Rockland County purchases three parcels under Open Space Acquisition Program

The Rockland County government announced the purchase and preservation of three parcels under the county”™s Open Space Acquisition Program, which marks the first transaction since the program was revived in 2020.

The three parcels cover 25 acres and include 1015 and 1019 Route 45 in Pomona and 20 New Valley Road in New City. The cost of the land purchase was not publicly announced.

In total, 16 properties consisting of 23 lots were nominated for consideration under this program, with six recommended for acquisition by a committee. The county decided to acquire the four top-rated properties, and the remaining parcels are expected to be purchased by the end of the year.

“What makes this program so special is the collaboration involved to reach this point,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The public first nominates the properties that are then vetted by our Open Space Advisory Committee made up of representatives from the Division of Environmental Resources, Department of Planning, Department of Health, Office of Fire and Emergency Services, and Drainage Agency. Field inspections are then done, and each property is scored using a point system based on their attributes.”

Photo: Overview of the Route 45 in Pomona parcel acquired by Rockland County