December 13, 2007

Latimer Lauds NY Project Sunlight

As a member of the New York State Assembly - one of the 212 individuals whose member items, campaign donations, and legislation are being tracked by a new website, Project Sunlight - I say bravo!

The effort by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, led by Blair Horner, is exactly the kind of transparency needed in Albany, giving citizens the chance to evaluate what elected representatives are doing - or not doing - in a comprehensive way. As a fighter for governmental openness as a former city councilman, county legislator and chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, I can say that no one legislator, however well-meaning, could create such a complete effort. I've released my own member item lists for public scrutiny in the past, but unless it is done in an easy way, accessible for all of us, such individual openness gains little attention. (See: Latimer Releases Data on Member Items, Capital Projects.)

Project Sunlight is a big step in the right direction in the reform of Albany.

George Latimer
Assemblyman, 91st A.D.

December 5, 2007

VOL & Schools Right to Move Ahead on Turf

As the manager of a travel soccer team I know the difficulty of finding field time and the frustration of having many of our fields closed for days after a heavy rain. Our limited number of natural turf fields cannot sustain the heavy use dictated by the growing numbers of kids involved in sports in our district.

I appreciate the concerns that members of our community have raised about the safety of synthetic turf fields for our children and our environment. Though I am a firm believer that we have a pressing need for more fields, I also would not want to go forward blindly with a plan that was unsafe. But after spending many hours reviewing studies regarding the safety of these fields, I am confident that we can proceed with plans to install synthetic turf fields without jeopardizing the safety of our children or our environment.

The rubber pellets used in the turf fields are relatively inert solid material. Under harsh laboratory testing conditions, which are not representative of actual field conditions, these materials release detectable levels of some chemicals of concern. Air sampling studies on actual synthetic turf fields under real weather conditions turn up no detectable levels of these chemicals. In addition, even were conditions ever extreme enough for chemicals to be “off gassed” from the rubber pellets, this would not occur in the small, enclosed area of a test tube, but in an outdoor, open field environment and diluted immediately with the ambient air.

And while any possible risk of exposure to certain chemicals might seem alarming, it must be measured against the exposure we already face daily, as these compounds are ubiquitous to our environment, in the plastic and polyester products that we use and wear, the pavement of our roads, and in many of the foods we eat.

We need to weigh the slight possibility of increased health risk from these synthetic fields against the many known and well-documented health benefits to our children of regular physical activity. We have been struggling for more than seven years to try to find solutions to our community’s lack of adequate playing fields. We know that installing synthetic turf fields, which can withstand more intensive usage than natural grass, will make a big difference in enabling more kids to participate in outdoor sports at all levels.

I applaud both the Larchmont Village Board and the Mamaroneck School board for making the right decision to move forward with plans for installing artificial turf fields at Flint Park and at the High School.

Philippa Wharton,
Larchmont, NY

November 29, 2007

Kemper Fund Thanks Schools for Vet Day Ceremony

On behalf of the Kemper Memorial Park Preservation Fund, I would like to thank the Mamaroneck School District for hosting what turned out to be a very special Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 13th. The program included featured speakers, Dr. Paul Fried, superintendent of schools for the Mamaroneck School District, and Amy Levere, president of the Mamaroneck School Board; poignant readings by  teachers, Melissa Katz and Don Keene, and patriotic songs sung by World War II veteran Tony Marsella and the Mamaroneck Swing Choir (under the direction of Music Director Dina Madden).

At the end of the ceremony, all the veterans in attendance, including those who had visited high school classrooms that afternoon, were invited to come forward to a resounding applause from the audience. It was a memorable moment when the community gave veterans the honor and recognition that they so rightfully deserved.

It is a tribute to the current School Board and administration that a World War II Memorial Park is being used as its donors intended so many years ago. In the words of Tony Marsella, tranquility and peace certainly surround the park now. Thank you again, Mamaroneck School District.

Jan Northrup, President
Kemper Memorial Park Preservation Fund

November 26, 2007

Firefighters Concerned With Safety Should Not Have Resigned

The approach of the now-resigned Larchmont volunteer firefighters to their disagreement with the Village Board over the addition of a paid fire chief is baffling.

They continually point out that the safety of our Village is in jeopardy because of the reduction in the forces available to provide protection. If they are so concerned with our protection, why did they resign? If they really were concerned they would have remained in the department while pursuing their differences with their fellow Village residents.

If they really believe that our community is in jeopardy, they should rejoin the department. As a concerned resident I'd like to see these individuals who are inspired to put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens try and keep life's priorities in order.

Steven Morvay
Larchmont, NY

November 21, 2007

Build Really Green Fields

As we struggle with the decision to build or not to build synthetic turf fields, I suggest we think about two concepts - The Precautionary Principle and what Really Green Fields could accomplish.

The Precautionary Principle is a standard environmental principle that suggests we should err on the side of both caution and green.

If products or processes are suspect of being foul to the environment they should be evaluated and tested to prove they are safe. In this case, there is evidence that turf fields are - at least in part - harmful to both children and the environment.

Really Green Fields: The second concept is to reevaluate our fields and see if they can fill a role as both heavily used fields for our children and environmental benefactors.

Runoff in the County is problematic and both synthetic turf fields and conventional grass fields do not have much permeability. Could we design fields that are significantly more permeable, non-toxic and have high use potential?

I think so.

Big Win for Westchester: I think the County executive could put together a task force that could turn this problem into a real win/win for the residents of Westchester. The task force could have environmentalists, architects, engineers and business people who could develop a solution that the world could use.

As most of us know, Westchester is an influential county. As goes Westchester, so goes New York State, and the world.

I am looking forward to Westchester leading the green revolution.

Tony Gelber, Executive Director
Alliance of Green Schools & Communities

November 15, 2007

More Tests Needed on Tire Crumb Field Safety

Environment and Human Health Inc. (EHHI), a Connecticut-based, 10-member, nonprofit organization composed of physicians, public health professionals and policy experts dedicated to protecting human health from environmental harms,  is concerned about the potential health effects from the new synthetic turf fields being installed throughout the country.

These fields consist of synthetic grass-like materials with 100 tons of recycled ground-up rubber tires as "in-fill." Our concern is with the chemicals released from these ground-up rubber tire "crumbs" and crumb dust

The "synthetic turf" fields are in no way turf. They are surfaces the size of football fields covered with particles of used rubber tires ground to the size of course sand. They cost up to $1M each.

The rubber crumbs are unstable and get into the shoes, stockings, clothing and even the hair and ears of those who play on the fields. Crumb dust particles are easily inhaled.

Numerous past studies are cited to justify the safety of the tire crumbs; however, our review of the research found results consistently showing there would indeed be exposures to the components of the tire crumbs. Many studies found carcinogens in the crumb dust that could be inhaled into the deepest portions of the lung. Most studies indicated serious limitations to their research due to insufficient safety testing of some of the components released from the tire crumbs.

In Norway, Sweden and now Italy there have been recommendations to cease constructing fields with rubber tire crumbs. Norwegian concern was allergic reactions to latex, a component of rubber tires. In Sweden, rubber tires are considered a hazardous substance, and in Italy, the tire crumbs are considered carcinogenic.

EHHI initiated a study with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to examine whether the "crumbs" out-gassed harmful chemicals or were capable of leaching into ground water.

Although many chemicals were found, the four compounds conclusively identified were: benzothiazole (a skin and eye irritant);   butylated hydroxyanisole (recognized carcinogen); n-hexadecane (severe irritant); and 4-(t-octyl) phenol (destructive to mucous membranes).  

The synthetic turf manufacturers ask us to assume that exposures to rubber crumbs and dust are insufficient to produce health effects, irrespective of a player’s age and duration of exposure. Yet there are no measurements to support these assumptions. 

Clearly, children will be exposed to tire crumbs, dusts and vapors - the smaller the child the closer the crumbs.

Children will be exposed to recognized hazardous substances on synthetic turf fields. Until additional testing shows how exposed each child will be, no new fields containing used rubber tires should be installed.

Nancy Alderman
New Haven, CT

November 8, 2007

Trustee: Too Soon to Draw Conclusions on Turf

Having failed to persuade the Westport Weston Health District to ban play on Westport's four artificial turf fields, Patricia Taylor has decided to give it another try here in Larchmont. (See: Inaccuracies on Turf at VOL Board Meeting and also RTM Committee Looks at Turf Issue) While I admire her energy, her "facts" leave much to be desired.

Earlier this week, as part of our ongoing diligence on the issues that have been raised regarding the safety of artificial turf fields, I spoke with the lead researcher at the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station (whose experiments have been used by opponents of these fields as "proof" that play on the fields pose a risk to human health). (See: CAES Study.) In "fact," the CAES experiments demonstrated something relatively unexceptional: 1. at the upper end of the temperatures that could be reached in the heat of summer on an artificial turf field, certain volatile and semi-volatile organic chemicals long known to be present in recycled rubber tire crumbs "out gas" from the crumbs; and 2. after being agitated for 18 hours in a water solvent in a test tube, trace elements of certain heavy metals long known to be present in recycled rubber tire crumbs "leach" out of the crumbs.

What CAES did not do, and what the lead researcher was very careful to caution me against inferring from what they did, is to reach any conclusion about the risks to human health or to the environment from the phenomena she observed in the lab. To do that, the lead researcher said, would require air and water sampling over an extended period of time at different temperatures and at different heights and at different locations on and around a given artificial turf field so as to determine whether any of the out gassing she captured in a test tube heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and whether any of the leaching she observed after agitation for hours in a water solvent in a test tube occur in the real world in concentrations that could affect human health or water quality.

In short, the CAES experiments may suggest the need for real world air and water sampling, but they do not support the conclusion Mrs. Taylor urges us to reach that an artificial turf field with recycled rubber tire infill will create a significant risk to human health or water quality. We may only be from Larchmont, but we can still distinguish advocacy from fact.

Jim Millstein
Trustee, Village of Larchmont

November 6, 2007

Pedestrians, Pay Attention - Isn't Your Life Worth It?

Early this morning (around 6:15 am) I drove my husband, as usual, to the train station. It was pouring rain and dark outside. On my way back home, driving along Palmer Avenue, a man dressed all in black with a black hat suddenly stepped off the curb and started crossing the road in front of me. He was walking at a slow but steady pace and looking at the ground, not me. I braked to allow him to pass, and he stopped in front of my car, glared at me for a moment, and proceeded to cross to the other side of the street. What a fright!

I'm sure this has happened to some of you out there. In fact, I know it has, because I see it happen almost every morning. I've seen it enough to inspire me to write this letter.

But enough of my ranting - my plea is to all of you pedestrians out there who walk to the train station in the morning. Please, please, make yourselves visible. And pay attention!

Drivers cannot be on the alert for you every second, we also have lights to watch out for and other drivers to consider. Please, it only takes a little effort to make yourselves visible (and this goes for bicyclists as well). Isn't your life worth it?

Brenda Duell
Larchmont, NY

November 6, 2007

Benefit for MHS Grad Hurt in I-95 Wreck: Nov 10

On October 4th, 2007 Kevin Thomas, who grew up in Larchmont and graduated MHS in 1985, was involved in a life-threatening accident on I-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut. Kevin's most serious challenge is recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered in the accident. Kevin faces a long rehabilitation, and the communities he was involved in are all reaching out to help. I kindly ask that Larchmont join in this effort.

Kevin is a master ceramicist and sculptor; he is on the faculty of the Silvermine Guild Art Center in New Canaan and is an adjunct at NYU in Manhattan. He is a past president of the Loft Artist Association in Stamford and is a true artisan with his mold work for himself and other artists. Passionate about his art, his students, and certainly his friendships, Kevin has remained close to many of us who grew up together in Larchmont.

Almost immediately after the accident, there was a groundswell of artists and friends who were determined to help Kevin and his wife through this crisis. The singular reaction was awesome to be a part of - and it was “but that is exactly what Kevin would stop at nothing to do.” We are attempting to rival his enthusiasm for his causes and use it to his benefit.

On November 10, 2007 the Silvermine Guild Arts Center is holding a benefit to help raise funds for medical expenses that Kevin will incur during his rehabilitation. The fundraiser will run from 6 to 10 pm. There will be a live auction of 12 of Kevin’s clay and ceramic pieces, as well as a silent auction of artwork from more than 30 local artists who have donated their work for this cause.

For further information on the benefit, please contact the Silvermine Guild directly at www.silvermineart.org or 203-966-9700.

Donations to the Kevin Thomas fund can be sent to the Silvermine Guild Arts Center at 1037 Silvermine Road, New Canaan, CT 06840. Checks should be made payable to SGAC-Kevin Thomas Fund. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Please take a moment from your busy schedules and consider this opportunity to help one of our own during a time of need. You never know, you might even get a nice piece of art from your act of kindness! Hope to see you there.

Andy Colloton, MHS 1985
Essex, CT

November 5, 2007

Shocked at Slandering of Public Officials

It is nothing short of shocking to open the Journal News to the headline “Larchmont mayor denounces predecessor's comments, denies rumors.” What has public discussion come to that we are now slandering our elected officials in order to make a point? It makes us look like we’re gearing up for a schoolyard brawl. Here’s a suggestion to bring the tone of the debate back to the place where mature adults reside: if you don’t like the decisions made by this mayor and Board of Trustees, there is a fantastic opportunity to effect a change coming in March of 2008.

Don’t want a paid fire chief? Withdraw your lawsuits and run a slate of candidates for mayor and trustee on that platform. There’s your public referendum and it won’t cost the village taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Don’t want a turf field? Run for public office and engage in debates outlining your position in a balanced public forum, with a moderator and a live audience.

Whatever you beef, take it to the public and let the voters decide. The decision rendered by the Village residents must then be final – until the next election. That’s how a democracy works, and that’s how civilized adults conduct themselves.

Mayor Feld and Board of Trustees were elected by the residents of Larchmont. The relentless attacks in the gossip chain and in the courtroom are damaging to the Village and embarrassing to the residents. Let’s give the vitriol a rest. Take your case to the voters.

Kinnan O’Connell
Larchmont, NY

November 2, 2007

Trifiletti Faulted; Vote Savolt, Robinowitz

This has been a very peculiar campaign season. I have been amazed to watch Mayor Phil Trifiletti campaign on a platform of controlling development. Unfortunately the record of controlling development that he expounds belongs to John Hoffstetter, Toni Ryan and me. When the Republicans controlled the board, the mayor never missed an opportunity to vote with the developers and against the residents. One need only look at the mayor’s vote in favor of the Blood Brothers project, which threatens to dwarf Washingtonville, to realize that this is true. The mayor also twice voted against televising Zoning and Planning Board meetings. What did he not want the residents to see?

Even if you were to forgive the mayor his pro-development positions and his disastrous pursuit of unending litigation, his obvious inability to control Board of Trustee meetings is alone reason enough to disqualify him from holding his office. Every resident who watches meetings on LMC-TV has seen many meetings where the mayor has allowed a lack of decorum and respect to poison any hope of rational discourse that is so essential in a democracy. As chair of the meeting and the person who holds the gavel, it is the mayor's duty to maintain order. This lack of order and civility has damaged Mamaroneck's reputation just as much as 7 million dollars in settlement and legal settlement and expenses have damaged our financial future.

Please come out and vote on November 6 for Kathy Savolt, for mayor, and Randi Robinowitz, for trustee. These two candidates have the intelligence, dignity and honesty to help heal the Village and set us back on the right course.

Tom Murphy
Trustee, Village of Mamaroneck

November 1, 2007

Judy Myers for County Legislator

Residents of Larchmont and Mamaroneck have a strong advocate at the county level in Judy Myers.  Judy represents all residents of the district and has worked tirelessly to improve our recreational fields, protect the environment, enhance flood prevention efforts and focus on child and family issues.

Larchmont is fortunate to be represented in the County Legislature by Judy Myers and I encourage all residents to be sure to vote for her on November 6.
 
Emily Saltzman Hoffner
Larchmont, NY

October 31, 2007

Don't Let MHS Video Program Die

I am writing in response to Eric Goodman's letter regarding the Mamaroneck High video program. (See: End of MHS Video Program?)

I am currently a senior at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut where I am finishing my studies in broadcast journalism with the hopes of becoming a full time producer or play-by-play voice. I got my start in broadcasting thanks to the tutelage of Michael Witsch and the video program at MHS.

It is appalling, disgusting, and repulsive to get rid of the Mamaroneck High video program. I urge Principal Mark Orfinger, Superintendent Paul Fried and the Mamaroneck School Board to keep the program alive. It has been a tremendous program, and with the right leadership, can become great once again.

Many may remember our public access show, "MHS Sports," that gave the athletes of Mamaroneck High a chance to strut their stuff for the cameras and the community. That show was made possible by the video program. It's not the only one.

MHS Info is now the only class being offered under the video production curriculum. Ironically, that is how Mr. Witsch started the video program; MHS Info was a club at its inception. It quickly turned into a popular elective.

If it happened in the 70s, it can happen again.

Many students have prospered due to this wonderful program. Many more may not have that chance. Don't let that happen.

Seth Rothman
Mamaroneck High School Class of 2004

October 31, 2007

Ernie Odierna Is Right Choice for Supervisor

On Tuesday, November 6th, the Town of Mamaroneck will be extraordinarily lucky. Please allow me a few moments of your reading time to explain why.

For the last few years the office of the supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck has been filled in an uncontested election. That is not democracy. That is not choice and that has been bad politics. It has not been success or progress. We’ve paid an expensive price for that.

This year we can vote ‘No’ to our Town’s government as usual. We will be able to say ‘No’ to our Town’s method that has consistently been reactionary rather than forward thinking and ‘No’ to our Town’s approach that it can’t be done rather than thinking about how we can accomplish more.

Ernie Odierna will follow in the tradition of great earlier Democratic supervisors of our Town, those with the foresight to build the Hommocks Parks Apartments to provide affordable housing and those with the foresight to acquire the land for the Mamaroneck Environmental Resource Center.

Even before the recent flooding, Ernie demonstrated the foresight to ask about alternative paving materials that could allow the ground to absorb more water. Ernie has encouraged informed citizen participation by encouraging the Town to use e-mail and the Internet, technology that is an integral part of the daily lives of residents, while he has also facilitated activities for senior citizens and youth.

Ernie says that we can do better. I believe him. We owe it to our Town to do better for now and for those who will live here in the future. Please go to your local polling place and vote on Nov. 6th.

When experience, integrity, and competence are more than words, and when they really count, there is one right choice to make on Nov. 6th. For Town of Mamaroneck supervisor please join me in voting for Ernie Odierna.

Brian Lobel
Town of Mamaroneck, NY

October 31, 2007

Rethink Chatsworth-Myrtle-Murray Intersection

For the past few months I have been distressed by the reworking of the Chatsworth-Myrtle-Murray intersection. I have expressed these concerns to the Town of Mamaroneck Board on two occasions. After being informed at the last meeting that the mail received by the town was in favor of these changes, I feel compelled to express my views in a more public forum. Based on my daily conversations with various residents, I find it hard to believe that the majority of the public is satisfied with the changes implemented at this intersection. Everyone I speak with complains about the traffic tie-ups and delays caused by these changes.

The majority of the changes were to provide for a safer pedestrian crossing. I do not feel that this result has been achieved. Drivers coming down Chatsworth toward Myrtle are now speeding up for yellow lights knowing they will need to wait 2-3 minutes at peak times for the next green light. Walkers hitting the walk button don’t see any result and after waiting 2-3 minutes will often venture into the crosswalk against the light. Often, walkers have to wait for cars to stop turning and then don’t have enough “legal” time to cross in both directions (across Myrtle and Chatsworth). Friends who live at 17 N. Chatsworth state that they see no improvement and only delays in crossing.

The recent implementation of the no right turn on red from Chatsworth onto Myrtle causes traffic to often backup across the bridge to Palmer Avenue. At rush hour, cars are now cutting through the upper deck of the Larchmont train station parking lot. These frustrated drivers are now posing a danger to commuters exiting the train.

The no left turn onto Chatsworth from Myrtle has made it difficult for some residents to be dropped off in front of their own building if they live on the east side of Chatsworth.

While the specifics of the new traffic pattern were submitted to the necessary boards several years ago and corresponding approval was made, these items were never discussed at any public hearings. Traffic volume also appears to have increased subsequent to the consultant's report and this could require alterations to the original plan. We need to work together to balance the obvious need for pedestrian safety while maintaining the small town feel that we all expect.

Sitting in traffic jams every day within our town borders is not an ideal solution. I feel that by opening up the discussion again we can all work together toward a safe solution for this intersection.

Abby Katz
Larchmont, NY

 October 30, 2007

Why I Am Voting for Valerie O’Keeffe (and Hope You Will Too!)

In Tuesday’s election for Mamaroneck Town supervisor, I am voting to re-elect our current supervisor, Valerie O’Keeffe. I have had the pleasure of working with Valerie during my six years of service as a member of, and more recently as the president of, the Mamaroneck Board of Education, from which I retired in June. I am, of course, speaking for myself, not for the Board.

Why am I voting for Valerie? Valerie has 8 years of invaluable experience as Town supervisor. She demonstrates strong leadership and makes decisions through building consensus. She listens carefully and considers a range of perspectives on issues. Her straight-forward, common-sense approach enables compromises to be reached when needed. Being both responsive to the needs of the community while balancing interests of different constituencies, Valerie exudes fairness and reasonableness. Valerie is that rare combination of down-home relaxed style and wise practicality. She is candid, solutions-oriented and gets the job done. In short, she’s a community treasure!

In the end, it’s not about politics, it’s about leadership and effectiveness. I am confident Valerie is the best person for the job.

Cecilia Absher
Larchmont, NY

October 25, 2007

Prof. Bovard: Fought for Pine Brook

Many in Larchmont may be unaware that Professor Everett Bovard, who died on October 22 at the age of 90, was responsible for the rebirth, in 1974, of Larchmont’s Pine Brook Property Owners' Association. The Association, despite having been formed in 1946, had been moribund for years. 

Professor Bovard led the fight that prevented the construction of a massive tennis center and, later, 100 condominium units on the seven acres along the Boston Post Road now known as Pine Ridge.  He also brought about the expansion of the Association so that it now encompasses 625 families, or almost 30% of the population of Larchmont.

Ralph M. Engel, Vice President,
Pine Brook District Property Owners' Assoc.

October 24, 2007

Retired Firefighter Sad At Loss of Good Men

I retired from the Larchmont Fire department and was also a volunteer. The current Larchmont situation was coming for years We old-timers liked the setup and got along.

When I retired and then left the area, I was able to keep up with the news through the Larchmont Gazette.

I am sad that a lot of good men have left who I have seen grow up in the department and as kids were gung ho 

Russ Muir
Denver , NY

October 24, 2007

Leaf-Blower Use is "Simply Crazy"

It is 4 pm on Friday, October 19. It has been raining hard for two hours. The ground is waterlogged.

And despite this, the neighborhood resounds with the din of leaf-blowers.

Wet, soggy leaves take three times longer to blow away. That is all the more time for the incredible air-pollution of leaf-blowers to stink up the neighborhood and to make breathing uncomfortable. And when it rains, the air pressure keeps the exhaust fumes near the ground, where humans get the full dose.

The Environmental Protection Agency has proven that the toxic emissions from 30 minutes of one leaf-blower are the same as the emissions of one car driving 2000 miles. (See: Westchestergov.com.)

Even when it is dry, lawn maintenance crews often spend vast amounts of time blowing just a few leaves off of an already almost-spotless lawn. One at a time the leaves are blasted away with an air jet twice the force of Hurricane Katrina. And the air stinks. And the noise is like the fire station siren on hold. One would think that with such a light leaf-cover it would be faster to remove the few leaves with a rake. But no, every resident within a half-mile radius must be compelled to hear the roar of a primitive two-stroke gas engine as it slowly blasts away:

o n e   l e a f  a t  a  t i m e.

This is simply crazy. Residents should not have to endure such deplorable pollution and noise, especially when it is being created for such absurd purposes as the examples above.

Of course we know the excuse: landscapers want to "do their weekly duty" at the appointed hour, come rain or come shine.

Does this mean that we residents paying astronomical property taxes are supposed to give up our quality of life in order not to inconvenience landscapers?

When we adults were growing up, fall was a time of fresh air, sports, yard work, and appreciation of the changing season. But in our town fall is the filthiest, noisiest time of the year. When we take our children to/from the Murray Avenue School we and the other kids and parents are surrounded by leaf-blowers blasting pesticide and chemical  residues, fertilizers, dust, animal feces, dirt, and - yes - leaves into the air. Just imagine what we are coating our lungs and our clothes with.  And think of what we’re doing to the little kids!

This situation is unacceptable. Concerned citizens should contact their representatives. 

Paul Schwendener
Larchmont, NY

Postscript: This year I asked our landscaper of nine years to use rakes, not leaf-blowers, on our lawn, and I made it clear that I did not expect his crew to spend more time or manpower than usual. I said: "Whatever you can't finish in time, I will do." And guess what: our landscaper is able to clean the leaves from our yard with the same crew, in the same amount of time. No problem. 

October 18, 2007

Re Esposito: Where has Our Little Village Gone?

I write as someone who has lived in Larchmont for over 70 years and am beginning to wonder where our nice little village went. There is such a thing as progress, but I would hope it doesn't come at a cost so dear we will all rue the day Mr. Esposito got his hands on Larchmont. (See: Zoning Board Supports Variances for Esposito Apartments.)

I do wonder whether the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals live near enough to the proposed project to be hurt by it. It would seem to me that we are just covering more of our village with blacktop, bricks and mortar. Don't we have enough trouble with run off water as it is? When one thinks of the flooding situation that has just occurred, it would seem advisable to give this proposition a lot more thought.

Have they considered what this could do to our schools, or does the board just relish the thought of more tax money rolling in? I can appreciate the time spent by these volunteers on the ZBA but question what has swayed them to vote for these new apartments.

Sally McGuire
Larchmont, NY

October 11, 2007

Mamk Fire Chief Dispels Misconceptions

(Editor's Note: the following is based on a letter sent to Larchmont Mayor Liz Feld.)

In response to statements made at the October 1 Larchmont Village Board meeting in the ongoing discussion of Larchmont’s Fire Department (LFD):

The Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department (TMFD) chiefs and Fire Council were surprised and concerned about disparaging comments made about the TMFD operations. I am compelled to respond and dispel misconceptions that may have been created. Please know that this letter is not intended to weigh in on the merits of any merger between the Town of Mamaroneck and Larchmont fire departments; its sole purpose is to respond to inaccurate statements made regarding TMFD’s operations and procedures.

At the meeting, in an effort to distinguish the operations of LFD from TMFD, Brian Doherty, the president of the Larchmont local firefighters’ union, and Richard Ward, a Larchmont trustee, incorrectly suggested that TMFD career firefighters were somehow hamstrung and unable to perform basic firefighting operations in the absence of a volunteer officer. Mr. Doherty and Trustee Ward illustrated a potential scene where a TMFD career firefighter would arrive before other firefighters and stand idly by, glued to apparatus, unable to take life-saving, decisive action. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The primary responsibility for a firefighter who drives apparatus to a fire scene is to position the vehicle correctly and always be ready to stretch hose, operate the pump to get water on the fire, operate the aerial device or re-position the vehicle – all critical tasks in a firefighting operation. Therefore, TMFD firefighters who drive apparatus to an emergency are not permitted to leave the vehicle unattended except in specific situations. These include: (a) to rescue a victim, (b) if it has been determined the vehicle is not necessary and the firefighter is assigned elsewhere, or (c) when no other firefighters have arrived, the firefighter driving the apparatus may, at his discretion, go where necessary to “size-up” the situation, relay a report to incoming units and take necessary actions to control the incident.

This rule applies equally to all TMFD firefighters who drive apparatus – career and volunteer alike. This is standard procedure in most fire departments. To ignore this basic tenet invites confusion and jeopardizes safety. Therefore, contrary to impressions given by Mr. Doherty and Mr. Ward, TMFD career firefighters driving apparatus are not under orders to stay with the rig at all costs. They simply follow well-accepted, basic fire service procedure. TMFD’s career firefighters remain highly trained, prepared and empowered to take all action necessary to protect residents of this community.

Mr. Doherty made other comments concerning TMFD’s EMS policy and career staffing levels. It is unnecessary to defend here our well-functioning and well-established policies. Suffice it to say, great care is taken to insure that our procedures and staffing provide quick, effective and efficient fire protection and medical services to Mamaroneck Town residents.

In the future, if you or any other official or Town resident has any questions about how TMFD operates, I invite you to contact me for an objective and accurate explanation.

Matthew T. Peloso
Chief of Department, TMFD

September 27, 2007

Today A Gentleman Was Laid To Rest

Today a gentleman was laid to rest. His name is Vincent Paniccia.

He was very active in this community and served as an auxiliary police officer both in Mamaroneck and Harrison. He was the owner of Vincent Towing Service on Fenimore Road in Mamaroneck Village, an auto repair and towing service.

 This gentleman  was a help to the community and a help to the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department. In the past, he painted this department’s DARE car. His most recent gift to the community and the Police Department was his support in the initiation of our  K-9 Program.

In gratitude, Mamaroneck’s chief of police assigned the honor guard to be present at Mr. Paniccia’s wake and funeral. A police escort of motorcycles, police units and our K-9 unit led a procession to the Corpus Christi Church in Port Chester, NY at 10:00 am. When the procession left Port Chester via I-95 on the way to the Greenwood Cemetery, they were joined by 35 to 40 tow trucks from various agencies.

Today a gentleman was laid to rest.

Lt. James Gaffney
Village of Mamaroneck Police

September 27, 2007

APPLE Thanks Community

The entire APPLE (A Place People Learn Excellence) Program of Mamaroneck High School, would like to thank the 100+ community participants who generously supported our recent car wash at Mamaroneck High School's Post Road parking lot.  The proceeds of the day will further support our scholarship fund for the class of 2008. 

The APPLE program is a progressive school-within-a- school that strives to provide a more structured, supportive environment for students who choose a different approach to learning.  If you would like more information about our program or would like to further support our students please contact us at apple@mamkschools.org

Nick Cucchiarella .
APPLE Program Director

September 20, 2007

Get Involved With Flint Improvements

I have written in the past to highlight important aspects of the improvement plans for Flint Park. I am pleased to write now as the plans are nearly final and work has begun in the park.

Many years of effort and input by elected officials and volunteers have resulted in a plan that addresses the critical needs of our residents. The plans are not perfect but reflect a collective effort to create vast improvements to Flint Park that will be a true legacy. The infrastructure of Flint Park will be upgraded with new roads and pedestrian friendly walkways. We will benefit from refurbished tennis courts and new and greatly improved sporting fields for lacrosse, soccer and baseball. After years of neglect, the waterfront will be made accessible and properly landscaped with native plantings.

Many members in the community have donated their time and money to make these improvements a reality. Yet, I am sure these changes will prove to be just the beginning of realizing the great potential of Flint Park. As the plans are built, we will find areas for further improvement to achieve our ideal. Most importantly, we will also find interest from well-organized community groups and from our officials necessary to build on the success and pride Flint Park is sure to engender.

Now is the most important time to get involved and help make the Flint Park improvement plans a reality.

Mike Zupon
Larchmont , NY

September 20, 2007

School District Supports Technology

A significant portion of our school taxes has gone into creating and supporting a technology infrastructure over the past 10 years. It has been an enormous undertaking, In many ways, it has improved communication and educational opportunities for our faculty, staff, parents and, especially our students.

Everything has not been as transparent and efficient as we would have liked, but I disagree that our district shunned anything that was part of technology or never hired the right people.

Ten years ago, many of us on the faculty were in the dark about using computer technology. The Teacher's Institute started offering technology workshops during the school year and over the summer. New courses are offered every semester and are always well attended. Additionally, training presented by the Innovative Designs in Education Corporation was helpful for many teachers. This training taught us how to integrate computer technology into a learner based classroom. It has helped many of us survive the increases in class size and create solutions for differentiated instruction.

The demands on our technology support staff are especially high this time of year, but they are doing their best to meet the needs of the district.

Lastly, many of us are indebted to Ed Cofino, technology guru par excellence, who has been a valuable resource for the district for many years. He has tirelessly offered technology support, advice and encouragement. We could not have done it without him.

Diane Nelson
Mamaroneck , NY

September 12, 2007

Were Schools Best Served by Network Administrator in Greece?

I recall when Bill Koulouris [the network administrator] left Mamaroneck School District he was getting married and moving to Greece with his new bride.  We had direct contact with him and his staff during this time because my son was doing an original research project in computer science.  The question is: “Was it in the best interest of the district to have someone maintain our network in Greece, or hire a skilled network administrator that was living in New York?”  If the network went down, who repaired it physically?  Certainly, Mr. Koulouris was not able to do this. How much did we spend on phone calls to Greece?  What actually were Mr. Koulouris’s responsibilities from Greece, and how much time did he spend a day to maintain our network? 

My impression was that the district was run by inept and technology-not-savvy administrators and school board members who didn’t have a clue about what was going on.  Technology was feared, and they didn’t want to learn about it either.  I recall that they hired a "calculator consultant" for an assistive technology evaluation, and flew him in from upstate NY, and placed him in the Crowne Plaza.  When I questioned this consultant, he told me that he knew nothing about calculators and had an English background.  This made no sense, since there were qualified people with proper knowledge at the Westchester Medical Center.

During this administration, under the Freedom of Information Law, I tried to determine what they were paying their special education attorneys, since I could not find it on our budget.  This was public information, but the district denied and ignored my FOI request, which was a violation of the law.

The district was also denying my son access to advanced scientific calculators approved by NYS, and nothing the district did made sense to me.  It was as if they were running their own country with their own rules.  Dr. Mark Orfinger [ Mamaroneck High School principal] even went so far as to tell my son in writing that “he may bring a specific calculator that was approved by NYS into the classroom, but not turn it on."  Dr. Orfinger said he wasn't denying him “access” if he allowed him to bring the calculator to class.  However, he denied my son from “turning it on.” It seemed that anything that was part of technology was being shunned by the district.  They didn’t even know where to start to get the right staff.

 In my opinion, the district was out of control, and the School Board members don't seem any brighter today than they were then if they can justify spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on Mr. Koulouris.  At least the new superintendent stopped the hemorrhage of our money being wasted. 

I am very happy that the district attorney's office will be investigating this apparent misallocation of funds.  Perhaps, had they not denied use of higher level calculators we would have been able to figure out that our budget wasn't adding up

Eleanor Sherman
Larchmont, NY

September 6, 2007

More Peace Vigils Planned

Some 40 local residents gathered for a candlelight vigil August 28 in Memorial Park to call on Congress to vote in September to end U.S. participation in the Iraq war/occupation. One of almost 700 observances held nationwide, the vigil attracted participants from Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye and elsewhere to the intersection of Murray Avenue at Myrtle Boulevard.

Participants read from a “War Toll Calendar” to honor and remember the American soldiers who have died in the past year, as well as those of all faiths and nations who have died, been injured, or lost their homes in the on-going violence.

photo by Burt Rozner

The vigil was part of national Take a Stand Day—a day of action initiated by the Americans Against Escalation in Iraq coalition, including MoveOn.org Political Action, VoteVets.org, the Service Employees International Union, True Majority, and others.

Other peace actions both local and regional are being planned for September and October and will be announced.

Judith Spikes
Larchmont, NY

August 15, 2007

Important Advice From Dr. Engelland

Brava to Dr. Ann Engelland! Her article in the Larchmont Gazette, August 10, 2007 about emergency contraception called Plan B was informative, specific and accurate. There is a lot of misinformation out there and this article offers the gift of knowledge which we all know is power.

Peg Cozzi, Ed.D.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Larchmont, NY

August 10, 2007

Dogs & People Gone From Ward Acres

It has been over four months since the City of New Rochelle enacted a ban of unleashed dogs in Ward Acres after 10 am. Dog owners must now purchase dog walking permits to use the park with their dogs. For New Rochelle residents the fee is $50 per year; for non-residents, $250. The purpose of the new law was to allow people without dogs a time to use the park.

So I have been visiting Ward Acres after 10 am to see who exactly was using the park at those times. Before the April 1st ban, Ward Acres was alive with people all the time. Ward Acres was the most utilized park in lower Westchester. The nature trails were used by hundreds of people, people who happened to own a dog. Now there is no one walking in the park after 10 am. The trails that were once so alive with friendly people are silent. There is an eerie ghost-like atmosphere that permeates the air.

For nine years I visited Ward Acres several times a week. It was a magical and enchanting place. The people who used the park cared for it, keeping it clean, grooming the trails, picking up any debris; we were a community. We formed a bond between ourselves. We celebrated together, holiday dinners, luncheons, showers. We mourned together, funerals, illnesses, heartaches. Whenever we met outside the park we would always end our encounters with “see you at the park.” Ward Acres connected us.

Before: Only some of the dogs & owners in the park.

Since school ended it is easy to see how many people are actually using the park from the number of cars parked by Ward School. From dawn to 10am there are usually 8 to 12 cars parked outside. People are coming and going constantly. After 10am when I arrive there are usually no cars parked outside. As I walk inside, the park is so quiet that I feel frightened by the stillness and I leave quickly. I am told by one of the park’s constant users that someone with a dog attempted to use the park in the afternoon but was confronted, fined and made to leave by the New Rochelle police. Word of the encounter spreads fast and now no one goes there in the afternoon.

After the New Law: Empty Park

It is unfortunate that Mayor Noam Bramson and the City of New Rochelle Council imposed these restrictions on the very people who used the park and contributed to its well being. What if a community had a soccer field that was used all day by youth soccer leagues and the local government declared that children could only play until 10 because adults wanted to use the field. Then the adults only used the field once a month and the rest of the time the field stood empty. That is exactly what is happening at Ward Acres. For the people who formerly used the park all the time it is heartbreaking to know it sits empty for most of the day, every day. It is tragic that this will be Mayor Bramson’s legacy.

Christine Webler
Larchmont, NY

August 9, 2007

Esposito Variances are "Monumental"

Though the consultant report on the proposed Esposito development was prepared for the Planning Board, its conclusions were shared, as a courtesy to the attendees, at the Zoning Board meeting on July 18th. The consultant reported there would be “no significant environmental impact” from the proposed apartments at North and Palmer Avenues.  As an experienced investment banker, president of several corporations and director of eighteen companies, one of which is among the largest residential developers in the country, I am extremely skeptical of the validity of the consultant report’s findings.

Also, it must be recognized that there are highly significant zoning variances proposed, the magnitude of which individually are very substantial and collectively monumental.  These are in the purview of the Zoning Board and should be denied.

Here they are set forth with the magnitude of each zoning variance requested enumerated:

Rear Yard – proposed 8 feet when 40 feet are required.  That represents an 80% decrease from the zoning requirement.

Building Height – proposed 40 and 42 feet when thirty feet are permitted.  They represent, respectively, a 33 1/3% and 40% increase over the zoning requirement.

Building Height – proposed four stories when two-and-a-half stories are permitted. That represents a 60% increase over the zoning requirement.

Enclosed Recreation Space – proposed 4160 square feet when 5100 square feet are required. That represents an 18% decrease from the zoning requirement.  The space proposed is configured in a fashion to make the various parcels allocated for this requirement to be practically unusable so that the recreation space will have no actual utility.  Instead of an 18% decrease, I judge it to be closer to a 100% decrease.

Minimum Street Frontage – proposed 13.03 feet when 20 feet are required.  That represents a 35% decrease from the zoning requirement.  Even using the minimum lot width of 14 feet, the proposal represents a 7% decrease from the absolute minimum requirement.

Supplemental Standards for Principal Uses- Multi-Family Dwellings – proposed 23 and 28 units in the two buildings for a total of 51 units.  Those represent a fifteen percent 15% and 40% increase over the zoning requirement for each of the buildings and an overall 27.5% increase over the zoning requirement.

Off Street Parking – using the 51 units proposed, 102 spaces are required of which 50% are to be fully enclosed.  No enclosed spaces are contemplated so the proposal meets none of the parking requirements.  The proposal, at best, represents a 100% violation of the zoning requirement.

Again, these zoning variances requested are significant individually and even substantially more so collectively.  Zoning requirements were established for a purpose and should not be blatantly violated as proposed by the developer.

I strongly urge the Zoning Board not to grant the variances requested but, rather, to insist that the developer adhere to the zoning requirements set forth for that property.

Similarly, by copy of this letter to the Planning Board, I urge that body to reverse its decision to permit construction of this non-conforming project.

Mel Gardner
Larchmont, NY

July 29, 2007

Zoning Board Urged to Deny Esposito Variances

I attended last week's Zoning Board meeting where many Larchmont residents spoke out against the proposed Esposito project. (See: Zoning Decision Delayed on Esposito Apartments.) The turnout was large and the response was passionate. Without exception, residents universally opposed the project.

At the meeting, Richard Esposito’s lawyer noted that there are already taller buildings in Larchmont - including several buildings of over 4 stories – and indeed there are:

• 1815 Palmer - built in 1940
• 1825-1833 Palmer - 1940-1950
• 1880 Palmer - 1930
• 3-7 East Ave - 1928-30
• 6 West Ave - 1928
• 96 Chatsworth - 1930
• 132 Chatsworth - 1930

But these lie in areas designated for retail center commercial use (RC) or multi-family (MF) use - as opposed to areas designated for residential housing (RB).

Additionally they were built before 1955 when the zoning code was amended to help maintain the character of this charming village, and when a maximum height of 30 feet was established for all zones.

The only building built after 1955 of over 4 stories is the professional building at 1890 Palmer, which was built in 1978, is in the center of the village and was built next to a pre-existing 7-story apartment building.

The Zoning Board must look at 5 points in order to determine whether to grant a variance.

1. whether the difficulty for the variance sought is self created
2. whether the requested variance is substantial
3. whether the requested benefit is obtainable by anything other than a variance
4. whether the variance would adversely affect or impact the surrounding physical neighborhood
5. whether the variance would create an undesirable change to the character of the neighborhood or would be a detriment to the properties surrounding the project

Point-by-point response:

1. the difficulty is self created. The applicant was aware of the Village zoning laws prior to purchasing the property in February 2007. The Village residents should not have to bear any hardships due to a poor business decision.
2. the requested variances are substantial and will set a precedent for future development in Larchmont - including areas along the Boston Post Road.
3. the requested benefit (i.e., project) is obtainable without a variance. The applicant can build according to Village zoning laws.
4. and 5. the variance will create an undesirable change in the surrounding community (over 570 Village residents have signed the on-line petition stating they believe this to be true) and adversely impact the surrounding area.

I urge the Zoning Board not to approve the variances requested by Esposito Builders at their next meeting on Sept 5.

Katherine Holzman
Larchmont, NY

July 18, 2007

VOL Trustee: Give New Fire Dept Structure A Chance

I am writing to clarify your reporting on the first attempted Fire Council meeting following the Court's refusal to grant the resigning volunteers' request for a preliminary injunction against the Village Board's appointment of Rich Heine as chief. ( Now Both Sides Agree: 17 of 28 Active VOL Firefighters Resign.) Specifically, you noted, but failed to explain, the substance of the "dispute over the resignation of particular individuals and the roles the different members may play."

The Fire Council is the governing body of the combined (paid and volunteer) Fire Department. Under the by-laws of the four fire companies (which comprise the volunteer side of the department) in effect at the time of Chief Heine's appointment only "active" volunteers could become members of the Fire Council, with the result that if a volunteer had resigned, he would no longer be eligible to serve on the Council.

However, during the time between the May announcement of their resignations and the June date on which those resignations would become effective, the companies, on the initiative of the resigning members, amended their by-laws, appointing everyone "Lifetime Members," thereby rendering the resigning volunteers forever eligible for Council membership despite their no longer being "active" members of the department.

As a result of this maneuver, last week's Fire Council meeting centered, not surprisingly, on a dispute over the validity of these amendments to the fire companies' by-laws. Ray Maldonado and Ned Benton asserted that, under the "new" by-laws, they were still entitled to sit on the Council despite their having resigned from "active" service. Chief Heine and I asserted that, consistent with the principles embodied in the earlier by-laws, volunteers who have chosen to resign should not be entitled to a role in the management of the department.

There is a time and a place for dissent, but it is not inside the governing body of a vital emergency service in which our paid and still "active" volunteer firemen are putting their lives on the line potentially at every alarm.

The Court having ruled in the Village Board's favor, the new structure now has to be given a fair chance to succeed and that is impossible with individuals who are unwilling to work within it. If volunteers who have resigned still want to fight the appointment of a paid chief, they should do so at the Village elections next March. By then, the new structure will have been tested in practice, and the voters can decide whether the current Board of Trustees was ill- or well- advised to have pursued it.

Chief Heine and I implored the representatives of the fire companies to return with Council nominees who are currently "active" volunteer firefighters, prepared to give the new structure a chance. to work. After $100,000 of needless litigation expense, it's time to put the litigation and further procedural maneuvering behind us and give the new chief a chance to run and rebuild the department without further interference from formerly active, now resigned volunteers who are unwilling to work with him.

Jim Millstein
Village of Larchmont Trustee

July 12, 2007

Confounded By Planning Vote on Esposito Apartments

The VOL Planning Board members unanimously voted to accept a report stating that the Esposito Building project on Palmer Avenue would have no significant adverse environmental impact on the Village. (See: VOL Planning Board Vote Supports Palmer Apartment Project.) The report was broad in scope, including considerations of traffic, noise, drainage, costs of new residents for village services and schooling. Having closely followed these proceedings, I am confounded that six Village residents could accept every point in the report and deem none to have significant negative effects.

I write to express frustration at a process that reaches a conclusion while seemingly ignoring facts that support the opposite decision. Numerous sound objections were raised, many remain and I mention two specifically here.

The traffic consultant’s report stated that only an additional 2 cars per hour would travel through the Pinebrook neighborhood from the Esposito project. The consultant suggested that most of the residents would travel via I-95 or train to their destinations and stated that only “local traffic” would use the popular cut through routes. Anyone living in the apartments would immediately become “local” by definition. If 51 apartments and 100 cars are perched at the intersection of Palmer and Pinebrook, it defies logic to believe that only 2 cars per hour would avoid the typical traffic jam at the center of town to go about their daily business. Instead, scads more cars will be flying down our neighborhood streets. Yet the members of the Planning Board believe this is not significant.

The report estimated that 5-12 additional students would attend our district schools. The school tax paid by the development would cover the marginal cost of only 7 students. Each additional student would cost the families of the district $14,000 per year to educate. If there are over 20 apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms, it is tremendously risky to believe that only 5-12 school children will live in these rental apartments. There could be many, many more, each with a meaningful price tag. In May, most members of the Planning Board expressed concern at the number of large units and their likely school-aged tenants. Resolution of this concern and its associated financial risk were never mentioned before the vote. Yet the members of the Planning Board believe this is not significant.

There were other areas considered in reaching the decision that the Esposito project would have no significant negative environmental impact on our village. The height and bulk of the structures caused some concerned conversation among the members of the board before the vote, yet they accepted the report anyway. It confounds me.

Where are the gains for the Village in this project? Five units of affordable housing are promised. Good. A tempting vacant lot will be replaced. OK. But are these worth the costs? Couldn’t the benefits be accomplished with a building built to code? It is my fervent hope that the Zoning Board can keep this project under control. Let’s not make a significant mistake.

Eileen Gerspach
Larchmont, NY

June 28, 2007

Tung Hoy Towing Mars MHS Graduation

D&J Recovery, on Halstead Avenue in Harrison, and the owners of the Tung Hoy property took advantage of the MHS graduation crowds by having cars towed from the lot on the Post Road during the ceremonies. While other Post Road establishments allowed graduation participants to use their lots during the two hour ceremony, D&J Recovery, allegedly at the request of the property owners, swept in to tow away over ten cars. Then as time ran out, they put boots on another 20.

As families poured out of the graduations with their flowers and balloons, they were met by the D & J tow operator, who had asked the Mamaroneck Village Police to protect him as he asked each car owner for cash before releasing the boots on their car. The police encouraged D&J to forego the cash payments.

Together with my 85-year-old parents, we arrived to discover that their car had been towed to Harrison. After driving to their station to recover the car, D&J demanded more than $125, in cash, before they would return the car. We along with others had to delay graduation celebrations to deal with these greedy people.

D & J’s coming from Harrison to take advantage of the MHS graduation in order to score some cash fees violates every ounce of decency and regard for the values of our community and the families and graduates.

The owners of the Tung Hoy property and D&J Recovery of Harrison should be ashamed of their behavior and owe all of us at least an apology for spoiling an important celebration. They certainly don’t deserve our support or business.

Marsha and David Edell
Larchmont, NY

June 14, 2007

All Should Vote on June 19th

All Larchmont/Mamaroneck eligible voters should make sure they vote on June 19. The Mamaroneck schools are a very important part of our community and our tax burden. The Mamaroneck School District has provided an excellent education and creative environment for the children of this community for many years.

Whether we have children in the system or through the system, it is incumbent upon us to educate ourselves on the budget, and in this case, the revised budget. The school district has a link on its web site (www.mamkschools.org) that has detail voter information including a printable absentee ballot online. The site offers a Summary of the Revised Budget, a completely Revised Budget with a condensed version, Contingency Considerations and a Revenue Page.

We owe it to all of the children in the system and to those going through it in the future to take the time to read the budget information. The school district has done an excellent job making all of this information available to the public. If you are here on June 19th, please vote; if not, vote with an absentee ballot.

Rosita Fichtel
Larchmont, NY

June 11, 2007

Voting No Will Hurt Our Children

I have spent a good portion of my time since May 15 trying to assess why there was such a loud and clear outcry against passing the budget. Clearly, our community was awakened and our voices have been heard. The superintendent and school board revised the budget for a second vote on June 19.

If we do not vote “yes” this time, we will not be reinforcing our point or helping to resolve our concerns. What we will do, without question, is add a brand new, bigger and more difficult problem to resolve. We will have to go to a contingency budget that will undoubtedly punish many of our students. While we may not know what and who will be directly affected, how can we possibly take the chance? Whether it is my child or yours, this would be a horrible thing to do deliberately. If we have a gripe with the way things are going within our district, voting “no” again is not the way toward resolution. We will be hurting our children and nothing more.

Both of my children will be in the high school next year. They both have enjoyed the arts: PACE, Shakespeare, band, art and orchestra. I never had any doubt this would continue. Why in the world would I? I cannot imagine the impact if any or all these areas were to be cut.

Is voting “no” a reasonable option? Is this a solution? Please stop and think before you vote.

The bottom line is the system is far from perfect. However, we have a school board made up of parent volunteers contributing incalculable hours working toward optimizing our children’s education. There is not some ulterior motive going on here. The school board’s decisions may not have been agreeable to many, but it is our responsibility to become fully informed, and present our cases clearly and carefully well before we are up against voting day.

Let’s breathe, slow down and carefully restart the dialogue. Let’s first do the right thing for our children and vote “yes” on June 19. Let’s not deny our children the programs they have known and loved for years to make a point.

Once the revised budget is passed, we will need to start over on June 20 and address any new proposals carefully over the next year. We should expect the administration to be forthcoming with all information in a clear and timely manner. However, parents are obligated to attend school board meetings, talk among community members and communicate their concerns in an equally timely and thoughtful manner.

This is the way toward a more amicable resolution and a district in which we are proud. This is the way to do the right thing for our children. Please vote “yes” on June 19. It would be a huge and costly mistake to do otherwise.

MaryAnn De Feis
Larchmont , NY

June 8, 2007

Stark Choice on Budget: Look at the Numbers

The community spoke loudly and clearly in rejecting the original school budget. Whether due to increased taxes, teacher opposition to the administrative restructuring plan, the anonymous mailing, lingering resentment over the Kemper Memorial or frustration with the lack of information with the Rodriguez case is not important now.

While they remain important issues, it will take time to resolve them. However, given state deadlines, we are faced with a stark choice on June 19th – vote for the budget or go on an austerity budget. If there is a silver lining in this process it is that it has engaged the community into looking closely at the budget.

What they see is a budget that out of 39 districts in Westchester ranks 17th in year over year increase (6.3%), and 29th in average annual increase (7.3%) over the last four years. Our spending per pupil ranks 26th. After state aid, this budget will result in a 4.9% tax increase. Relative to other districts, our spending is not out of line.

While our district ranks well, the increases county-wide are above current inflation mainly because public education is more labor intensive than the overall economy and there are contractual expenses that have gone up over time that do not benefit from economies found in other sectors. Salaries and benefits account for over 80%, with healthcare costs at mid teen increases over the last three years. Combine this with state mandates and I can understand why the consumer price index is a poor benchmark for school budgets.

There are two additional factors that are beyond the board’s control. State aid has fallen from 12% of the budget 20 years ago to 6.7% today. It was surprising to me that in allocating state aid, Governor Spitzer changed Westchester’s peer group from Nassau and Suffolk to Orange and Rockland, hurting our state aid. I am encouraged that Representative Latimer will help on this for the future.

Lastly, I was shocked to learn that the assessed valuation of property in Mamaroneck is down 10% since 1990, and has been flat since 1997, predominantly due to tax certiorari appeals by commercial property owners. I am surprised that our commercial tax base continues to win appeals. This is worthy of investigation by your paper and others, but is not under control of the school board.

We are left with a stark choice. Vote yes for the budget with its 4.9% tax increase, or vote no and accept the state imposed contingency budget. For the average home assessed at $20,000, the difference is $342/yr. With the proposed budget, we maintain the quality of education and key programs for our children. With an austerity budget, we face increased class sizes, and/or program cuts that will hurt the quality of education - our property values are sure to suffer.

I commend Superintendent Fried and the Board for the revised budget, and for their outreach efforts. I hope that my fellow voters will join me in voting yes on June 19.

John Risner
Larchmont, NY

June 7, 2007

Firefighter Responds to Mayor's Claims

The mayor made some ugly comments about Larchmont's volunteer firefighters at the end of Monday’s Village Board meeting. As a long-time LFD volunteer present at the meeting, I asked to reply. The mayor flatly refused and abruptly ended the meeting. She and Trustee Millstein walked out, leaving me standing at the microphone and Trustees McAndrews, Kolbert and Ward staring at one another, perhaps in shock.

Unbelievable? See the LMC-TV video.

Larchmonters are bewildered about the board's plans to radically restructure the fire department and hire a $152,000 paid fire chief to replace the volunteer chief. At this point, most of the active volunteers are monitoring calls and responding only to actual emergencies. Most have announced they will cease firefighting by mid-June.

This is a serious situation, and board meetings are the traditional forum for civil exchanges on important matters; they are not just for the mayor and trustees to express their opinions. The Village Hall courtroom, the "heart of the village," has been violated.

What were the ugly comments? The mayor claimed volunteers don’t maintain an accountable inventory of gear, like pagers and helmets. She speculated that volunteers might walk off with equipment. These charges are inaccurate and absurd. We maintain detailed inventories of equipment issued; annually our gear is reinventoried and checked. Volunteers who will cease firefighting have no use for the gear. Those who are joining nearby departments will be welcomed with open arms and issued new gear. All gear will be returned and accounted for.

The mayor also accused firefighters, who are petitioning door-to-door to place the department issues on the ballot for voters to decide, of spreading fear about Larchmont’s ability to continue protecting lives and property. The volunteers, unlike the mayor, are merely telling the truth about the risks we all face. While the mayor and her chief are spinning “all is well and nothing has changed,” the volunteers are facing facts.

In truth, the number of volunteers responding to alarms has declined sharply under the paid chief. Of volunteers who have not announced resignations, the average response is only 2 per alarm. If the mayor knows this, she's not admitting it. If she doesn't know, why isn't her chief telling her?

After mid-June, can Larchmont fight fires with three paid firefighters (per shift)and two volunteers? In truth, it takes about 12 to start fighting a house fire - to command and coordinate, deploy hose, search for people, position ladders, ventilate smoke, prepare for emergency rescue, etc. An understaffed incident is dangerous for everyone.

Mutual aid from nearby departments is essential, but arrives critical minutes later, and is intended to supplement our own forces.

If we intend to rely on Mamaroneck Town firefighters, the board should immediately begin genuine discussions about merger - as the volunteers have recommended for months. If the board believes Larchmont should go it alone, even after most volunteers are gone, they should begin hiring the dozens of additional paid firefighters that will be required.

Ned Benton
Larchmont Volunteer Firefighter, Former Village Trustee

June 7, 2007

Pass Budget; Find Positive Ways to Make Changes

I am the parent of a 16-year old, a 12-year old and a 6-year old who are in three different schools in the Mamaroneck School District (MHS, Hommocks and Central). We have lived in the district for eleven years.

On Friday, June 1, the school board voted to revise the recently defeated budget. This revised budget cuts spending by nearly $1.6 million from the budget defeated on May 15th. The additional administrators were eliminated but I believe that educational needs will still be a priority.

I urge everyone eligible to vote to support the revised school budget. If the budget does not pass in the second vote on June 19th, the district will be forced to go to a contingency budget which will affect many extra-curricular activities, clubs, art, music, sports, field trips and other programs and services we value at all the schools in the district. Class sizes will, in all likelihood, increase across all grades as well.

It is important to realize that if the district is forced to implement a contingency budget, it could be several years before these cherished programs can be added back into future budgets.

I urge voters to think about what they are really doing when they decide to reject a budget to reflect their negative feelings about elements of the school system. Voting against the budget will not solve problems in the schools and it will create many new ones. There are many positive ways to get involved to affect change. Voting no will not affect change in any way other than one which will prove to be much more damaging to our children’s education than one can envision in the short term.

Jayne Lipman
Mamaroneck, NY

June 6, 2007

Not Too Late for VOL Board to Correct Error on Paid Chief

It is with great sadness that I have been following the events surrounding the decision of the Village Board to hire a paid fire chief for the Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department. I am a former captain of Hose Company No. 2 and was a member of the LFD for over 13 years, before being transferred out of the Larchmont area by my employer.

For over 100 years, the tradition of volunteerism was magnificently manifested by those residents who chose to put their lives on the line for their fellow Larchmonters by becoming Fire Department volunteers. During those 100 plus years, the members, pursuant to New York State law, chose their chief officers. The department functioned efficiently and the Village of Larchmont was well served. Now the Village Board has chosen to turn away from a system that was proven and effective. In my view, this is a great mistake that will haunt the Village for years to come.

Additionally, it appears that the legality of the process adopted by the board is open to question. I’ll await the decision of the State Supreme Court for a final ruling. In any event, it's not too late for the board to correct its mistake. The mark of great statesmen is to recognize their errors, correct them and then move forward.

I grew up in Larchmont, was educated in local schools, married there and spent a fair number of years serving in the LFD. Despite the miles between Burke, Virginia and Larchmont, I remain one proud former volunteer fireman who cares about the department.

Edward H. Beck
Burke, Virginia

June 6, 2007

Education is Important for All of Our Children

Many parents voted “no” on May 15th because of isolated budget items that wouldn’t affect their own children directly. This reflects a short-sighted view of how a public school system is funded, and ultimately short-changes everyone’s kids. Each year budgetary items are added that affect different areas of the school district. One year the focus may be on class size at the elementary schools due to changes in enrollment. Another year may require changes at the secondary schools because of retiring faculty or due to new interests or needs of the students. Wear and tear on our buildings and facilities creates a continuous need for capital improvements. Staying competitive and having educational initiatives that move us forward are what make a school district strong in preparing the leaders of tomorrow – our kids.

We are asked to vote on the school budget each year as a community. I urge that we not simply look for items that affect only our children for the coming year but rather look at our school system as a whole. Are we serving the needs of all children? We should be proud that we live in a place that can serve so many children with varying needs. Further, what interests our children today might change tomorrow -- from arts to sports or computers, or from math and science to the humanities — so we need to make sure the options are strong and available to everyone. Your kids will be at the next grade level before you know it, and decisions you vote on this year will affect your kids when they get there. So I suggest that we stop looking at the new items in the budget each year with a “what’s in it for me this year?“ approach, and start looking at the big picture, for the long haul.

All school districts have room for improvement, but the Mamaroneck Schools have overall been doing a great job for our children for decades. We need to be advocates for education and strong schools. We need to get involved and push for changes when necessary. Voting “no” on the revised budget will not solve problems in the district --and a contingency budget will create new, long-lasting ones.

This community is facing a very important decision on June 19th. While it is complicated, it is also important to take the time to get the information and make an informed decision. Please take a few extra minutes in these next two weeks and read the material that is available on the district website (www.mamkschools.org). What could be more important than our children’s education?

Please vote “yes” on June 19th. Our children, our community and our property values will be affected by this Vote.

Lori Brandon
Larchmont , NY

June 6, 2007

Less State Aid, More Mandates Put Pressure on School Budget

Once again, an unsigned flyer filled with false and misleading statements about the Mamaroneck School Board has been distributed in our community. The latest was handed out at the train station last week. Such tactics are what one would expect in a nasty political campaign, not in a community-wide discussion regarding the challenges of funding and educating students in a large and diverse school district.

The School Board, district administrators and a large group of parent volunteers have been working tirelessly to address the concerns raised since the budget was voted down. As a result, the board passed a revised budget that eliminated the new administrative positions and made further reductions to lower the tax rate. It should be recognized, however, that a significant amount of the pressure on the school budget is the result of a reduction in state aid, increases in county and town taxes and numerous unfunded mandates from the state and federal government that are costly to implement.

There is still a great deal of work to do. But the first challenge is to ensure that the revised budget is passed on June 19.

Emily S. Hoffner
Larchmont, NY

May 31, 2007

Support Revised School Budget June 19

This is a letter of appreciation for the tireless work of the Mamaroneck School Board and our superintendent, Dr. Paul Fried. Voters defeated the board’s proposed budget in May. In response the board has spent countless hours reaching out to our community in an effort to re-craft the budget to better serve our students, teachers and residents. Dr. Fried has proposed a revised budget that responds to the community’s concerns.

On June 5 the board will present their final budget to the community, and on June 19 the budget will be the subject of a re-vote. It is extremely important for our community to recognize the efforts of our dedicated board and school district administration. The only way to do this is to vote “Yes” on Tuesday, June 19.

A defeated budget in June will mean a contingency budget for Mamaroneck, the harmful consequences of which will be felt immediately and for years to come. Details of both the new and contingency budgets are available on the District website www.mamkschools.org. It is imperative that the voters understand the options and cast an informed “Yes” vote on June 19.

Tom & Eileen Gerspach
Larchmont, NY

May 24, 2007

Vote Yes For Next School Budget

I write to urge voters in the Mamaroneck School District to vote “yes” for our school budget, as it will be presented on Tuesday, June 19th.

I remember too well the austerity budgets under which many districts in Rockland and Westchester Counties struggled in the 1970s when voters rejected substantial budget increases caused by high inflation. We do not want to find ourselves facing that outcome.

Austerity budgets do not provide the minimums necessary for a quality education — they provide far less and leave children, parents and community members frustrated, angry and under-served. For example, austerity budgets often include no funds for meaningful art or music programs, and no money to replace worn-out textbooks and lab equipment or money for athletic coaching. Similarly, maintenance will be deferred, leading to more expensive problems in later years.

I sincerely believe that the school administration has heard the message implicit in the rejection of the previous budget and is intent on working with the entire voting community to improve our schools in an educationally and fiscally sound way.

While the needed dialogue continues on how to improve our schools without hurting our extraordinary teachers or our pocketbooks, we must give our schools the resources sufficient to accomplish the goals that inspired us to live in Larchmont/Mamaroneck in the first place. The next budget will do this, and we must support it by voting “yes” for our children currently in the schools and for the benefit of our entire community.

Steven Fasman
Larchmont, NY

May 22, 2007

The Larchmont Village Board – What are they Smokin’?

Wow, it was eerie Wednesday (5/16) night to watch the Larchmont Village Board, in a trance-like state, unanimously approve their ill-conceived paid fire chief plan to a full room of disbelievers. Unanimous? After weeks of Fire Council, volunteer and taxpayer backlash, not one board member voted against this insult? What are the trustees smokin’?

Trustee Jim Millstein, in less heady days, ran on slick campaign literature which acknowledged “…our greatest resource: the volunteers on whom the unique quality of our Village life depends.” Apparently that didn’t include volunteer firefighters, who used to make up over 60% of the Village firefighter force before 30% of them resigned on the spot Wednesday in protest (with more to follow).

This new policy, if it survives legal challenges, taxpayer revolt, more volunteer resignations and small pet attacks, will likely make Larchmont Village the laughingstock of all New York municipalities for reckless fiscal mismanagement. Folks, this could cost this square mile millions of dollars as volunteers resign and are replaced by union members. Affordable taxes? Now a pipe dream.

With board plans for a paid full-time Village engineer and a paid Village Administrator (and maybe a Village chimney sweep?), taxpayers can assume that they’ll continue to get smoked by this free-spending board, compromised by a curious desire to turn Larchmont into a – exhale – union town. Remember, it was municipal unions that brought New York City to the brink of bankruptcy in the 1970s. Seems $152,500 (salary plus benefits for the new chief) is better spent hiring an 8th-grade remedial civics tutor for each trustee…

Given Mayor Feld’s cozy relationship with the firefighters’ union, can taxpayers expect anything but a fiscal train wreck when the union contract is renegotiated in a few months? Rest easy knowing that when the boxcars are gnarled and in flames, there will be at least ten fewer volunteers to extinguish the mess.

Fill up those squirt guns, kids – you may be the last line of defense we can afford.

Kevin Cadden
Larchmont, NY

May 21, 2007

Why I'm Resigning After 25 Years As A Volunteer Firefighter

(Editor's Note: This letter was addressed to Larchmont Mayor Liz Feld and copied to the Gazette.)

This is to let you know that on June 16th 2007, after almost a quarter century of service to Larchmont Village as an active volunteer, I will no longer be able to serve as an active member.  Your board stated that the relationship between the career guys and the volunteers was so bad something had to be done.  You said this has been going on for years.  Well, for 25 years I have been through a lot with the career guys and yet never felt it warranted my leaving the department.  I found ways to get along and we worked through the difficult times.  You and your board, though, are people I cannot work for.  You have been reckless in this action and I believe you have brought about the demise of the volunteer Larchmont Fire Department.  It might not happen today, but it will happen. 

I got up and left my family at restaurants, parties and in the middle of the night.  I left them in storms, floods and hurricanes.  I have burned my hand and hurt my back.  I left my job and hopped on engine 34 to ride to the city on 9/11 with my mother screaming not to go.  I go into burning buildings for free.  You should be ashamed of yourselves for taking me and my fellow volunteers for granted. 

You “negotiated” based on thinking we would not leave. We volunteered for many reasons.  Some wanted to be chief some day.  Some wanted to make friends and some wanted to help others.  There are many reasons, but we were a group that took care of each other, the Village and, yes, even the career staff. 

You cannot come in and tell us we no longer govern ourselves.  I want to be able to choose who is responsible for my life when I go into a burning building - not someone who has been watching quietly from the sidelines for 5 years. 

You and your board still know very little about the life of this department.  You came at this with good intentions and when it became clear your plan had big problems, you did not change course.  To say you negotiated is insulting.  You never left your one idea.  We brought you other options but you could only see what seemed right for you.

My brother brought me into this department 25 years ago, and I was so proud.  He asked me to leave and join the TMFD with him a few years ago.  He wanted to start fighting fires again and lived closer to the Town.  He told the guys in the town he would not join without his brother.  I did not leave the LFD because it was my home.   Had I switched we would have spent more time together before he died.  So, you see I do not leave lightly.  I loved what I did but you have done what the union could not do:  make a place I called home unlivable.

Sam Orans
Larchmont, NY

May 18, 2007

It is a Sad Day for Larchmont

I have watched this battle of appointing a paid fire chief from afar hoping and praying the Village leaders would come to a different vote. A vote that would assure being a volunteer firefighter meant something to the Village of Larchmont.

There is a long history of tradition and pride that goes along with being a volunteer firefighter. Please do not be fooled into thinking that everyone in time will work together and this issue will work itself out. The decision to appoint a paid chief will devastate the Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department for years to come.

I was a Larchmont resident and a volunteer firefighter in Hook and Ladder Company from 1966 to 1970. I look back and remember those times with pride in serving my community.

My heart breaks for the volunteers that are leaving because of this vote. Many have spent over 30 years serving the residents of Larchmont, answering the call at all times of the day and night.

I know that if I were a volunteer today, I would submit my resignation rather than risk my life or bodily injury for a Village Board that has so little regard for the lives of those who serve their community.

Sanford McClelland
Orlando, Florida

May 17, 2007

VOL Action on Fire Chief Shamefully Disregards Volunteers

Last night I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing a truly historic tragedy. The Larchmont Village Board, through a combination of arrogance and ignorance, managed to expedite the painful process of the erosion of the Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department. The department predates the village itself, and to witness the shameful disregard of the volunteers, their feelings and experienced opinions was physically painful.

The fire chief issue was never about safety; it was about control, and will end up costing the residents of this mile-by-a-mile village millions.

We need to demand that the merger option be fully explored, not only for financial reasons but for our safety and welfare.

In spite of the Village Board, I believe I speak for the vast majority of Larchmont residents in conveying our great respect, admiration and appreciation for our volunteer firefighters.

Francis FitzPatrick
Larchmont, NY

May 17, 2007

School Vote Lesson: Always Vote

On my daughter’s 18th birthday, I was very excited to give her her present: a voter registration form. Clearly, she thought I was nuts, but in giving her this present I was trying to convey to her that now she had the opportunity/privilege/obligation to vote. Though there was not an important election coming up in January, this way I was taking no chances; she would be eligible to vote in the very next election.

Her first opportunity to vote turned out to be the Mamaroneck School District election on Tuesday, May 15. For 24 hours I nagged her – “Don’t forget to vote!” She came home sick from school and did not feel like going out again. I told her she and I had to go vote – it wouldn’t take very long to exercise our civic responsibility. The school board members were uncontested and the budget vote seemed like a sure thing. “Why,” she asked, “is it so important to vote in this election?” I explained that we vote because we can, not just because we think it will make a difference. In this country voting is both a privilege and an obligation.

Imagine our surprise when we opened the paper this morning and learned the budget failed to pass. There were only 1,061 “yes” votes (1,663 “no” votes).

I do not believe this vote is representative of everyone in our school district. Many people simply did not vote. And I believe that many people who voted “no” may have been misinformed about some of the issues – perhaps the school district needs to explore a better way of getting information out to the public. But why didn’t every eligible voter vote? And why didn’t newly turned 18-year olds and MHS alumni get out and vote? My daughter told me that many of her friends did not vote – why weren’t they excited to vote for the first time? Was everyone complacent? Did everyone just believe this was another routine vote? We have lived in this community for 14 years and there have been many contentious budget votes in the past – but the budget always passed, usually by a lot.

So now the lesson is not just that we vote because we can. We vote because we should NEVER take any vote for granted. It is the one way to make sure your voice is heard. We should all teach our children the importance of voting when they’re young, so that when they turn 18, they are excited to go out and vote and voting becomes a life-long habit.

Judy Baumgarten
Larchmont, NY

May 1, 2007

Volunteers Needed for Harbor Island Playground Installation May 5, 6

The installation of the new playground at Harbor Island Park is still scheduled to take place this coming Thursday through Sunday, May 3-6, with community volunteers working throughout each day from 7 am to 5 pm. (See: Ahoy, Volunteers! Help Build Harbor Island Playground May 3-6.)

More volunteers are needed on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6. Please contact John Farris at atfarris@aol.com or phone at 649-0103. Volunteers can show up anytime between 7 am and 5 pm at Harbor Island. You will have the opportunity to witness and participate in the construction stage of the playground project. All are welcome.

The Harbor Island Conservancy would like to thank all the volunteers who have signed up to help with the playground installation and also the Village of Mamaroneck for all of its assistance. Our thanks go to the Department of Public Works, our mayor, trustees and Village manager, all of whom will be there this weekend to help complete this great project for the kids of our community. We are truly grateful to all our volunteers during this time of great need in our Village.

John Farris
Harbor Island Conservancy

April 26, 2007

Thanks for Locks of Love Success

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