The Town of Orangetown wants NYSDOT (New York State Department of Transportation) to put the brakes on its plan to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route 9W and Oak Tree Road in Palisades.

The Town Board last week unanimously passed a resolution opposing the planned $5 million project by the New York State Department of Transportation.

It is unclear whether the resolution will be enough to halt the project but Town Supervisor Teresa Kenny said “residents are overwhelmingly opposed so we are passing a resolution” that supports the opposition.

The resolution says the town “recognizes the importance of maintaining safe and efficient transportation infrastructure and appreciates the efforts of NYSDOT to address traffic and roadway safety concerns throughout the region.”

However, it points out that the roundabout would be located in an “historically significant and environmentally sensitive area that serves as a gateway to the Hamlet of Palisades and surrounding residential neighborhoods.”

Because residents have expressed substantial concerns over the impacts of a roundabout, including altering the character of the neighborhood, traffic patterns, pedestrian safety, environmental resources, quality of life, and property values, the town says transportation improvement at the juncture “should be developed in close consultation with local residents, community organizations, emergency service providers, and town officials.”

The town is asking NYSDOT to suspend the project until further consultations can be held. It also asks the NYSDOT to refrain from considering alternative measures for the site.

The Town of Orangetown has scheduled a public hearing on July 14 at 7 toward establishing a Preservation Fund, and to create a community preservation fund advisory board.

The town must pass a local law to amend the town code to create the fund and the advisory board. The intention of the local law is to preserve natural, scenic, historic, agricultural, and open space in the town.

But the fund comes with a price tag for residents as the town also plans to support the fund with a three-tenths of one percent real estate transfer tax on property sales.

The legislative effort says that Orangetown is distinguished by its “unique landscape setting, woodlands, wetlands and scenic features. Additionally, the Town’s historic features are fundamental to its unique community character and are integral to our landscape and sense of place. These features contribute to the quality of life for all Town residents and visitors and are important to the economic future of the community.”

The Town Board finds that this local law is in the best interests of the Town, according to the proposed local law, and it “serves the purpose of achieving a balance between development and conservation, while also preserving the Town’s community character.”

New York State in late 2025 authorized The Orangetown Community Preservation Act, which enables the Town of Orangetown to establish a Community Preservation Fund (CPF) aimed at protecting open space, historic sites, and recreational areas. A voter referendum in Orangetown is planned for November 2026.

The Town of Orangetown was authorized by the state to implement a .75 percent real estate transfer tax on the purchase of property within the town to fund its community preservation program.

When Orangetown first sought to establish its fund, the New York State Association of Realtors issued a “memorandum in opposition,” writing that “New York is in the midst of a housing supply and affordability crisis. The state’s housing inventory continues to remain stagnant.” The organization says the legislation makes it “even harder to buy a home.”

New York State imposes a real estate transfer tax of $2 for every $500 (0.4 percent of value), plus a 1 percent “mansion tax” on residential properties on $1 million or more.

Orangetown plans to exempt the first $100,000 of value for improved property from the local transfer tax of 3/10th of 1%. For unimproved property, the exemption would be $50,000. Money raised from the transfer tax would not be able to be used for any other purpose, though funds could be used to purchase a parcel’s development rights in lieu of acquiring properties outright.

The preservation of agriculture and existing farmland is listed as a primary priority of the fund.

The tax aims to protect open space and will expire Dec. 31, 2045.

The Town of Clarkstown is also trying to establish a “Clarkstown Community Preservation Fund” and a “Purchase of Development Rights” program that can be used to conserve and protect open space, farmland, water sources, natural resources, historical landmarks, and more.

To create these programs, towns need New York State to enact the local laws after the state passes enabling legislations. Once the legislation is passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by the governor, the program will still be subject to a town-wide public referendum.

The Rockland County Department of Health is seeking residents for the new Rockland County Medical Reserve Corps (RCMRC).

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) prepares for emergencies and supports public health in Rockland County. The RCMRC volunteers may assist with a variety of functions, including shelter operations, emergency logistics, community outreach, and other critical roles during disasters and public health emergencies.

“Rockland County has a long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The Medical Reserve Corps gives residents another meaningful way to serve their community, strengthen emergency preparedness, and help protect public health.”

The RCMRC is looking for medical and non-medical volunteers to help during emergencies, adverse public health events, community clinics, health screenings, and more.

“The Medical Reserve Corps will help Rockland County better respond to emergencies and to further protect the health of our residents,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “We are building a team of trained volunteers who are ready to help when needed most.”

Who Can Join the RCMRC?

• Medical and health professionals (doctors, nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, etc.)
• Public health workers, retirees, students (18+)
• Anyone who wants to help – no medical experience is needed!

“We need volunteers to make sure we are ready for future challenges,” said Eric Medina and Catherine Baade from the Rockland County Department of Health’s Emergency Preparedness Team.  “The Medical Reserve Corps will help us respond to today’s emergencies and prepare for tomorrow.”