Ramapo to Host Open House for Monsey, Hillcrest, and Western Ramapo Development Plan

YS GOLD 

Building on months of community outreach, the Town of Ramapo has announced a second Public Open House to discuss the future of the unincorporated areas of Monsey, Hillcrest, and Western Ramapo. The event is scheduled for Monday, March 23, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ramapo Town Hall Council Room.

This meeting is a pivotal step in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update and Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). After nearly two decades since the last major update in 2004, town officials are looking to residents and business owners to help modernize the vision for the region. 

The plan aims to balance ongoing population growth with the need for sustainable infrastructure, focusing specifically on easing traffic congestion, improving neighborhood walkability, and expanding housing attainability.

Unlike traditional public hearings, this open house will follow an interactive, drop-in format. There will be no formal presentation; instead, the Council Room will be filled with informational displays where attendees can review what the town has learned from previous listening sessions.

The format allows residents to move at their own pace, reacting to proposed land-use strategies and development opportunities. 

Town staff and planners will be available throughout the two-hour window to discuss specific priorities and refine the vision based on direct public reaction.

Town Supervisor Michael Specht highlighted the importance of collaborative planning, noting that local insights are the most valuable tools for shaping a vibrant community.

“This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our town,” said Supervisor Specht. “Your ideas, feedback, and vision are essential as we plan for thoughtful growth and economic opportunity. Together, we can ensure our neighborhoods continue to be places where people are proud to live and confident to invest.”

The decisions made through this process will serve as a roadmap for the coming years, influencing how the town manages its resources and guides future investments. All community stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share their voices to ensure the final plan reflects the collective needs of the Monsey, Hillcrest, and Western Ramapo areas.