New Chapter For Hi-Tor Animal Care Center
Recently I provided the final update on Hi-Tor Animal Care Center as operations have officially transitioned to Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority, also known as Rockland Green, at the start of this new year.
This is the end of a long and bumpy road that started last summer when resolutions to move forward with the construction of our new Hi-Tor Animal Care Facility in Pomona was halted. Like everything else, construction and material prices skyrocketed, doubling the cost of this project.
In response, the Town Supervisors of this County decided they wanted complete control and leadership over siting and constructing a new animal shelter, which is their legal right and responsibility, and thus entered into a new agreement with Hi-Tor that took effect January 1st. That decision severed the County of Rockland’s involvement when our agreement with Hi-Tor expired December 31, 2022.
The goal is still to do something that has been a dream of this administration for way too long – to have a brand-new animal shelter. I’m very hopeful that despite this small change in course, things are heading in that direction, and I thank Supervisor Howie Phillips and the other Town Supervisors for their efforts to do that because it’s something I do want to see sooner rather than later, as do many people in Rockland County.
To preserve taxpayer dollars and the health and safety of the animals at Hi-Tor, my administration is leasing the existing facility to Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA) for only $1 a year. The lease, which was signed at the press conference by me and Supervisor Phillips, is for two years running through December 31, 2024, and month-to-month thereafter.
All maintenance, repairs, and alterations to the property are the responsibility of SWMA, with approval by the County.
My administration, the County Legislature, and Town Supervisors made a joint promise long ago to provide homeless animals in Rockland with a desperately needed upgrade; rising costs do not change this fact. Time is a critical factor for the current aging facility. We have held up our end of the pledge now we need the new stakeholders to do the same on behalf of all the animals currently housed there.
I continue to ask those who regularly volunteer and support these animals to stay committed. Your time and effort in service to these animals is greatly appreciated.
