A group of elected officials from all over Putnam and Westchester counties spoke before about 100 people—many of them veterans—Wednesday afternoon during a rally. Attendees gathered in a show of opposition to plans that call for about 25 percent of the buildings at the VA Hospital in Montrose to be demolished.
The Town of Cortlandt Veteran's Committee hosted the event, dubbed the "Save Our VA Rally."
Buchanan Mayor Sean Murray called the plans "ludicrous," noting that the area has not seen a 25-percent reduction of veterans in the area. George Oros, chief of staff for County Executive Rob Astorino, said the county stands "shoulder-to-shoulder" with the veterans.
"It's amazing that we have to be here fighting the federal government," County Legislator John Testa said.
VA officials told News12 "there are no plans to dismantle" the VA or "reduce any services there."
Take a look at the attached video to hear some of Supervisor Linda Puglisi's thoughts on the issue and check back soon for more on this story.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
