Rockland County Planning Board met May 14, 2026; members reviewed several GML referrals including a proposed Databank expansion in Orangeburg and a contentious commercial site plan on Western Highway, approved a medical spa renovation, and heard departmental updates on corridor studies, railroad safety, aerial imagery, and climate work.

Discussion Points

•decisions":[
•directions":["Recommend modifications and send comment letter to Ramapo Planning Board."],
•Disabled parking space location unsafe and lacks access stall; any required Western Highway widening should be shown; site is adjacent to Tappan Historic District.
•Driveway configuration at Western Highway/Lowe Lane East increases conflict; fire access road may be too narrow; angled garage doors restrict truck maneuverability; no truck turning-radius plan provided.
•FEAF lacks full-project dimensions; need methane emissions analysis; wastewater leakage protections requested; segmentation/SEQRA concerns; firefighting foam adequacy and runoff risk; Pearl River Fire Department comment missing.
•Multiple variances previously granted (lot area, setbacks, coverage, FAR, retaining walls, parking proximity and loading berth exceptions); building under construction.
•Proposed 10,000 sq ft addition would disturb 0.40 acres; variances required for rear yard and number of parking spaces; need for 20-foot fire lane and correct parking calculations.

Decisions

•Motion to approve with comments passed unanimously.
•Motion to deem referral incomplete passed unanimously.
•Motion to disapprove passed unanimously.
•Motion to recommend modifications passed unanimously.
•Moved to recommend modifications; motion passed unanimously.

Directions

•clarifying_details=[{
•decisions":["Motion to approve with comments passed unanimously."]}},
•Recommend letter to State OPRHP and require plan revisions for disabled-access and roadway widening.
•Recommend modifications and send comment letter to Ramapo Planning Board.
•Request additional FEAF data, fire-department comment, and containment plans; recommend restrictive covenant and land‑banked parking be reinstated.
•Request truck turning-radius plan, vehicle-size clarifications, and emergency-access improvements.
•Send comment letter to Orangetown and track revisions.

Mar

Rockland County Planning Board March 19 2026 Minutes

The Rockland County Planning Board met March 19, 2026, approved routine minutes, received staffing and project updates, and reviewed multiple GML referral applications — approving a FedEx parking/staging expansion and recommending modifications or deeming incomplete several site plans including Pearl River Gardens, a drive-through coffee, an auto repair expansion, and a large warehouse proposal. Public release of the Draft Comprehensive Plan was announced.

Discussion Points

•ADA-access stall located across three travel lanes (safety hazard), missing Route 9W width, dumpster access, unanswered SEAF questions.
•'Contractor Storage' designation unclear; aerial imagery shows varied stored items; request restriction to in-shop repairs only.
•Draft Comprehensive Plan will be uploaded March 20 and a public workshop scheduled for March 25.
•Enumerated motions and outcomes as recorded in minutes.
•New hires (GIS Technician II and GIS Planning Coordinator) announced and multiple projects briefed.
•Paper-street ownership and rights, driveway offset and traffic conflicts, Grasscrete paver suitability for heavy vehicles, unclear fire-truck movements and recommended hydrant/water flow testing.
•Project scope: 14-unit addition, parking reconfiguration to net 70 spaces on 1.70-acre site.
•Project scope: parking, van staging, dollies, trailers, stormwater and site improvements.
•SEAF question 20 indicates possible active remediation requiring clarification.

Decisions

•Application deemed incomplete; comment letter transmitted.
•Approval recorded; comment letter transmitted to Orangetown.
•Motions recorded as unanimous; items requiring follow-up were transmitted to local boards or noted for technical follow-up.
•Recommendation for modifications transmitted to local board.
•Recommendation for modifications transmitted to Town.
•Referral deemed incomplete until information provided.

Jan

Rockland County Legislative 01-21-26 Minutes

The Rockland County Legislature met Jan. 21, 2026, adopting a local law to change county park hours to "sunrise to sunset" and unanimously approving a slate of contracts, grant acceptances, appointments and budget adjustments. Remarks by several legislators marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day and referenced recent antisemitic attacks.

Discussion Points

•Most procurement and grant items were presented with committee recommendations and recorded as unanimously approved; funding sources cited include 2025/2026 budgets, grant funds (NCTD), and contingency upon future appropriations.
•No public speakers spoke during the public hearing; County Attorney advised local law enacted under municipal home rule

Decisions

•Local Law No. 1 of 2026 adopted; effective upon filing
•Unanimous approvals across procurement, grant acceptance and appointment items listed; follow-up tasks assigned to relevant departments.

Jan

Rockland County Legislative 01-08-26 Minutes

Organizational meeting of the Rockland County Legislature selecting leadership for 2026, appointing legislative staff and approving administrative resolutions including a $5,000,000 blanket bond and official newspaper designations.

Discussion Points

•Clerk noted the special agenda item required to swear in Moshe Hopstein after the prior incumbent vacated the District 13 seat; several leaders emphasized bipartisan cooperation in opening remarks.
•Clerk Toole announced the reappointment of Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk and praised staff professionalism.
•The blanket bond resolution specified coverage and instructed the County Executive to review and sign surety documents.

Decisions

•Adoption of blanket bond coverage at $5,000,000 and designation of Rockland Journal News as official county newspaper for 2026.
•Appointment of Laurence O. Toole as Clerk and authorization for Toole to appoint Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk.
•Selection of Chairperson (Jay Hood Jr.), Vice Chairperson (Aney Paul), Majority Leader (Alden H. Wolfe), Minority Leader (Lon M. Hofstein).

Directions

•Clerk to appoint Deputy Clerk and send a copy of the blanket bond resolution to the County Director of Insurance and Risk Management.
•County Executive to examine and endorse sureties for the blanket bond and sign necessary documents.

Jan

Rockland County Planning Board January 8 2026 Minutes

The Rockland County Planning Board convened on Jan. 8, 2026, to approve minutes and officers, hear a comprehensive plan update from BFJ Planning, review multiple GML referrals (including affordable senior housing, a school expansion, a FedEx site change, and apartment additions), and discuss staffing and GML workload statistics. Several referrals resulted in recommended modifications, approvals, disapproval, or being deemed incomplete.

Discussion Points

•Conversion scope and dormitory addition
•Enrollment and staffing numbers
•Expansion from 200 to 400 students
•High GML volumes and distribution among municipalities
•Introduction of new Sustainability Coordinator
•Multiple variances requested (setback, FAR, parking, loading, retaining wall)
•Nearby industrial projects could compound traffic
•Parking provision (100 spaces)
•Parking variance required and net parking after construction
•Plan chapters and draft vision statement
•Possible traffic impacts on NYS Route 303
•Prior GML concerns from O-2190F
•Process: data analysis, public workshops, online surveys
•Project size and unit mix (52 units; 27 one-bedroom, 25 two-bedroom)
•Recommendation to reduce scope or parking to meet town requirements
•Shared access easement clarity
•Sidewalk width and proximity to parking and doors
•Suggestion to create dedicated affordable housing for volunteers
•Temporary stepping down of chair for the election
•Traffic study absent
•Transportation and route references
•Turning radius concerns for fire apparatus
•Unanimous votes for chair, vice chair, and secretary
•Vacant GIS Technician 2 and GIS coordinator positions
•Volunteer shortage linked to housing affordability

Decisions

•Adjourn
•Approve with comments
•Chair re-elected; vice chair and secretary elected
•Deem application incomplete
•Disapprove application
•Recommend modifications

Directions

•Notify Jake Palant if unable to attend next meeting
•Submit comments to BFJ Planning

Dec

Rockland County Legislative 12-29-25 Minutes

The Rockland County Legislature met December 29, 2025, and adopted the 2026 budget and tax levies, approved sewer-district rates and a $87.8 million pumping-station capital project (with bonds authorized), and requested home-rule legislation to form a new CR Clean Water and Sewer Authority.

Discussion Points

•Budget adopted with gross appropriations of $914,218,305 and net appropriations of $896,793,305; $125.5M to be raised by property taxes.
•County cited concern that Sewer District borrowing affects county borrowing costs when district residents default; proposed authority would isolate those risks.
•Draft statute attached includes governance, powers and transfer provisions.
•Maximum estimated cost recorded as $87,824,400; engineering report dated Sept. 8, 2025 prepared by H2M.
•Project scope: replacement of pumps, VFDs, piping, valves, HVAC and building improvements at listed pump stations.
•Sewer rent unit charge adopted at $428 per unit; specific area supplements for Spring Valley, New Square and Western Ramapo.
•Solid waste authority’s charges included in county tax warrant.
•Town statements submitted and approved for Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo and Stony Point.

Decisions

•Adopt 2026 budget and levy; approve town statements; include solid-waste charges in tax warrant.
•Approve project, amend capital budget, and authorize bonds; adopt sewer charge rates and area-benefit levy.
•Legislature formally requests state home-rule legislation to create the authority.

Directions

•Clerk to notify towns of their shares and issue tax warrants.
•Clerk to transmit certified resolution copies to state officials; request enabling legislation.
•Commissioner of Finance to increase capital appropriation and proceeds-from-bonds accounts; county to proceed with bond issuance and procurement processes.

Dec

Rockland County Legislative 12-16-25 Minutes

The Rockland County Legislature met Dec. 16, 2025, and adopted a local law raising annual salaries for several county officers effective Jan. 1, 2026, amid one dissent. The body also approved a slate of contract renewals, purchases and grant actions, and reclassified ARPA funds for local housing programs.

Discussion Points

•Committee reports described available funding sources and contingencies tied to the 2026 budget; supervisors noted encumbrance and Director of Purchasing approvals for procurements.
•Legislator Beth J. Davidson said she would decline the pay increase and donate it to local charities, citing constituent hardship.

Decisions

•Local Law No. 2 of 2026 adopted 16–1; effective upon filing with NY Secretary of State; retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026 if applicable.
•Multiple contract renewals and purchases approved; ARPA funds reclassified to HALO; HOME-ARP developer agreement and PILOT authorized.

Directions

•Clerk directed to publish permissive referendum notice as required by law.
•County Executive and relevant directors to execute contracts and process purchase orders subject to budget and Director of Purchasing approvals.

Dec

Rockland County Legislative 12-02-25 Minutes

The Rockland County Legislature met Dec. 2, 2025 in New City and unanimously adopted the county 2026 budget (no property tax increase), approved multiple procurement and contract actions, set a public hearing on a proposed $87.8 million sewer-district improvement, and approved a $25,000 permanent easement sale for a pump station at 155 Sterling Mine Road.

Discussion Points

•Committee report emphasized no property tax levy increase and projected unassigned fund balance of ~$330 million.
•H2M engineering report identifies stations for replacement and upgrades due to equipment exceeding useful life.
•Independent consultant Forvis Mazars reviewed the proposed budget and recommended presentation changes.
•Resolution includes per-property cost estimates for a "typical property" and hook-up fees for assessment calculations.
•Superintendent of Highways recommended sale of easement to accommodate a pump station and water mains for the Watchtower project.
•The pump station is specified as a below-grade, pre-manufactured unit providing 250 gpm at 100 psi to a 1.6M gallon buried storage tank.

Decisions

•Accepted engineering report and set public hearing for Dec. 29, 2025 on financing and improvements.
•Adopted the 2026 budget and appropriated amounts for 2026.
•Sale of permanent easement to Watchtower for $25,000 approved.

Directions

•Clerk to publish notice in Rockland Journal News and file certified copies with State Comptroller; Board of Commissioners to file detailed cost explanation for public inspection.
•File adopted schedules and amendments; Clerk to publish as required.
•Senior Engineering Technician to record the easement with metes and bounds when legal requirements are satisfied.

Nov

Rockland County Legislative 11-18-25 Minutes

Rockland County Legislature held its regular meeting on Nov. 18, 2025, adopting minutes, considering budget-related matters, approving multiple contracts and grants (including a $2 million agreement with the Regional Food Bank to address a SNAP benefits shutdown), setting hearings on local laws and a proposed $25,000 easement sale to Watchtower, and adjourning to Dec. 2, 2025.

Discussion Points

•Most measures were routine and approved after committee review; several items required only ministerial follow‑up (account updates, contract execution by County Executive, publication of hearing notices).
•Superintendent of Highways recommended granting permanent easement for pump station and utilities; Schedule A provides survey and metes-and-bounds.
•The County had previously appropriated the funds and executed the agreement under an emergency declaration; the attachment outlines operations and partner allocations.

Decisions

•Full Legislature ratified agreement unanimously.
•Multiple routine resolutions approved unanimously; public hearings scheduled for Dec. 2 where noted.
•Property declared not necessary for public use; hearing set on local law for sale of permanent easement for $25,000.

Directions

•Clerk to publish hearing notice; County Attorney to review documentation for sale/conveyance if hearing supports sale.
•Clerk to publish required hearing notices; County Attorney to review contract and conveyance documents as needed.
•County Executive authorized to execute necessary documents and move funds as appropriated.

Jun

2025-06-02 Suffern Village Board Meeting

This is the Village Of Suffern's regular monthly Village Board meeting, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on June 2, 2025. In attendance were Mayor Michael Curley; Deputy Mayor Jo Meegan-Corrigan; Trustees Steve Alpert and Clarke Osborn; Village Attorney Terry Rice; Department Of Public Works Director Charles Sawicki; and Village Clerk Betty Vanderbeek. Trustee Angela Denis-Hogue was not in attendance.

Discussion Points

•Attorney noted referrals to County Department of Planning and Village Planning Board and recommended a hearing.
•Concerns about danger to firefighters and public safety.
•DPW presented the change order and reduction amount.
•No public commenters spoke on the item at this meeting.
•Notices of violation have been issued with limited compliance.
•Property suffered a 'massive fire' in January 2022 and has been in disrepair for more than three years.
•Trustees made motions to appoint a part-time clerk and seasonal pool workers; no substantive debate recorded.

Decisions

•Board approved both appointments by voice vote.
•Board approved Change Order No. 5 by voice vote.
•Board approved motion to hire an engineer by voice vote.
•Board approved setting the public hearing by voice vote.

Directions

•Mayor authorized to hire an engineer to evaluate the property under Chapter 100.
•Proceed under the amended contract terms.
•Process appointments and complete hiring paperwork.
•Set public hearing for July 14 meeting at 7 p.m.

May

2025-05-21 Suffern Planning Board Meeting

This is the Village Of Suffern's regular monthly Planning Board meeting, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on May 21, 2025. In attendance were Chairman Richard Gandon; members Andrew Halper, Dan McInerney, Paul Stanbridge, and Hudson Van Sickle ; Deputy Village Attorney Robert Magrino; and Planning Board Clerk Joanne Cioffi. Members Richard Byrnes and Andrew Dale and were not in attendance.

Discussion Points

•Applicant previously received a ZBA variance and a negative environmental declaration had been issued earlier.
•Applicant seeks zone change to include parcel in the Transit Development District; current CB zoning would require a use variance for the proposed residential use.
•Board requested the long-form EAF, updated traffic study, and responses to consultant comments (Nelson Pope, Bonnie Franzen).
•No substantive discussion or public comment on adjourned items during the May meeting.
•Potential driveway encroachment across the proposed lot line could trigger need for ZBA variances or an easement.
•Project proposes 121 units (48 one-bedroom, 65 two-bedroom, 8 three-bedroom) and 242 parking spaces (including ~60 subterranean).
•Project revised from two carports to one due to electric-utility clearance.
•Proposal to restore two-lot historical configuration.
•Rockland County Drainage Agency issued a letter stating site is not in its jurisdiction.
•Several applicants requested continuations to the June meeting.
•Survey currently labels line as 'former tax lot line' rather than 'proposed lot line.'

Decisions

•Board approved continuations and scheduled next meeting for June 18 at 7 p.m.
•Board approved final site plan for one solar carport.
•Board declared intent to act as SEQRA lead agency and to circulate the environmental review; matter placed as a placeholder for June 18, 2025 meeting.
•No final decision; item continued to next meeting pending revised materials.

Directions

•Applicant may proceed with building-permit application and to coordinate utility clearances.
•Applicant to provide revised survey with 'proposed lot line' label and a bulk table for the existing house; show removal or easement for driveway encroachment.
•Applicant to submit the long-form EAF, traffic study and responses to planner comments.
•Board to circulate SEQRA lead-agency notice to relevant agencies (Rockland County Planning, NYSDOT) and compile responses.
•Staff to notify applicants and publish June 18 agenda.

May

2025-05-26 Suffern Memorial Day Commemoration

This is the Village Of Suffern's annual Memorial Day Commemoration, held on May 26, 2025. In attendance were Mayor Michael Curley; Deputy Mayor Jo Meegan-Corrigan; Trustees Steve Alpert and Angela Denis-Hogue; Fire Chief Vincent Mastrullo; Police Chief Andrew Loughlin; Culture & Recreation Director Cathy Mills; Rockland County Executive Ed Day; Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht; Rockland County Legislator Jesse Malowitz; American Legion Post 859 Commander Patrick Casper; Suffern Police Lieutenant William Simurra; and Father John Gruben from Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.

Discussion Points

•Miss Mallow announced the legislature had increased funding for local veterans posts to help them run events like the Memorial Day ceremony.

Decisions

•Legislature said it increased funding for veterans posts; amount and implementation details were not provided at the ceremony.

May

2025-05-15 Suffern Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

This is the Village Of Suffern's regular Zoning Board Of Appeals meeting, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on May 15, 2025. In attendance were Chairman Barry Tesseyman; members Cary Adwar, Steven Marks, Lisa Wilson, and Bruce Simon; and ZBA Clerk Melissa Reimer. Member Andrew Zavoski and Deputy Village Attorney Robert Magrino were not present.

Discussion Points

•Adoption of findings and decisions for 21 Cypress Road; 67 Lafayette Avenue; 30 Park Avenue; 34 Park Avenue.
•Adoption of meeting minutes dated Jan. 9, 2025.
•Scheduling next meeting (June dates) and noting Juneteenth conflict.

Decisions

•Findings and decisions for 21 Cypress Road, 67 Lafayette Avenue, 30 Park Avenue and 34 Park Avenue adopted.
•Meeting closed by motion.
•Minutes dated Jan. 9, 2025, adopted.

May

2025-05-15 Suffern Village Board Special Meeting

This is a Special Meeting of the Village Of Suffern's Village Board, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on May 15, 2025. In attendance were Mayor Michael Curley; Deputy Mayor Jo Meegan-Corrigan; Trustees Steve Alpert, Angela Denis-Hogue, and Clarke Osborn; Village Treasurer Greg Smith; Police Chief Andrew Loughlin; Department Of Public Works Director Charles Sawicki; and Village Clerk Betty Vanderbeek.

Discussion Points

•Chief described Veras's patrol work, community engagement, NYPD background and qualification for Rockland County REACT team.
•Chief summarized York's 10+ years of service, detective bureau work, role in major cases and assignment to Rockland County Intelligence Center since 2017.
•DPW director requested authorization for appointment and referenced a June date and job classification; trustees approved by motion.
•Mayor mentioned students in attendance and upcoming summer activities; trustees approved summer clerk hires on consent agenda.
•Treasurer described establishing capital project 205007 and setting assigned fund balance; board discussed transfers between payroll and legal service lines.

Decisions

•Appoint Megan Simon and Rachel Accord as part-time summer clerks; board approved by voice vote.
•Approve capital project 205007, appropriate funds (~$500,000 cap), authorize asbestos monitoring contract, and approve internal fund transfers.
•Authorize appointment of Michael Toscana; approval recorded by voice vote.
•Promote Officer Julio Veras to detective; board approved by voice vote.
•Promote Sgt. Andrew York to detective sergeant; board approved by voice vote.

Directions

•Staff to solicit bids and execute monitoring contract as listed on consent calendar.

May

2025-04-23 Suffern Planning Board Meeting

This is the Village Of Suffern's regular monthly Planning Board meeting, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on April 23, 2025. In attendance were Acting Chairman Paul Stanbridge; members Richard Byrnes, Andrew Halper, and Dan McInerney; Deputy Village Attorney Robert Magrino; and Planning Board Clerk Joanne Cioffi. Chairman Richard Gandon, and members Andrew Dale and Hudson Van Sickle were not in attendance.

Discussion Points

•Applicant revised building orientation and increased green space to address fire department and board comments.
•Applicant said consolidated on‑site storage will reduce shuttle truck trips and that screening will block views of garage entrances.
•Board stressed need to demonstrate no net increase in runoff and to address Nelson Pope/county planning comments.
•Neighbors raised concerns about parking capacity, potential commuter use of parking, truck traffic, removal of trees and flood vulnerability.
•Public concern about pedestrian safety and potential bus‑stop/waiting area.
•Residents stated posted notices lacked the meeting date and said some posters were knocked over.
•Several items lacked complete materials or applicant attendance and were carried to May 21.
•Sign application matched existing size and mounting; applicant told to get building permit.

Decisions

•Public hearing continued to May 21
•Public hearing continued to May 21; notice reposting and expanded notification required
•Sign application approved; multiple items carried to May 21; next meeting scheduled for May 21 at 7 p.m.

Directions

•Applicants to appear at May 21 meeting or submit missing materials; building permit required for sign installation.
•Applicant to repost required signs in neighborhood and send additional notices; submit planning and engineering responses before May 21.
•Applicant to submit written responses to Nelson Pope and county planning and updated engineering/stormwater details.
•Board to require environmental determination prior to any referrals to the ZBA.
•Continued public hearing set for May 21; submission deadline two weeks prior.

Apr

2025-04-28 Suffern Village Board Meeting

This is the Village Of Suffern's regular monthly Village Board meeting, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on April 7, 2025. In attendance were Mayor Michael Curley; Deputy Mayor Jo Meegan-Corrigan; Trustees Steve Alpert, Angela Denis-Hogue, and Clarke Osborn; Village Attorney Terry Rice; Village Treasurer Greg Smith; Fire Chief Vincent Mastrullo; Police Chief Andrew Loughlin; Culture & Recreation Director Cathy Mills; Department Of Public Works Director Charles Sawicki; Grant Writer Fred Rella; and Village Clerk Betty Vanderbeek.

Discussion Points

•Attorney and planner concluded the petition was complete for referral.
•Because the property is within 500 feet of Route 59, county referral is required.
•Board discussed 0% tax increase and transfers to purchase equipment from current-year funds.
•Board expressed preference the planning board be lead agency for SEQRA to allow consultant review of traffic and other impacts.
•Board members congratulated Samora and noted the retirement-created vacancy.
•Chief Laughlin summarized Samora’s career and qualifications, including supervisory and instructor roles.
•Mayor requested board confirmation for a part-time fire inspector; county confirmation was noted as required.
•Motions to accept volunteers and authorize trailer use were presented by the fire department representative.
•Treasurer Greg Smith summarized the resolutions and said the state approved the budget with no recommendations.

Decisions

•Adopted FY 2025–26 budget with 0% tax increase for village portion; adopted local laws setting water and sewer rates; approved transfers for equipment purchases.
•Approved promotion to lieutenant by voice vote.
•Referral approved; planning board preferred as SEQRA lead agency.
•Volunteers accepted; UTV trailer use authorized; part-time fire inspector confirmed subject to county approval.

Directions

•Confirm appointment pending county approval.
•Refer petition to Village Planning Board and Rockland County Department of Planning.

Apr

2025-04-07 Suffern Village Board Meeting

This is the Village Of Suffern's regular monthly Village Board meeting, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on April 7, 2025. In attendance were Mayor Michael Curley; Deputy Mayor Jo Meegan-Corrigan; Trustees Steve Alpert and Clarke Osborn; Village Attorney Terry Rice; Village Treasurer Greg Smith; Fire Chief William Barish; Police Chief Andrew Loughlin; Culture & Recreation Director Cathy Mills; Department Of Public Works Director Charles Sawicki; Grant Writer Fred Rella; and Village Clerk Betty Vanderbeek. Trustee Angela Denis-Hogue was not present.

Discussion Points

•Board discussed existing low-dollar fines and a higher statutory maximum (mentioned as $2,500).
•Both the tentative budget and the water/sewer rates were presented with 0% increases.
•DPW reported favorable chemical bids and described roof replacement scope (about 8,000 sq ft).
•Mayor described developers of proposed apartment site as experienced and said referral is an initial procedural step.
•Mayor framed change as response to recurring nuisance public-drinking incidents and enforcement burden.
•Mayor indicated payroll adjustments for department heads were under consideration but would not change the 0% presentation.
•Treasurer reported recent grant receipts and current grant application deadlines.

Decisions

•Adopt local law amending §73-6; minimum fine set to $200 (adopted).
•Multiple routine motions and contracts approved by voice vote; apartment project referred for review.
•Public hearings opened and closed with no public comment; no final adoption recorded at this meeting.

Directions

•Proceed with contract execution and scheduling of work; process volunteer appointments and resignations; complete MOU and agreements as authorized.
•Refer proposed development to planner and attorney for review and future public hearings.
•Staff to prepare final budget documents and next steps for formal adoption at a future meeting.
•Village clerk/attorney to publish adopted law and notify relevant agencies.

Mar

2025-03-19 Suffern Planning Board Meeting

This is the Village Of Suffern's regular monthly Planning Board meeting, held in the auditorium in Village Hall on March 19, 2025. In attendance were Chairman Richard Gandon; members Richard Byrnes, Andrew Dale, Andrew Halper, Dan McInerney, Paul Stanbridge, and Hudson Van Sickle; Deputy Village Attorney Robert Magrino; and Planning Board Clerk Joanne Cioffi.

Discussion Points

•Applicant acknowledged recent fire-department comments and said they would be addressed in revised plans.
•Applicant presented site plan: one-way entrance from Wayne Avenue, surface parking and apartment access from each building, gated rear area and emergency access along rear.
•Applicant said walkways could not be raised but could be narrowed and colored/striped differently; ADA spaces would remain separate and have required striped access aisles.
•Applicant will add handicap striping and entrances on both levels in updated plans.
•Board raised concern that painted pedestrian walkways adjacent to parking could fade and be used as parking, impeding access.
•Engineer reported one drainage comment letter received and more expected; zoning research showed variances needed because building footprint is close to property lines.
•Staff requested three printed plan sets for distribution and confirmed an escrow amount for planner review.

Decisions

•Board voted to set a public hearing for Le Chocolat on April 23 at 7 p.m.
•Board voted to set a public hearing on the project for April 23 at 7 p.m.

Directions

•Applicant to provide revised plans addressing ADA access, striping, and fire-department comments to the planner.
•Applicant to submit three printed plan sets and a $3,500 escrow check payable to the village for planner review.
•Staff to forward materials to planner and county reviewers and to advertise public hearing for April 23.
•Staff to schedule and advertise public hearing for April 23 at 7 p.m.

Mar

Suffern 2025-03-20 Suffern Village Board Special Meeting

Discussion Points

•Applicant represents a leased, single‑chair salon in an existing building.
•Applicant's assertion that revised plans comply with 2011 zoning conditions.
•Applicant scaled back previously proposed above‑grade parking and cafe.
•Approval of minutes from prior meetings.
•Most requested variances are preexisting; additional variances will be required to be sought before the Zoning Board.
•Need for more detailed plans for county and fire department review.
•Neighbors raised concerns about flooding, screening, and easement access.
•No change to parking requirements in CB District; building inspector confirmed past inspections.
•Questions about parking space dimensions and walkway delineation through parking areas.
•Scheduling March meeting and standard adjournment procedures.

Decisions

•Escrow $3,500 established; board declared intent to be SEQRA lead agency; matter adjourned to March 19 for further review.
•Escrow $3,500 established for outside planner review; Planning Board declared intent to be SEQRA lead agency; matter continued to March 19, 2025.
•Minutes approved; March meeting scheduled for 03/19/2025 at 7 p.m.; meeting adjourned.
•Site plan waiver granted subject to permits and CO.

Directions

•Applicant to coordinate with building inspector for permits and certificate of occupancy.
•Applicant to provide easement documents and revised plans to Planning Department and Nelson Pope.
•Applicant to resubmit detailed site plans and clarify parking/walkway delineation.
•Staff to circulate plans to County Planning, NJ Transit, DOT and other agencies as appropriate.
•Staff to circulate to county planning, fire department and Nelson Pope for comments.
•Staff to publish March meeting notice.

Feb

Suffern 2025-02-03 Suffern Village Board Meeting

Discussion Points

•Bilingual skills of nominee Felix Tejada noted as an asset.
•Chief Ford announced retirement of Lieutenant James Ginnettino and reviewed his career and community programs involvement.
•Ed Fagan Drive improvements to improve safety near ballfields.
•Need for water‑plant staff training as senior staff retire.
•Need to transfer funds to hire professional services to keep the court moving efficiently.
•Nomination of Ryan Oshinsky to Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.
•Police department responded to 978 calls for service in January.
•Presentation of preliminary Service Award Program report for 2024.
•Temporary appointments to support the prosecutor's office and other village functions.
•Village Hall roof and windows require major repair and asbestos survey has been completed.

Decisions

•Authorize bid solicitation for Ed Fagan Drive.
•Authorize EFC administrative services at $8,024.
•Authorize training attendance and course payment.
•Budget transfer approved.
•Michael Glidden and Pearl Long appointed on a month‑to‑month basis.
•Nomination of Felix Tejada approved.
•Pay increase for Francis D'Andrea approved.
•Post report and accept new member (motions approved).

Directions

•Execute budget transfer and onboard appointees on month‑to‑month terms.
•Include roof, windows, and asbestos remediation/ceiling repairs in Village Hall bid documents.
•Solicit bids for Ed Fagan Drive project with Feb. 25, 2025 deadline.

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