Halting Real-Estate Solicitation In Chestnut Ridge

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The New York Department of State released its proposed rule this week to adopt a cease and desist zone for the Village of Chestnut Ridge. The regulation is designed to protect homeowners there from "blockbusting" — solicitors trying to get people to sell their houses with aggressive tactics, including inferring that the neighborhood was going to change, that they might be isolated among people of a different racial, ethnic or religious background, or that property values would fall.

Homeowners who do not wish to receive real estate solicitations by telephone, mail, door-to-door communication, e-mail, text message or any other direct means will be able to sign up. The regulation will prohibit the solicitation of a real estate listing from any homeowner whose name appears on the Department of State issued cease and desist list.

First, there's a comment period. The public has 60 days from Feb. 14 to submit comments. The comment period will expire April 16, 2018.

The rule will become effective on July 1, 2018.

“I am pleased by the thorough review DOS conducted of concrete evidence collected and submitted by residents and its positive response to the numerous concerns they have raised,” said Assemblymember Ellen C. Jaffee. “This ruling will send a strong message that hardworking homeowners are entitled to enjoy their homes free from harassment.”

Many homeowners in the community complained to Jaffee and Sen. David Carlucci that people were knocking on their doors checking to see if they wanted to sell their house. Sometimes the approach was aggressive. Sometimes it happened several times in a single day. People reported children playing in their front yards being approached by solicitors.

They also described streams of people taking photos of their houses.

At Jaffee’s request, DOS held a public meeting on Sept. 21, 2016 at Rockland Community College where residents expressed their concerns regarding excessive solicitation. Residents provided DOS with numerous fliers and other materials to document the excessive solicitation, Jaffee said.

The public is invited to submit comments by email to david.mossberg@dos.ny.gov . Comments may also be mailed to:

David A. Mossberg, Esq.,

New York State Department of State,

Office of General Counsel

123 William Street, 20th Fl.

New York, NY 10038

SEE ALSO: Toms River Bans Real Estate Soliciting In Two Areas

Image: The village of Chestnut Ridge/ google maps