Earth Day offers an annual opportunity for us to reflect on how we care for the place we call
home. Here in Clarkstown, that reflection is far more than just an annual observance. Our town
has a proven track record of leading by example through an ongoing, daily commitment to
sustainability, strategic planning, and responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
Throughout my administration, the Town of Clarkstown has been a recognized leader in
initiating environmental-friendly policies and creating green infrastructure. From preserving over
40 acres of open space to adopting a local law requiring a 10% reduction in stormwater runoff
on all new construction, Clarkstown has set the standard for other municipalities to emulate
when it comes to environmental responsibility. In 2021, Clarkstown became the first municipality
in Rockland to earn an official NYSERDA designation as a Clean Energy Community, and we
continue to aggressively pursue new ways to protect our environment and offer efficiency
savings to our taxpayers.
Evidence of our commitment to sustainability can be found all over town. A solar roof installation
at Town Hall now helps power municipal operations with over 135,510 kWh of clean, renewable
energy, while LED lighting upgrades, both in our municipal buildings and a conversion of over
3,800 streetlights, have significantly reduced energy consumption and costs. We’ve also
embraced the transition to cleaner transportation. The Town has invested in EV vehicles for our
town fleet, helping further reduce our own carbon footprint. Multiple electric vehicle charging
stations have been installed on town property in Clarkstown, with a total of 14 at Town Hall and
4 at Congers Lake Memorial Park. We’ve made it easier for employees, residents, and visitors
alike to choose greener options.
Preserving open space remains another cornerstone of our environmental efforts. In recent
years, Clarkstown has protected more than 40 acres of land, ensuring that these natural areas
remain undeveloped and available for future generations to enjoy. Open space preservation not
only safeguards our environment, but also enhances community character and provides vital
recreational opportunities. Just this year, we’ve taken additional steps that will shape
Clarkstown’s future for decades to come. The creation of a Greenway Commission will help
guide future open and green space acquisitions, improving both environmental conservation
and creating expanded recreational opportunities. We also started the legislative process, which
will ultimately be decided upon by a voter referendum, to establish a Community Preservation
Fund. If approved, this would create a dedicated funding source to purchase open space and
help preserve our environmental resources.
At the same time, we recognize that sustainability includes ensuring that our community
remains a vibrant and attractive place to live. The development of new green space and athletic
fields reflects our commitment to providing the finest recreational facilities for residents of all
ages, while the upcoming opening of a new community garden in Central Nyack this spring
represents a new way for neighbors to connect with the land and one another. We created a
new accessible playground in New City, another with accessible options in West Nyack, and are
about to renovate the Lake Nanuet play equipment and spaces. The town is also planning a
brand new playground in Central Nyack across from the Community Center.
These initiatives are all part of a broader vision: a Clarkstown that is environmentally
responsible, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to its natural surroundings.
So let’s take advantage of Earth Day as an annual opportunity to renew our commitment to
creating a greener and environmentally responsible community. And let’s remember that
protecting our environment is not a one-day effort or the implementation of a single project. It is
an ongoing responsibility that requires collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of
purpose.I’m proud to be a part of a town that values our planet’s sustainability.
On Earth Day and every day, we are building toward a greener future in Clarkstown.
