No Vote On Spring Valley Code Enforcement Takeover

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — County lawmakers have not yet decided whether to approve or torpedo New York state's takeover of Spring Valley's fatally corrupt code enforcement. The deadline for the vote is Feb. 14.

State officials ordered Rockland on Nov. 16 to assume administration and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code within the Village of Spring Valley.

Tuesday, the Rockland County Legislature opened a public hearing on a proposed new law that would create an Office of Buildings and Codes and grant the authority for the office to operate.

The hearing remains open and will continue at the next full Legislature meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 1, after which a vote is expected. Public comment can be submitted until Feb. 1, or speakers may comment in person at the hearing.

Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said in a news release that the Legislative branch has been working with County Executive Ed Day and his staff to address many issues that have resulted from the state Department of State’s directive. He did not elaborate.

Nor did he guarantee a vote in two weeks.

“Even if we vote two weeks from now, Ed Day has promised to be ready to go,” Hood said. “We are not losing any time whatsoever.”

To submit public comment, send emails to legclerk@co.rockland.ny.us by 7 p.m. on Feb. 1. To comment in person, attend the hearing in the Legislative Chambers in the Allison-Parris County Office Building, 11 New Hempstead Road in New City.

Though the state seized control two months ago, News 12 reported that Hood said Tuesday night that the new secretary of state needs to review the constitutionality of the order from then-New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. Robert Rodriguez became NY Secretary of State a month ago.

The delay infuriated Legislator Laurie Santulli, who said people with political influence have been able to skirt the law in Spring Valley for decades.

The New York State Department announced the takeover of the village's code enforcement — after years of requests by local fire officials — the day after the Rockland County District Attorney's Office announced the indictments of the head of Spring Valley's building department and its assistant building inspector on accusations they falsified inspection reports for the Evergreen Home for Adults, where a massive fire in March killed a firefighter and a resident. Six people face charges in connection with the fire that consumed the century-old former hotel.

State officials essentially deputized the county to conduct inspections and prosecute violators. Rockland officials said it would be only temporary.

However, at the time, Day told The Journal News he was uncertain lawmakers would vote for the required legislation. He also said a legislative denial "could lead to legal conflicts with the state and would not benefit many residents of Spring Valley," lohud.com reported at the time.

On Wednesday, Day released a new statement:

To clarify, the issues brought up during last night’s meeting of the Rockland County Legislature will not in any way delay our ability to assume the duties of the Spring Valley Building Department on February 14, 2022. I have been reassured by County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood that a vote on the Local Law necessary to enable this take over will be held during their next meeting, which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

Rockland County is ready, willing, and able to take over the functions of the Spring Valley Building Department. We have spent the last two months preparing for this task by utilizing staff from the Office of Fire and Emergency Services, Facilities Department, Purchasing Department, Information and Technology Services, Law Department, Personnel Department, Finance Department, Office of Consumer Protection, and the Office of the County Executive to complete the organizational work required.

As soon as we are empowered to do so, Rockland County will act to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, business owners and first responders within the Village of Spring Valley.

Hood also released a statement, saying “Public safety is the foundation upon which everything else depends. It is the most important function of any municipal government, and the people of Rockland County can rest assured that County government will continue to do our part to protect the health and safety of our residents, businesses and first responders.”

On his Facebook page, Day said he was not going to respond to accusations that misrepresented the truth about the issues. He did not elaborate.

SEE ALSO:

• Grand Jury Indicts 2 Village Employees Over Fatal Adult Home Fire
  
• Former Fire Chief Arraigned Over Building Code Fraud
• Village Re-Hires Felon With $50,000 6-Month Contract
• Spring Valley Mayor, County Fighting Over $125,000 Aide
• Rockland Firefighters, Officials Call for State to Intervene In Ramapo, Spring Valley
• Collapse At Old Spring Valley H.S. Traps Worker
• Spring Valley Trustee Charged in Camp Transportation Scheme
  
• Spring Valley Fire Department Treasurer Faces Grand Larceny Charges
• Former Spring Valley Mayor Sentenced to 4 Years for Fraud, Extortion

Editor's Note: This article has been modified to incorporate information from the Rockland County Board of Legislators and a social media comment by the County Executive.