Rockland Real Estate Update by Ken Mahoney

ROCKLAND HOMES SALES/VALUES FARE BETTER THAN STATE AVERAGE by Ken Mahoney

Statewide existing home sales have plummeted 23 percent this November compared to last- that’s according to the most recent data released by the New York State Association of Realtors. Rockland fared far better than the average, experiencing a 12% reduction in sales and a near 8% decline in sale price. The association reports Orange and Westchester county home sales saw a 44 and 37 percent loss, respectively. Columbia County suffered the sharpest drop in sales, with the market performing less than half as well as it did this time last year.

Rockland County Budget Woes, by Ken Mahoney

FORECLOSURES POSE FURTHER STRAIN ON LOCAL BUDGETS by Ken Mahoney

With a 10% Rockland property tax hike looming in the New Year, residents are anxious to see how the county can keep from instituting further hikes in the future- a challenge that will only intensify with decreased mortgage and sales tax revenues, not to mention related reductions in revenue stemming from growing foreclosure and mortgage delinquencies.

A report out of NY Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office estimates property tax revenue could fall by up to $1.3 billion if statewide property values decline to the same extent as experienced in the early ‘90s recession. DiNapoli says as many as 50,000 New Yorkers this year have foreclosed on their homes. Orange County and Staten Island posted the state’s highest third quarter foreclosure rates. Rockland’s neighbors to the north are reporting 1 in 205 property owners in foreclosure.

Happy Holidays!!

We wish everyone a safe and great holiday season!!!

Rockland’s Civil Rights Hall of Fame

TUBMAN ONE OF SIX 2008 INDUCTEES TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS HALL OF FAME

Harriet Tubman is among six inductees who today will officially become part of Rockland’s Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Tubman’s great grand nieces from Auburn and Rochester, NY will join Human Right’s Commissioner Ram Nagubandi during the induction ceremony, which is being held at Nanuet’s Comfort Inn. The Human Right’s Commission this year celebrates its 45th anniversary of ensuring fairness and equality in all aspects of life in Rockland, from employment to housing. Also honored today as the newest members of the Civil Rights Hall of Fame are Dorothy Theresa Baptist, Dr. Willie Bryant, Rev. Dr. Richard Deats, Rabbi Louis Frishman and June Shagaloff.

Toys for Tots

TOYS FOR TOTS DONATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OF AT ZEBROWSKI’S OFFICE

Local residents interested in participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots Program can drop off items at Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski’s local office. New, unwrapped toys can be brought to 67 North Main Street in New City weekdays between 9AM and 5PM. Donated items will then be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community.

GAS PRICES IN ROCKLAND DIP BELOW $2/GALLON by Ken Mahoney

GAS PRICES IN ROCKLAND DIP BELOW $2/GALLON by Ken Mahoney

For the first time in well over two years, Rockland gas prices this week have dipped under $2.00. Costco in Nanuet as of noon yesterday was selling regular at $1.89 a gallon and West Nyack’s Fuel Depot was offering the same for $1.99. Falling gas prices have been attributed to a global economic slowdown and the related reduction in demand. Rockland may see a reduction in revenue as prices plummet given it never renewed the temporary $2 dollar gasoline sales tax cap.

LEGISLATURE ADOPTS 2009 ROCKLAND BUDGET by Ken Mahoney

LEGISLATURE ADOPTS 2009 ROCKLAND BUDGET by Ken Mahoney

After three hours of debate, the county legislature last night adopted a $714.5 million 2009 budget 13 to 4. Legislators Ed Day, Joe Meyers, Frank Sparaco and Jacques Michel voted no on the spending plan that brings along with it a 9.85% county tax hike. Comparing county tax bills year over year, many residents say this year they paid more than the 7-plus percent increase that was publicized last budget season by the legislature and county executive’s office. Some are afraid the same thing will happen again next year.

Legislators did make additional cuts to the budget proposed by County Executive Scott Vanderhoef, but instead of passing them along in the form of a smaller tax increase, they’re planning to bank the difference to cover a deficit that could continue to grow through 2009. Vanderhoef’s budget included funds from a new hotel occupancy tax and additional ticket revenue through the installation of cameras on county intersections. However, neither measure was voted on as legislators agreed to first hold public hearings on both bills.

About forty residents attended last night’s legislative session. Of those who addressed the budget during the public comment period, not a single participant spoke in its favor.

LEGISLATURE SET TO VOTE ON 2009 BUDGET TOMORROW by Ken Mahoney

ROCKLAND LEGISLATURE SET TO VOTE ON 2009 BUDGET TOMORROW by Ken Mahoney

Rockland’s legislature tomorrow night will vote on a proposed 2009 county budget that will raise property taxes by 10%. Taxpayers that have been unable to make it to the public hearing on the budget can still contact the County Executive and Legislature to voice their support or opposition to the spending plan. County Executive Scott Vanderhoef can be reached at 845-638-5122 and the Legislature at 845-638-5100