Rockland County is preparing for President Trump’s visit to Rockland Community College on Friday, an event expected to draw large crowds and create significant traffic in the area.
He will be joining 17th Congressional District Rep. Mike Lawler. The district's upcoming midterm election is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched outcomes in the country.
Ramapo police announced that the RCC campus is closed until 10 a.m. Friday. When it reopens, officials are encouraging visitors to use the Viola Road entrance, as the back parking lots will be designated for event parking. Once parking reaches capacity, the campus will be shut down again.
The College Road entrance will be open only between 10 a.m. and noon on Friday. After that, the area between Viola Road and Carlton Road will be closed to both drivers and pedestrians until authorities reopen it.
Police also emphasized that VIP passes apply only to entry into the field house. There is no VIP parking.
Parking will not be allowed on Viola Road, College Road, Spook Rock Road, or anywhere signs are posted, which may include smaller side streets. Authorities are urging visitors to follow all law enforcement directions and posted signage.
With a large law enforcement presence expected, officials are reminding the public: “If you see something, say something.”
Preparations were seen underway on Thursday, with Ramapo police placing traffic cones, dozens of town salt trucks staged nearby, and barricades set up in a parking lot, likely to be used for additional security.
Metal fencing was being lined up outside the college gymnasium, which is more than 90,000 square feet and can hold just over 5,000 people at capacity.
Schools across Rockland County will either close or dismiss early on Friday due to the president’s visit and the upcoming holiday weekend.