Please note that an RSVP via email is necessary because there is limited seating space at the Library. The film, by London-based Moondance Films, focuses on the impact of the RLUIPA legislation in Ramapo, NY.
Archives for May 2018
Budget and School Board Results
In Suffern Central, the proposed school budget passed.
Voting YES 2,049 Voting NO 605
For the three seats on the School Board the winners were:
Melissa Reimer (1,948), Angus Mackenzie (2,029), and Donald Cairns (1,858).
Theresa DiFalco (1,468) lost her bid for another term.
In East Ramapo, the proposed school budget failed to pass.
Voting NO 3,342 Voting YES 2,728
For the Sabrina Charles Pierre Seat:
(Won) Sabrina Charles Pierre 9,092
For the Yonah Rothman Seat:
(Won) Ephraim Weissmandl–6,926 (Lost) Joselito Citron–2,257
For the Jacob Lefkowitz Seat:
(Won) Yoel Trieger–7,125 (Lost) Miriam Moster–1,955
For more complete information on the results and what happens next in Ramapo read The Journal News coverage here.
VOTE–School Board Elections Tuesday, May 15
On Tuesday May 15 We ask that you Support the following Candidates in the Suffern and East Ramapo School Board Elections:
IN SUFFERN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR DETAILS ON THE CANDIDATES CLICK HERE
________________________________________
IN THE EAST RAMAPO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, PLEASE SUPPORT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE CANDIDATES GO TO strongeastramapo.org
New Square ranked as New York State’s poorest municipality
New Square Photo: John Meore, Ricky Flores: The Journal News
“This village where age-old traditions and religious study are valued above economic advancement has been ranked as the poorest municipality in New York state, according to an analysis by 24/7 Wall St. published in USA Today.
In the Hasidic Jewish community founded in 1954 along Route 45, the poverty rate is 70 percent, with a median income of $21,773 compared with the state median of $60,741.
New Square’s median annual household income stands nearly $5,000 below that of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic Jewish village in Orange County that was ranked as the state’s next poorest municipality. [Read more…]
5 Mayors endorse Cairns, Reimer and Mackenzie for Suffern School Board
In a remarkable alignment of support, five mayors whose districts cover most of the Suffern Central School District have offered a unanimous endorsement of Donald Cairns, Melissa Reimer, and Angus Mackenzie for Suffern Central School Board. Acknowledging the candidates dedication to a Kids First approach to Board governance, the mayors advise, “We’ve had the opportunity to get to know them, and we are impressed by their commitment to the community. We hope that you will join us in supporting them.”
Click the “more” link to read the full text of the mayors’ letter. [Read more…]
Garage or Synagogue? Religious group takes Chestnut Ridge to court for voiding use permit
3-car Garage at 3 Spring Hill Terrace
“The saga over whether a religious group built a three-car garage or warehouse-type building for a synagogue has moved to state Supreme Court.
The Brooklyn-based Kedishas Aharon D’Hadas claims in court papers the village violated its property rights by voiding a certificate of occupancy to use the building attached to 3 Spring Hill Terrace. [Read more…]
East Ramapo budget seeks more busing for private school students
“For the upcoming school year, officials in East Ramapo have made several changes in how the district’s 33,500 students get to class each day.
Part of the changes include laying off its bus drivers, outsourcing the routes and increasing transportation for private schools on district holidays.
In late March, the school board voted to dissolve its transportation operations – which consisted of 17 employees and 18 vehicles, a move that, according to the proposed 2018-19 budget, will lead to a $1.7 million reduction in busing costs.
The bulk of student transportation in East Ramapo is already being handled by private bus carriers, with more than $30 million earmarked for regular routes, special needs students transports, field trips and athletics. [Read more…]
Suffern board candidates step up for 49-year coach Biddy, who says he did nothing wrong
Suffern Cross Country Coach Joe Biddy (Photo: Seth Harrison/The Journal News)
“Two people running for three open Suffern school board seats praised embattled 49-year cross-country coach Joe Biddy this week and called for the board to speak to him directly before deciding whether to approve him being replaced.
Four people will vie for three positions on the seven-member board during the May 15 election. [Read more…]