https://sleepyhollow.localarchives.org/files/original/45c7cee5c8087aa8979c4325a4a1f398.pdf 049d20e16be9cc7e8ffba1131376d84e PDF Text Text NORTH TARRYTOWN, N.Y. August 11, 1986 g '7 A regular meeting was held before the Board of Trustees of the Village of North Tarrytown on the above date. Present Thomas Homan, A dm, Philip E. Zegarelli, Mayor James J. Timmings Allen T. Williams Steven Salman Frank Mangieri Susan Galgano Arthur B. Ceconi, Trustees \- r Robert J. Ponzini, Counsel Mayor Zegarelli called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. with a prayer and salute to the flag. Trustee Salman moved, seconded by Trustee Galgano that the minutes of the meeting held on July 14, 1986 be approved as written. Carried. Mayor Zegarelli called for bids on the 1976 ambulance. i1 j Treasurer Amato reported no bids received. A discussion was held to look into the matter of auctioning the ambulance, as well as other Village equipment. The matter was referred to the fire committee chairman. Mayor Zegarelli stated that because of the series of situations which occurred in the Village about a month ago, it is the desire of Board members to provide the people of North Tarrytown their opinions. Trustee Ceconi moved to amend the current agenda to allow Board members to give their statements, seconded by Trustee Williams. Carried. Mayor Zegarelli stated that we have asked the Tarrytown Center, which is made up of volunteer individuals, to cover some of the events of Board meetings. We have utilized the content of Cable TV to go directly into the residents homes, as well as other people in the franchise to tell them what has been going on in the incident situations in the Village. He stated that we have a desire to speak out and convey our own feelings and what is in the process of being done in the Village Mayor Zegarelli stated that many of us feel that the portrayal of North Tarrytown in the newspaper articles has not accurately reflected the total feelings of everyone in the Village. He stated that we will be meeting with Congressman DioGuardi and people from the N.Y. Immigration and Naturalization service. It was brought out that there is a large number of illegal aliens in the Village, said the Mayor. We will be looking to the Immigration and Naturalization service to help us out. This is not to be viewed as anything <! S?",< �-2negative to any individual grouping. In consultation and discussion with John Branca of the Youth Bureau, Westchester County, we will be applying for a youth grant. Mayor Zegarelli stated that we will be availing ourselves for a series of seminars to provide additional education and expertise in the police department. This has to be directed to all aspects in the community, he said. He stated that our response will be balanced. We will be upgrading the zoning, planning and housing codes. We will be working with the drug enforcement agency to provide additional support in identifying the problem. We will be looking at what the financial constraints are; looking to see if we can increase the department, said the Mayor. Board members have been more than highly entombed as to what is going on. Trustee Salman stated that a hot line system is being establish whereby anyone witnessing a drug deal or suspecting drugs can call into police headquarters. He stated that the call would not be on tape. It would be a direct line. Trustee Salman made the following statement: (copy in detail official minutes) Trustee Mangieri echoed Trustee Salman's remarks. He stated that North Tarrytown has always been an open door to immigrants of all races. Everyone has been given an opportunity to better their lives, he said. He stated that other communities do not have an open door policy. We are working on problems, he said, one of which is drugs. Several committees have been formed, however, the newspape does not pay attention to these, but only prints the negative and then again it is distorted. Trustee Timmings pointed out that he ran for Trustee with the late Margaret White on two separate occasions. She, as well as any other member of the ticket, did not receive any special privilege he said. The minority community did not support the minority when she ran for election, he said. He stated that he was asked to serv on the Housing Authority. The appointment found him to be in the minority. He stated that the fire department would be glad to have anyone who is qualified. The cruelist form of discrimination is to appoint a person to a position because of a minority quota. In his evaluation, said Trustee Timmings, the greatest need in the minority community is education and English to be the first language. If you cannot speak English and understand it clearly, you will not be able to perform in industry, he said. There is a real need for families to insist that the young people participate in the educational progn Trustee Ceconi stated that in the mid 30's, the area consisted of Italians, Polish, Slovaks, Jewish, etc. These people took pride in family life. Both parents had great pride in coming to this country. We must learn English and U. S. history. There was a respect for family religions. North Tarrytown has been an open Village to foreign minorities. He stated that he resented the newspaper for picturing our community in a negative way. Trustee Ceconi stated that he cancelled his newspaper subscript �-3- 3/; Trustee Williams took issue with the articles in the newspaper and stated that no one asked him what happened even though he was down at the scene. No other Trustee was ever asked. The reporters were quick to get it from the people who were dealing with drugs. They did not even ask the firemen who were being pelted with bottles. People in the area were asking us for help and then they pelted us with bottles and other garbage, said Trustee Williams. Mayor Zegarelli stated that the individual trustees and himself as Mayor, are taking this opportunity to talk directly out to the people. Mayor Zegarelli pointed out an incident, similar to ours, which happened in the Village of Tarrytown whereby North Tarrytown was asked for assistance. What hurts, said the Mayor, is that the article was buried in the newspaper and was almost hard to find. If it had occurred in North Tarrytown, it would have been on the front pagecounty wide. North Tarrytown was unfairly portrayed, said the Mayor. He read a letter from a resident in North Tarrytown regar.ding the poor coverage and the damage caused. It certainly makes sense for a name change, said the Mayor. This is a two-way street, said the Mayor, and it was an unfair portrayal of, not only the events which occurred but the feeling of the people where the real true spirit of the Village is. The regular order of business resumed. Mayor Zegarelli asked if there was anyone present who would like to address the Board. Mr. Anthony Sarli, 33 Harwood Avenue, stated that last summer, he and approximately 30 of his neighbors, expressed concern to the Planning Board about the drainage system that existed on a parcel at Bellwood and Farrington Avenues. He stated that their engineer, M. Karamouz had recommended that the Village look into the entire problem in detail before a subdivision is granted, however, the storm drain system was re-routed. He stated that during last Thursday's storm, a catch basin that was supposed to drain the water away from his house caused the manhole cover to blow off and it is buried under the geyser of water. The storm drain system that was allowed to be installed has failed. He stated that what he said would happen last year, did happen. The water rushing down created a flood around his property. He stated that he is submitting a document containing pictures, etc. as a form of complaint and is putting the Village on notice that the sewer problem be corrected. He stated that he did not get damage directly to his home, but the water came within six ft. in front of his house. Mr. Sarli stated that his neighbor had 1% ft. of water in his garage. He again demanded that the Village and parties take some form of action to correct the sewer problem. If no action is taken, said Mr. Sarli, there will be no other recourse on his part, or his neighbor, but to sue for property damage and punitive damages. Trustee Timmings suggested that the Administrator review the flood system to ascertain whether or not it was built in accordance with the design, together with a professional engineer. �-4Mr. Sarll stated that he raised an issue last year that consideration be given to the dynamics-if the energy level is the proper energy level to carry the criteria. Mayor Zegarelli stated that the matter will be thoroughly reviewed. He stated that the Planning Board granted the subdivision. Counsel Ponzini stated that when the site plan came before the Planning Board, it was a difficult decision. There were numerous residents concerned about the re-routing of the drainage pipes. The Village did not accept the professional engineer's report, but had them forwarded it to the Westchester County Department of Health who also had approved the plans. Mr. Biros also reviewed the plans, he | said. Experts, sometimes are not quite experts as we would like then' to be, said Counsel. Sometimes their assumptions are not correct, he The Village spent considerable time and expense, he said. We will | investigate the matter. No certificate of occupancy will be issued until the property is considered safe. Mr. Ted Sohn, Farrington Avenue, stated that his house was one of the houses damaged by the water. The first floor of his house was completely wrecked and flooded by the overflow of the manhole. He stated that it was too bad that the Village has to sustain the money in damages, as well as what they put in last year. Approval was grantei and the Village made some effort, he said. He inquired as to why does it come to this point after the damage was done. Trustee Timmings stated that he wants to see if the sewer system was designed different from what it was built. The Planning Board hired professional engineers, he said. The Board of Trustees authorized the expenditure of funds. Mayor Zegarelli stated that the subdivision is in the perverse of the Planning Board. If the design criteria was a mistake, there wil be no certificate of occupancy granted for the individual's house until the matter is straightened out. Mrs. Lydia Michaelides, 94 Howard Street, inquired as to why there is no parking on her street. Mayor Zegarelli stated that it was to accommodate the shift at General Motors. The matter was referred to the police committee chairman. Mr. James Nazemeth, 134 Hunter Avenue, stated that his property abuts Mr. Sohn's property and the force of the water left a flood over his wall as well as a large ditch. It carried mud and debris over his property, he said. Referring to the Jacobsen property, he stated that something blew on the property. His back yard was overrun with water and mud from the site. Mr. Sarli inquired of a member of the water department if any other calls were made to the Village that another manhole blew its cover and was answered in the affirmative. �-5- 3^Lf Mrs. Eva Sarli stated that the force of the water blowing up the manhole cover was unbelievable. She stated that it looked like a geyser. Mayor Zegarelli stated that he is in receipt of a letter from the County Health Department regarding a program in which the Village can take part in for inflow of water into the sanitary sewer system. He asked the Administrator to contact the County to add the Village to its list. Mr. Donald Caetano, 23 Lawrence Avenue, stated that his wife broke her leg four months' ago on the curb adjacent to his home and reported the matter at a Board meeting. The curb has not yet been repaired, he said. He spoke of other situations in the Village, after which Mayor Zegarelli suggested that he see the Administrator who would go over the situations point by point. Mr. George Sabo, 51 New Broadway, requested that the Board look into the possibility of stop signs on New Broadway, at Pine Street and Rice Avenue. Mayor Zegarelli moved that according to the franchise with American Cable Systems, we request, in writing, that Village hall be wired so that future coverage of events can be made more accessible to the public and that a request be made for the official designation of a channel devoted to government access, seconded by Trustee Salman. Carried Trustee Mangieri stated that the committee has begun work on the name change of the Village. Mayor Zegarelli stated that the committee held a meeting to see whether or not the name should be changed. A direct mail poll will be sent to residents of North Tarrytown to seek their feelings. Mayor Zegarelli thanked the Tarrytown Center for programming the meeting tonight, as well as the viewing people for their continued support and interest. REPORTS Of COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Trustee Ceconi stated that a meeting was held with Trustees Pilla and Cirrillo of Tarrytown, our Administrator and himself regarding the library. Certain matters were discussed, said Trustee Ceconi. Another meeting has been scheduled. They would like to meet with the Board prior to the end of this year, he said. Trustee Timmings stated that he read the report which was signed by the Tarrytown Trustees. He stated that we are near our tax limit. He suggested that before negotiating a contract, they should meet with their Treasurer and review the constitutional tax limitation. �yV -6- GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Trustee Mangieri stated that the County met with businesses and associations to discuss the V.I.P. program. The newspaper was considered one of the liabilities of the community. The businessmen had discussed the idea of forming a businessman's letter whereby all advertisements can be published in it. It was also suggested that we utilize the school system to come up with ideas. We want to do our own advertisements rather than work with the newspaper. They are inadequate, he said. A news letter would help to improve the business district, he said. Mr. Homan stated that plans for the Festival are moving along I and progress is being made. At the August 18th meeting, we will know what commitment we have from the merchants. Registrations will be mailed out to runners who will be participating. He stated that he I met with companies about the fireworks. MANAGEMENT & BUDGET Trustee Timmings reported a cash balance in the General fund and moved that action of the Treasurer in depositing two c.d. notes in the First National Bank of North Tarrytown be confirmed, seconded by Trustee Galgano. Carried. I Trustee Timmings moved that the Treasurer be authorized to borrow on a capital note for sufficient funds to cover the cost of the new police car, renovation of Union Hose Company and rehab work in the parks, seconded by Trustee Williams. Carried, (in detail official minutes PUBLIC SAFETY Trustee Williams stated that the committee will look into the possibility of installing stop signs on Webber Avenue. Trustee Williams reported that cars 502 and 508 will be going out of service. Trustee Williams acknowledged letters to the Chief from the Secret Service thanking his department for the protection of the Presia when he was visiting at the Rockefeller Estate. Mayor Zegarelli suggested that the Chief submit a summary of expenses associated with President Reagan's visit. Trustee Williams acknowledged a letter from the Town of Yorktown expressing their appreciation for translation work by Ptl. Caxieira and moved that the letter be placed in his folder, seconded by Trustee Salman. Carried. Trustee Williams commended the firemen for all the times they were called out over the weekend, not only on the 29th and 30th, but this last week. Trustee Timmings stated that in some communities, there are civilian watch organizations similar to a fire department, whereby two people would patrol the community in their personal car with a walkie-talkie and if they see anything unusual, would notify police �-7- 3tJ. headquarters. It might be a good Idea for the Village to look into the matter, he said. Mayor Zegarelli stated that in the meeting regarding drug enforcement in Cong. DioGuardi's office, it is being requested that funds be allocated for this type of training. PUBLIC WORKS Trustee Salman stated that the committee is developing a program to limit the placement of garbage materials and anything of that nature at the curb and not in the street in order to prevent them from moving down into the storm drains when it rains. The articles should be kept on the property line and not in the street, he said. Trustee Salman stated that we have been requested to insure that Barnhart Park be set up in a manner that police or fire vehicles may have access to the park in the event of any emergency. The matter was referred to the administrator. RECREATION & HUMAN RESOURCES Trustee Galgano reported "progress". MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Zegarelli stated that he is in receipt of a letter and check from Mrs. L. Remick thanking the ambulance corps for aiding her mother and acknowledged receipt of same. Mayor Zegarelli stated that he received a check for a wedding he performed and stated that he will turn it over to the Senior Citizens Club. We have been asked to participate in the 325th anniversary celebration of the Village of Mamaroneck on September 21st, said the Mayor. The matter was referred to the Board as a committee. COMMUNICATIONS Communication from Mrs. Kathryn Fries, Town Clerk, Mt. Pleasant, requesting permission to use our firehouses for primary on Sept. 9th was read and on motion of Trustee Timmings, seconded by Trustee Galgano permission was granted. Carried. Communication from Hugh Casey requesting permission to place a sign at the corner of Broadway and Beekman Avenue for the A.O.H. picnic on August 24th was read. Mayor Zegarelli moved that permission be granted, however, after improvements are made to the island, another location for the sign and any other sign will have to be obtained. Trustee Ceconi seconded the motion. �-8- f Communication from Mrs. V. Hogan, 19 Maple Street, requesting sidewalk repairs was read and referred to the public works committee. Communication from James Spencer, 88 Depeyster Street, requesting sidewalk repairs was read and referred to public works. Communication from Tappan Motors, North Broadway, requesting sidewalk repairs was read and referred to public works. Communication from Gordon Gray, 127 New Broadway, requesting sidewalk repairs as a result of trees being removed was read and referred to public works. Communication from Sec'y. of fire Council, A. Apollonio, regardit changes in personnel in Pocantico H & L and Rescue Hose Companies was read and on motion of Trustee Williams, seconded by Trustee Ceconi action of Counsel was confirmed. Carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Homan informed the Board of a Bike Race which will be coming through North Tarrytown on September 14th from Goshen. The Chief of Police has been in contact with the promoters in Goshen. Mayor Zegarelli suggested that a certificate of insurance be submitted to the Village, holding harmless the Village in the event of any accidents along the route. Trustee Williams offered the following resolution, seconded by Trustee Timmings: WHEREAS Almighty God has seen fit to take unto Himself the soul of the late Mary T. 0'Shaughnessey, and WHEREAS the said Mary T. 0'Shaughnessey was the Mother of Lieut. Michael 0'Shaughnessey having been held in the highest esteem by all those who knew her, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees take official notice of Mary T. 0'Shaughnessey's death, and be it further RESOLVED that this resolution be made a part of the official tes of this meeting and a copy sent to the family of the deceased. ed Unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Zegarelli stated that he would like to have a meeting in September to review a series of proposals concerning repeat offender illegal rooming houses, V. T. changes, Festival program and any other items to be discussed. �3% -9- Mayor Zegarelli moved that the meetings in September be held on September 8th and 22nd, seconded by Trustee Timmings. Trustee Galgano moved, seconded by Trustee Ceconi that the bills submitted on the General fund and Water & Sewer warrants dated August 11, 1986 be paid after approval of department heads and that the Treasurer be authorized to pay same and that a copy of this resolution be attached to the warrants. Carried. There being no further business to come before the meeting, Trustee Timmings moved, seconded by Trustee Ceconi that the same be duly adjourned. Carried. Respectfully submitted, Filomena fallacaro Clerk �My response xo a series, of four article* In the. Daily Mj^ysen^i^l«d |j North* Tarr'ytown * community divided;/.It .fcp*lesc*s;wy interpretations I /\^y along alona with with those those of others who have contacted me. Page I Sunday, August 3 B1 This article describes North TWrrytown as two Villages, one governed by white males and whose day to_ day\affairs are handled in a Village Hall populated largely by white worl" The other portion the article a 'the bottom". These two statements represent tVo of the most inflammatory portions in this series of articles. They areVhe genesis of but a number of unsubstantial indictments against the Village of North Tarrytown. There are many Boards of Trustees and other organizations in this aand across the United States with similar compositions as the North Tarrytown Board of Trustees and there is no hue and cry about representations by newspapers. Lets look at another Board: President - Joseph Ungaro Editor - William Bookman - Lawrence Beaupre - Harry Donsky n - Nancy O'Keefe - David Hartly These are six people with a somewhat similar social and ethnic composite as this Board of Trustees, and surrounded by a similar working force. it it .tt IB \ ; ti Who are these people? Basically, they are the editorial board of The Herald Statesman Citizen Register Daily News Item " Argus " Times The Star Reporter Dispatch Standard Star The Daily News In other words the Gannett Westchester papers. According to the newspaper, since there are no minorities on it, the Board of Trustees of the Village of North Tarrytown (which is elected) is ^not representative of the people. What representation do these minoritie nave in the Editorial Board of the Gannett Westchester Chain - none. In logical manner, one might extraplate and conclude, using this method of asoning, that the newspaper is not representative of the minorities eit effect the minorities have no input into the Editorial Board and never an do so by popular vote. Our Board changes yearly at the will of the people (which consists of minorities). The Board of Trustees has always been personally receptive to our �-2- 3V 7 citizens in both formal and Informal ways. Formally, we hear citizens comments at each Board meetings, Informally we receive similar information by mail. We have listened to political opponents, our engrained critics, and people from every aspect of village life. We have treated them with courtesy and respect, while attempting to identify and develop a method to cope with the problems they present. During my 2 years on the Board no one has ever returned and indicated we failed to consider their problem as presented. However, the newspaper has failed the community in many ways by failing to properly investigate the series of events that lead up to and followed the events of June 29. By describing the lower portion of the Village as "the bottom" they have depicted this area as an abysmal pit. Truely the terminology, as used for years is, the bottom of Cortlandt Street (not "the bottom") or top of Cortlandt Street - or the bottom or top of Beekman Avenue - or the top or bottom of Fremont Road. Their terminology is inappropriate and orchestrated to infer the worst of conditions. I Continuing on Page 1, the article indicates the incident that occurred on June 29th resulted after a policeman interrupted a fight between a hispanic and black man on Cortlandt Street. This led many people to believe that there is an open feud between these two groups. This is far from the truth. Proper investigative reporting would have determined that the incident resulted after a drug deal that went bad and that the individual with the knife, who was part of it, was threatening a group of people with the knife. The officer attempted to arrest this individual and was prevented from doing so. While being thwarted from this effort the patrolman was thrown to the ground and was placed in a position wherein he could be subject to severe personal injury. Under these circumstances the officer could have used deadly physical force but chose not to do so. The aspect of this incident that the newspaper failed to investigate (or question) was to why these people prevented the arrest and who they were. The newspaper indicated that there was a free for all between 30 police officers and the community. This is an out and out distortion of the facts as the officers brought in from other •jur is dictions were generally in the periphery of the area of the incident. •This was substantiated in the police tapes and presented on Cable TV. •Nowhere in the article can one find the various commendable actions of • some members of the minority community who tried to aid the police during I this disturbance. I On page 6 of the same issue of the newspaper there is a representation I of the plight of the minority. The inference is that this is representative I of the entire minority group. The article fails to note that many of our I minority population have taken advantage of our educational facilities, • obtained good jobs and prospered. Some stayed and some left. This reflects • a normal process for all groups. Surely this is the land of opportunity and • progress in society is dovetailed with education, motivation and hard work. •The former is afforded by the school district and other educational faili• ties such as BOCES, W.C.C. and other college facilities. The Cortlandt • street area is inhabited by whites, blacks and hispanics most of whom have • been insulted by being depicted as ne'er-do-wells. • As far as minority representation on Community Boards is concerned, we • have had a positive experience. However, I resent the fact that people like • Anne Nixon and Margaret White have been portrayed as tokens rather than �-3being recognized as respected and valued members of the community. We should not forget the fact that Juan Menendez was elected as a write-in candidate and has just been re-elected to his second term on the school board. Margaret White was a Republican District Leader and the position left open by her death still remains unfilled. A volunteer from her election district would be welcomed to fill this open position. In addition the newspaper lacks discretion in designating certain people as representatives of a group, or as community activists or representatives. You don't ask Jesse James about what he feels about | stagecoach robbers and similarly don't ask Ghengis Khan about pillaging.• I'm sure you'll get a jaundiced opinion. There are true representatives • of the people who should be identified and be given proper coverage. I Monday August 4 Page 1 This article begins by presenting some of the frustration of some people who live in North Tarrytown, possibly some illegal aliens who, due to their position fail to register their children for school, or who are subjected to poor living conditions and are afraid to come forward and complain. Yet just a few months ago this Board developed a program for evaluating housing and requiring it conform to code. This has not been done in years. We have started in the southern end of the Village where the problem is most acute. This was not mentioned in this expose! Yet, North Tarrytown has always been an open community which afforfe< a place to live and an opportunity to begin a new life. Those -fefee-t^^l improved their status did so with and without role models. Those who seel models should consider the late Anne Nixon and Margaret White. Look toward police officer Warren, Auxiliary Captain Cardwell, C.O.C. represen ative Keels and one of our foremen Mr. Schubrick and Juan Menendez. The community, if it so desires could develop a program to return qualified people to the community for role modeling for those who would relate to i Yet, role models come in different packages and one should not fai. • to consider role modeling by those in other ethnic groups than the in- I dividual seeking a role model. M Tuesday August 5 Page I The article shows "police dressed in riot gear". If you look closel at the buildings, you will notice that the scene was taking place on the corner of Cortlandt Street and Beekman Avenue and not at the scene of the disturbance. They were well on the periphery at least 2 long blocks away from 100 College Avenue. Where are the pictures of the so called free for all? Another reference of the 150-300 minority residents was made. There was no attempt to ascertain whether these people were from North Tarrytcw or not. There was no report that the incident developed as a result of a drug deal going bad. There was no reporting as to why a group of people prevented the arrest of the individual with a knife, nor was there an attempt to identify them. �The Incident about a police officer entering Into a church was take out of context and described as an overt Insult to the sanctity of a church sermon. It was written without any attempt to ascertain the facts of the event and only reflected a negative police attitude. It was interesting to see that 6 days later there was a small article Indicating what actually happened and vindicated the police*^ %ftr ; In fact this was the same officer knocked down in the June 29 incident again showing good judgment and in this case requesting cars be moved off private property rather than citing them at the request of the owner. Again let us not forget that North Tarry town has not been insensitive to the needs of the entire community. We have consistently supported the C.O.C., redeveloped a park on Cortlandt Street called Reverend Sykes Park, elcomed Open Door - a health center for the poor and kept many of our iitizens employed by keeping General Motors in North Tarrytown. Poor [lousing in North Tarrytown will soon be a thing of the past. Our aims and dedication are clear and I feel the Village has been unfairly and falsely accused of many inequities by the Daily News, and these accusations, inuendos and inferences have been without merit and are unconscionable. I Wednesday August 6 Page 6 Displays a photograph of a meeting held between North Tarrytown Village officials and minority groups. There is nothing in the article about the substance of these talks nor as the manner in which the Village had vindicated itself totally. This meeting was filmed by American Cable Systems and was to be presented on TV. However, strange circumstances ensued and American Cable has indicated that these tapes have disappeared. May I ask who, what, why, when and how. Our aim was to present this meeting in a manner similar to which the Mayor presented the police tapes. If these tapes surface they will be aired. During the publication of this series of four articles there was no ignificant effort to present a positive image for the Village. Nothing was said about our continued support of the C.O.C. or that we Have engaged in the renovation of Friendship Park and renamed it Reverend Sykes Park. We also have an active housing authority. We have also involved ourselves in the V.I.P. program which will aid in the development of our commercial areas. Which by the way, in spite of what some people will say, includes Cortlandt and Chestnut Streets, in addition to Beekman Avenue. We have stimulated business by granting tax incentives and have kept jobs by negotiating with G.M. and obtained at least a 10 year commitment to stay. North Tarrytown has its faults, as do other Villages all over the country. We have always afforded our residents the opportunity to grow and have been a progressive community, not a restrictive one. The Village is neither a source of infinite number of jobs nor a bank which promotes low interest loans. We are bound by law to operate under certain constraints and do so. We cannot be held responsible for all of the social, economic and educational ills that may exist, and to infer so is unconscionable. Nevertheless, we have strived to and in many ways �5succeeded In limiting these problems. These four articles have only been a discredit to the Village, but also to the people who live there. If you live in Tarrytown and have an Irvington address and live in the letter's school district, your problems are certainly different than those in the Tarrytown School District. Similarly, the people who live in North Tarry town and who are in the Tarrytown or Pocantico Hills District have their own problems. If you live in the Cortlandt Street area your problems are certainly different than those in the Manors, Webber Park, Hudson Terrace, Beekman Avenue or Briggsville - each individual area has its own problems. To infer that the incident on Cortlandt Street does not affect these other areas of the Village is unsophisticted. However, don't infer that the everyday citizen of North Tarrytown does not care what happens in other parts of the Village. The Daily News has portrayed this Village with a blatant negative image and has not been supportive of the situation even though it had access to do so. We have to reflect and ask ourselves - is this acceptabl Was it acceptable for the Daily News not to print pictures or write articles about any of the candidates in either of the Tarrytowns during the last election, yet to cover the Port Chester election quite comprehensively. This newspaper has failed to accept ads from local merchants and has taken on a county, state and national type of coverage, with local news an announcements as fill-ins. There is also a blatant lack of investigative reporting as evidenced by this series of articles. This series has misrepresented the facts by omission and commission. Just a few days ago I received a call from a local realtor indicating that two purchases of homes were terminated as a result of these articles. Who knows what the depth of the problem consists of when one begins to wonder what effect this has had on commercial development. What effect ha it on our taxpayers who had not had access to the truth. We have always had a defensive posture in this Village, but at this stage we need to develop a more aggressive and offensive one. Some of it began a few months ago when we began inspecting all the houses in the I southern end of the Village for violations. This will spread throughout the entire Village. We can take care of our in house problems, but we must be on the alert to check and counter inequities. It is my opinion th the Daily News does not serve the needs of the people of North Tarrytown and in fact has done much to discredit them. Readership is generally down and the newspaper has started an active phone campaign on to increase subscriptions. The concept is simple - why should we continue to support a paper which has demonstrated insensitivity to our merchants, disinterest in local elections and failed to do its homework,by presenting an artists concept of the prelude and aftermath of an incident which occurred on June 29, 1986. I would like to advocate the wholesale withdrawl of subscriptions from the Daily News and to have the opportunity to be #1. This concept is not without credability, as when I discussed this idea with others i �-6^ / I received only positive comments such as: 1. We should have done it before. 2. I'm with you. 3. I did it on my own already. 4. I would never subscribe to that paper. I will also be strongly advising the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to develop another vehicle for the placement of our legal notices. The Village will also be involved with more direct communication with its residents. We have developed a Village newsletter and will be using direct mailings. We will also be more active on Cable TV with both the filming of Village Board Meetings and utilizing the Community Bulletin Board. We will be giving our Village a chance to see things as they actually are and to come to their own conclusions. We are dedicated to providing the basis for a good quality of life to all. The opportunity is there - grasp it, nurture it, develop it, enjoy it and respect it. We will be here to assist you if you need it. Don't hesitate to ask. We serve only at your will. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes & Resolutions-1986 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MINS_TRUST_1986-08-11 Subject The topic of the resource Board of Trustees Minutes-1986 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1986 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Village of Sleepy Hollow All Rights Reserved. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text