The report states that, through clearly defined goals, policies and recommendations, the plan seeks to address the challenges facing the county and its municipalities while providing “a roadmap for managing change thoughtfully and equitably, reflecting the values and aspirations of residents, municipalities, workers and regional partners.”

“The Plan does not regulate land use, but guides elected officials and decision makers as they consider land use, transportation, infrastructure and capital investments,” the report states.

The 18 month planning process was guided by the Rockland County Department of Planning and a Technical Advisory Committee made up of representatives from county departments, the Rockland County Legislature, the County Executive’s Office and the Rockland County Planning Board. In addition, the county convened a Community Advisory Working Group made up of residents and stakeholders from a broad range of communities and organizations throughout Rockland County.

Some of the report’s recommendations include:

Land Use and Development:

• Undertake a comprehensive Hudson River waterfront plan to identify locations for new or expanded public access points, improve waterfront connections between communities.
• Identify opportunities to restore natural areas, recommend climate adaptation and flood mitigation strategies, promote tourism supporting amenities and identify funding sources for major initiatives.
• Continue to pursue regional transportation corridor studies and action plans. Examples include Route 59, I 287, Route 306 in the Town of Ramapo and Route 202 in northern Rockland County.

Housing: “Increasing housing opportunities in Rockland County requires a structured approach that recognizes local control over zoning and land use decisions while leveraging the county’s expertise and resources,” the report states. Recommendations include –

• Providing technical assistance to municipalities, developing model affordable housing ordinances.
• Providing funding for zoning code updates, supporting the county’s public education campaign on housing.
• Encouraging context sensitive infill development.
• Promoting Planned Unit Developments where appropriate and considering the conversion of excess county owned properties for housing.

Transportation:

• Continue to explore the use of roundabouts in intersection redesign projects where appropriate.
• Continue to coordinate with the Thruway Authority to address congestion on I 87/287.
• Seek opportunities to widen the westbound roadway to four lanes approaching the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Currently, the roadway narrows from four lanes to three at Exit 11.
• Encourage the Thruway Authority to continue corridor preservation efforts during construction projects to ensure adequate space for future transit improvements.
• Explore the feasibility of Exit 14X, a proposed new interchange between Exits 14 and 14B. Although there is no formal plan or funding in place, officials have discussed the potential need for a new exit to address continued population growth in the Town of Ramapo.
• Continue working with the New York State Department of Transportation to advance the planned but delayed Phase II improvements to the Palisades Interstate Parkway north of Exit 9, including pavement, guardrails, drainage improvements and corridor aesthetics.

Infrastructure:

• Continue implementing recommendations contained in the 2020 Rockland County Comprehensive Water Conservation and Implementation Plan.
• Develop and implement a County Water Plan to guide sustainable water use, monitor conservation efforts and adapt strategies as conditions change.
• Strengthen groundwater protection.
• Strengthen drought preparedness and water supply resilience.
• Promote water conservation and high efficiency water use in county operations and major developments.
• Continue identifying sanitary sewer system capacity constraints.
• Continue reducing inflow and infiltration in sanitary sewer collection systems.
• Employ green development and infrastructure practices at county facilities.
• Public Comment Period Runs From July 14 to Aug.

Written comments may be submitted by email to RCPlan@co.rockland.ny.us and will be considered alongside testimony received during the public hearings. Residents are encouraged to visit www.envisionrockland.com to review the Final Draft Plan, learn more about the planning process and stay informed about upcoming milestones.