Clarkstown Highway Superintendent Bob Milone, 47, exploded at Town Supervisor George Hoehmann during a press conference Thursday, prompting a police report and formal workplace violence investigation.
The confrontation erupted during a public announcement about repairs on the Congers Lake Trailway, a 2.5-mile scenic boardwalk around Congers Lake that borders the Hudson River. The trail has been closed since April after several support pilings separated from the boardwalk deck.
“What you say to me, what you say to me? … Who the hell do you think you’re talking to, George? You could bully everybody else in this town,” Milone yelled at Hoehmann as a man tried to restrain him from attacking the town supervisor.
“You could bully everybody else in this town. Stop bullying people, George!” he screamed before finally walking away from the scene.
The town of Clarkstown — a suburban enclave in Rockland County — confirmed Friday that a police report was filed and a formal workplace investigation has been launched over the “widely circulated” video of the spat.
It remains unclear who filed the police report.
“Following the incident, a police report was filed, and the town’s Safety Compliance Officer was notified. A formal workplace violence investigation has been launched as a result of this video,” the town said in a statement.
“The Town of Clarkstown takes violations of workplace safety and threats or acts of violence seriously, and will thoroughly review the matter.”
The statement added that the town provides annual workplace violence safety training.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment for every employee,” the town said, noting they would not comment on “individual personnel matters.”
Milone has run the Clarkstown Highway Department for six years and was up for reelection at the time of the incident. Hoehmann has led the town since 2016. The cause of the feud between the two officials remains unknown.
The trailway is slated to be repaired by mid-November so visitors can once again make the full loop around Congers Lake.