Grant also wanted information on who will run the shelter – the Rockland Green agency that handles the county recycling and garbage programs or a private contractor. He said he swallowed hard on the $7.7 million figure in 2020, realizing the costs go up and the pandemic times. He noted the first proposal in 2018 came in at $2.2 million. Legislator Michael Grant, D-Haverstraw, said the new price is too rich for him. But county government officials have long maintained taking care of the animals is the right policy. The county is not legally responsible to care for the animals, a responsibility that falls on the five towns. I don’t want to take on the position of a field of dreams that we build it and they will come.” “I made mention to the administration and supervisors during our meeting that before we commit to such a project we should know who will be running the facility. “This is a substantial increase from the initial costs first proposed,” Hofstein said. Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny pulled out the town last year, citing the costs and management issues. Only four of the five towns now use the shelter for homeless dogs and cats. He and other legislators hope the supervisor can provide answers within the next few weeks. Legislator Minority Leader Lon Hofstein, R-New City, said he’s concerned about the higher costs, who will run the facility, and the location. The sign on Firemens Memorial Drive directing people to Hi Tor Animal Care Center in Ramapo. There’s also an issue of area traffic on game nights. Some legislators said they had second thoughts about the price and location near the Ramapo baseball stadium, which features fireworks and excessive noise that advocates say are unhealthy for dogs and cats. The time is long past to get this done.”īut Legislators, while supporting the facility, balked temporarily last week to adding Day’s proposed $10 million to the construction budget − either through additional bonding or from the county’s contingency fund. “It’s only going to get more expensive with the delays. “The costs are what they are and they are not going down,” Day said of the five bids. A six-week bidding period for developers and contractors was just announced.ĭay said he's not pleased by the additional delay and noted the current shelter is archaic for the animals' health and on its last legs. County Executive Ed Day, center right, flanked by facilities director Bob Gruffi, Hi-Tor board president Debbie DiBernado and County Legislature majority leader Jay Hood ceremoniously break ground on the new Hi-Tor Animal Care Center facility in Pomona on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

Hi tor animal shelter surrender