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The proposed law to amend the peddlers and solicitors code would increase fines for violations and would also establish a "Do Not Knock" registry that would be maintained by the village clerk.
If passed the village's codes on peddling and solicited will be amended to allow the village clerk to maintain a list of residences that do not want peddlers or solicitors at their doors.
“I think it gives the residents just another way to make sure they have a peaceful and undisturbed life,” Airmont Phil Gigante said of the proposed law, which he expects will be passed Monday night.
While Gigante hasn't personally experienced these solicitations or alleged "blockbusting," he has received complaints from residents of aggressive solicitors.
Gigante, who is also an attorney, has used his Facebook page to inform residents on how to handle solicitors and what isn't permissible under the village code.
The inspiration for a no-knock registry came after Gignate heard Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart discuss such a policy on local radio a few months back. Orangetown approved their own no-knock registry in April.
In addition, solicitors violating any parts of the code in Airmont would face increased fines: between $500 and $1,500 for a first offense, between $1,500 and $3,500 for second offense within 24 months of the first, and $3,500 to $10,000 for a third offense within 24 months or the possibility of jail time; or both.
A public hearing will be held in mid-July by the New York Department of State regarding alleged "blockbusting" tactics deployed in Rockland. A date and time for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
The Airmont Board of Trustees will also discuss changing the definition of what is considered overnight parking at the meeting.
Right now, continuous parking from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. is considered overnight parking. The proposed law would reduce that period of time by two hours, starting at 2 a.m. and ending at 6 a.m.
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