FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2019
Contact: John Lyon 845-638-5645

New City, NY, - County Executive Ed Day and Director of Consumer Protection Jim Elcik announced the impounding of an unlicensed landscaper's tools and equipment. The Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection has received numerous complaints from licensed professionals in the landscaping trade concerning unlicensed landscapers within the county.

Consumer Protection Inspectors performed a surveillance operation and identified one of the unlicensed landscapers who had been the cause of many of the complaints. An individual, who uses the name Rob Louch (not his real name), was observed cutting the grass at a residence in Pearl River. Consumer Protection Inspectors intercepted Rob Louch and issued an Appearance Ticket for the Town of Orangetown Justice Court to answer to a charge of Unlicensed Home Improvement, a Class A Misdemeanor. The penalty upon conviction is a fine of not exceeding $1,000.00, or up to one year in prison, or both fine and imprisonment.

With the assistance of the Rockland County Sheriff's Office, Rob Louch's tools and equipment were impounded (see attached photo). This action was taken under the updated 2009 Rockland County Consumer Home Improvement Protection Act which was introduced by County Executive Day when he was a member of the Legislature. The updated Act permits authorities to impound equipment and vehicles of unlicensed contractors, to create the incentive for contractors to apply for a proper license.

"This is a prime example of the importance of having this specific tool in our toolbox," said County Executive Day. "Let this serve as a warning to any other unlicensed landscapers, we expect you to follow the same rules as everyone else. We're not looking to impound your equipment but if you continue to flagrantly violate the law, make no mistake about it, we will do so."

The mission of the Office of Consumer Protection is to protect Rockland County consumers by providing a safe and fair marketplace through oversight, enforcement and licensing of professionals. It costs $325 to apply for a Home Improvement License with Rockland County. There are approximately 1,834 licensed Home Improvement contractors operating in Rockland.

"The degree of enforcement against an unlicensed contractor depends on the severity of their violations and the complaints against them," said Director Elcik. "We want to ensure that every contractor has the proper liability and worker's compensation insurance. This protects homeowners and property owners in case a contractor or their employee is injured while working on a project."

If you have a concern or want to make a complaint, call the Office of Consumer Protection at (845)364-3901 or send us an email: cplcal@co.rockland.ny.us

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