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NYMTC’s Palisades Shared Use Path Feasibility Study Public Discussion; Montefiore Nyack Hospital Receives 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award; Briefs

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Findings from NYMTC’s Palisades Shared Use Path Feasibility Study to be Discussed During Public Review Meetings on April 14, 15, and 16

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) will hold a series of three public review meetings to discuss findings from its Palisades Shared Use Path Feasibility Study, a project to explore connections between the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in South Nyack.

Two in-person meetings and one held virtually will be held April 14, 15, and 16.

The proposed Palisades Shared Use Path Study extends roughly 20 miles along the west side of the Hudson River, traversing busy roadways, historic downtowns, and public parklands, including Palisades Interstate Park and Tallman Mountain State Park. The purpose of the study explores creating a path that is more intuitive, accessible, and safe for people walking, biking, running, and rolling along this scenic route.

The full study will be available for access prior to the public review sessions at https://www.palisadespathstudy.com/.

The meeting schedule:

April 14: 6 pm – 8 pm

Palisades Center Mall, Raso Room

April 15: 6 pm – 8 pm

Join virtually

https://meetny-gov.webex.com/meetny-gov/j.php?MTID=mf879add71bc3ee9372279834fad4cc3d

April 16: 6 pm – 8 pm

Fort Lee Historic Park & Museum, Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ  07024

“We are very grateful for the informative and detailed feedback from the many attendees who attended our community workshops for this study last year, and their valued input has been incorporated into the study,” said Adam S. Levine, executive director of NYMTC. “We look forward to sharing and discussing the results during these upcoming sessions.”

Questions prior to the meetings should be directed to palisadespathstudy@gmail.com.

ABOUT NYMTC: NYMTC is the federally mandated council of governments that directs the use of billions of dollars in federal transportation funds for New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley.


Montefiore Nyack Hospital Receives 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award

Montefiore Nyack Hospital has been recognized with a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ by Healthgrades, an online resource Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital.

The achievement reflects Montefiore Nyack Hospital’s commitment to safe, patient-centered care and places the organization in the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide for patient safety.

“We are proud to be recognized as one of the top hospitals for patient safety by Healthgrades,” said Anthony Matejicka, DO, MPH, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “Being a leader in patient safety is a distinction that we will continue to invest in and work diligently to maintain across all disciplines. We are honored to be named among the best in this national effort to keep patients safe and healthy.”

To determine the top-performing hospitals for patient safety, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates for approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide.

Healthgrades’ analysis revealed significant performance gaps between the nation’s highest- and lowest-achieving facilities. From 2021-2023, 173,280 preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, with four patient safety indicators accounting for nearly 76 percent of these incidents.*

The annual study found that patients treated in hospitals that received the 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award have a significantly lower chance of experiencing one of the four leading safety indicators than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals:

  • In-hospital falls resulting in fracture (54 percent less likely)
  • Collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest (approximately 55 percent less likely)
  • Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (approximately 69 percent less likely)
  • Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (72 percent less likely)

“As a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient, Montefiore Nyack Hospital consistently puts the well-being of their patients and staff at the forefront, setting a high standard for patient safety nationwide,” said Debra Gradick, MD FACEP, senior physician consultant at Healthgrades. “We commend Montefiore Nyack Hospital for providing consistently exceptional care while preventing serious injuries, giving patients their best chance of a seamless recovery.”

*Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology, which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2024.0.1) to MedPAR data from approximately 4,500 hospitals for years 2021 through 2023 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.


BRIDGES to Host Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for New Sensory Room at Palisades Center

BRIDGES, a nonprofit organization advocating for people with disabilities, will open a Sensory Room on April 4, at 10 AM on the 4th floor of the Palisades Center, next to Target, marking a milestone in inclusive community resources for children with sensory processing needs.

The BRIDGES Sensory Room is a calming and peaceful space designed to support individuals with sensory sensitivities, including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. The specialized environment offers interactive sensory activities aimed at fostering well-being, self-regulation, and relaxation in a safe and supportive setting.

“We are thrilled to open this state-of-the-art Sensory Room and provide a dedicated space for children to explore, relax, and engage in sensory-friendly activities,” stated Carlos Martinez, Executive Director of BRIDGES. “This project reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that children with sensory needs and their families have the resources they deserve.”

“BRIDGES has long been committed to promoting equal rights and inclusivity among people of all abilities in our Rockland community,” said County Executive Ed Day. “This new Sensory Room at Palisades Center is another step towards improving accessibility for individuals who need sensory support to ensure they feel welcome and secure in a more relaxing environment. Thank you for this new addition for individuals to enjoy.”

The Sensory Room is open to children up to the age of 18, including toddlers and babies, with a parent, guardian, or caregiver required to be there. The goal is to create a peaceful and welcoming space for children who need sensory support while providing families and caregivers with a vital community resource.

BRIDGES extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors and community partners who have made this project possible: New York Empire State Development, Hellman Management, M&T Bank, New York State Commission for the Blind, Veolia, Lia Toyota, and Jawonio.