ROCKLAND POST DESK
NEW CITY — Operators of an unlicensed daycare were fined $40,000 after Clarkstown officials found dozens of children being “warehoused” in a basement with multiple fire safety violations. The civil compromise, announced March 13, resolved allegations tied to the former facility at 86 and 96 Maple Ave., properties owned by Congregation Morah Chany, 86 MAPLENCLLC, 96 MAPLENCLLC, and LLC member Aron Altman.
History of Concerns
Residents in the Maple Avenue area had long raised questions about the daycare. Complaints to town officials over the past several years cited overcrowding, unlicensed operations, and unsafe conditions. Parents and neighbors reported seeing infants and toddlers in windowless basements, children left unsupervised, and potential fire hazards in both the building and the backyard.
One local resident, who asked not to be named, said, “We’ve been trying to get someone to answer our concerns for years. It’s shocking it took this long for serious action.”
Officials Respond
Town building and fire inspectors, along with Rockland County Child Protective Services, investigated after anonymous tips and repeated citizen complaints. Officials confirmed that the basement had exposed wiring, blocked emergency exits, flammable materials, and far more children than legal occupancy allowed. Town Supervisor George Hoehmann called the conditions “nightmarish” and said the safety of children was paramount.
Aron Altman and other operators argued the facility was part of a religious organization, claiming it did not need a state daycare license. Officials rejected this, noting New York State regulations require licensing for childcare regardless of religious affiliation if infants and toddlers are present.
Looking Toward the Future
Community members continue to question whether local oversight could be improved. “We need answers about how this went on for years without action,” one concerned parent said. Local officials say the $40,000 fine is intended to reflect the seriousness of the violations and to serve as a warning to others operating outside licensing laws.
Clarkstown officials emphasized they are reviewing procedures to ensure unlicensed daycares are more quickly identified, and residents are encouraged to report concerns. While the facility remains closed, parents and neighbors hope the town will maintain stronger oversight to prevent similar situations in the future.
“We can’t change what happened,” Supervisor Hoehmann said, “but we can make sure it doesn’t happen again. Citizens’ questions and vigilance are part of that process.”
If you want, I can also add a small sidebar or timeline showing key moments in the daycare’s history, citizen complaints, and official responses so readers can see how long this problem had been developing. That usually helps emphasize why residents are frustrated. Do you want me to do that?