July 29, 2016

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RyeCity REVIEW THE

July 29, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 31 | www.ryecityreview.com

Rye threatens lawsuit over Playland redevelopment

THE

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By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

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Donald Trump accepted the Republican Party’s nomination for president at its national convention in Cleveland on July 21. The four-day gathering brought out some of the party’s biggest names and supporters. For more, see page 6. Photo/Charles McLaughlin

Police establish anonymous crime tip program By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer In light of concerns over a drug surge in the city of Rye, the Police Department has established an anonymous crime tip program in an effort to promote crime prevention. On July 15, the department began allowing residents to submit crime tips multiple ways, including texting, emailing and via a link on the department’s website or Facebook page. The anonymous texting program allows residents to send

crime tips to the city Police Department by texting “RYEPD” and a message to 847411, in which the message will then be relayed through a third-party provider, Citizen Observer. The third party company will then remove all identifying information before transmitting the message to the police. Similar to the texting program, tipsters can also send their messages through a link on the department’s website or Facebook page. Through this method, the tip will be sent to the Police Department with a generic

ID number. Though not as reliable, as contact information is usually attached to a user’s email address, individuals can also send tips to tips@ryepd.ryeny.gov. The program was created in response to a recent citywide drug crisis, according to Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano. “Any source of information we can use, especially when it comes to arresting drug dealers or saving a child, is helpful,” he said. Since 2014, six former Rye High School students have died

of drug and alcohol-related causes, and there is growing concern that heroin use has rapidly increased in the area. Also, in June, the Rye Police Department began an investigation in search for an unidentified young woman who was burglarizing homes to allegedly find prescription drugs. The unidentified individual, who is still at large, is the suspect in connection with burglaries on Harbor Lane, Oakland Beach Avenue and Riverside View. TIP continued on page 10

A legal battle between Westchester County and Rye could be imminent after city officials threatened to sue for a say in the future of Playland. In a letter to County Attorney Robert Meehan dated July 18, Michael Gerrard, who was retained by the city of Rye, asserted that Rye, not Westchester County, should enjoy the status of lead agency for an upcoming round of capital projects at the amusement park. “Unfortunately, the county hasn’t followed the law,” said Rye Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican. “Months ago, apparently, the county had declared itself lead agency.” According to Sack, the county declared itself lead agency in May. Gerrard told the Review that if the county continues to ignore the city’s request for inclusion into the park’s process, litigation will be imminent. “I think [a lawsuit] would be a fair assumption,” he said. “We would only file a lawsuit if we thought we had strong grounds.” The city has set a July 28 deadline, after press time, for the county to respond before filing an Article 78 proceeding. According to Gerrard, the county has yet to respond, as of press time, but Ned McCormack, communications director for County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, said the

county will do so before Rye’s deadline. Gerrard contends that following an agreement transferring the management of Rye Playland struck between the management company Standard Amusements and Westchester County, the county has continuously skirted proper procedure. Among the concerns listed in Gerrard’s letter are several perceived SEQRA violations, as well as the county’s lack of communication on its intentions with Playland. Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson told the Review that although the Article 78 has not been filed, the city could also ask for a temporary injunction on park projects, which would halt any work at the amusement park pending the outcome of the litigation. Wilson said that the city has not yet decided whether it will do that. County Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, said she understands the Rye City Council’s perspective. “There has been very little in way of communication to Rye to make Rye feel like it can have a seat at the table during discussions,” she said. “I would characterize the lack of communication as a hallmark of the Astorino administration.” In March, both the county and Standard Amusements agreed to a contract that would see both sides investing $30 LAWSUIT continued on page 8

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