ROSA 4 Rockland is followed and supported by your neighbors, united with one voice. Our volunteers are informed and engaged citizens, who are professionally organized and legally represented, working to ensure that development is proportional and appropriate for the land on which it is built.

ROSA is not anti-development. ROSA is focused on advocating for the land, the flora and fauna, and water resources. ROSA is founded on the premise that following land use procedures, federal, state and local codes, and hiring independent expert to review applications on behalf of the public can provide a basis for balance between residents who want to maintain community character versus development interest to maximize return on investment via higher density development. 

History – The Patrick Farm

ROSA was organized at the time of the initial Patrick Farm hearings in 2010 following an amendment to the Town Comprehensive Plan and a State Environmental Review Act process that did not address important major issues of concern. The advocacy in 2010 did not result in corrections and in 2011 ROSA was formed as a registered 501c3 to continue as an environmental advocate in Rockland with a focus on water resources.

ROSA steadfastly opposed the processing of the Patrick Farm subdivision and site plans advocating for corrections to the environmental review process and adherence to local laws. ROSA coordinated and funded with the support of a wide community of supporters throughout the Town of Ramapo and elsewhere, Article 78 lawsuits against the Ramapo Planning Board in 2012 for the 2011 approvals, 2013 for revised approvals, and in 2015 for further revised approvals.

In the course of the many years of litigation, the Town passed local laws to eliminate various violations of Ramapo code five times rather than just correct the applications themselves. Ultimately the lawsuits sponsored by ROSA went to the Appellate Court along with cases from local neighbors and the Village of Pomona. In August of 2017 making the news Law.com. In November of 2017, the appeals were won.

ROSA is Part of the Rockland Water Coalition

ROSA initially focused on Patrick Farm but has expanded advocacy to stay on top of all water planning issues for Rockland. Rockland County is unusual in that, unlike other counties throughout New York State, Rockland is solely reliant on water from within its own borders, and downstream of Rockland is New Jersey who also relies on water sourced from Rockland County.

ROSA is a member organization of the Rockland Water Coalition to advocate against the desalination plant, and has participated in the Rockland County Water Task Force, and has been tracking other Rockland County water issues.

ROSA Focuses on Environmental Impact Reviews and Updates to the Comprehensive Plan

ROSA advocated for a full environmental review related to the updating of the Comprehensive Plan to allow for the rezoning of Pascack Ridge. ROSA participated and paid for  professional land use planners for hearings related to that application. A key ROSA concern regarding Pascack Ridge is the lack of proper coordinate review of the environmental impacts of the final site plan.

ROSA has continued to focus on large scale or precedent setting applications that require a higher level of environmental review and particular on those applications that are not in keeping with the Town of Ramapo Comprehensive Plan.

ROSA has steadfastly advocated for the Town of Ramapo to update the Comprehensive Plan and has been involved in tracking the Town’s unusual approach to planning that started in the fall of 2018 when in great haste and secrecy the Town launched its efforts to rezone Northeast Ramapo.

ROSA supporters and followers extend beyond the borders of Ramapo to residents of Rockland, Bergen and Orange Counties (whether on well or public water) who are dependent upon the Ramapo River Basin Aquifer, which is the main source of water to most residents in these areas and who are concerned about the environmental effects of changes in zoning and zoning laws in Ramapo, or the ignorance of state and local codes in the review of land use applications.

ROSA is Pro Sustainable Development

Rockland County is uniquely situated. We all know that the proximately to New York City coupled with the abundant open space, the environmental resources and its natural beauty make Rockland County highly desirable and a target for development pressure.  There is room for growth in Rockland County and ROSA is supportive of projects that are sustainable and increase opportunity without adversely impacting our water, traffic, safety, environment, and property values. The preservation of mature trees and forested buffers between zoning districts is a key component of our advocacy.

ROSA’s strategy is based strictly on merit. We strongly advocate independent, comprehensive reviews as it relates to professional zoning law, environmental, and safety review.

ROSA has been supported by the citizens and elected officials of:

• Airmont
• Chestnut Ridge
• Haverstraw
• Hillburn
• Monsey
• Montebello
• Pomona
• Nyack
• Ramapo
• Sloatsburg
• Suffern
• Tallman
• Tuxedo
• Wesley Hills
• Mahwah
• Ramsey
• Rockland County