performs a public service for our community. You don't have to be a committee member or a Democrat to participate. Just let us know you're interested and we'll invite you to our next project. To learn more email: spdc@stonypointdemocrats.org |
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Please forward this newsletter to a family member, friend, or neighbor. |
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Want To Get More Involved? |
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Join us for one of our monthly Clean Ups For Dates and Times: email: spdc@stonypointdemocrats.org |
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Or Drop into one of our monthly SPDC meetings. All are welcome! email: spdc@stonypointdemocrats.org for more information |
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