Hundreds show up at Rockland legislative meeting to talk overdevelopment, anti-Semitism

Rockland County officials are calling for action after a passionate meeting among legislators Tuesday night that brought out hundreds of people - and plenty of anger.

News 12 Staff

Sep 4, 2019, 9:43 PM

Updated 1,687 days ago

Share:

Rockland County officials are calling for action after a passionate meeting among legislators Tuesday night that brought out hundreds of people - and plenty of anger. 
More than 200 people attended the Rockland County Legislature meeting, with hundreds more wanting to get inside.

Some said overdevelopment was the big concern, There were also allegations of people being anti-Semitic because they oppose development in Ramapo, primarily among the Hasidic community.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day called the legislative session a success.

“What people did last night is that they showed the entire county what the issue is,” said Day. “This is not about anti-Semitism -- it's about overdevelopment.”

Day tells News 12 that the county can only do so much to fight overdevelopment, since state law gives municipalities almost all control.

“I would be in favor now of giving even authority to the county Planning Department so when we say no, it's a no,” he says.

Back inside, people told legislators they're not doing enough to stop overdevelopment.
County Legislator Nancy Low-Hogan says she agrees.
Many people blamed County Legislator Aron Wieder Tuesday, saying he uses anti-Semitism as an excuse to allow development.

Both Day and Low-Hogan say the problem is bigger than one politician.

“I think we better do something. And we better do something now,” says Low-Hogan.

The next full meeting of the Legislature is scheduled for Sept. 17. Local lawmakers say that meeting could get similar turnout, depending on the agenda.
Legislators Tuesday night were supposed to discuss a controversial video created by the county's Republican party that many have called anti-Semitic, but that has been pushed to a later meeting.
 
 


More from News 12
0:32
Out-of-court settlement reached in New Rochelle excessive force lawsuit

Out-of-court settlement reached in New Rochelle excessive force lawsuit

2:25
Light rain showers linger into tomorrow, sun to return this weekend

Light rain showers linger into tomorrow, sun to return this weekend

0:35
Legal battle over Harrison town supervisor election comes to an end

Legal battle over Harrison town supervisor election comes to an end

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Schuyler Crossing management express frustration with ongoing flooding at affordable housing complex

Schuyler Crossing management express frustration with ongoing flooding at affordable housing complex

0:25
Dutchess County drug raid uncovers crack cocaine, cash, ammo and loaded handgun

Dutchess County drug raid uncovers crack cocaine, cash, ammo and loaded handgun

1:24
Westchester County launches Pitch In For Parks initiative ahead of Earth Day

Westchester County launches Pitch In For Parks initiative ahead of Earth Day

1:38
Religious leaders work to salvage sacred Torah scrolls after fire

Religious leaders work to salvage sacred Torah scrolls after fire

3:05
Rising concerns over marijuana addiction ahead of 4/20

Rising concerns over marijuana addiction ahead of 4/20

1:19
Headlines: Gold Star families defrauded, teen enters school illegally, deadly Palisades Parkway crash

Headlines: Gold Star families defrauded, teen enters school illegally, deadly Palisades Parkway crash

0:51
Former NYPD officer pleads guilty to narcotics charges in Yonkers

Former NYPD officer pleads guilty to narcotics charges in Yonkers

0:21
Rye officials undertake effort to recover and identify unmarked graves in historic African American cemetery

Rye officials undertake effort to recover and identify unmarked graves in historic African American cemetery

1:14
Thunderbolt 12: Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

Thunderbolt 12: Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

0:23
Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

1:44
Discover a Gothic Revival masterpiece of art and architecture at Lyndhurst Mansion

Discover a Gothic Revival masterpiece of art and architecture at Lyndhurst Mansion

0:19
Suspect in Rockland County stabbing to appear in Ramapo Town Court today

Suspect in Rockland County stabbing to appear in Ramapo Town Court today

0:22
Middletown man arrested for double murder

Middletown man arrested for double murder

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

0:17
Westchester high school students honored for creativity

Westchester high school students honored for creativity

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips