GUEST VIEWPOINT: Rockland’s Housing Potential

Housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing Rockland County, and we are committed to finding solutions. In honor of Fair Housing Month and Community Development Week, I, along with Community Development Director Alexandra Obremski, am proud to host the third Rockland County Housing Forum on April 25th.

This event will bring together major stakeholders—including developers, state and county agencies, planning and legal experts—to strategize how to realize Rockland’s housing potential while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods.

A key highlight of the event will be a keynote speech from Commissioner and CEO RuthAnne Visnauskas of the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), a leading voice in housing policy. In addition, we will feature insightful panel discussions covering critical topics, including:

• Brownfields 101 – A case study and guidance from NJIT, NYS DEC, NYS DOS, and Kearney Realty and Development Group on redeveloping contaminated properties
• Lead Hazard Remediation and the NYS Rental Registry – A presentation by NYS DOH, NYS HCR, and the County Health Department on new initiatives for safer housing.
• Grayfields – Adaptive Reuse of Underutilized Spaces – Experts from Pattern for Progress and Cuddy & Feder LLP will discuss innovative redevelopment strategies.
• The Current State of Fair Housing – A legal session presented by NYS HCR and NYS Division of Human Rights, offering 1.5 CLE credits.
• Federal and State Housing Initiatives – A deep dive into housing policy led by NYU’s Furman Center.
• Housing and the Rockland County Comprehensive Plan – BFJ Planning will discuss “Envision Rockland,” our county’s comprehensive plan update.

This forum takes place in the last week of April to honor Fair Housing Month and Community Development Week. Since 1975, Community Development Block Grant funding has provided local governments with resources to develop viable communities by ensuring affordable housing and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

I applaud the business leaders and stakeholders who join us for this important event. It is crucial for us to work together to explore new opportunities, strengthen our housing policies, and build a more sustainable future for Rockland County.

I look forward to seeing you all there!

Editor’s Note: The Rockland County Housing Forum will be held on April 25 at the Firemen’s Training Center in Pomona from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ed Day is the County Executive of Rockland County.