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Ramapo: FBI, Rockland DA make 7 arrests from 2016 E-Rate computer raids

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“Authorities today arrested seven people – including six Ramapo residents – who are accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars through a federally subsidized program to provide electronic equipment to local yeshivas.

The arrests of Peretz Klein, 64, of Spring Valley, Susan Klein, 57, of Spring Valley, Ben Klein, 39, of Monsey, Simon Goldbrener. 55, of Monsey, Moshe Schwartz, 45, of Monroe in Orange County, Sholem Steinberg, 39, of Monsey and Aron Melber, 42, of Monsey resulted from a series of raids on multiple Ramapo businesses and schools in 2016.

They were all charged with various counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The statute sets a prison sentence of 20 years for the crime, though a judge has discretion under federal sentencing guidelines. [Read more…]

Feds Arrest Seven, Including some Rabbis, in $14M Monsey/Kiryas Joel Funding Scam

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Shield of the Dept of JusticeBy Jonathan Dienst  NBC 4 New York

Published 46 minutes ago | Updated 9 minutes ago

Seven Monsey and Kiryas Joel residents – including some rabbis – were arrested Wednesday in connection with an alleged $14 million dollar rip-off of a federal school technology funding program, federal prosecutors said. The FBI arrested the seven for allegedly stealing money meant to help underprivileged children.

Prosecutors said the suspects lied to claim they were serving as independent consultants and vendors to help obtain and provide telecommunication services to private religious school students across Rockland County. Federal dollars would come from the federal E-Rate program which is funded by the FCC. But investigators said the services were never provided with the seven allegedly stealing much of the money from 2010-2016. [Read more…]

Julie Goldberg for State Senate–Sept 13 Primary

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Hello Folks,

The September 13th primary is rapidly approaching and you can be sure that we will be making candidate endorsements across the political spectrum for all of the different parties holding electoral contests on that day.

For now, however, we want to draw your attention to the Democratic Primary for State Senate in the 38th district, which includes most of Rockland and a small piece of Westchester.

We strongly endorse Julie Goldberg for state senate in the 38th District. Her website is www.juliefornysenate.com Please check it out and join the energy and excitement of her campaign. [Read more…]

Pascack Ridge plan would benefit one community, burden all of Ramapo, Assemblywoman says

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Ellen Jaffee Re “Ramapo’s Pascack Ridge housing plan continues amid opposition,” Aug. 17 article:

As an elected official, my job is to listen to those I serve and to alleviate, not impose hardships. Many of my constituents have expressed a broad range of concerns regarding the proposed Pascack Ridge development.

There are those who might justify the need for such a massive project to address the shortage of housing in the Town of Ramapo and the growing number of families with children. However, that is not the intent of this project. The proposed development is not a response to the Hillcrest community as a whole, but rather a proposal to create segregated housing in one of the most diverse communities in Rockland County, a community I am proud to represent. Any justification for a project that will benefit only some residents, while imposing an enormous burden on the entire community is nullified. [Read more…]

Monsey firefighters fear for girls’ safety in school operating without certification

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Photo: The Journal News
Firefighters and housing advocates have voiced concerns about the safety for students at a Route 306 private girls school and camp that continues to operate without town approvals and with fire and safety violations.

While Ramapo’s request for a state judge to order the school closed awaits a decision, Congregation Bais Chinuch Ateres Bnos is running a summer camp and has held classes for more than 300 students in multiple trailer classrooms beyond the expiration of its temporary certificate of occupancy. [Read more…]

Citizens will fight Ramapo on Pascack Ridge housing plan

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Community View first appeared in The Journal News Aug. 20, 2018 

The proposed amendment to the Ramapo Comprehensive Plan is a Trojan horse.

The destruction of zoning in Ramapo has been going on for years. Usually the Ramapo Planning Board puts together a list of all of the variances that a well-connected builder needs to build high density housing where it isn’t allowed. Then the Zoning Board of Appeals approves the illegal variances. Finally, the Planning Board gives approval to the development. Since ordinary residents don’t have the resources to sue, the illegal decision is final. [Read more…]

CUPON Viewing of “America’s Holy War” Thursday Aug 23

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CUPON logo1

All CUPON organizations and the public are invited to view this movie. Seating will be limited to about 150 people.

Hillcrest-CUPON Meeting Date: Thursday, August 23rd, 2018

Time: 7:00pm  Location: Hillcrest Firehouse, 374 North Main St, Hillcrest, NY 

CUPON Members and Friends,
Please save the date and join us for this meeting. The Town is considering changing the Comprehensive Plan to accommodate development of 293 housing units at the Pascack Ridge site in Hillcrest. All Hillcrest, Spring Valley, and Clarkstown residents should be informed of the impact this will have on everyone. [Read more…]

Public Hearing–Critical Ramapo Zone Change for Pascack Ridge

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Pascack Ridge Location

There will be a Public Hearing for the zone change for Pascack Ridge, from R-15 to MR-12, Wednesday, August 15th, 7:00pm at Ramapo Town Hall.

Here are background statements from the CUPON community, and Micheal Miller, followed by the ROSA explanation and documents that explain the critical nature of the changes proposed by the Ramapo Supervisor and Board:

This is the most important assault on Hillcrest and surrounding communities to date. While most communities in the United States are willingly or being forced to integrate housing and most other  basic human rights, our elected officials in Ramapo are aiding and abetting segregated housing, here in the middle of Hillcrest, the most diverse community in Rockland county There is nothing wrong with responsible building to enhance and renew a community. That is NOT what this is. This development, and what’s to follow, will displace practically every person of color, and those with different beliefs, in this portion of the unincorporated Town of Ramapo. Regardless of your financial, health, or social status you will not be able to rent, buy or live in these proposed housing units that the town is ready to enable development. [Read more…]