For Immediate Release
January 14, 2026
CLARKSTOWN TOWN BOARD ADVANCES UNPRECEDENTED CODE ENFORCEMENT LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
The Clarkstown Town Board has advanced an unprecedented code enforcement legislative package at the January 13, 2026 meeting. Unanimously, Supervisor Hoehmann and the Town Council moved four measures that will substantially increase Clarkstown’s code enforcement strength and capabilities.
This effort builds on the aggressive code enforcement efforts that the town has taken under Supervisor Hoehmann’s leadership, including securing a record number of code enforcement fines in 2025.
Clarkstown Code Enforcement Legislative Package:
Repeat Code Offenders Act: Councilman Jon Valentino introduced legislation to permanently codify the Town Attorney’s ability to pursue unlimited collection of civil compromise damages in Town Justice Court.
Code Violators Civil Fines Act of 2026: Councilman Mike Graziano introduced a local law change increasing the level of fines for first and repeat code enforcement violations significantly. A public hearing on the law will be held on February 10th with enactment to follow.
Deputy Town Attorney Designation Act: Councilman Bob Axelrod introduced a resolution to formally create the position of “Deputy Town Attorney for Code Enforcement.” This will be the first time a Town Attorney position in Clarkstown is specifically designated for code enforcement purposes and will help enhance the town’s legal ability to pursue violators in court. This resolution was passed unanimously and will take effect immediately.
Code Enforcement Hiring Act of 2026: Councilman Don Franchino introduced a resolution committing the town to hiring three additional code enforcement officers, with one being a bilingual Spanish speaking position. The resolution also authorized the personnel department to expend funds to do more extensive advertising for qualified applicants including on commercially available job boards and sites. Upon hiring of these three additional positions that town will have a total of eight full time code enforcement officers. This resolution was passed unanimously and took effect immediately.
Supervisor George Hoehmann stated, “Since day one my administration has been laser focused on cracking down on code enforcement violations. Clarkstown has the largest and most aggressive code enforcement team in the county. I am pleased to announce, working with all members of this town council, this unprecedented code enforcement legislative package which will further strengthen our abilities to protect our community. This should be a warning to all, if you violate our code in Clarkstown we will hold you accountable.”
Councilman Jon Valentino stated, “Promises made, promises kept. Hitting the ground day one as your Councilman I have introduced a local law change to crack down on the worst of the worst code enforcement violators. Ward 1 voters asked me to protect our neighborhoods, and working with Supervisor Hoehmann and my town board colleagues, this local law change does exactly that.”
Councilman Mike Graziano stated, “Working with Supervisor Hoehmann and my colleagues on the board we have aggressively pursued code enforcement violators. Now it is time to substantially increase penalties. My proposed local law change does exactly that. Following a year of securing historic code enforcement fines this change will only further increase the penalties for those who harm our neighborhoods.”
Councilman Bob Axelrod stated, “The Clarkstown Town Board is unified in protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring every available legal tool is deployed to stop code enforcement violators. I am proud that my resolution gives our Town Attorney’s office a dedicated code enforcement attorney to seek increased fines and penalties and hold violators accountable.”
Councilman Don Franchino stated, “Our code enforcement department is the largest and busiest in the county. My resolution ensures that three additionally budgeted code enforcement officers, including a bilingual officer, are hired expeditiously. Clarkstown will continue to be the most forward looking local government on protecting neighborhoods from code violators. As we have during my entire time serving with Supervisor Hoehmann the town board will use every available resource to protect our town.”
If you are aware of a potential code violation, please report it to the town through its MyClarkstown 311 App or calling the Building Department at 845-639-2100.
