Op-Ed: Zebrowski Once Again Calls for State Takeover of Ramapo Building Department

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski responds to Thursday's arrestof Ramapo's Director of Building, Planning and Zoning, Anthony Mallia.

Today I once again call on the New York Department of State to take over the Town of Ramapo building department after news that the Town’s chief building inspector was arrested on over 100 felony charges.

For years, I have worked with the Rockland Illegal Housing Task Force to depict the pervasive lack of code enforcement in the Town. Their efforts have resulted in an official order by the State directing the town to correct various deficiencies. Repeatedly, however, I have called for the State to open up a full section 381 investigation, with public hearings, and for the State to take over the Town’s building department.

“Since 2013, working with the Rockland Illegal Housing Task Force, my office has provided you with examples of the pervasive lack of code enforcement in the Town of Ramapo. To your credit, you have opened up an investigation and issued an order to the Town citing various deficiencies in code enforcement. Unfortunately, as I have stated in the past, the problems are pervasive and extraordinary intervention is warranted,” I said in my letter to Secretary of State Rosado.

The recent charges depict a “culture of non-compliance and favoritism” that puts the safety of residents at risk. These charges show that the lack of enforcement is not a mistake, but a systematic and intentional subversion of the law that permeates this town government. Without swift action and a complete overhaul of this building department, the safety of residents and first responders remain at risk.

Once again, in the strongest possible terms I urge the state to take over the building department or assign the County of Rockland who has expressed a willingness to take on the task.

The time is now for the State of New York to protect the safety of Rockland residents, and only full intervention will suffice.

PHOTO: State Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski