County, Suffern Officials Dislike Ramapo's Legoland Plan

Rockland County Legislature Chairman Alden Wolfe and Suffern Mayor Ed Markunas are opposed to the town of Ramapo's plan to buy an industrial site and lease it to theme park developers.

Wolfe said the possible Legoland project is worth considering, but that all aspects must be fully reviewed. For one thing, he said he opposes public acquisition of a commercial property that is generating property taxes.

“Economic development is critical to the long term success of Rockland and so is ensuring a positive quality of life,” Wolfe said in a prepared statement. “The appropriate development of the Novartis site will have far-reaching effects on life in the Montebello and Suffern areas.

"All aspects need to be considered – the value of the project as a rateable, the impact on school taxes, how much traffic would be generated and how much water would be used, among other issues,” Wolfe said. “I do not support the public acquisition of this commercial property and want to see it remain on the rolls as a viable tax-paying parcel.”

According to published reports, Legoland officials have met with Ramapo town officials, as well as a delegation of elected and business leaders from Montebello, Suffern, Ramapo Central School District and the county to discuss the possible project. Merlin Entertainments is reportedly interested in building the $250 million amusement park on the site of the 162-acre former Novartis plant and 67 acres of town-owned property.

MidHudson News reported that Markunas wrote an open letter to residents opposing the plan to have the Town of Ramapo buy the property and lease it to Merlin Entertainment.

It would not be advantageous to village residents to have the land off the tax rolls, he said. There are two buyers interested in purchasing the site.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day called Ramapo's idea "hogwash" last week.

Merlin has already built Legoland parks in California and Florida. A previous effort to build one in Haverstraw fell apart in the face of public opposition. For that project, Merlin also pitched rides, a water park and a hotel.

Wolfe, who represents parts of Montebello and Suffern, said he has been contacted by constituents raising concerns.

“The Legoland proposal appears to offer many potential benefits,” Wolfe said. “However, we must consider all aspects carefully and make sure this is truly the right project for our community."

Orange and Dutchess counties have made offers and say they would welcome Legoland, according to MidHudson News.