The bitter exchange between Chair Howard Phillips and County Legislator Lon Hofstein over the "excessive" spending on the animal shelter project has been a hot topic. This project, which involves a $18 million bond issue to purchase an empty warehouse and convert it into an animal shelter, has seen costs balloon from the initial $7 - $8 million estimate to the current $18 million. The former Solid Waste Management Authority took over animal management in 2022 and awarded a contract to O'Connor Company for the construction. However, concerns have been raised about the location, accessibility, and potential environmental issues of the new shelter.

Unraveling the Controversy of the Rockland Green Animal Shelter Project

Cost Escalation and Misrepresentations

Rockland Green initially represented to the County Legislature that the shelter could be built for $7 - $8 million in 2022. But now, the costs have skyrocketed to $18 million. The misrepresentation of the square foot cost for the shelter is also a point of contention. O'Connor Company, the contractor, was the second lowest bidder at $90,000 higher than the lowest. The firm has an extensive building portfolio but has never built an animal shelter before. This project shows how Rockland Green has a history of grossly underestimating the cost of its projects, as seen in the Material Recovery Facility in Hillburn. 1: The cost escalation is not just a matter of numbers. It reflects a lack of proper financial planning and oversight. The county had worked on a plan to build a new facility with a combination of funds, but Rockland Green's actions led to a change in direction and an increase in costs. The taxpayers are now burdened with a higher tax levy to support the shelter operation, which has increased by 28.5 percent over three years. 2: The misrepresentation of costs also raises questions about the transparency and accountability of Rockland Green. The board should have been more accurate in their initial estimates and should have provided a clear financial plan to the County Legislature. This lack of transparency has led to mistrust and criticism from County Legislator Lon Hofstein and others.

Location and Environmental Concerns

The new animal shelter is located in a remote section of the Village of West Haverstraw, not easily accessible by major roads. It is also in a FEMA-designated flood zone and close to the Joint Sewer Regional Authority, which emits bad odors. There is a proposed 24/7 trucking warehouse a stone's throw away on a former construction landfill site that leaches heavy metals in the water table beneath the new shelter site. None of these concerns have been studied publicly under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). 1: The location of the shelter poses significant challenges for both the animals and the staff. The lack of accessibility makes it difficult for people to visit and adopt animals. The environmental issues raise concerns about the health and well-being of the animals and the staff. It is important that these issues are addressed before the construction is completed. 2: The failure to conduct a proper environmental review is a serious oversight. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation should be involved in assessing the potential risks and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect the environment. The residents of the area also have a right to know about these potential risks and to have a say in the decision-making process.

Project Disputes and Legal Battles

Rockland Green's takeover of animal management led to a legal battle with Hi Tor Animal Shelter. Rockland Green sued Hi Tor for breach of contract, and Hi Tor filed a counterclaim. The legal wranglings have stretched for months and have continued to burden taxpayers with legal costs. In addition, Rockland Green has been involved in other legal issues, such as ratcheting up legal costs in its battles and facing challenges with its bond debt. 1: The legal disputes between Rockland Green and Hi Tor have created a lot of uncertainty and tension. The taxpayers are caught in the middle, having to pay for the legal battles and the increased costs of the shelter project. It is important that these disputes are resolved quickly and fairly to avoid further financial and legal complications. 2: The legal issues facing Rockland Green also raise questions about the governance and management of the agency. The board should be more careful in its decision-making and should ensure that contracts are properly executed and disputes are resolved in a timely manner. The taxpayers deserve better management and accountability from Rockland Green.