Land Use Planning 

• Using the new database from the New York State Office of Real Property Services, the Department began updating the Affordability Index of housing prices throughout the County.
• Conducted a field study for each parcel nominated for open space acquisition with the County’s Open Space Committee.
• Completed the 2004 Capital Budget for all Rockland County government departments.  The budget includes project descriptions, six-year spending breakdown, project costs and outside funding sources.
• Reviewed and completed approximately 30 State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) environmental reviews for County projects.
• Continued to hold educational sessions through the Rockland Municipal Planning Federation on planning, land use and zoning issues. The Federation hosted the 16^th Annual Dinner meeting in March at the newly completed Town of Stony Point Clubhouse at Patriot Hills.  The dinner included a presentation entitled Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Corridor Environmental Review by members of the project management team.
• With the Planning Federation, organized the annual boat ride on the M/V Commander in September observing development patterns and land use from the perspective of the Hudson River.
• With the Planning Federation, organized the Annual Certification Courses for municipal planning and zoning board members in April and May. Certified 27 new participants, and re-certified another 73 participants during the three-day program. The total number of people certified to date is now 520, and the total number of participants re-certified to date is 531.
• Produced quarterly newsletters for the Rockland Municipal Planning Federation.  The newsletters also included articles written by Planning Department staff members about projects that they are working on, important land use issues in the County, and staff changes that occurred throughout the year.
• Reviewed approximately 555 General Municipal Law (GML) land use and zoning reviews that were referred to the Department by the County’s 24 municipalities.  This included the review of local law amendments, subdivisions, site plans, variance applications, special permits and zone changes.  The staff also reviewed Draft Environmental Impact Statements and Final Environmental Impact Statements for large development proposals such as the Courtyard at Upper Nyack project in the Village of Upper Nyack.
• Members of the Rockland County Planning Board reviewed 33 GML applications referred to them by the Planning Department staff. These included large scale and controversial development projects that were generally 25 acres or larger, 10 lots or greater, or had a minimum of 40,000 square feet.
• Converted, with the assistance of the MIS Department, the Department’s GML reports from dBase IV computer software to Microsoft Access ’97.  This included creating more than 15 tables and 30 queries, 20 forms, 15 reports, and 6 macros.
• Continued to work with the Rockland Economic Development Corporation in finding ways to streamline the application review process.  This included the posting of a Beta site for the Town of Orangetown in which information such as zoning, district bulk requirements, parcel location, town official contacts and other pertinent information was provided online.
• Started working closely with the Town of Orangetown, New York State Department of Transportation and New York Metropolitan Transportation Council to begin implementing the recommendations of the Route 303 Sustainable Development Study.
• The Rockland Riverfront Communities Council (RRCC), using our staff support, started drafting a Model Ridgeline Protection Ordinance that can be used by the riverfront municipalities once completed.  A majority of the RRCC membership communities adopted a steep slope protection resolution created by the Council.
• The RRCC completed production of their first brochure at the end of 2004, and will begin distribution in the beginning of 2005.
• Drafted a Request for Proposals for a website for the Rockland Riverfront Communities Council.
• Developed By-Laws for the Rockland Riverfront Communities Council.
• Reviewed the draft Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail Vision Report for the Hudson River Valley Greenway Council.  Provided valuable input for existing trail descriptions, future trail connections and map details.
• Reviewed the draft Hudson River Valley Scenic Byways Report for the Hudson River Valley Greenway Council.  Provided valuable input on local conditions, viewpoint information and map details.
• Attended the Hudson River Valley Greenway Council’s County Planners meetings.
• Began drafting the Greenway Compact Plan.
• With the County Executive’s office, conducted an event with Congresswoman Sue Kelly to announce support of the Rockland County Hudson River Greenway Trail project and discuss the federal funding she has requested for the project.
• Finalized and utilized the reports submitted last year by the consultants to the Rockland Historic Preservation Board.  These reports include the Rockland County Certified Local Government Survey and Inventory System for Future Survey Activities, the County of Rockland County-owned Properties Study – based on National Register of Historic Places Criteria for Evaluation and the Board Procedures for the Rockland Historic Preservation Board. 
• Conducted an event in January 2004 regarding the proposal of two County-owned properties – the Andre Monument in Tappan and the North Main Street School in Spring Valley – for the National Register of Historic Places.  In June 2004, the Rockland County Historic Preservation Board conducted public hearings at each site to solicit public input on the nominations.
• Completed a summer 2004 intern program to initiate the preparation of municipal-level databases and survey documentation books of the Historic Sites & Structures Survey for transmittal to Rockland County municipalities.
• Converted Dbase IV software databases into Microsoft Access for more than 1,000 records containing vital municipal contacts.
• Responded to more than 75 requests for information regarding land use- and zoning-related issues.

• County-Wide Truck Movement Study/Route 59 Transit Study/County-Wide Bus Stop Study
  Completed Request for Proposal (RFP) and consultant selection to perform the three studies. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds will pay for 80 percent of the cost for this effort, which will begin January 2005.

• Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding
  Submitted and ranked transportation projects for funding in the 2006-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  Rockland County will receive about $21 million in funding through the TIP for County, State and local transportation projects throughout the County. 

• Haverstraw/Yonkers Ferry to NYC
  With the Port Authority of NY/NJ (PANYNJ), Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), the City of Yonkers, NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Village of Haverstraw, conducted site visits at Haverstraw and Yonkers with potential ferry service operators.  Reviewed operating proposals from various operators in response to the Request for Proposals issued for the operation of high-speed ferry service from Rockland and Yonkers to Lower Manhattan. 

• Historic Roads Program
  Developed draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to work on this project with the Department.  Received Federal transportation planning funds in the amount of $20,000 to put toward this effort. Plan to release RFP in Autumn 2005.

• Route 303 Sustainable Development Plan/Access Management Plan
  Rockland County was a co-recipient of the William H. Whyte Award for Creativity in Planning given by the NY Metro division of the American Planning Association (APA).  Worked with NYSDOT and Town of Orangetown to begin implementing early action projects.  Completed the Route 303/Mountainview Avenue landscaping and sidewalk project.

• Walkable Community Workshop
  Sponsored Walkable Community Workshop in the Village of Haverstraw.  Worked with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) and consultant to facilitate discussion with local decision makers on how new waterfront development will affect downtown Haverstraw, and discussed pedestrian access and safety and traffic issues in downtown Haverstraw.

• Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) Business Survey
  Co-sponsored the REDC survey of Rockland businesses to gain information and feedback related to employee/employer commuting benefits and other Travel Demand Management issues.

• Park & Ride Lot J Passenger Waiting Facility Project
  Worked with the County’s Highway Dept. to design and construct a climate-controlled, 100-passenger shelter for commuters that use the County’s TAPPAN ZEExpress commuter bus service from Palisades Center Park & Ride Lot J.

• Travel Demand Management (TDM) program
  Conducted outreach programs to educate older drivers on transit options available in the County.  Assisted with the expansion of the I-287 Vanpool Demonstration Program to areas where public transportation is not accessible.  Continued the Bus Shelter Development Program and Park & Ride maintenance reimbursement programs for municipalities.

• Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM Program 
  Worked with NYMTC to recruit qualified employers in Rockland County to become part of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM program.  The County of Rockland, as an employer, was awarded the “Best Workplace” designation along with two other Rockland employers during an event in May.

TRIPS

• T.R.I.P.S. ridership reached its highest in history, ending the year at more than 64,700 rides.
• T.R.I.P.S. also made its biggest purchase ever receiving ten (10) new buses of which eight (8) were for replacement and two (2) for expansion of the fleet.  The purchase of these new buses brought the average age of the fleet from 5.5 years to three years.
• Many new features were added to the new buses, including extra padded seats for rider comfort, a Q-Straint Wheelchair Tie-Down system, non-skid Altro Flooring surfaces, additional grab rails, LED lighting and improved climate control systems.     
• Driver training program was expanded and is now given twice a year to our drivers and staff.
• T.R.I.P.S. began using a new mapping program, created by the GIS Unit, which enables drivers and dispatchers to use digital aerial images of streets to determine bus accessibility, locate addresses and augment site visits.
• A team of employees working on the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project for T.R.I.P.S. visited with a paratransit system operator in Jackson, Michigan to see an ITS system in a “live” environment.  This was done in preparation for the implementation of T.R.I.P.S. new ITS system.
• T.R.I.P.S. created and began using a new logo/graphic on buses and literature.
   

TOR/Tappan Zee Express

• Worked with COACH USA to improve/enhance the Transport of Rockland (TOR) and the Tappan ZEExpress (TZx) bus services.  Examples of this include establishing integration of the Orange-Westchester Link (OWL) and the TZx services in May 2004; Expansion of the TOR Community Loop routes to provide service to additional senior housing complexes; and, re-use of vehicles previously used in the TZx by-pass service to instead provide TZx local service through Nyack to Westchester, which also began in May.
• Ridership for the TOR and TZx services reached a record high, ending at 2,442,681 for 2004.  This is a 10 percent increase from 2003 ridership.
• Ridership on the new TOR Community Loop Routes saw large increases in 2004.  Community Loop #1 and #2 combined increased by more than 36 percent – from 75,403 in 2003 to 103,063 in 2004.  Community Loop #3 saw a 19.4 percent increase, from 33,497 in 2003 to 39,987 in 2004.
• Worked with consultant to start a program to purchase and implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology for T.R.I.P.S. 
• Completed construction of the 15 x 55 ft. lighted, heated and ventilated passenger waiting facility at the Palisades Center Lot J Park & Ride lot in May 2004.
• Created a Draft Emergency Ride Home Process for disabled riders of public transportation who may become stranded when no other public transit is available.  Program is currently under review by Department of Law.
• Conducted customer service/sensitivity training sessions for the TOR, TZx and T.R.I.P.S. bus drivers.
• Implemented a joint marketing program with Metro-North and the Palisades Center Mall to benefit TZx riders in March 2004.
• Accepted delivery of and put into service 17 new TOR buses. The acquisition of these new buses makes the entire TOR bus fleet fully accessible.
• Extended Sunday service on the TOR #93 to Sloatsburg.
• Implemented earlier schedule on the TOR #59 Sunday service.
• Expanded TOR Loop #3 route to include service to Stonegate Apartments in Suffern and to include two direct trips to the Nanuet Mall.
• Provided earlier trips on the TOR #95 to Rockland Community College.
• Enhanced Saturday evening service on the TAPPAN ZEExpress bus service.

• Commence work on sub-plans of the County’s River to Ridge Comprehensive Plan, which has served as the generalized land use and transportation-planning document for the County, setting the background for a number of issues that require further investigation.  These issues include economic development, affordable housing, water and sewers, parks and recreation, and historic and scenic roads.  Given the availability of federal funds to conduct a Countywide Truck Movement Study and a Historic Roads Study, our department plans to commence work first on the two sub-plans covering economic development and historic and scenic roads.

• Update the County Comprehensive Plan with Census 2000 figures.

• Finalize the update of the Affordability Index to bring housing prices and median income to current values.
• Continue to support the work of the Rockland Housing Action Coalition.
• Continue to prepare the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) reviews for county projects. Offer guidance to other departments and non-profit agencies with respect to the SEQRA process. 
• Continue to prepare the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) reviews for federally-funded projects.
• Continue to review all development proposals within 500 feet of State or County roads, parks, or facilities, County streams, municipal boundaries, or the Long Path.
• Review large scale and controversial development proposals with the Rockland County Planning Board in order to incorporate their comments into the General Municipal Law (GML) reviews generated by this Department. In 2005, we hope to receive comments from the Rockland County Planning Board on a minimum of 25 to 30 GML applications.
• Continue to update and expand the existing multi-family developments listing. The first step will be to prepare a draft listing for review by the municipalities.
• Continue to work on the draft of the Greenway Compact Plan for review by Greenway Communities, while continuing to develop the program for the Rockland Riverfront Communities Council (RRCC).  The Council will continue to develop regional policy goals, resolutions and model ordinances.
• Continue to work cooperatively with the Hudson River Valley Greenway Council on getting more communities to join as Greenway Communities.  Continue to assist the Greenway in reviewing their vision plans.
• Working with RRCC, continue the creation of a Model Ordinance Report.  Collecting data from both local and national sources, this project will create several Model Ordinances involving land use and zoning issues. The model ordinances will also be integrated into a Greenway Compact Plan for potential broad acceptance by all Greenway communities in Rockland.
• Continue to support the work of the Rockland County Historic Preservation Board.
• Present any findings from the Historic Preservation Board’s consultant reports to the County Legislature for acceptance and passage of any necessary resolutions.
• Conduct events with the Historic Preservation Board in Spring 2005 to recognize placement of two County-owned properties - the Andre Monument in Tappan and the North Main Street School in Spring Valley - on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Solicit input from members of the Rockland County Historic Preservation Board when historic resources are potentially affected by land development proposals within 500 feet of State or County roads, parks, facilities, County streams, municipal boundaries, or the Long Path.
• Continue efforts to create a GML guidebook of standard policies for the County on land use, zoning and planning issues as they relate to development.  This policy guidebook will also incorporate other County agency goals and objectives.
• Continue to conduct field investigations and map parcels for the Open Space Acquisition Program.
• Continue to hold educational sessions through the Rockland Municipal Planning Federation on planning, land use and zoning issues, including a special educational session for the clerks to the various municipal boards.
• Produce quarterly newsletters for the Rockland Municipal Planning Federation with updates of Planning Federation and Planning Department activities.
• Continue to support the efforts and programs of the Water Quality Committee, the Environmental Management Council, the Soil and Water Conservation District and the Parks Commission of Rockland County.
• Convert the Dbase IV computer software GML database containing more than 15,000 records into Microsoft Access.
• Update GML maps for use by staff and the local municipalities.

• Continue participation in the development and creation of a Rockland CARES database of children, youth and family indicators. This interactive and Internet-accessible database will provide reliable, timely and accurate information about Rockland County and its towns and villages to planners, policymakers and residents.  This database will be housed and maintained by the Planning Department and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. 
• Revise and redesign the Planning Department’s Demographics web page to include more current, comprehensive and diverse information about the County.
• Produce current Economic and Transportation Profiles for Rockland County and its municipalities. These profiles will incorporate newly released information from the 2002 Economic Census and 2000 Census.
• Prepare Census 2000 products based on newly released data, including characteristics of Rockland commuters, detailed occupation data for Rockland residents and workers, characteristics of domestic migrants into and out of Rockland, and affordability of housing.
• Continue updating the Planning Department’s Census 2000 web page with the latest data products and information released by the US Census Bureau.
• Expand the Interactive GIS Intranet Mapping System to include a demographic application.  
• Review existing Rockland County population projections and methodologies from a variety of public and private sources. Research and evaluate how to proceed in the future in terms of population projections. 
• Continue participation in a variety of interdepartmental and economic development committees including Rockland CARES, REDC’s Committee on the Economy and REDC’s External Marketing Committee. 

GIS and Tax Mapping - Data and Staff Development

• Assist other County agencies with GIS data training, application and data development and analysis.
• Continue to partner with New York State Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure office to deliver updated aerial photography at a higher degree of accuracy to be incorporated into existing GIS.
• Continue to update existing GIS data and create new layers.
• Use GIS to continue to assist and/or improve County emergency planning efforts.
• Generate more than $12,000 in revenue for the year from the sale of digital mapping and demographic data.
• Develop relationship with REDC to determine common goals and objectives.
• Develop countywide GIS users group.

GIS and Tax Mapping - Application Development

• Begin design of web-based portal for geospatial data.   This would include various transportation-related applications, as well as incorporating the existing web-based GIS applications into one gateway for easy access by users.  The implementation of a portal will provide one-stop access to maps, data and other geospatial services through the existing County website.
• Make web-based GIS on the County Intranet accessible to personnel in more departments.  This provides access to digital map data and information to County employees.  Provide training to an additional 250 employees.
• Improve the tax map maintenance process resulting in more current information and improve accessibility.
• Provide digital mapping data and technical assistance to TRIPS for a scheduling software with mapping component.
• Update Planning Department website.
• Develop web-based mapping tool for permit simplification project.
• Research and determine feasibility of incorporating GIS technology into County Clerk’s office.
• Provide GIS technical advice to local government to assist in incorporating GIS technology at the local level.
• Work with Emergency Services to incorporate new aerial photography into emergency service and planning activities.

• County-Wide Truck Movement Study/Route 59 Transit Study/County-Wide Bus Stop Study
  Work with the consultant to conduct these three projects beginning January 2005. Project will involve working with local municipalities and conducting public outreach during this 18-month study.
• I-287/Tappan Zee Bridge study  
  Continue technical review of the TZB/I-287 study products. Work with the Inter-Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO) members as the study moves into the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) phase.

• West Shore Railroad Crossing Safety Upgrade and Quiet Zone Implementation  Select consultant to begin the detailed design and engineering for the Railroad Crossing Safety and Quiet Zone project on the West Shore Line.  Work with local municipalities, CSX Railroad, NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to ensure the proposed Supplemental Safety Measures (SSMs) meet the FRA’s Final Rule requirements.
• Haverstraw/Yonkers Ferry to NYC and Haverstraw/Ossining Ferry 
  Continue working with Port Authority (PA) of NY/NJ, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), City of Yonkers, NYSDOT, and Village of Haverstraw to begin operating the Haverstraw/Yonkers to Lower Manhattan high-speed ferry service. Continue to monitor NY Waterway ferry operator’s bankruptcy proceedings and help to ensure the continued operation of the existing ferry service to Ossining.

• Bike/Ped Master Plan
  Will sponsor a 2005 Walkable Community Workshop in a Rockland County community (Location TBD), review the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to identify projects that have the potential to improve and enhance pedestrian and bike safety in Rockland.

• Title VI
  Work with Public Transportation Department to update the County’s Title VI Report, which is mandated by FTA for agencies that receive federal transit funds to provide public transportation.

• Historic Roads program
  Begin process of consultant selection.  County Planning Department will coordinate federal reimbursement and act in and advisory capacity to the Historic Preservation Board.

• Access to the Region’s Core (ARC)
  As members of the Study’s Technical Advisory Committee, the Department will continue to monitor and review technical products related to the ARC study.

• Route 303 Access Management Plan @ Erie Street
  Continue to work with NYSDOT and Town of Orangetown to implement early action projects from the Route 303 Sustainable Development Study.  Develop an access management plan at the Erie Street/Route 303 intersection.

• Travel Demand Management (TDM)
  On-going activities related to TDM work program, including outreach by the Rockland County Smart Commute Group to employers in Rockland County to promote commuter incentive programs and programs for employers to reduce their payroll taxes by providing employee benefits for commuting.

• Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
  Working with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC), continue program building and the adoption process for the 2005-2006 UPWP.

• Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
  Working with the Mid-Hudson South Transportation Coordinating Committee (MHSTCC), develop, review, and hold public comment period for the adoption of the 2006-2010 TIP.  Draft TIP will be completed in April 2005, with final TIP in September.

• Data Collection and Analysis
  Work with consultant on the data collection and analysis for 88 locally-owned traffic signals (100% funded through the Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality –CMAQ- Program).  Data will be used to help municipalities in Rockland identify signal timing problems and recommend timing changes to improve traffic flow and air quality.

• Air Quality Non-Attainment 
  Continue working with NYMTC to help Rockland and the NY Region meet the air quality and transportation conformity requirements of the Clean Air Act, including attainment for both ozone and particulate matter.  Evaluate emissions from transportation plans and projects prior to funding and implementation.

TRIPS

• Purchase an additional two buses to replace buses that have reached the end of their useful lives.
• Select the consultant and award the bid for the T.R.I.P.S. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Project in the First Quarter 2005.
• In the Second and Third Quarters, implement various components of the ITS project with regard to Computer Aided Registration, Scheduling, and use of Dispatch Software, along with Mobile Data Communications and Automatic Vehicle Location Equipment.
• In the Fourth Quarter, go “LIVE” with all of the new ITS technology.
   

TOR/Tappan Zee Express

• Continue the program to purchase and implement Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology for TOR and TZx.  A Request for Proposals for an ITS system for Transport of Rockland (TOR) and TAPPAN ZEExpress (TZx) is going out February 2005.
• Accept and put into service 16 new TZx buses.  This will make the TZx bus service fully accessible and will provide a uniform appearance for all TZx service buses.
• Complete acquisition of land and develop a design for a Park & Ride lot in Monsey that will replace the temporary facility now located at the former drive-in theatre on Route 59.
• Implement the Emergency Ride Home Program for disabled riders of public transportation.
• Continue customer service/sensitivity training for the TOR, TZx and T.R.I.P.S. bus drivers
• Continue the bus shelter installation program throughout the County.
• Implement a new policy for issuing reduced-fare transit cards.
• Working with the Office for the Aging, coordinate a campaign to promote senior ridership on public transportation. 
• Continue to administer joint marketing program in conjunction with Metro-North and the Palisades Center Mall to benefit TZx riders.
• Continue coordinating existing TOR bus service with the needs of Rockland Community College (RCC) students and faculty.
• Assist RCC with the development of a shuttle bus service between their main campus and their satellite campuses. 
• Assist Good Samaritan Hospital with preliminary planning for a shuttle bus service.
• Assist with the Route 59 Transit Study and the County-Wide Bus Stop Study
• Analyze needs and plan 2005 TOR bus route improvements.