An urgent safety meeting was held on Wednesday in the Town of Ramapo, convened at the request of the Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services Joan Silvestri. The meeting was organized on short notice to address growing concerns about public safety, particularly accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians.
The gathering brought together key officials and organizations, including the Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services Joan Silvestri, Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary Leahy, Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Chief of Staff Mona Montel, the Ramapo Police Department, Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland represented by Abe Rosenberg and Hershey Grunzweig, Chaverim of Rockland, the Town Highway Superintendent Fred Brinn, Josh Hans and Yossi Margaretten from the Office of Emergency Preparedness, and Rabbi Hersh Horowitz from Community Outreach Center.
During the meeting, the Ramapo Police Department presented accident data spanning the past several years, with a focus on the last six months. The data highlighted a concerning trend in pedestrian-related incidents. The presentation led to a productive discussion on a range of proposed safety initiatives.
Participants discussed enhanced public education campaigns, stricter enforcement measures, and collaborative outreach efforts aimed at reducing accidents and improving community awareness.
Speaking to Monsey Scoop, Supervisor Michael Specht said, “This meeting was an important step in ensuring that all levels of government and community organizations are working together to keep our residents safe. We are committed to implementing real solutions that will reduce accidents and make our streets safer for everyone.”
Officials also announced a safety-themed community event to be held during Chol Hamoed at Boulders Stadium, in partnership with Bikur Cholim. The family-friendly event will feature rides, entertainment, and giveaways, with the Town providing free tickets to residents to encourage participation and engagement in safety education.
Town leaders affirmed that follow-up actions will be taken in coordination with county agencies and local organizations to implement the discussed safety strategies.
Let them fix all the street lights that aren’t working. I personally reached out to many people in the town many times and I didn’t get anywhere. I also tried State Senator Bill Weber in the beginning his office said they will look into the issue but after a while the same thing only silence I guess he already won his seat. It’s a disgrace!
When a certain element drive recklessly, this wiil happen. They have no regard for anyone else. Illegal turns, running lights and stop signs, speeding, etc.
Please get the Rabbeim involved. They can discuss derech eretz and other relevent halachos and elements regarding saving lives and protecting others.
We need more street lights and way more sidewalks. It’s ridiculous that we pay from the highest taxes in the nation and we don’t have our needs met. And yes, men in black must be taught that reflectors are not optional, but a necessity.