Eastchester REVIEW THE
August 12, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 33 | www.eastchesterreview.com
Area residents rally to protest DEC cleanup plan By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
Westchester’s Best
Lake Isle’s Claire Weinstein swims the 50-meter butterfly event on Aug. 4 at the Westchester County Swim Championships. Weinstein was the top point-scorer in the 10U girls’ division and helped Eastchester’s Lake Isle win the county championship. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith
DiNapoli: Mid-Hudson region economy shows strength By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant The mid-Hudson region is showing economic strength following the recession, but its high cost of living and doing business could obstruct future growth, according to an economic profile released by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a released statement that while the region’s
closeness to New York City has helped the economy, it “needs to carefully manage its ongoing need for services and infrastructure improvements given the already high cost of living.” The mid-Hudson region is made up of the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan, with a total of 198 municipalities. The biggest highlight of the report is the annual regionwide
unemployment rate dropping from 7.6 percent in 2012 to 4.7 percent in 2015. Further, according to the state Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for June 2016 has improved with the mid-Hudson region’s rate averaging out to just below 4 percent, which is lower than the state’s 4.7 percent for the same month. Major employers in the region include health care and social assistance, government, hospitality
and retail. Attracting other industries, such as biotechnology, entertainment and tourism, is also being encouraged as a way to take advantage of the region’s infrastructure and workforce. One way Westchester is attracting the biotechnology industry is with the construction of a $1.2 billion biotech and medical office complex on undeveloped land in Valhalla, ECONOMY continued on page 11
Residents of Tuckahoe and its neighboring communities gathered outside Village Hall on Monday, Aug. 8 to protest the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s approval of a cleanup plan of the former quarry and subsequent dumping ground on Marbledale Road. The site in question is the location where a developer plans on building a hotel. Dozens marched up and down Main Street carrying pickets and chanting “We care about our air” and “We want to know what’s down below,” before crowding into the village courtroom for the 8 p.m. Tuckahoe Board of Trustees meeting. More than 100 attendees filled the courtroom for the meeting, which lasted nearly four hours. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC, the state Department of Health, and Bill Canavan, a hydrogeologist from HydroEnvironmental Solutions, the firm hired by the developer to analyze the site. Mayor Steve Ecklond, a Republican, said he invited the state representatives to speak after hearing plans of the rally. The protest was organized in response to a Decision Document released by the DEC in late July, which detailed the approved method by which the site’s owner must remedy the
area before building a Marriott hotel. In June 2014, Bilwin Development Affiliates LLC proposed a five-story, 163-room hotel with a 6,400-square-foot restaurant on the first floor and 208 parking spots. The site, labeled a State Brownfield Cleanup site, is a contaminated parcel of land that the developer will clean along DEC guidelines before he can build the hotel. The 3.5-acre Brownfield site, where the hotel is being proposed, is part of a larger 6.6-acre site which was once a marble quarry that became an industrial landfill in the 1960s and 1970s. Alongside the Decision Document, the DEC addressed 32 residents’ concerns posed to the department via letter and email. A letter accompanying the Decision Document explained that the north and south end of the landfill—which had not been included in the Brownfield cleanup—have been designated as a “P” site, a site that would require the DEC to pursue parties responsible for contamination to fund site cleaning and then use state money to cover the remainder of the remediation. The letter also introduced additions made to the original Remedial Action Work Plan, which was proposed in April. According to the letter, the DEC has added means to prevent the offsite migration of soil vapors and to monitor the flow and contamination of groundwater. PROTEST continued on page 9
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August 12, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3
Benson knocked off primary ballot in DA race By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Following a ruling by the Westchester County Board of Elections, Mitch Benson will not be able to challenge for the Republican nomination for district attorney, ending his plans of a primary battle against GOP frontrunner Bruce Bendish. The Board of Elections requires potential candidates for elections to submit petitions from registered voters within the party whose line they are seeking to run on. Both Benson and Bendish surpassed the 2,000-signature requirement, but on Aug. 3, the county Board of Elections found more than 1,000 of Benson’s 2,700 signatures to be invalid. Benson filed a lawsuit with the Westchester Supreme Court in attempt to validate his petition, and even though the court reinstated some of the grieved signatures, it wasn’t enough for him to meet the requirement to appear on the primary ballot. Doug Colety, commissioner of the county Board of Elections, said the Judge Bruce Tolbert— alongside attorneys for Benson, Bendish and the Board of Elections—went through Benson’s petition line by line for three days, by which time it became “mathematically impossible” for him to meet the requirement threshold. “The majority of [the challenges to Benson’s petition] pertained to people not registered to vote, people not enrolled in the Republican Party and defective witnesses’ petition statements,” Colety told the Review. Bendish submitted more than 4,000 signatures to the Board of
Bruce Bendish, left, will no longer have to run in a Republican primary for Westchester County district attorney against Mitch Benson, as Benson’s petitions have been invalidated by the county Board of Elections. Bendish, the GOP candidate, will now face Democratic nominee Anthony Scarpino, right, in the general election. File photo; photo courtesy law.pace.edu
Elections following his endorsement by the county GOP at the party’s nominating convention in April. At the convention, Bendish also received nearly 75 percent of votes from Republican delegates. Following the court’s decision, Benson said, “While I disagree with certain discretionary and technical determinations which invalidated hundreds of signatures, I recognize it is part of the political process and within the authority of the Board of Elections and the court to make the decisions they did.” Now, Bendish, 69, will begin his general election campaign against Democratic candidate Anthony Scarpino. “We’re comfortable that we put this primary question behind us,” Bendish told the Review. “We’re all gearing up for the No-
vember election. We’re prepared for it.” Bendish, who is running with the slogan “Experience Matters,” has served as assistant district attorney in Westchester for 14 years. During that time, he also served as the head of the county’s homicide bureau. Scarpino, 64, is a former Westchester County Court judge and a New York state Supreme Court justice. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library
Adult Coloring Group Adults are welcome to join the library’s coloring group on Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Those under stress will benefit from listening to tranquil music while coloring. All coloring sheets and supplies will be provided, and light refreshments will be served. This activity is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
For more information on summer hours and programs, visit eastchesterlibrary.org.
EPL Film Series On Saturday, Aug. 13 at 1:30 p.m. “Brooklyn” will be screened. An Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) in 1950s New York falls for a tough Italian plumber (Emory Cohen), but faces temptation from another man (Domhnall Gleeson) when she returns to her homeland for a visit. Rated: PG-13; running time: 111 minutes.
Teen End of Summer Ice Cream Party On Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mark the end of the summer holidays with a raffle, trivia games and sundae bar. Pre-registration is suggested online.
EPL Film Series On Friday, Aug. 19 at 1:30 p.m. “Splash” will be screened. A young boy saved from drowning by a beautiful mermaid falls in love with her 20 years later when she returns to seek him out. Before he can choose between life on dry land or a deep sea paradise with his dream woman, the lovers are rudely interrupted by the intervention of a scheming scientist. Rated PG; running time: 111 minutes.
Bronxville Public Library
the BET community to determine which services are most needed and provides grant funding and administrative support to the social service agencies and community programs that meet these various essential needs. For more information, visit eastchester.org/departments/recreation/index.html.
Tuckahoe Public Library
Eastchester school district news
Self-Care Workshop
Join Music Boosters
On Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required at the Adult Reference Desk, by calling 337-7680 or emailing bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com. Self-care is essential for maintaining health, happiness and well-being. The truth is that stress is a part of our lives. Taking better care of ourselves can be key in preventing many health-related issues that stem from unmanaged stress. In this mini workshop, participants will discuss several wonderful and easy self-care techniques which can be incredibly helpful in relieving and managing stress in a variety of situations. The workshop will offer discussions and activities in: Pranayama and breathing techniques for stress management; selfacupressure for nervousness and anxiety; gentle stretching and yoga; and aromatherapy.
Help is needed to continue the support of music education in Eastchester in grades K-12. A full board is needed for the 2016-17 school year. Please consider applying, no experience is necessary. To apply and for more information, visit eastchestermusicboosters.wordpress.com.
Egyptian Collar and Greek Mosaic Craft On Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ages 3 and up. This is a fun arts and crafts program where participants will travel to ancient civilizations in this Summer Reading Program Time Travel Adventure.
Olympic Fitness Quest On Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. For ages 5 and up. Registration is required online. Please include child’s name and age when registering. Participants will get active, learn healthy choices and build research skills as they use a set of clues to hunt in the stacks of the Children’s Department for a mysterious secret formula to fitness and health.
Windmill Construction For more information on summer hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org.
age when registering. Participants will design their own windmill, with blades made by using cardboard and balsa wood, and experiment with what it can do. Participants can also change the size and number of blades and see what works best, and then take it home for more fun.
On Thursday, Aug. 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ages 8 and up. Registration is required online. Please include child’s name and
For more information on summer hours and programs, visit tuckahoelibrary.org.
Bronxville events Bronxville Farmers Market
On Monday, Aug. 15 at 3:30 p.m. Join Miss Liz and learn how to decorate cupcakes. Registration is required by calling 961-2121.
On Saturdays through Nov. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at Stone Place at Paxton Avenue, rain or shine. Browse offerings from more than 30 vendors. Visit bronxvillefarmersmarket.com for more information.
Get Crafty with Brendan
NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital
Teen Cupcake Decorating
On Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 4 p.m. For ages 5 to 10. Come and do a fun craft with Brendan. Registration is required by calling 961-2121.
Summer Reading Program finale On Thursday, Aug. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Tuckahoe Community Center, located at 71 Columbus Ave. For newborns to age 10 with an adult. This is the Summer Reading Program finale, with a live animal show by Jason and his friends. Registration is required by calling 961-2121. This program is sponsored by the Westchester Library System, Matthews Children’s Foundation, The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, and the Friends of the Tuckahoe Public Library.
Michael Albert’s Pop Art Collage Workshop On Friday, Aug. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For ages 5 to 12. Love art? Feeling creative? Join artist and author Michael Albert in making collages. Registration is required by calling 961-2121. This program is sponsored by the Westchester Library System, Matthews Children’s Foundation, The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, and the Friends of the Tuckahoe Public Library.
Eastchester Recreation Department The Community Fund The Community Fund is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1919 to enhance the quality of life for and provide assistance to all residents living in Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, the BET community. The Community Fund monitors
The following are free lectures and events are presented by NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital, located at 55 Palmer Road in Bronxville. For more information, visit nyp.org.
Weight Loss Seminar On Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the NYP/Lawrence lobby conference room. Clinicians from the Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery at NYP/ Lawrence will provide information about surgical options, risks of surgery, expected weight loss and more. To register, call 787-4000.
Joint Replacement and Surgery Patient Education classes Every Wednesday from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the NYP/Lawrence lobby conference room. This class will teach patients scheduled for joint replacement surgery what to expect before and after an operation. To register, call 787-2119.
Breast Cancer Support Group On Thursday, Aug. 18 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the NYP/Lawrence lobby conference room. Guided by the hospital’s oncology nurse navigator, this support group brings breast cancer patients and their loved ones together to learn and share with one another. To register, call 787-5997. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
August 12, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5
Patriot Housing Initiative continues to succeed
From left, Ron Tocci, director of Westchester County Veterans Service Agency; Alvin “Sarge” Cook, a veteran helped by the county’s Patriot Housing Initiative; and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Photo courtesy Westchester County
In celebration of the Fourth of July, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced that the county’s Patriot Housing Initiative continues to successfully help keep veterans from homelessness throughout Westchester. Since the Patriot Housing Initiative was launched in August of 2013 with the goal of ending homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015, permanent housing has been secured for more than 300 previously homeless veterans. “During times when we prepare to celebrate or honor national holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day, we’re reminded of our freedoms and those who sacrificed so that we may enjoy those freedoms,” Astorino said.
“Our veterans have always been there for us, and we need to be there for them if the need ever arises, and we are doing just that.” Astorino credited the extraordinary cooperation between the county Veterans Service Agency, local governments, nonprofit housing and service providers, and private sector partners, including local landlords who agree to give veterans priority in the renting of available units. “To have housed 368 homeless vets is a proud moment for this initiative and our county,” said Ron Tocci, director of Veterans Services. “We are at functional zero in veteran homelessness and we will remain vigilant to keep it that way.” Astorino added that anyone aware of a veteran recently
homeless and living on the street should contact the 24-hour VA hotline at 1-877-4AIDVET (1877-424-3838). Karl Bertrand, co-chair of the Westchester County Continuum of Care Partnership for the Homeless and the Patriot Housing Initiative, and Thomas DeFilippo, the HOPE Community Services Outreach/Housing Specialist who found veteran Alvin Cook, spoke about the importance and effectiveness of this program. U.S. Navy veteran Cook, also known as “Sarge,” spoke at the July 1 morning press conference, sharing his moving experience with the initiative and the programs that helped save his life. Sarge was homeless for at least five years before he was placed into supportive housing designated for veterans. (Submitted)
She’s not crazy, her name just rhymes with it. Read Lenore Skenazy’s column every week in the Review. A past contributor to the Daily News and the New York Sun, Skenazy has also appeared on “The Daily Show,” been profiled in the New Yorker and even had her own reality TV show, “World’s Worst Mom.”
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Eastchester REVIEW THE
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Helping veterans, one wave at a time
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From left, U.S. veteran Robert Bisaccia holding therapy dog Buddy Boy, Debbie Bisaccia and Westchester County Veterans Service Agency Commissioner Ron Tocci. Photos courtesy Debbie Bisaccia
By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant While some complete 22 pushups a day for 22 days to honor and raise awareness for the 22 veterans who commit suicide on a daily basis, others help to combat this issue through more unconventional means of therapy: yoga on stand-up paddleboards. Debbie Bisaccia, a physical therapist, certified yoga instructor and owner of SUP OM Yoga—Westchester County’s first and only certified and accredited stand-up paddleboarding school—was inspired by the 22 Pushup Challenge to bring her instruction on water to those in need of it most: veterans. Her father, Robert Bisaccia, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime volunteer for the Fischer House Foundation—an organization that provides nationwide temporary housing to families of veterans at no cost—helped Debbie Bisaccia piece together her plan of action. After being introduced to U.S. Army veteran Nate Waldera, founder of Proudly We Stand—a nonprofit organization that brings standup paddleboarding to veterans in need—Debbie Bisaccia brought community leaders and local organizations on board to help contribute to her first stand-up paddleboarding yoga event to benefit veterans. All proceeds from the event,
which was held on Thursday, June 16, benefitted Proudly We Stand. Beginning with a twohour-long stand-up paddleboarding lesson which launched from the Wainwright House in Rye and ending with a reception featuring music from the Rye High School band and speeches from veterans, elected officials, and local organizations, Debbie Bisaccia said the day’s events brought out approximately 35 people of varying ages and two therapy dogs who paddled alongside their owners. “I thought if I could bring this sport to veterans suffering from mental challenges, I could improve their quality of life,” Debbie Bisaccia said. “This activity has the potential to make a profound impact on the community and implement change.” Debbie Bisaccia, who has been stand-up paddleboard-
ing for 18 years and practicing yoga for 15, opened SUP OM Yoga on Stuyvesant Avenue in Rye five years ago in an effort to share her two passions with the community. She said standup paddleboarding is not only relaxing, but beneficial as well, as it engages multiple muscular groups and promotes flexibility, strength and range of motion. The school provides basic standup paddleboarding lessons, followed by more advanced lessons involving yoga and fitness on the boards. Those involved in her June event included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, local pet rescues and animal shelters, Rye City Mayor Joe Sack and village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum. “I think Debbie is really a force of nature, and it was through her personal efforts that this event got off the ground,” Sack said. “This event was not only fun and healthy, but also something informative that raised awareness about this important issue. I think it’s a creative and out-of-the-box way to get people the help they need.” Sack said his favorite part of the day’s activities was seeing a room full of energized people who were made happier from the therapeutic benefits of both stand-up paddleboarding and yoga. As for Debbie Bisaccia, one standout moment during the event involved veteran Sam Riti, 69, standing up on the paddleboard
Debbie Bisaccia’s stand-up paddleboarding event to benefit Proudly We Stand brought out approximately 35 people of all ages.
for the first time in his life after struggling to find his balance. Riti, commander of AMVETS Post 38 in Yonkers, said the event was unbelievable, and could help veterans returning home with psychological issues. “When you’re out there and concentrating on what you’re doing, you really take your mind off of everything,” Riti said. “Just being out on the water is something else.” Debbie Bisaccia’s long-term goal is to work with Proudly We Stand to bring stand-up paddleboarding to as many veterans as possible, especially younger vets who have recently returned home from active duty. She would like to establish a stronger collaboration with community pet rescues and animal shelters
for more rescue dogs to enhance the experience. After the success of her first event, Debbie Bisaccia plans to launch this therapeutic practice throughout the immediate community and beyond, including a VA hospital in Montrose, New York, where she plans to host a similar event in the fall. “Being on these stand-up paddleboards is so symbolic to life,” she said. “You start crawling and you stand, and what defines us is not how we fall, but how we are able to rise up. If I can bring this sport, one paddle stroke, wave and breath at a time, to veterans, we can create a stigma-free environment. Where there is help, there will be hope.” CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
U.S. veteran Sam Riti, 69, salutes the flag. The event marked his first time on a stand-up paddleboard.
Dark clouds overhead didn’t stop a group from enjoying the flow of the water on their stand-up paddleboards.
August 12, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7
Astorino promotes county as business ‘smart spot’ Continuing its ongoing initiative to promote Westchester County as the “smart spot for business,” Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recently met with a group of nearly 30 commercial real estate brokers from Jones Lang LaSalle, JLL, at their New York City offices to discuss the many benefits that Westchester County offers to businesses. Noting Westchester’s key strengths—talent, accessibility and quality of life—Astorino told the assembled group that they should be aware of these strengths when working with and for their client base when making decisions on where to locate or relocate their businesses. Astorino said Westchester has the talented and skilled workforce employers are looking for, as well as the balanced lifestyle employees are looking for. Combined with commercial real estate space that is twice the space at half the cost, Westchester is a great option for brokers who have clients threatening to leave New York City or New York state.
“We’re proud of the fact that Westchester is the most highly educated county in America,” said the county executive at the meeting held on June 9. “Between our skilled workforce, amazing quality of life and affordable office space, Westchester is the smart choice for business in the 21st century.” Joined by his economic development team, headed by director of Economic Development, Bill Mooney, Astorino noted ways the county could assist businesses in staying or relocating to Westchester, including available financial incentives available through the county’s Industrial Development Agency, IDA. Astorino also discussed the many “hot” and active sectors in Westchester, including the dramatic expansion and investment in the biotech and health care sectors. He also noted the increased movement and investment in multiuse, mixed-use and transit-oriented developments taking place in the county, cities, towns and villages designed to attract those millennials being priced out of Manhattan and
Brooklyn. The county executive said that significant investments in these sectors by nationally known real estate development companies such as Lennar, RXR and LCOR was a sign of confidence in Westchester’s economy and clearly show the market is responding to Westchester’s strengths. He also urged the brokers to reach out to the county’s Office of Economic Development New York City office at 125 Park Ave. The IDA is a public benefit corporation created in 1976 for promoting and encouraging economic development in the county, primarily through assisting in the creation and retention of jobs. The IDA is also empowered to issue taxable and tax-exempt bonds for organizations meeting federal and state guidelines. There is no financial risk to the county or to county taxpayers. The obligation for repaying the debt rests solely with the organizations. Created in 2013 under the state’s NotFor-Profit Corporation Law, the LDC provides nonprofits access to low-cost, tax-exempt bonds
From left, William M. Mooney III, director of Westchester County Office of Economic Development; Chris O’Callaghan, managing director, Jones Lang LaSalle; Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino; Dan Santagata, vice president, Jones Lang LaSalle; Frank Bistrian, WeWork; Reid Longley, vice president, Jones Lang LaSalle; and Kurtis Gibbs, associate vice president, Jones Lang LaSalle. Photo courtesy Westchester County
for the financing of job-creating construction projects. Any corporation, small company or nonprofit organization
looking to access the low-cost and tax-exempt project financing made available through the IDA or LDC should contact Bill
Mooney, director of the Office of Economic Development, at 995-2943 or billmooney@westchestergov.com. (Submitted)
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August 12, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9 PROTEST from page 1
Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Eastchester and Scarsdale residents marched on Main Street outside Tuckahoe Village Hall, chanting “We care about our air” and “We want to know what’s down below,” in protest of the DEC’s decision to grant a developer approval to unearth potentially hazardous material to clean up the land on which he intends to build a Marriott hotel. Photo/Corey Stockton
However, some residents maintain that the DEC’s proposal is not protective enough. “Lack of data does not equal safety,” said Rachel Zolottev, who owns a martial arts studio on Marbledale Road next to the proposed site. Zolottev alluded to the crisis in Flint, Michigan, where the local government denied the existence of water-borne lead which became a citywide lead poisoning epidemic. Donald Hughes, an environmental scientist from Syracuse hired by residents to investigate the site, said he was concerned that the DEC has not tested for dioxins, chemical compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants. He said that based on the history of fires at the landfill, dioxins would likely be present.
The DEC’s letter said the department will not require testing for dioxins “since dioxins and furans are not volatile compounds and would not be detected in vapor testing.” DEC representative Kevin Carpenter, who attended the village board meeting, said that due to the level of public interest in this project, “This did go all the way to the commissioner of the agency before it was approved.” Now that the Decision Document has been released, the entire project—including the site remediation and the Marriott hotel development—will go to the Tuckahoe Planning Board for approval. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 15. Ecklond said, “I think at the
end of the day… this application is going to be probably decided in Westchester County court at some point.” He suggested it is likely that, regardless of the Planning Board’s decision, the opposing party will file a lawsuit. Zolottev, who has arranged an online petition calling for a full environmental impact study with nearly 900 supporters as of press time, declined to comment on whether she planned to file a lawsuit. The mayor maintained his position that he will officially recommend that the Planning Board require Bilwin to put funds in an Escrow account to pay for an independent expert to oversee the project. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
Eastchester REVIEW THE
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August 12, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11
Tuckahoe library kids’ room receives grant
Through the efforts of Westchester Funeral Home Inc. and York Children’s Foundation, a grant has been provided to the Tuckahoe Library Children’s Room by Swadesh Pachnanda, Ellen Tannenbaum, Stephen Pontone, Carrie Benedict Foley and Alan Benedict. Contributed photo
Now presenting for your delight and amazement: Silverado’s kittens, about 10 to 11 weeks old. From left, Tigger: beauteous, light gray glamour puss, melt-in-your-arms sweetness; Blanche: dark and sultry, mysterious and playful; Thistle: king of the house, knows how handsome he is and plays it up to the hilt; and Oakey-Smokie: clever, keeps the group hopping with his playful antics. These young kitties must be adopted with a sibling or other kitten or young cat in the home. The kittens are up to date with shots for their young age and are in excellent health. The adoption fee for each kitten is $80 plus a refundable $60 spay/neuter deposit required by New York state. To meet these kitties, please contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 835-3332/4133 or visit NYPetRescue.org. (Submitted)
ECONOMY from page 1
which would also include a hotel and stores. The development is estimated to create 4,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent jobs to take advantage of the county’s educated workforce, and could generate $9 million a year in property tax revenue. With the region’s unemployment rate being low and more jobs expected in the near future, the mid-Hudson population is bound to increase—the total population of the region as of 2015 is just over 2.5 million, with 43 percent of those residents living in Westchester” according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of the population growth in the past five years has taken place in Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties. The senior population has been growing regionwide; according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, residents over 65 made up around 15 percent of Westchester’s population in 2014. Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess counties all have the highest numbers of seniors, possibly due to the lower costs of living, according to DiNapoli’s report. Westchester’s Hispanic population has been increasing as well, making up about 23 percent of the total county population in 2014. The county has had the highest number of Hispanic residents in the region since as early as 2000. “Given the changing demographics, there seems to be an increased preference for urban living among younger people,” said William C. Perkins, professor and chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Management at Manhat-
At a glance The mid-Hudson region consists of seven counties: Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan Although it is showing signs of strong economic recovery following the recession, the region’s high costs of living and doing business could affect future growth Region’s unemployment rate as of June 2016 is just below 4%, lower than the state’s 4.7% rate With 2.5 million residents, the region’s population over age 65 is increasing, as well as the Hispanic population Westchester has had the highest median home sale price of the region for the past decade
tanville College, referring to the region’s growing elder and Hispanic populations. Westchester seems to be at the forefront of developing urban living, with its proximity to New York City, the highest median home value of more than $509,000 and the third highest household income at more than $83,000 in the region. The county has seen significant investment into transit-oriented developments, taking advantage of mass transit options and suburban space, offering a cheaper alternative to New York City’s real estate, especially for businesses. William Mooney, director of Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development, said that DiNapoli’s report confirms the county’s “exciting growth.” “Promoting economic growth has always been a pillar of
County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration,” Mooney said. “The market is clearly responding to Westchester’s strengths, including a highly skilled and talented workforce; accessibility with trains, infrastructure and proximity to New York City; and an unparalleled quality of life with schools, arts and open space that employers and employees are looking for.” The mid-Hudson region’s high cost of living and doing business, seen as possible obstacles to future growth, is attributed to high homeowner costs, having some of the highest property taxes in the state, or in the case of Westchester County, the entire country. Foreclosures in Westchester have increased by 18 percent since 2014, a lingering effect of the recession. CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 12, 2016
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August 12, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13
Cuomo votes for Poké-hystseria RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Our governor wants us to panic about a problem that does not exist: Sex offenders preying on kids playing Pokémon Go. About a week ago, state Democratic Sens. Jeff Klein, of the Bronx and Westchester counties, and Diane Savino, of Staten Island, proposed legislation banning Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from playing the popular new phone game. The senators also demanded that the game’s developers eliminate any Pokémon within 100 feet of the home of a registered sex offender. Not to be outdone, Gov. Andrew Cuomo jumped on the Poké-wagon 48 hours later to make an even tougher, first-inthe-nation law: From now on, even a Tier 1 sex offender found playing Pokémon while on parole could end up in prison. That means, if you happened to be an 18-year-old who got a sext from your 16-year-old girlfriend, and this got you labeled a low-level sex offender (which is already crazy), you could play a game on your phone and end up in prison. It should be noted here that Pokémon is more like solitaire than poker. As you walk around, cartoon creatures suddenly appear on your phone. You “catch” them by tapping the screen. Now, I realize that anytime a politician mentions new and harsher sex offender restrictions, many voters cheer. That’s why politicians keep proposing them. But these laws will not make our children safer, because they
are based on the incorrect idea that registered sex offenders pose a big threat to kids. Sex offenders pose a big threat to kids on “Law & Order” because that makes for an exciting plotline: The creep outside the playground, preparing to pounce, or the criminal mastermind online, stalking children by decoding their posts. But in real life, which is as horrifying as it is mundane, the vast majority of sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone in the child’s life: a relative, family friend or another trusted adult. “Stranger danger” sounds like a huge threat, but the FBI stats on children abducted for nefarious purposes show exactly what percent were snatched by registered sex offenders? In 2009: Zero. And in 2010, it was less than 1 percent. Even the group that put the missing kids’ pictures on the milk cartons, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, has labeled stranger danger a “myth we have been trying to debunk.” What’s hard to believe or even understand is that registered sex offenders pose very little threat to children. A study of Washington, District of Columbia, neighborhoods compared blocks with registrants on them to those without and found no difference in the number of sex crimes committed. That’s because even though we have heard that people on the registry are insatiable child molesters, the surprising truth is that they have a very low level of recidivism. It’s about 5 percent. That’s lower than other criminals, except murderers.
So the sex offender registry itself is a failed idea, a way of labeling hundreds of thousands of people who are, for the most part, not going to hurt anyone, much less a stranger. In fact, my guess is that you probably know someone—a friend, or a friend of a friend—who is on the registry, even though you know they’re not a threat to anyone. Add to this the idea that registrants are going to use Pokémon as Predator Helper and you have created a fantastical scenario that would be a great plot point for a Liam Neeson movie—or maybe on “The Simpsons.” But making legislation based on that fantasy is worse than mere grandstanding. Far from reassuring parents, it scares them even more by making it sound as if our kids are in constant danger the second they step outside. These laws ignore the wonderful fact that it’s actually the opposite: Kids today are safer now than they’ve been in 50 years. (And it’s not just because they’re “helicoptered.” Adults are safer today, too, and we don’t helicopter them.) Crime is back to the level it was in 1963. The real danger kids face is in NOT going outside. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise, not child rape. Making it seem as if registered sex offenders are constantly on the prowl for tots and only harsh new laws can prevent them from doing damage is a lie. The new legislation is pointless. Gov. Cuomo and Sens. Klein and Savino are guilty of a new political crime: Fear-Pokémongering. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
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Precautions to avoid mosquito-borne diseases
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and the county Department of Health continue to advise residents on how to protect themselves from mosquito bites this season. “The county is working diligently to address the Zika virus through education, surveillance and mosquito control,” Astorino said. “Although there are currently no locally acquired cases of Zika or West Nile virus in Westchester County, we encourage our residents to do their best to avoid mosquito bites.” The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises pregnant women to avoid travel to Zika-affected areas, including the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami. Couples planning a pregnancy are advised to avoid pregnancy for eight weeks after they travel to regions where Zika is spreading. Residents who return from these areas are also urged to use repellents daily for three weeks after their return to protect their families and communities. County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said that additional advice to help residents avoid Zika can also help them steer clear of the West Nile virus, which typically appears in the region at this time of year. Both Rockland County and New York City have reported several batches of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected in Orangetown the week of July 10 and on Staten Island, Queens and in the north Bronx in June and July. While no mosquitoes found in Westchester County have tested positive for the virus to date, this is the time of year when the health department expects to find them. “Given the fact that our neighbors have reported positive mos-
quitoes, it is safe to assume that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are also present here in Westchester County,” Amler said. “The recent rain provides optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can carry viruses. I urge all residents to remove standing water from their property, ensure their window screens are tight-fitting and free of tears, and to use repellents appropriately to avoid mosquito bites when spending time outdoors here or when they travel.” Last year, 17 positive mosquito batches of West Nile were found in Westchester County and two human cases were reported. This year, the health department has sent 168 batches of mosquitoes for testing since it began collecting them in early June, and will continue collecting batches of mosquitoes throughout the season. As part of its integrated pest management strategy, the health department evaluated 59,530 catch basins. Of those, nearly 42,534 were treated with larvicide. The department also gave away 400 pounds of free minnows to property owners with ponds. The minnows reduce the mosquito population by feeding on larvae and pupae before they become adult mosquitoes. Once positive pools are identified, the department will also send out inspectors to locate and eradicate standing water. If needed, storm drains in the area will be re-treated with larvicide. To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: • Remove standing water around your home. After it rains, walk around and look for toys, flower pots or similar waterholding containers that should be overturned or put away to avoid collecting water. • Cover outdoor trash contain-
ers and drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers left outdoors. • Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs. • Drain water in bird baths, plant pots and drip trays twice a week. • Sweep driveways of puddles after it rains. • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use and drain water that collects in pool covers. To reduce your risk of mosquito bites: • Use insect repellent or avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding. • Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over 2 months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing their hands on their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under 2 months of age. • Wash treated skin when mosquito exposure has ended. • Wear protective clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors and at times when mosquitoes are active. • Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report this to the Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000 or by email at hweb@westchestergov. com. For more health information, visit westchestergov.com/ health. (Submitted)
SPORTS
14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 12, 2016
Torching the Olympics LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
I don’t think it comes as a huge surprise that, despite the myriad of problems facing the 2016 Summer Olympics, the instant that the torch was lit last week, sports fans—both diehard and casual alike—seemed to immediately forget all about the issues preceding the Rio games, and instead focused on the actual athletic competitions. I mean, let’s face it; our collective attention spans are only slightly longer than a fruit fly’s. In the months leading up to the Summer Games, there was certainly no shortage of good, hard-hitting reporting done about the ugly downside of the Olympic process. From the undeniable corruption of the International Olympic Committee and its selection of host cities, to the harm that hosting these games has done to the already
bankrupt nation of Brazil, to concerns about the Zika virus and the unsafe conditions that face Olympic athletes who will have to compete in the polluted Rio de Janeiro water, it seemed as though no stone was left unturned in exposing the underbelly of this year’s summer spectacle. And then the games started, and nobody cared anymore. Before the games, any discussion you had with anyone who even had a passing familiarity with the Olympics was likely centered on the controversy surrounding it. But for the last week, all people are talking about are the tremendous performances by competitors like American swimmer Katie Ledecky, who won the women’s 400-meter freestyle event by roughly four months. But really, this is par for the course in terms of sports fandom. Just look at the NFL. For the last few years, pro
football has had its share of bad press in the offseason. From growing concerns over head injuries and the shady off-field behavior of players, particularly those accused of domestic violence, there has been much talk, from pundits, former players and fans, about cleaning up the sport and making it safer. But when the 2016 season kicks off on Sept. 8 with a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl, the ills of the sport won’t be the conversation of choice among area fans. They’ll be much more concerned with whether the Giants did enough in the offseason to address their defensive woes. Sports—and the spectacle that comes with it—has always been a prime source of escapism. Just look at Ancient Roman history, when rulers used gladiatorial games and chariot races were used to distract the populace to great effect. But what’s amazing about these games is that they’re a distraction from problems with the
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In the months leading up to the 2016 Summer Olympics, there was much talk about the problems facing the games in Rio de Janeiro. Now that the games have started, however, most people seem to have forgotten those concerns. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.com
Olympics themselves. I’m not telling you to stop watching. The Olympics are insanely entertaining, a global phenomenon, and a terrific chance to learn about new sports that may not get much coverage here in the states.
I’m just saying that, while you watch, you should keep in mind that there are a lot of things wrong with the way the Olympics are currently set up, and a lot of people, including the people of Brazil, who stand to suffer so we can enjoy them.
But that’s a discussion for another day: Andora is getting set to take on Fiji in the men’s handball prelims, so I have to go set my DVR.
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SPORTS
August 12, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15
Lake Isle takes counties By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Thursday, Aug. 4, the Lake Isle Swim Team put the finishing touches on its successful defense of its 2015 title at the Westchester County Swim Championships, beating the rest of the county’s top swim teams at the Rye Playland Pool. Scoring 361 combined points, Lake Isle ran away with the competition, besting second-place finisher Wykagyl Country Club by 85 points. Coming into last week’s event, Lake Isle had enjoyed more than a decade of dominance at the county meet. With 10 Lake Isle wins since 2005, head coach Kevin Lavelle said he expected his swimmers to once again be in the hunt for another title. “We knew it was a possibility, but we had a lot of stiff competition with Wykagyl and the Chappaqua Swim Team,” he said. “They were very strong this year, but we knew we had the ability to compete with them.”
Lake Isle’s performance in the girls’ events proved the difference-maker, Lavelle added. While the boys’ team managed to outpoint Wykagyl 154-153, the girls were able to put some separation between themselves and the second-place finishers, scoring 207 points to top their opponents by 83. The 10U girls 200-meter freestyle and medley relay teams, comprised of Kait Sweeney, Claire Weinstein, Malaya Lathan and Sophia Colasacco, shined the brightest, setting new county records in the two events. The squad posted a time of 2:23.47 in the medley relay and turned in a blistering 2:05.61 in the freestyle event. Weinstein, Sweeney and Lathan were the top-three point scorers in the division, respectively. “The girls were really amazing,” Lavelle said. “In most years, it’s our boys who are the stronger side, but they really did a great job this year.” On the boys’ end, Lake Isle’s Nick Torres managed to set two county records and become the second-place over-
all scorer in the 14U division, despite participating on just two of the four days of the event. Torres, 14, has been swimming with Lake Isle for years, and has continually impressed the coaching staff with his ability in the water. “He was setting records when he was 9 years old and he’s still setting records,” Lavelle said. “We even put him in some of the 17-and-under races.” With its latest win at Counties, the Lake Isle team looked to replicate that success at the Conference Championships this past week. The event kicked off on Monday, Aug. 8, and will conclude on Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Westchester Country Club, after press time. According to Lavelle, Lake Isle’s competition is going to come from a familiar foe. “We hope to do well, but it’s going to be difficult,” the head coach said. “Wykagyl is tough, and it’s going to be a tough competition.”
Aidan Lee from the Wykagyl Country Club competes in the 50-meter butterfly event. Lee’s 36 points were tops in the boys’ 10U division.
Sophia Lord from the Rye Golf Club competes at the County Championships on Aug. 5.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Lake Isle’s Claire Weinstein competes in the 50-meter butterfly event at the Westchester County Swim Championships on Aug. 4. Weinstein was the top point scorer in the girls’ 10U division.
Klara Sweeney competes in the 200-meter freestyle relay on Aug. 5 at the Westchester County Swim Championships. Photos/Mike Smith
16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 12, 2016