NEW CITY – Rockland County has adopted a new Comprehensive Plan, Envision Rockland, to guide planning and development decisions over the next 10 to 15 years.
County Executive Ed Day and County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. announced the plan, which establishes goals and recommendations for addressing housing affordability, transportation, economic development, environmental protection and infrastructure.
Led by the County Department of Planning, the 20-month process included input from county departments, municipalities, residents, workers and community stakeholders.
The plan calls for expanding affordable and diverse housing, addressing traffic congestion, improving regional transportation connections, preserving open space, protecting water supplies and supporting a more diverse business base. It also recommends stronger coordination among public agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as increased support for arts, culture and historic preservation.
The plan encourages growth and reinvestment in established and emerging town and village centers while protecting parks, farmland, environmentally sensitive areas and established neighborhoods.
“Envision Rockland gives us a roadmap for protecting the quality of life our residents value while confronting some of our biggest challenges,” Day said.
The county’s previous Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2011. The new plan does not regulate local land use or dictate where development should occur, but provides planning tools to guide decision-making and coordination among municipalities.
Implementation will require continued cooperation among county departments, towns, villages, state and regional agencies and community partners. The county plans to establish an Implementation Committee to track progress and provide annual updates.
“Adopting a Comprehensive Plan isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point,” Day said.
Hood said the plan reflects extensive public input and provides a framework for addressing issues affecting Rockland’s future.
“It’s a framework for addressing important issues such as housing, transportation, economic development, the environment and quality of life,” he said.
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