Asbestos, Woodchucks, and the Threat of ICE

The town of Haverstraw’s board met on the evening of January 12th to discuss a range of topics, most notably the effort to restore certain properties owned by the town. Also on the docket were resolutions passed to control nuisance wildlife in Haverstraw parks including geese and woodchucks. 

A public hearing was held in regards to a project being undertaken by the Town of Haverstraw concerning brownfields in what’s known as the Letchworth property. Town Supervisor Howard Phillips spoke on the town’s effort to secure Environmental Protection Agency grants to clean up the brownfields in properties owned by the town. Letchworth, acquired by the Town of Haverstraw in the 90s, is a dilapidated former psychiatric facility. Covered in both asbestos and lead paint, the town wishes to clean up the property and demolish the buildings currently on the site. 

The Town of Haverstraw has entered into an agreement with Thomas J. Maglaras and Carl Lindsey, wildlife control agents, to address the ongoing problem of woodchuck burrows and goose feces affecting the quality of life at Haverstraw parks. Efforts are being undertaken to cull the populations of woodchucks and geese for both sanitary and safety reasons. The maintenance of parks and recreation services beyond animal control was also discussed. A recent incident involving a reckless driver and a fence has stalled the opening of three new pickleball courts in the town. Haverstraw has also built and is gearing up to open several new multipurpose fields for youth sports and activities, as well as a new skate park and handicap accessible restrooms at the award winning Haverstraw Sports Recreation Complex. $150,000 in grants have been awarded to Haverstraw through the efforts of Assemblyman Pat Carrol and the town board. 

During the public participation portion of the meeting, several residents of the Town of Haverstraw took it upon themselves to bring their concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and their role in the town to the board. Many pointed out the credible threat that ICE may pose to both undocumented and documented residents of Haverstraw and Rockland County. In the wake of the death of Renee Gold, many are anxious about the role ICE plays in local law enforcement. 

Despite some back and forth, Supervisor Phillips stated his hope for American unity in the wake of our nation’s 250th birthday. Phillips stated his sympathy for the concerns of his town’s residents and his understanding of what is at stake for many of them. In regards to ICE and its encroachment on local law, the supervisor stated, “We’re going to let it play its course and see what happens.”

At time of publication,  he Town of Haverstraw has not collaborated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport or detain any of its residents.