Fire and safety code violations found at yeshiva, day care in Ramapo
A sign on the door at 82 Highview Road in Ramapo says a yeshiva is no longer operating there until further notice.
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A sign on the door at 82 Highview Road in Ramapo says a yeshiva is no longer operating there until further notice.
It comes after inspectors found a number of fire and safety code violations during visits in March and April, according to court documents.
Photos taken in late March show dorm windows boarded up, the use of many extension cords, gas-powered generators and more.
The court filings explain other details, like no working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, that the sprinkler system was last tested nearly a decade ago and a day care was running without a certificate of occupancy.
Ramapo is taking the property owners to court, an LLC and Aryeh Zaks, demanding the building be vacated until a certificate of occupancy and an fire underwriters certificate is obtained.
Supervisor Michael Specht said in a statement, "the safety of our children is always our highest priority."
He adds that the town has been told by the property owners attorney that the violations are now cleared.
He says the town will reinspect to confirm that.
On Thursday, News 12 saw people in other parts of the building where there was a kitchen, and a group of men studying.
A man who called News 12 from a hidden number identified himself as a "helper."
He said that the generators were used to power freezers because of an electric issue and claims violations were fixed immediately and only lasted a day.
However, inspection photos show a different story.
Ramapo's case is expected to go before a state Supreme Court judge next week.
Rockland County government tells News 12 its Department of Social Services got a call from the state central registry and is working with the town to insure the kids are safe.
News 12 is waiting to hear back from the state's Office of Children and Family Services.
