Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
August 12, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 33 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
Harbor commission calls for sewer review policy By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
ON ICE!
A lawsuit against the village of Mamaroneck filed by the owner of Ralph’s on Boston Post Road was dismissed by the judge on Tuesday, Aug. 9. For story, see page 3. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
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 ECONOMY continued on page 11
With mounting concern over the condition of sewer systems countywide, the village of Mamaroneck’s Harbor & Coastal Zone Management Commission looks to place some of the onus of sewer analysis on developers; a proposal which has drawn flak from the village engineer. “It’s my belief that when there is a proposed increase in intensity of use on a site by a developer,” harbor commission member Clark Neuringer explained, “they should ensure that the pipes are in reasonably good condition.” Skepticism over the integrity of sewer lines in the village and areas of the county reached a tipping point over the past year after Save the Sound, an environmental advocacy group, launched a multi-municipal lawsuit alleging violations of the EPA’s Clean Water Act. The suit—which names 10 other municipalities across the county in addition to the village—claims that porous and neglected sewer lines have attributed to the contamination of waterways as well as the Long Island Sound; a long protected body of water. Despite what some commission members view as deficient systems, however, Neuringer said developers continue to add
strain on the village. Neuringer explained that applicants often enlist the help of lawyers who, during an application process, point to a site’s predetermined sewer capacity as a basis for approval. This process, he said, doesn’t take into account the level to which a system has degraded over time. “The question is not of capacity, but of condition,” Neuringer said. “How much stuff is leaking out of the pipes?” In response to growing concerns over leaking sewer systems, harbor commission members have begun discussions with village officials over requiring developers or applicants to televise sewer systems—an analysis which entails opening a line and running cameras through it—before building. This proposal, however, has drawn criticism from Village Engineer Hernane DeAlmeida, who said that such a requirement wouldn’t just be onerous on both the village and applicants, but also a danger to the integrity of sewer lines. “Televising lines can cause significant issues,” DeAlmeida said. “I feel uncomfortable with anyone sticking equipment unnecessarily into the sewer lines.” In addition to the potential of a camera getting stuck in a line, SEWER continued on page 5
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Ralph’s files lawsuit; judge dismisses case
A lawsuit filed by Ralph’s Italian Ices and Ice Cream owner Scott Rosenburg was thrown out after a Westchester County judge determined the claim failed to meet the threshold for an Article 78 proceeding. File photo
An attempt to sue the village of Mamaroneck by the owner of Ralph’s Italian Ice’s and Ice Cream, Scott Rosenburg, was thrown out by a Westchester County judge this week after failing to meet the required threshold for an Article 78. The decision by Rosenburg to file a lawsuit on Aug. 3 came after stipulations placed on Ralph’s by the village Zoning Board of Appeals last month. The case was dismissed in court on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Rosenburg was seeking a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order that, if granted by the judge, would have allowed him to continue to
operate his business without regard for the new rules imposed on him by the village’s zoning board. After a heated appeal from residents of the area who claim that the first Ralph’s in Westchester—which was the source of onerous traffic and noise conditions—did not follow procedure, the zoning board placed restrictions on the business. Among those restrictions was a scaling back of Ralph’s hours—the store may operate until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday—and a requirement to undergo a special permit process in front of
the Planning Board. According to the decision rendered by the zoning board, Ralph’s was previously misclassified in the planning process as a retail store. If vetted under the village’s fast food regulations, the business would have been required to notify its application to residents and also undergo a more stringent zoning and planning review. Now, as per stipulations from the zoning board, Rosenburg must file a site plan application with the village’s Planning Board to be heard at the board’s meeting on Sept. 14. The deadline for submission is Aug. 17. -Reporting by James Pero
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 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 November 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... Mamaroneck Public Library
Pokémon Go Pokémon Go is a free game app for your smart phone that lets you catch Pokémon in real world locations, like the Mamaroneck Public Library. The library is a PokéStop, where you can stock up on Pokéballs, potions and other items to help you catch ‘em all. Is Pokémon draining the battery of your smart phone? Remember to use the free Kwikboost charging stations in the front lobby, Teen Room or Children’s Room to recharge your device. Post pictures of the Pokémon you find at the li brary on the Mamaroneck Public Library’s Facebook page. Each week, a winner will be chosen to receive a 3-D-printed Gym Badge. Remember, the picture must involve the library in order to qualify.
Based on the Book: Stop Motion LEGO Workshop Children ages 10 to 14 are welcome to attend
this program on Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Teen Library. The program is based on the Olympians graphic novel “Aphrodite” by George O’ Connor. All participants must read the novel prior to the first workshop, and all workshops following this one will be held at LMCTV studio 2, located at 145 Library Lane. Participants will create LEGO scenes based on the book and write and act out voice over narratives. They will learn how to storyboard, design and shoot for stop motion. LMCTV cameras, microphones, and editing stations will be utilized. This workshop requires a $20 equipment fee, which must be paid by check to LMCTV. Copies of the book are available in the Teen Library. For more information or to register for the workshop, call 630-5875.
Tabletop Thursday Teens are welcome to drop into the Teen Room on Thursday, Aug. 18 anytime from noon to 4 p.m. to participate in activities, including Xbox, board games and crafts. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Larchmont Public Library Saturday Sahaja Meditation On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon at the Vil lage Center. No registration required. Sahaja Meditation is unique because of how quickly it can help you achieve self-awareness. You will feel calmer, more relaxed and better focused every time you meditate. Try it for free and see.
Dinosaur Stomp Children ages 3 and 4 are welcome to join this prehistoric-themed program on Monday, Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. This program will include books, crafts and games. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. A free ticket is required to attend this program, and tickets will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis a half hour before the program begins.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Draw!: Moving Pictures Children entering grades three through five are welcome to attend this program on Monday, Aug. 15 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants will explore animation by making their own flipbooks or zeotropes. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for this program, call 8342281.
Read Around the World Storytime: South America Children ages 5 through 7 are welcome to attend this program on Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 3:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. This activity will consist of stories, crafts and music. Participants will be able to join the fun and get their special “Read Around the World Storytime” passport stamped. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. A free ticket is required to attend this program, and tickets will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis a half hour before the program begins.
Mystery Fun in Ryder’s Garden Children ages 3 and up are welcome to spend the afternoon in Ryder’s Garden on Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Each week, a new activity will be facilitated, including planting, crafting and fun with science. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Preschool Palooza Children ages 3 and 4 are welcome to attend the Preschool Palooza program on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program will consist of interactive story time to help children become more involved with reading and early lit-
eracy development. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
At Home on the Sound
Volunteers needed At Home on the Sound is seeking additional summer volunteers to drive older neighbors in Ma maroneck and Larchmont to errands, shopping or appointments. The local nonprofit supports adults who want to remain in their own homes as they age. Rides will be provided on weekdays, and vol unteers can determine when and how often they drive. For more information or to become a volun teer, call 899-3150 or email athomeinfo@athome onthesound.org.
Gentle Chair Yoga with Arlene On Mondays at 10 a.m. Yoga instructor Ar lene Towers specializes in yoga for older adults. This class is appropriate for men and women at all fitness levels. Fee: $10 payable to the instruc tor. Open to At Home on the Sound members only. The class will be held at United Method ist Church, 546 E. Boston Post Road in Mama roneck. Visit athomeonthesound.org for more in formation.
Larchmont Newcomers’ Club Community softball games All players ages 18 to 70 are welcome to join the Larchmont Newcomers’ Club softball team for a community softball game every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Flint baseball field next to Hommocks Ice Rink. Participants should bring a baseball glove. For more information, email the organizer at rjhellman@verizon.net.
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 MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5 SEWER from page 1 according to DeAlmeida, televising a sewer line requires the pipe to be flushed using pressurized water. In the process, this sudden influx of water can cause a line to collapse. “There are inherent risks with putting anything in the sanitary sewer lines,” he said. DeAlmeida added that the village can require an analysis for developments that the village believes may put a significant strain on sewer infrastructure, adding that 50 to 100 more housing units may constitute an analysis. The assignment of any mandatory analysis would be at the discretion of the village engineer—in this case, DeAlmeida—and would possibly entail televising lines and using flow meters to inspect for any blockage, among other precautions. According to DeAlmeida, a board requiring a developer to televise a line before building would be unprecedented in his experience. “To my knowledge, no board
A debate over the integrity of Mamaroneck’s sewers brews as the village Harbor & Coastal Zone Management Commission insists that developers should be required to analyze ailing sewer infrastructure. File photo
has ever required anyone to televise a line before,” he said. Currently, the village is in the midst of carrying out a large scale analysis of its sewers to pinpoint problem areas in its infrastructure; a process kick started by an administrative order handed down by the EPA in 2011.
According to DeAlmeida, the process of inspecting the entirety of the village’s sewer systems should be completed within the next 10 to 20 years— an analysis which the village engineer said is the “most aggressive” he has seen. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Harrison plans to outfit entire PD with Tasers By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The Harrison Police Department is working to arm each of its 64 officers with Tasers, according to the police chief. Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said the device can help reduce the use of physical force and firearms by adding a nonlethal tool that can be used from both long and short ranges. During a town board meeting last month, Harrison officials approved an order for 16 Tasers, costing a total of $25,554, or nearly $1,600 each. The order includes 100 shock cartridges rated for 25 feet and 50 Taser targets. “It’s basically an added layer of force which most departments don’t have,” Marraccini said. Taser is a brand of electroshock weapons or stun guns used by police to subdue a suspect. The device fires two nodes that hook into the skin and are attached to a battery via wires, potentially delivering up to 50,000 volts of electricity. A 2009 Police Executive Research Forum study said that officer injuries drop by 76 percent when a Taser is used.
Harrison police officers will soon be armed with Taser X26Ps, pictured, to help reduce the use of physical force. The town board recently approved an order of 16 Tasers, about 5 percent of the 2016 police capital budget. Photo courtesy Taser.com
“This is a device that protects not only the officer but also the suspect,” Marraccini said, explaining that when dealing with an aggressive suspect, police can use Tasers to subdue them without having to draw their baton or pistol. The chief said that currently, enough Tasers are distributed among the officers so each squad is equipped with at least one device, prioritizing possession to officers specialized in using them. The city of New Rochelle Police Department, which serves a population of roughly 80,000–– more than double the population of Harrison––also tries to ensure that each of its 157 officers are protected by Tasers. Lt. Edward
Hayes said the department has at least one device per squad car at all times. In the neighboring city of Rye, which has a population of about 16,000 and employs 33 officers, not all police are equipped with Tasers. Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran said this would be an unreasonable cost for the department. According to a survey of FBI statistics compiled by Protection1 Security Systems, which measured violent crimes and property crimes, Harrison was ranked No. 44 among the 50 safest communities in the country. Rye ranked 19 in the same study. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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Mamaroneck THE
REVIEW
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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.
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Bigger and better marine center to open By JAMES PERO Staff Writer The village of Mamaroneck’s Marine Education Center is set to return next week, boasting not just a bigger space, but one with more resources, programming, and even a full-time naturalist to boot. While the center, which is located within Harbor Island Park, has been open since 2012, the next grand opening—Saturday, Aug. 20 from noon to 2 p.m.— marks a significant step forward. Increased funding has allowed the center—which focuses on educating visitors about conservation in relation to the Long Island Sound—to expand not just its space, but also its resources, with new tanks, experts and new animals. According to Village Manager Richard Slingerland, improvements to the building, which cost $31,500, required the center to remain closed through the summer when typically the facility opens in either April or May each year. The cost of the project is being split between
the village and money raised through donations. One addition to the center, according to Peter Lindroth, the chairman of the Marine Education Advisory Committee, will even allow visitors a hands-on experience. “This year, we’re going to have a large touch-tank where visitors of the center will be able to hold and touch animals from the Long Island Sound,” he said. The hope, according to Linderoth, who also works for Save the Sound, an environmental advocacy group, is to bring people closer to their natural environments. “It’s incredibly important to educate people on what’s going on in the Long Island Sound,” Linderoth said. “People see this beautiful body of water, but people don’t always understand what’s happening.” In the past two years, Save the Sound has taken a special interest in not just Mamaroneck’s waters, but also Westchester County, launching a multi-municipal lawsuit alleging violations of the EPA’s Clean Water
Act in tributaries throughout 11 Westchester municipalities. The lawsuit alleges that leaks in sewer infrastructure have contributed to the contamination of waterways across the county, which run into the Long Island Sound. Through the Marine Education Center, Linderoth, who has a background in education, hopes to bring the importance of the Sound’s natural environment to the forefront of the region. To help Linderoth, the center is offering a slew of new programming this year; squid dissections, bird walks, wetland tours and microscope programs that provide a closer look into the more minute life of Sound waters. “Examining the plankton is a favorite,” Linderoth said. “You have a cup of Long Island Sound water and people are amazed at the diversity of life when you put it up on a microscope.” To help bolster the center’s educational efforts, the marine committee is also in the process of hiring a professional naturalist who will help oversee volunteers
The village of Mamaroneck’s Marine Education Center—set to reopen on Saturday, Aug. 20—will feature new programming, new faces, and even a hands-on experience for those looking to get their hands wet in Long Island Sound conservation. File photo
and the direction of programs. Village resident Katherine Desmond, who, with her husband Jim, spearheaded the center’s creation and its direction
since 2012, said she’s thrilled to see the idea gathering steam. “I am so pleased that my simple goal to find a little spot in the park for saltwater tanks filled
with fish and other living marine animals from Mamaroneck Harbor has come this far,” she said. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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Harrison considers joining EMS consortium
The Harrison EMS station may soon become part of a larger unit, as the Harrison town board and the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS are each mulling the possibility of merging Harrison’s ambulances services into the larger consortium. Harrison may also consider joining the Mamaroneck Ambulance District. File photo
By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The town/village of Harrison is considering merging its emergency medical services with those of the neighboring municipalities of Rye, Port Chester and Rye Brook. The three communities, which all border Harrison to the east, operate out of one station and use two ambulances, according to the corps’ website. The unit is comprised of 45 members, including 16 volunteers. Harrison EMS currently utilizes four ambulances and employs about 60 EMTs and paramedics, most of whom are employed on a parttime basis. Harrison Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat, said although the communities involved are considering the move, no decisions have been made. He added that if Harrison’s EMS does join forces with the other communities, it is likely the station in Harrison will remain open. “I think we need to look at all the options to keep a local ambulance service in town,” he said.
The potential merger follows a dispute between EMS and the town board earlier this year which largely concerned alleged poor management structure and misuse of funds by the EMS. On March 31, Harrison EMS announced that they would have to discontinue services after not receiving their usual quarterly stipend of $137,500 from the town. At the time, Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, claimed the town had stopped funding EMS due to mismanagement by the EMS chief and board. The town has since dispersed several monthly payments of $45,833, and town officials said they would continue to operate the EMS unit on a month-tomonth basis until further notice. Al Mignone, chairman of the Harrison EMS, said the EMS board has attempted to restructure its ranks and create better communication between the town and EMS since the fallout back in March. Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano said that Harrison
would not incur any additional cost if it were to join the consortium; however, the department would be required to use its own equipment and staff, but would adopt the group’s management structure. Serrano added that before adopting Harrison into the group, the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS board must first ensure that the group will not see any additional costs of its own or weaken its level of service. Mignone said he supports joining forces with Rye-Port Chester-Rye Brook EMS, but said he also asked the town board to consider joining the Mamaroneck Ambulance District. The village of Mamaroneck’s EMS service operates a 24-hour ambulance specified for advanced life support, offering the highest service available outside of a hospital. Scott Moore, administrator of the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS, and Belmont could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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St. John’s hosts furniture drive for refugees By LINNET TSE Contributor St. John’s Episcopal Church in Larchmont, a member of the Westchester Refugee Task Force, recently sponsored a furniture drive for refugee families arriving in Connecticut this summer. The community’s response was enthusiastic, to say the least. Sixty-seven local families arrived in SUVs and trucks filled with an array of gently used furniture. Three dozen volunteers, including 18 members of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Chapter of the Lion’s Heart, a national teen service organization, helped unload, clean and break down the furnishings. At the end of the drive, more than 350 pieces of furniture filled the lower level of the church—enough to furnish apartments for 10 refugee families. Fortunately, Larchmont resident Greg Mouracade, president and owner of Findlay International, a professional moving and storage company, provided
Co-organizers Jmel Wilson, left, and Wendy McFee with a basement full of donated furniture. Photos/Linnet Tse
a 26-foot moving van and an experienced crew to help transport approximately 3,000 cubic feet of furniture to New Haven, Connecticut. Nearly a dozen vol-
Russ Hall, one of many hard-working volunteers who loaded, moved and unloaded the trucks on moving day.
unteers, including a handful of Yale football players, helped unload the furniture. More than 50 volunteers in total helped with this drive. Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services, IRIS, located in New Haven, is one of the approximately 350 refugee resettlement agencies across the U.S. They will furnish apartments, and provide support and services to resettling refugee families arriving from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Congo and Eritrea. Founded in 1982, IRIS has welcomed more than 5,000 refugees since its inception, and anticipates resettling 420 refugees this year, up from about 250 in 2015. Religious and civic groups across Westchester County banded together to form the Westchester Refugee Task Force, WRTF. This group began in November 2015 with a handful of Episcopal churches around Westchester in response to a call to aid refugees by the Episcopal Diocese of New York’s Bishop Andrew Dietsche. The group has grown to include 23 churches, synagogues, Islamic centers and civic groups in addition to individuals. The WRTF recently helped a refugee family that was cosponsored by Stamford Interfaith Refugee Settlement, SIRS, through IRIS. Members of the WRTF furnished part of an apartment for a Syrian family of six, including four children, who arrived after spending two years in a refugee camp in Jordan.
The moving day all-volunteer team included a Findlay International moving van and crew donated by Larchmont resident, Greg Mouracade. Contributed photo
Frank Pierson, left, did a lot of heavy lifting and drove this 24-foot truck to New Haven, Connecticut, too.
Although there are currently no refugee resettlement agencies operating in Westchester, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, HIAS, the oldest refugee resettlement agency in the United States, is trying to gain approval from the State Department to begin settling refugees in the coun-
ty. In the meantime, WRTF is excited to work and co-sponsor refugee families with HIAS. In the meantime, St. John’s parishioners Jmel Wilson and Wendy McFee organized St. John’s furniture drive for refugees arriving through IRIS this summer.
“The overwhelming response of donors was gratitude,” Wilson said, “to finally have some concrete way of responding to the horrifying news stories and pictures. To know that what they were doing was going to directly benefit people who had suffered so much.”
August 12, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 11 ECONOMY from page 1
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, 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
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
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 Manhattanville 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
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August 12, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK 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 MAMARONECK 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.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
SPORTS
August 12, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK 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 MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 12, 2016