Village faces backlash over alleged mismanagement and safety concerns

During a recent government meeting, community concerns were raised regarding local governance and accountability, highlighting issues of transparency and public safety. A resident expressed frustration over the perceived lack of action from local officials, questioning the effectiveness of recent initiatives and the timing of meetings that may exclude community participation.

The resident criticized the rehiring of a code enforcement officer previously dismissed for inadequate performance, suggesting that this decision reflects poorly on the village's commitment to effective governance. They also raised concerns about ongoing towing practices in the city, indicating a need for better regulation and oversight.

Financial accountability was another significant topic, as an email from a certified public accountant, Steve Strobinger, flagged an overpayment issue that had been acknowledged by the New York State Comptroller's office. The resident called for clarification from village officials, emphasizing the importance of transparency in financial matters and questioning the village's previous statements denying the overpayment.

Additionally, the meeting addressed safety concerns regarding a local boarding school, identified by the Rockland County Department of Health. The resident urged officials to reconsider the building's compliance with fire safety regulations, particularly given the number of young residents. They expressed alarm over the potential risks posed to children and criticized the village's slow response to public records requests, labeling it as discriminatory and a form of harassment.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing demand for accountability and responsiveness from local government, with residents calling for clearer communication and action on pressing community issues.