RyeCity REVIEW THE
January 19, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 3 | www.ryecityreview.com
Mayor says Crown Castle set to appeal By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
CATS ICE TITANS
Rye Country Day School goalie Eddie Abrams protects the net against Rye Town/Harrison on Jan. 15. Abrams made 26 saves in the Wildcats’ 2-1 victory over the Titans. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith
In first mayoral address, Cohn focuses on finances By JAMES PERO Staff Writer A new Democratic city administration will look to bring a fresh perspective to the city’s ongoing issues, including balancing a tightly defined budget and juggling various upcoming, and costly, capital expenses. Those were some of the words echoed by Rye Mayor Josh Cohn. On Jan. 10, the newly elected mayor outlined where he sees the city’s priorities in the year to come in what he called “an annual message from the mayor”—a departure from the prior administrations’ State of the City addresses. Cohn replaced former
Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, who served one term as mayor before losing re-election to Cohn in November. Balancing the city’s finances appeared at the top of Cohn’s list. “I think the dominant view on the City Council is that we must act with financial caution,” said Cohn in regard to the city’s budget. “We’ve inherited a budget that leaves us little room. The prior council was prepared to rest on optimistic assumptions.” Among those assumptions, Cohn claims, were Building Department revenues and declining legal fees. Adding to financial pressure on the city, Cohn said, is a fund
balance only slightly above—by $400,000—the threshold earmarked by the council to retain Rye’s AAA bond rating. That bond rating, which is currently the highest possible rating by Moody’s, dictates what interest rates are available to the city and therefore how expensive its debt is. With a backlog of capital projects, including Boat Basin dredging and downtown parking reconfiguration, a favorable rating could be the difference between seeing projects to fruition. Cohn went on to detail the city’s expenses, including employee salaries, health benefits for current and former employees, as well as four open union
contracts awaiting resolution. “Our city workers contribute immeasurably to the quality of life in Rye, we honor and we respect them,” Cohn said. “At the same time, we the City Council must work within the budget we’ve inherited and within the uncertain financial environment we face. We must and will be prudent on behalf of the city present and the city future.” In tow with the city’s financial picture, Cohn transitioned to a slew of upcoming capital projects—some new and some lingering—that will come to a head in the near future. ADDRESS continued on page 8
A lawsuit between Crown Castle and the city of Rye may carry on, as the telecom company looks to appeal a federal court’s decision to throw the case out late last year, according to the mayor. “Crown Castle has indicated that it intends to appeal its loss in federal district court and that it may bring an additional state court action,” said Mayor Josh Cohn, a Democrat, during his first public address on Jan. 10. “We want carriers to provide good cell service to Rye. At the same time, we must continue to fight to use and protect our city’s approval rights. It is striking that Verizon, Crown’s sponsor, has failed to see an opportunity to do something customer-pleasing in Rye.” In December, after an extended legal dispute, a federal court ruled in the city’s favor, stating that the city did not violate the federal Telecommunications Act by forcing contractor Crown Castle to undergo a city-imposed environmental review. Any environmental review is a much lengthier approval process that would delay the project considerably. The ruling sent a plan to
install more than approximately 70 wireless nodes across the city as a part of an effort to expand Verizon Wireless’ cellular infrastructure to a screeching halt. In April 2017, the city voted to undergo an environmental review of the project under the lens of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, SEQR, after issuing a positive determination for the project. Among other things, the city review will assess the pending application’s effects on neighborhood aesthetics, noise and the environment. Since 2016, when Crown Castle initially proposed its expansion in the city of Rye, the issue has ballooned to become one of the major focal points, giving way to the formation of active citizens groups which have helped to pressure city government into pumping the brakes on Crown Castle’s application. Cohn, who was part of one of those citizen groups, was elected mayor in November. Rye Attorney Kristen Wilson and Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Despite a ruling in federal court late last year, litigation between the city of Rye and Crown Castle may not be over yet. File photo
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January 19, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3
2 GOP candidates vie for Latimer’s Senate seat By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Westchester County Republicans are expecting to choose from a pool of two candidates to run in a special election to fill County Executive George Latimer’s recently vacated state Senate seat. Sarmad Khojasteh, a commercial litigation attorney from the town of Bedford, is bidding for the Republican nomination to face-off against Democratic nominee Shelley Mayer, an incumbent state assemblywoman from Yonkers. An emigrate who was born in Iran 1981, Khojasteh relocated to the United States in 1982 after the Islamic Revolution and during the Iran-Iraq War. “Unfortunately, many of our elected officials seem intent on proposing legislation as a form of protest, or to win political points in a game of partisan ping pong, rather than listening to their constituents and coming up with ideas that would help to solve real problems for the people they serve,” Khojasteh said. “I believe that by replacing career politicians with independent-minded, practical problem solvers in Albany we can put the American dream back within reach of all New Yorkers.” Khojasteh joins Dan Schorr, who has also announced his plans to seek the Senate’s 37th District seat. Schorr unsuccess-
Sarmad Khojasteh
Dan Schorr
fully ran for county district attorney nine years ago, losing to then-District Attorney Janet DiFiore, a Democrat. Schorr is well known around the county, previously serving as a prosecutor in Westchester and New York City and as the Yonkers inspector general. The Senate’s 37th District covers Rye, White Plains, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Yonkers, North Castle, Bedford, and Eastchester. As of press time, the Westchester County Republican Party has not announced a date for when it will nominate its candidate, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has not yet called for a special election. The governor is not necessarily required to call for a special election. Cuomo has the op-
tion to let the seat remain unfilled until the November 2018 election. Latimer, a Democrat, vacated the seat on Jan. 1 after being sworn in as county executive. The election may be crucial for Republicans to prevent Democrats from regaining more ground in the Senate, as Republicans currently hold a slim 3130 majority, as of press time. The 37th District seat is one of two vacated positions in the state Senate this year. The Senate’s 32nd District seat, which covers an area in the Bronx, has also been vacated. Doug Colety, the chairman of the county Republican Committee, could not be reached for comment. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
New administration appoints Hurd deputy mayor In his first meeting, Mayor Josh Cohn, a Democrat, appointed Councilwoman Emily Hurd as the city’s deputy mayor. The appointment was announced on Jan. 10, during the first Rye City Council meeting of 2018. The newly appointed deputy mayor will succeed former Deputy Mayor Julie Killian, a Republican, who served in that capacity for the previous two years and as a councilwoman for the last six years. Hurd, a Democrat, was elected to the Rye City Council in 2015 along with Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, also a Democrat. In that same election, Councilman Richard Mecca, a Republican, was re-elected to his
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seat on the City Council. Currently, Mecca is now the only Republican on the council. According to the city charter, the purpose of the position of deputy mayor is to serve as the mayor in the event of the current mayor’s absence or disability. While filling in for the mayor, the deputy mayor does not have the power to appoint or remove any individuals from office, unless the incumbent mayor is absent or disabled for a period of more than 60 days. The charter dictates that the mayor, only while in office, can appoint a member of the council as deputy mayor for as long as that councilmember remains on the city council. Hurd declined to comment on
Emily Hurd
her appointment, and Cohn could not be reached for comment prior to publication. -Reporting by Franco Fino
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Meet Red! This beautiful setter/ collie mix is about 7 years young and very handsome. He is looking for a calm, quiet home to hang out with his human family. He will alert you to people at your door and will happily go to his place so that you can welcome your guests. He likes playing with his toys and going for long walks. Red is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped. Make him part of your family! To meet Red, call Pet Rescue in Harrison at 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue. org. (Submitted)
4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 19, 2018
What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room
Nash Room. Open to the public. Information needlework, fabric arts get-together. Bring your own project and supplies and work and chat.
Current Events Book Group
For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.
Elder Law Seminar On Saturday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Estate straight talk presented by Patricia Micek, of Estate Planning & Elder Law Associates LLP in White Plains. The discussion will cover protecting your assets and not losing them to a nursing home. There will be a question and answer session in plain language—no legalese.
Buying and Renting a Home in Rye On Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. This talk will focus on buying and renting a home in Rye, market trends and the ins and outs of buying and renting. Presented by Melissa Marcello, a New York state licensed associate real estate broker, at Marc Jason, L.L.C.
Mother Goose Monday On Mondays from 10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Recommended for infants and toddlers. Nursery rhymes, songs, and finger plays. “Granny Jean” Klein, wellversed in early childhood development, introduces babies and toddlers to playful rhymes, songs, and puppetry. Parents and caregivers participate with the children at the library and are encouraged to continue the activities at home. Because the program is often a child’s first experience in an audience setting, it is important that adults strive to arrive on time and actively help children focus on the presentation. For more information, call the Children’s Reference Desk at 231-3162.
Spin-A-Yarn On Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ogden
On Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. “The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future” by Victor Cha will be discussed. Called “a meaty, fast-paced portrait of North Korean society, economy, politics and foreign policy” by Foreign Affairs. A definitive account of North Korea, its veiled past and uncertain future, from the former director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council.
Wiggle, Giggle Time On Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Please choose one session to attend. Children will wiggle to music, giggle to funny rhymes, and pretend to be wild and wonderful animals in this lively interactive program with “Dawny Dew” Halasz. Music is a natural connection tool. It brings people together and helps them interact with one another. Children are engaged with the use of puppets, felt board activities, nursery rhymes, and songs. This activity encourages active participation by parents and other caregivers. This 20-minute weekly musical program promotes early language skills and socialization. Please note that doors close five minutes after the program begins to prevent interruptions and help focus audience attention on the presenter. Please be prepared to enjoy the Children’s Room while waiting for the next session to begin. For more information, contact the Children’s Reference Desk at 231-3162.
Tunes for Tots On Thursday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Recommended for infants and toddlers. Nurture your toddler’s love of books through music, movement and instruments while helping to develop their language, motor and social skills. Join Miss Deborah as she incorporates stories, music, dancing, rhythm activities, puppets and more at this special music program for toddlers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate.
Holistic Moms Presents: All About Medical Marijuana On Thursday, Jan. 25 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Dr. June Chin will lead a discussion on which conditions qualify for treatment under the 2014 New York state law which legalized medical marijuana. For more than 15 years she and her husband have been integrating medical cannabis to children and adults and have seen how it can benefit patients, with less side effects compared to other prescription medication. Presented by Holistic Moms of Westchester.
Graham Clarke’s Musical Fridays On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Families are always welcome. Rock out at the Rye Free Reading Room on Friday mornings when popular children’s musician Graham Clarke performs. Kids love Graham’s silly humor and fun songs and will enjoy moving and grooving to the beat with this energetic performer. Please arrive early to find parking; doors will be closed 10 minutes after show begins or when room is at “fire code” capacity, and no one will be admitted after that. Weather permitting, Graham’s performance will be outside on the Village Green where a larger audience can be accommodated.
Rye STEAM Rollers On Friday, Jan. 26 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. All Rye STEAM Rollers in grades 3–5 are invited to join the librarians once a month in the new “STEAM LAB,” where literacy meets science. Each month, participants will read a book together, then taking inspiration from the story, will learn how to think with their hands and minds. It’s inquiry-based learning combined with a hands-on activity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics. Space is limited. Registration is required. Visit ryelibrary. org, click on “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.”
‘Not OK’: A Conversation with Four New Yorker Cartoonists On Saturday, Jan. 27 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Illustrator and cartoonist David Ostow moderates a discussion with fellow artists Jason Adam Katzenstein, Amy Kurzwuil, Maggie Larson and Ellis Rosen on their experience drawing, submitting and refining works for The New Yorker and elsewhere. The exhibit of “Not OK” cartoons runs through Wednesday, Jan. 31.
The Rye Arts Center The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye. For more information, call 967-0700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.
Encaustic Painting On Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Rye Arts Center. Learn about the ancient medium of encaustic painting with artist, curator, and RAC instructor Katharine Dufault in this free adult workshop. Basic techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Participants will learn the fundamentals of working in this medium and will have a chance to explore painting with molten, pigmented beeswax. Registration is required. Call 967-0700 to register for free.
Children’s Workshop: Simple Origami On Saturday, Jan. 20 at The Rye Arts Center.
With instructor Sarah Cronin. For ages 6 to 9, from 10 a.m. to noon; ages 9 to 12, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come learn the creative art of origami, Japanese paper folding. Starting with the basic folds, students will learn to make three to four figures, as well as a box to carry their new projects home. Figures include animals, hats, bookmarks, birds and more. All supplies included. Fee: $20; members receive discount. Register online at ryeartscenter.org.
Gallery Exhibit: Works in Encaustic Through Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Rye Arts Center. There will be a reception on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Encaustic painting dates as far back as the 5th century B.C. The process involves heating a mixture of beeswax, resin and pigments, which are applied while hot to a rigid surface such as a wood panel, and further manipulated. Curated by Katharine Dufault, the “Some Like It Hot” exhibit will introduce the community to a brief history of the medium, and show the wide variety of techniques possible using hot wax. Participating artists include Christine Aaron, Anne Bedrick, Binnie Birstein, Kathy Cantwell, Katharine Dufault, Roxanne Faber Savage, David Fox, Lorraine Glessner, Leslie Giuliani, Laura Moriarty, Lisa Pressman, Pat Spainhour, Priya Tambe, Dietlind Vander Schaff, as well as students from both the Rye and Pelham art centers.
Cabaret Performance: ‘Everybody Knows I’m Guilty’ On Friday, Jan. 26 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Rye Arts Center. LawnChair Theatre is offering a cabaret concert by two of the master songwriters of our time, Leonard Cohen and Randy Newman. Newman and Cohen have each explored love, loss, religion, and politics in finely crafted songs that have the theatricality of short plays. In “Everybody Knows I’m Guilty,” Cohen’s honesty and Newman’s irony work together, as this company of performers presents the best of these two musical poets. Peter Green, artistic director of LawnChair Theatre, is partnering with Keith Levenson, veteran musical director, arranger, and conductor of countless Broadway shows and national tours. Levenson has conducted for Meatloaf and Roger Daltry, among many others, and collaborated with such composers as Jeanine Tesori, Jason Robert Brown and Martin Charnin. Refreshments will be served. Please leave your lawn chairs at home. Tickets: $35 for general admission; $30 for Rye Arts Center members. Register online at ryeartscenter.org.
County news Golf course closings The six county-owned golf courses closed for the season after play on Sunday, Dec. 31. The courses are Dunwoodie, 231-3490, and Sprain Lake, 231-3481, both in Yonkers; Maple Moor, 995-9200, in White Plains; Mohansic, 862-5283, in Yorktown Heights; Saxon Woods, 231-3461, in Scarsdale; and Hudson Hills, 864-3000, in Ossining. The courses are expected to reopen in March, weather and conditions permitting. The exact date will be announced. 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.
January 19, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5
Law senior partner receives Founder’s award Frank McCullough, senior partner in the law firm of McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt LLP in White Plains, was recently the guest of honor at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use
Law Center Annual Dinner. At the dinner, McCullough received the distinguished Founder’s Award. The dinner was held at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains on Dec. 6. The Founder’s Award is be-
stowed each year in the name of Theodore W. Kheel, the great American attorney and labor mediator, renowned for his ability to build consensus and resolve conflicts. McCullough was a major supporter of the
Land Use Law Center. “Frank is an ideal recipient for the Founder’s Award,” said John Nolon, professor of Law and Counsel for the Land Use Law Center. “He has distinguished himself in the regional land use community for navigating and calming troubled waters of local zoning approv-
From left, John Nolon, professor of Law and Counsel for the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use Law Center, Frank McCullough, senior partner at McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt LLP, and Jessica Bacher, executive director of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use Law Center. Contributed photo
als of much needed projects and has also epitomized the image of the practicing lawyer as one who gives back to their community.” Nolon also noted that McCullough has distinguished himself as a land use attorney who is sensitive to and able to unite disparate parties in support of growth and conservation. Throughout his career, he has counseled his clients to accommodate the interests of local land use officials who represent the full range of interests implicated in land development. McCullough and fellow partner Seth Mandelbaum also spoke during the Land Use Law Center’s 16th Annual Alfred B. DelBello Land Use and Sustainable Development Conference the following day, on Dec. 7. The theme of this year’s event focused on the ways in which local governments are overcoming challenges and finding solutions that target new ways to plan, regulate, and design communities. The sessions included topics such as financing mixed use development, formbased codes, as well as the future of mobility, designing healthy communities and office space redevelopment. “I am truly grateful to have
received this recognition from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use Law Center,” McCullough said. “John Nolan and the Center continue to set a high standard in providing invaluable service and guidance for the greater community, and I am proud to have worked with them over the years. As I continue my practice at McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, I look forward to the future and the numerous projects we are engaged in and actively pursuing.” Established in 1993, the Land Use Law Center is dedicated to fostering the development of sustainable communities and regions through the promotion of innovative land use strategies and dispute resolution techniques. Through the work of its programs, centers, and institutes, the Land Use Law Center offers conferences, seminars, clinics, academic law school courses, continuing legal education programs, audio podcasts, and frequent publications and resources on contemporary land use, real estate, and environmental issues. For more information about McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, LLP, visit mcculloughgoldberger.com. (Submitted)
6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 19, 2018
RyeCity REVIEW THE
P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com
Interfaith committee sparks discussion on violence against women
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter
General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Photographer Jen Parente Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Joe Murphy
Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com. Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
This year’s Rye Women’s Interfaith Committee annual conference is at the Rye Presbyterian Church. File photo
The Rye Women’s Interfaith Committee, a community of women from different religious faiths, will tackle the topics of human trafficking and domestic violence against women in their annual conference this month. The presentation, titled “Women Under Threat—Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking,” will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Rye Presbyterian Church at 3:30 p.m. Admission for the event is $15 at the door. Attendees will be treated to a discussion led by the Rev. Kym McNair, coordinator of community and education engagement for My Sister’s Place, a nonprofit organization in White Plains that offers emotional and legal support to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Caroll Claps, a coordinator for the event, said the presentation was chosen because the committee wanted to feature a nonprofit
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In prior years, the Rye Women’s Interfaith Committee has discussed topics including religious diversity. Photo courtesy turkishculturalcenter.org
organization and what it has to offer. Along with supporting the local organization, Claps said, they wanted to choose a meaningful topic. “There is quite a lot of information [out there] as far as violence to women and people who come out… will learn that this [presentation] is quite the topic for today’s society,” said Lynn Staley, a coordinator for the event. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a hotline service for victims of human trafficking, in 2017, New York state had 180 human trafficking cases reported. The presentation will work to bring awareness to the broader community on the topic of trafficking. David Ryan, a founder of the Westchester County Anti-Trafficking Task Force, a group of organizations who work together to respond to and end cases of human trafficking, said one of the most important things to focus on when it comes to human trafficking is raising awareness. The task force also includes My Sister’s Place and the International Organization for Adolescents, a non-government organization that focuses on cases of children and youth trafficking. “Our goal ultimately is to find these victims, get them out of the environment they’re in, and get them the help and services they need, and ultimately hold the traffickers accountable,” Ryan said. Along with a discussion on human trafficking, McNair will speak on domestic violence. “Domestic abuse often goes unreported,” Claps said. “[There are] women and men who are married and living in Rye, on the outside they look like a perfectly happy family, and on the inside, they’re not.” According to the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, an agency that works to respond and prevent cases of domestic violence, in 2016 “the state’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline received
The Rev. Kym McNair, coordinator of community and education engagement for My Sister’s Place. Photo courtesy bedfordpreschurch.com
8,584 calls. An 18 percent increase from 2015.” Of these calls, 12 percent came from Westchester County, which was the second highest volume of calls from any county in the state. “I can say that once people become more aware [of abuse tactics], they talk about it more, and become aware of what they’ve overlooked,” McNair said. She went on to say that people tend to think of domestic violence as primarily physical and sexual. When you take those two out of the equation, people realize there are a lot more types of violence, including psychological and emotional. Claps encourages people to come out to the event because along with raising awareness, McNair will speak on the things that My Sister’s Place has to offer those who might be in unsafe situations. “I think people will be surprised, and they’ll find out information about the whole [My Sister’s Place] program itself,” Claps said. McNair said that anyone can benefit from attending the presentation. “My hope is that people will have a better understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as how people can call on My Sister’s Place for help,” McNair said. “We have offices, lawyers, [and] councilors.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
January 19, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7
Cuomo authorizes RCDS to purchase Thruway parcel By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a bill that allows the Rye Country Day School to purchase land along Boston
Post Road known locally as the Thruway property. Put forth by state Assemblyman Steve Otis, a Rye Democrat, and state Sen. Michael Razenhofer, a Republican from Erie County, the bill authorizes
the private school to negotiate the purchase of the property with its current owner, the New York State Thruway Authority, under the condition that it enters into a shared-use agreement with the city of Rye.
Cuomo, a Democrat, signed the bill on Dec. 18. “The legislation provides an excellent opportunity for a partnership between the city and Rye Country Day School,” Otis, also a former Rye mayor, told the Review. “The next step is going to be for the city and the school to work on a shared-
After much debate last year about who will purchase the Thruway Property along Boston Post Road, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed state Assemblyman Steve Otis’ bill granting the Rye Country Day School the right to buy the land. File photo
use agreement that meets the needs of the community and the school.” According to the legislation, the Rye Country Day School, RCDS, can utilize the land for recreational and educational purposes, including the construction of a playing field, track and field house. A stipulation in the bill requires the independent preparatory school to come to terms with the Rye City Council first on a shared-use agreement for the 4.7-acre vacant land parcel located parallel to the private school, along Boston Post Road and at the entryway of one of Rye’s municipal borders. Last year, the bill drew opposition from the Republican-led City Council, which was interested in potentially purchasing the property, which is estimated to cost as much as $8 million, to consider constructing a new Department of Public Works facility at the location. Then-Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, even sent a letter to the governor asking him not to refrain from signing the bill to allow the city the opportunity to continue its due diligence in weighing whether it wanted to seek purchase of the property.
The issue even became a focal point during the City Council elections in November, with the Democratic slate favoring allowing RCDS the option of purchasing the property. The Democrats sweep the election and now, with the state authorizing RCDS to purchase the land, more than three decades of on again, off again discussions related to the space look to be finally coming to end. Since the 1980s, both city and school officials have expressed interest, but have ultimately been unsuccessful in purchasing the property jointly and independently on a number of occasions. “At the end of the day, we’ll have kids playing on the field, which is going to be great for everybody,” Otis said. “That’s been the desire of the community for at least the last 25 years and we’re a big step closer to making that a reality.” There is currently no further information on any discussions between the city and RCDS about a shared-use agreement. Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 19, 2018
Democrats nominate Mayer for Senate seat
Trump’s comments: A perversion of Dr. King’s legacy
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer State Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, a Democrat, was nominated unanimously on Jan. 9 as the successor to former state Sen. George Latimer’s Senate seat. Latimer, a fellow Democrat, vacated the seat when he was elected as Westchester County executive and subsequently took office on Jan. 1. Mayer took the nomination over a field of candidates that included Bedford Supervisor Chris Burdick and former Bernie Sanders organizer and White Plains resident, Kat Brezler, as well as Mark Jaffe of West Harrison. Prior to the Democrats convention at the Westchester County Center on Tuesday night, all of the other candidates had dropped out of the race, including Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano who left the running a week before the nomination process. “You opened up your minds and your hearts; you heard my story,” Mayer said at the County Center. While Mayer won’t face a primary from fellow Democrats, she will have to square off against a Republican opponent for the seat in a special election yet to be called for by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Cuomo hasn’t indicated when he might call for a special election or when it might take place. Mayer is expected to face either Sarmad Khojasteh or Dan Schorr, both Republicans who are seeking the party’s nomination. However, county Republicans have yet to announce when they plan to nominate a candidate for the seat. With Mayer, Democrats will look to increase their edge in the
Opinion-Editorial
By CLIFFORD JACKSON Donald Trump’s racist and vulgar comments on immigration from Africa, Haiti and El Salvador—that these were “----hole countries” that we should be limiting immigration and allowing for more immigration from countries like Norway—are rather ironic. I have been saying this and writing about this for years. I saw Michael Che bring this out on a recent “Weekend Update” skit on “Saturday Night Live.” He in his comedic genius made the point that “these so-called
----hole counties have been the victims of colonialism and exploitation of its people and resources by the Western world for the last 500 years that allowed these Western countries to become rich at their expense.” As Abraham Lincoln also said in his second inaugural address, “the wealth of this country is based upon the unrequited sweat and toil of 246 years of free slave labor by the bondsman.” Trump is America, many of his supporters are from the sewer and have an “Archie Bunker” searing ignorance and racism
that allows this type of garbage to be expressed by a Donald Trump. These same people do not realize and do not care that Haiti has been exploited and raped of its resources by the U.S. for the past 200 years. Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier are glaring examples. Trump’s proclamation to Martin Luther King Jr. was an insult to his legacy and to decent justice-seeking people around the world. Clifford Jackson is a resident of Larchmont. The views expressed are his own.
ADDRESS from page 1
In a unanimous vote, Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer was anointed as successor to an empty state Senate seat formerly held by new County Executive George Latimer this week. Photo courtesy Shelley Mayer
state Senate where Republicans currently hold a one-person majority, 31-30, with two open seats. “Shelley Mayer can hit the ground running and give the hundreds of thousands of Westchester residents the representation they deserve,” said Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Yonkers Democrat, in a statement this week. Republicans will be hardpressed to win a seat that has been Democrats’ hand for decades. However, throughout the past several election cycles Republicans have unsuccessfully pumped significant financing into campaigns hoping to win control of the seat, including a race between Latimer and GOP candidate
Bob Cohen during a 2012 election that broke a record for most money spent—$4.5 million in total—during a New York political race at the time. Democrats will also look to further capitalize on a blue surge of Democratic support that was seen during the 2017 elections that to the election of a new county executive and a string of Democratic victories throughout Westchester. The 37th Senatorial District encompasses the cities of Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle and Rye, and the towns of Eastchester, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Rye, Bedford and North Castle. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
From left, Councilwoman Sara Goddard, Councilman Ben Stacks, Mayor Josh Cohn and Councilwoman Julie Souza, all Democrats. Cohn gave his first-ever mayoral address after being sworn in late last year. Photo courtesy Rye Democrats
Among the projects listed were critical road repairs, a holistic project slated for Disborow Park, sports field improvements, sewer infrastructure repair and replacing Rye City Hall’s ailing heating and cooling system. While grants and bolstering revenue will help, bonding, according to Cohn, will be considered.
While controversial projects like Starwood Development’s recent decision to look to sell the former United Hospital site in the village of Port Chester, and Rye Country Day School’s acquisition of a parcel of vacant land near Interstate-95 also made their way into Cohn’s address, the night’s final note ended on a mutual tone.
“In this room and in all of our dealings with the people of Rye, we will endeavor to treat you as owners and we hope that you will treat us as faithful temporary caretakers,” Cohn said. “Trying our best to work on our collective behalf.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
January 19, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9
Rye Rotary presents Sportsmanship Award
Giants legend to host big game viewing party
From left, Bob Manheimer, Rye Rotary president, with Brett Egan, Peter Chabot and Mike Arias, Rye City School District director of athletics. Contributed photo
Two Rye High School, RHS, athletes were awarded the Rye Rotary Sportsmanship Award at a Jan. 5 Rotary Club luncheon at Whitby Castle. Brett Egan, class of 2017, and
Peter Chabot, class of 2018, received their trophies from Bob Manheimer, Rotary president. The sportsmanship award is given to athletes exemplifying the ideals of
sportsmanship during the annual Rye-Harrison football game; the winner is nominated by members of the Harrison Huskies football team. (Submitted)
Berkshire Hathaway release market report
The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Westchester Properties Fourth Quarter 2017 Westchester Market Report shows the number of sales are down by 1.34 percent. Photo courtesy bhhswestchester.com
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Westchester Properties has released the Fourth Quarter 2017 Westchester Market Report, a valuable resource for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. The report examines the single family and condominium markets throughout Westchester County and is an in-depth analysis of sales and emerging trends in the market. Westchester County sales were down by 1.34 percent in the fourth quarter, however, average price increased by 5.76 percent to $619,206. Median sales price
for single family homes and condominiums were up by 6 percent and cooperative pricing remained flat year over year. Luxury home sales- those prices over $2 million- increased by 9.21 percent to 76 total sales when compared to 2016’s fourth quarter. The most significant issue sellers and buyers need to be aware of is the new tax bill. It is too early to tell how it is going to impact the state of New York but it will be a variable for the housing market in 2018. Regardless of the implications, move-in ready homes and those within walking
distance to shops and restaurants will remain front runners in the 2018 market. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Westchester Properties, our mission is to provide an unparalleled customer service experience throughout all aspects of the home transaction process. If you have any questions regarding this report, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Westchester Properties Realtors are here to help you navigate the current market with expert knowledge and exceptional service. (Submitted)
Phil Simms may have coined the phrase “I’m going to Disney World” following his big game win in 1987, but the legendary quarterback is “going to Empire City Casino” for this year’s big game to host a viewing party, hang out with football fans and watch the biggest game on the planet on Feb. 4. The free festivities begin in the casino’s entertainment lounge at 6 p.m. on game day, where Simms will mingle with fans, participate in a Q-and-A, and sign autographs before watching the big game and testing out his throwing arm with fans. During the event, Simms will reflect on his career, offer his game day predictions and share what it takes to win the big game. Empire City Casino will dis-
play the big game on LED jumbo screens to bring football fans as close to the action as possible. Seating will be firstcome, first-served with beer and food specials all game long. Most fans know Simms as one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history, and who was recently nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Over his 15-year career with the New York Giants, Simms set numerous records and won two world championships in 1987 and 1991. Currently, Simms is a football analyst on TV, radio and online. “Phil Simms fits the bill as the perfect game day host for our guests,” said Taryn Duffy, director of public affairs for Empire City Casino. “We’re excited to
have that same energy and excitement Phil brought to the football field here at Empire City Casino with fans meeting and hearing from the football icon.” As an added bonus, the first 5,000 Empire Club Members to check in at the main promotions booth will receive a free football-themed beanie hat. Fans who are not yet Empire Club members can sign up for free in a matter of minutes at any promotions booth. Empire City is Manhattan’s closest casino, a short drive from the George Washington Bridge and easily accessible via Metro North, bus, shuttle bus and more (exact point-to-point directions provided here). For more information on Empire City Casino and the viewing party, visit empirecitycasino.com. (Submitted)
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12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 19, 2018
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Game-saving catch LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
Conventional wisdom might posit that, these days, the NBA regular season isn’t worth a hill of beans. But increasingly, the same might hold true for the NFL. For the last 10 years or so, pundits have maintained that the long, grueling, 82-game NBA schedule is little more than a glorified pre-season. With rest days for star players and the emergence of super teams like we’ve seen in Boston, Miami, Cleveland and Golden State, the true competition in basketball doesn’t really ramp up until the conference finals at the very earliest, rendering much of what happens between October and May largely irrelevant from a spectator’s standpoint. As a result, the NBA’s popularity largely hinges on its most marketable stars and teams engaging in one or two largely pre-destined series at the end of the year to keep fans engaged. Which brings us the growing
problem facing today’s NFL. It wasn’t too long ago that gridiron Sundays (and Mondays) were appointment-viewing. And it’s not hard to understand why; with only 16 weeks of regular-season football, each game carried with it more weight and significance than any one contest of its competitors in America’s four major sports leagues. But over the last few years, something has changed, and Americans don’t seem to be as dialed into football as we once were. Oversaturation—games played three days a week—had a lot to do with it, but so too does the shifting public attitude toward the sport. There is a definite contingent of fans turned off by the risk of head trauma that the players assume and the league’s seemingly toothless efforts to combat the danger. Other, more vocal groups have tuned out due to their anger with the league for not sternly disciplining players who choose to protest injustice in society. Heck, even the fans who are still watching often bemoan the lack of quality play around the
SPORTS
league, which has turned—much like the NBA—into an organization of haves and have-nots. The results, unsurprisingly, mean that ratings have been in a slow, yet steady decline. But once we get to the playoffs, whatever issues facing the league during its regular season seem to disappear. Last Sunday alone, the Blake Bortles-led Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off in a wild shootout that saw the Jags escape with an improbable 45-42 win. That game was followed by one of the wildest playoff games in history, as the Minnesota Vikings topped the New Orleans Saints thanks to a wacky 61-yard touchdown by receiver Stefon Diggs. For once, fans came into work on Monday talking about the play on the field rather than some peripheral issue concerning protests, suspensions, headshots or referees. But if I were an NFL executive, I wouldn’t bank on the goodwill lasting. There’s an unmistakable trend of football’s declining popularity, and it’s going to take
January 19, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13
On Jan. 14, two exciting NFL playoff games may have given the league a temporary reprieve from sinking ratings. But the NFL has some questions to answer if it hopes to keep its foothold as the nation’s most popular sport. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
more than an once-in-a-lifetime connection between Case Keenum and Diggs to reverse it.
After all, as the name suggests, those plays don’t come around all that often.
Wildcats edge Titans ICE HOCKEY
non-league
RCDS RTH RYE PLAYLAND
3 2 1/15/18
Game Notes: • Eddie Abrams made 26 saves for the Wildcats • Joey Harrison had the Titans’ lone goal • Rye Town/Harrison is 11-3 on the year By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor A slow start doomed the Rye Town/Harrison hockey team on Jan. 15, as the Titans fell 2-1 in a showdown with the Rye Country Day School at the Playland Ice Casino. But although the loss highlighted some problems that have plagued the 11-3 Titans all year, head coach Rich Myers is confident that his squad will be able to bounce back in time for the playoffs, with a slate of tough contests remaining on the regular season schedule.
Will Dodge got Rye Country Day School, RCDS, on the board just five minutes into the game, and teammate Jack Kissell made it 2-0 before the end of the first period. Although the Titans would clamp down from that point on—and pick up a goal from Joey Harrison with just 6:58 left to play—they couldn’t quite overcome a sluggish opening period. According to Myers, the Titans have often struggled early in games this season, despite their gaudy record, and coming out of the gates quickly is something the team will continue to work on. “We’ve probably come from behind in most of our games and slow starts are definitely something that we’re addressing,” he said. “We may have the kids get to the rink a little earlier, change up our pregame routine with some more skating to get the legs going and the blood rate pumping.” The Titans outshot their opponents 27-18, but a 26-save performance from RCDS netminder Eddie Abrams kept the Wildcats in control.
“[Abrams] was good, he was big,” Myers said. “But not only did we outshoot them, we possessed the puck most of the game; but even winning the puck possession, I don’t think we put enough good shots on net.” The Titans, who opened the season with eight straight wins, have now dropped three of their last six games. With a slate of tough contests to round out the year—including tilts with league foes John Jay, Brewtown and Mahopac, as well as non-league games against Scarsdale and Mamaroneck—Myers is hoping to see a bounce-back before the postseason arrives. “We’ve got some good games coming up and we can’t afford to look outside our league,” he said. “Division I, Division II, there’s a lot of parity this year, so everything is really wide open. “We have to shoot more and put more pucks on the net instead of banging them off the boards,” Myers added. “We’re working hard out there, we’re just not getting the results.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Christian Pizzutello is knocked off the puck by an RCDS player on Jan. 15. Photo/Mike Smith
Follow Mike on Twiter @LiveMike_Sports
14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 19, 2018
SPORTS
Tigers edge Rye at Playland ICE HOCKEY
league
MAMARONECK 3 RYE 2 RYE PLAYLAND
1/10/18
Game Notes: • Michael Carducci netted the game-winning goal in the 3rd period • The Garnets outshot the Tigers 23-13 • With the loss, the Garnets fell to 4-8 on the season By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Rye may have ended up on the short end of a one-goal loss to Mamaroneck on Jan. 10, but it certainly wasn’t for lack of effort. Battling back from a 2-0 deficit and outshooting the Tigers by 10 shots on Wednesday night, the Garnets were done in by a late goal from Mamaroneck forward Michael Carducci., For the Garnets, however, despite a few tough losses, the team has more than demonstrated its ability to hang with the toughest teams in Section I. Carducci’s game-winner came with just 5:37 left in the third period, erasing a brilliant Garnet effort in the second period—led by goals from Declan Lavelle and Seamus Carroll—that saw them knot the score at 2-2. That kind of bad break, Rye coach Peter Thomas admitted, has been a familiar one this season.
Rye, at 4-8 on year, has dropped a number of close games to top-flight opponents. “It almost seems like that’s what we’ve been doing; we lost to Clarkstown even though we outshot them 35-13,” Thomas said. “We will play great, but then have one or two lapses, and that’s where we get hurt.” Rye controlled the tempo throughout on Wednesday, outshooting the Tigers 23-13 despite surrendering the game’s first two goals. According to Thomas, the game was one of the more complete games the team has put together all season. But after tying the game at two, he sensed that his squad took its foot off the gas, which ultimately led to the late Tiger score. “We set the tone early and forced them to be out of their comfort zone,” the coach said.
Declan Lavelle skates past a Tiger defender at Rye Playland on Jan. 10. Lavelle had a goal for the Garnets.
“But once we stormed back and tied it up, you got a sense that we let up when we had them on the ropes, we got too comfortable.” Escaping with the win over Rye, Mamaroneck fell in its subsequent outing, losing to rival Suffern 5-0 on Jan. 12, while the Garnets prepare to host John Jay on Jan. 24, after press time. In the meantime, the Rye hockey team will be accepting canned goods, through January, at their home games—as well as at collection boxes located at the high school and middle school— as part of their annual Hockey vs. Hunger initiative. The Garnet team will then send the donations to the Carver Center Food Pantry, located in Port Chester. “We know that the pantry gets most of its donations around Thanksgiving and Christmas-time,” Thomas said. “So we want to put together an organized effort to bring in these donations so they are stocked in January and February as well.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Jack Davilman makes a move against Rye on Jan. 10. The Tigers topped the Garnets 3-2.
Seamus Carroll collects the puck behind the net. Photos/Mike Smith
The Rye hockey team has set up donation centers for canned goods in the last two weeks of January. All items received will be gifted to the Carver Center Food Pantry in Port Chester.
SPORTS
January 19, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15
Huskies edge Garnets late girls basketball league
HARRISON 52 RYE 48 1/11/17
RYE HS
Game Notes: • Avery LaBarbera scored a game-high 28 points for Harrison • Teaghan Flaherty had 22 points for the Garnets • Harrison improved to 6-4 with the win By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Any time Harrison and Rye lock horns, regardless of the sport, area fans are generally primed for an exciting showdown. On Jan. 11, a tilt between the two girls’ basketball teams did not disappoint, as the visiting Huskies won a back-and-forth game, edging a solid Garnets’ team 52-48. Despite controlling the game throughout the first half, Harrison fell prey to a Garnets’ rally in the third quarter and headed into the final stanza of play trailing 38-35. But a strong fourth quarter led by a stellar performance from Huskies’ standout Avery LaBarbera, who finished with a game-high 28 points and 14 rebounds, was enough for Harrison
Avery LaBarbera drives to the hoop against Rye on Jan. 11. LaBarbera had 28 points for the Huskies.
to improve to 6-4 on the year. LaBarbera missed four games with a knee injury she sustained in early December, but has come on strong since her return, netting 48 points in two contests this week as the Huskies have won six of their last seven games.
Rye’s Ellie Dailey backs her way down in the low post against Harrison.
Harrison coach Louis Kail said that the team’s early season struggles may even be the catalyst for the Huskies’ recent success. “We’ve been in this situation before,” he said. “We’ve battled through adversity, through sickness, through injuries all season long, and tonight they just kind of settled in and won a basketball game.” The Garnets, who came into the game riding an eight-game winning streak, dropped to 8-2. Sophomore Teaghan Flaherty, who has emerged as the top offensive threat this year, led the team with 22 points, but was sidelined for stretches in the second half with four fouls. In her absence, freshman Amanda Latkany spurred a solid Garnet effort with 12 points. “Anytime you take a player like Teaghan, who’s a prolific scorer, out of the game, it changes the complexion, because it’s tough to play with foul trouble,” Kail said. “But you have to hand it to the rest of the Rye team, they handled it really well.” Rye followed its loss to Harrison with a hard-fought defeat at the hands of Class AA power Ursuline on Saturday, Jan. 13, while the Huskies will have a few days off before hosting Ardsley on Wednesday, Jan. 17, after press time. According to Kail,
Niamh Carty drives past Ashley Stagg at Rye High School.
Ashley Stagg tries to beat two Rye defenders on Jan. 11. Photos/Mike Smith
they will hope to build on the momentum of the rivalry win as they look to improve their playoff standing during the second half
of the season. “It’s definitely huge,” he said. “Any time you have Rye versus Harrison, it’s a good game,
so it’s nice to get a win against them.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 19, 2018