May 31, 2019

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RyeCity REVIEW THE

May 31, 2019 | Vol. 7, Number 22 | www.ryecityreview.com

Westchester moves to aide Airport Master Plan

Ellis Tucci hoists the Section I Class C plaque on May 24 at Lakeland High School. Rye topped Byram Hills 8-2 to win their first sectional crown since 2008. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith

Westchester to celebrate World Pride with flag raising ceremony For the first time in Westchester County’s history, a LGBTQ Pride Flag will fly next to the front steps of the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains throughout WorldPride Month. Furthering his message of inclusion and openness, Westchester County Executive George Latimer chose to host the flag raising ceremony to ensure that all who identify as LGBTQ feel welcome in Westchester. The LGBTQ Pride Flag Raising is being hosted by Westchester County, the LOFT and the LGBTQ

Advisory Board. As part of the WorldPride celebrations, the county will also be offering a special promotion at Playland Park, “Pride Day at Playland.” All guests who visit the park on Sunday, June 23 will be able to purchase unlimited ride bands for a discounted rate of $20, and a Spinning Wheel Raffle will be drawn every half-hour from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the chance to win Playland prizes. “The Pride Flag Raising is just one way that we can show ac-

ceptance and inclusion towards the LGBTQ community here in Westchester,” Latimer said. “I want to ensure that everyone— regardless of their sexual orientation—feels welcome when they are in our County. I am proud to partner with the LOFT to celebrate this momentous occasion, and kick off a month-long celebration of WorldPride.” Judy Troilo, Executive Director of the LOFT, Westchester’s LGBTQ+ Community Center said: “We are grateful to County Executive George Latimer and

our local government for helping to lift up Westchester’s LGBTQ Community on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.” Chair of the Westchester County LGBTQ Advisory Board Christopher Oldi said: “The LGBTQ Advisory Board is thrilled to host the first ever Westchester County Pride Flag raising – especially during this historic year where WorldPride will be recognized for the first time in New York City, as well PRIDE continued on page 9

After substantial public comment where the business community, environmentalists and the general public contributed comments, the Westchester County Department of Planning has issued a request for proposals, RFP, to supplement to the Westchester County Airport master plan and associated environmental impact study. The RFP incorporates public recommendations and focuses on economic impacts, environmental concerns and overall safety at the airport. “When we submitted the master plan last summer to the FAA we did so knowing the plan needed to have a supplement,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. “I’m pleased today that we heard from the public on a variety of issues and are now moving forward with a RFP to create a supplement. The airport is an important part of our County, and while I have no intention of expanding it, we must have a plan to move forward to help business and protect the environment.” Latimer made a commitment to look at the airport operations and their impacts and develop a new vision for the airport based on greater participation of the public. The supplement to the master plan with additional analysis of the airport, particularly with respect to the physical conditions of the airport property, buildings and infrastructure, additional analysis of noise and other impacts of the airport, and the local and regional economic impact of the airport. The supplement will also explore additional alternatives for improved safety and performance and reduced environmental impacts. However, there will be no expansion of airport operations. “This administration has worked with and will continue to work closely with all of the environmental advocates around the entire gamut of concerns and

issues—including noise, water, and air,” said Peter McCart, the county director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability. “We have tight relationships with every group, so they’re involved with the plans and operations of our internal specialists and scientists, as well as those hired as consultants.” The county is seeking the services of a professional consulting firm or team of firms with extensive experience in airport planning, economics and New York State and federal environmental regulations to assist in developing an update of management and development policies related to Westchester County Airport and performing the appropriate environmental review. Tasks include: • Evaluating the airport as a unique resource and economic generator for the county and region. • Developing and evaluating alternatives to improve operational safety and efficiency of the airport, including facility modifications and modernizations as necessary. • Evaluating and developing alternatives to continue to improve environmental performance at the airport considering the forecast conducted in Task 1 (a). • Working with a second consultant, to be identified by a separate Request for Proposals, to implement a public engagement program, developed by that consultant, throughout and beyond the planning process. The public engagement program will utilize a wide variety of methods to engage the public, including online tools as well as community charrettes and workshops. The county anticipates that, subject to the recommendation of the other consultant, the successful consultant from this RFP will work closely with the county AIRPORT continued on page 10


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May 31, 2019 by The Rye City Review - Issuu