Rockland County has officially launched the process of updating its Countywide Comprehensive Plan, a critical initiative that will guide the county’s future development, sustainability, and investment priorities. County Executive Ed Day and the County Legislature will formally begin the project in January, working in collaboration with a project consultant team. The plan will be overseen by the County Planning Department and supported by two advisory committees: a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). These committees are designed to ensure the plan reflects both technical expertise and community input.
County Executive Day emphasized the significance of the comprehensive plan in shaping the future of Rockland County. He stated that the preparation, adoption, and implementation of the updated plan are essential for ensuring sustainable growth, protecting natural resources, and improving the quality of life for current and future residents. The TAC will include representatives from County departments, the Legislature, and the Executive’s office, while the CAC will involve a broad spectrum of community stakeholders. This group will represent various sectors, including education, business, housing, tourism, arts, environmental and climate experts, and municipal organizations.
Rockland County residents and agency members interested in serving on the CAC are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to rcplan@co.rockland.ny.us by January 17, 2025. The CAC is expected to hold its first meeting in February. Acting Commissioner of Planning Doug Schuetz underscored the importance of community involvement in shaping the plan, stating that the committees will play a critical role in engaging stakeholders and creating a shared vision for the county’s future.
The updated Comprehensive Plan will establish a long-term vision and priorities for Rockland County, addressing land use, zoning, and infrastructure while updating the county’s official maps for drainage, highways, and environmental features. This effort comes more than a decade after the adoption of the previous plan, Rockland Tomorrow, in 2011. Since then, significant changes in demographics, development trends, and policies have underscored the need for an updated approach. The plan will also integrate ongoing initiatives focused on economic growth, housing, water resources, climate change, and sustainability.
The project will span 18 months and is being carried out in partnership with a consultant team that includes BFJ Planning, Urbanomics, Arch Street Communications, and McLaren Engineering. These firms bring extensive expertise in urban planning, public engagement, and engineering, and several played key roles in the county’s 2011 plan update. The project, which is expected to cost $870,000, is funded through County ARPA funds and was awarded through a competitive bidding process.
The County Planning Department invites residents to participate in this important process, which will help shape the future of Rockland County for generations to come.