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Gedney Farms Newsletter
Gedney Association 2020
President’s Letter
Dear Neighbors,
Who would have thought just a few months ago that we would be directed to remain in our homes to help limit the spread of a pandemic? However, we are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful neighborhood that makes this restriction so much more bearable.
There is no news to report on the FASNY saga other than our Appeal continues at the New York Appellate Court. We have heard nothing new on FASNY’s effort to sell part or all of the property. It’s now over a year since FASNY announced its sale intentions. The economic turbulence over the last few weeks could further complicate their efforts. On the maintenance front we continue to ask the City government to require FASNY to undertake at least minimal efforts to remove debris from the former golf course.
The Board continues to work on a number of traffic concerns in our neighborhood which is further discussed in the Newsletter.
We hope with the start of Spring things will soon return to normal in our community and the nation.
Stay well!
John E. Sheehan
President
NOTICE FROM WHITE PLAINS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Dear Resident,
Commissioner Chong, Chief Castelli, Captain Spencer and I hope that you and your families are doing well during the ongoing health crisis. I would like to update you on how the crisis is affecting the Police & Fire Departments. The members of the PD and FD have all been issued personal protection equipment to be used whenever they are in contact with the public. The Public Safety Department has also purchased additional equipment to sanitize our workplaces and vehicles. We have also set up a decontamination tent for our members to use in case of possible exposure.
Overall there has been no rise in criminal activity in White Plains but please be aware of any scams such as people offering to sell masks, hand sanitizers and other hard to find items over the internet. If you have any questions or concerns about the possible scams call (914) 422-6111. We have been diligent about enforcing the Governor’s executive order regarding gatherings of people. Social distancing is extremely important as there is no cure or vaccine for this virus.
If you feel you might have been infected by the virus please call the White Plains Hospital COVID-19 helpline at (914) 681-2900 or the Westchester County Hotline by dialing 211 on your cell phone. If you or anyone you know feel overwhelmed by this current crisis, the Office of Mental Health has set up a hotline to call 1-844-863-9314. We truly appreciate your support during this time.
Detective Lt. Dennis P. Doherty
Executive Officer of Community Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives Division
Stay Informed on the Novel Coronavirus
Get information from trusted sources. Click on the links below for information related to COVID-19.
* CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)
* NY State Department of Health (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home)
* City of White Plains (https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com)
* Westchester County Department of Health (https://health.westchestergov.com)
* Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu)
* Google: COVID‑19 Information & Resources (https://www.google.com/covid19/)
SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS (https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/DocumentCenter/View/5737/WP-Restaurants-3-20-20-1?bidId=)
Click here for a list of White Plains restaurants offering take-out and/or delivery (https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/DocumentCenter/View/5737/WP-Restaurants-3-20-20-1?bidId=)
SIGN UP FOR UPDATES (https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates)
Click here to get up-to-date emails from the State of NY on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates)
Cut-Through Traffic in Gedney Farms
COMMON COUNCIL VOTES AGAINST THE FACTS!
In early 2019, the White Plains Transportation Commission studied the increase in traffic and speeding along Heatherbloom Road, at the request of The Gedney Association. The City observed extremely high rates on both issues, especially during the morning rush, with a significant number of vehicles turning into Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. As a result, the City agreed to a six month trial of a No Right Turn restriction into Burke from 7:00-9:30am. At the end of the trial, the data proved that the new traffic restriction was a tremendous success, with a 92% reduction in Burke related cut-through traffic.
As a result, both Mayor Roach and the City’s Traffic Engineer, Thomas Soyk, recommended making the sign permanent or at least extending the trial for an additional six months. Therefore, it seemed incomprehensible that the Council voted to remove the No Right Turn restriction upon the motion of Councilman John Martin. Residents that live on Heatherbloom Road and Gedney Farms residents in general are outraged by this vote since the data proved the No Right Turn sign was effective in reducing cut-through traffic and speeding.
Cut-through traffic affects ALL Gedney Farms residents. Heatherbloom Road is used by the entire community whether you are walking, running or riding a bike. The Gedney Association will continue to talk with Common Council members to make our neighborhood safe for everyone and to remedy the situation. We are challenging the decision and having conversations with all of the relevant players and will report back as necessary.
A local neighbor adds mulch and a touch of patriotism to our new daffodil beds!
BEAUTIFICATION IN GEDNEY FARMS
We hope you are enjoying the beautiful display of daffodils along one of the primary corridors of Gedney Farms! The Gedney Association requested this project during the summer of 2019 and we are excited for the show for years to come.
We also have been working with the City to add Forsythia along Mamaroneck Ave. and Gedney Park Drive. Lastly, you may have seen orange trucks in the neighborhood cutting back trees. Their mission is to do pruning and removals along distribution and transmission circuits only.
WHY I LOVE LIVING IN GENDEY FARMS
Living in Gedney Farms has been a great place to raise our family over the past 28 years. It has always been a special place with tree lined streets that feel like a true neighborhood within the vibrant City of White Plains. Gedney has kept it’s 20th century feel even as our surroundings have grown and become more developed and even busier. It is fun to watch as the overall area of White Plains transitions with new younger families beginning to discover its beauty.
Annie & Marty Rotberg
Burling Avenue
Traffic Commission Meeting
In February, board members met with Tom Soyk, Deputy Commissioner and City Transportation Engineer, to discuss several traffic concerns within Gedney Farms. The traffic issues below will be reviewed at the next Transportation Commission meeting tentatively scheduled for April 15. Check the 3/18 agenda for more information. (https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/agendacenter)
Intersection at Hotel Drive, Macy Avenue & Gedney Esplanade
Commission to discuss intersection visibility and 4-way stop sign.
Richbell Road
Commission to discuss traffic calming measures to reduce cut-through traffic, volume and speeding.
Intersection at North Street & Ridgeway
Commission to discuss “No Turn on Red” sign on corner of North Street and Ridgeway, for vehicles making a right turn off North Street onto Ridgeway (toward fire station).
North Street (bet. Masur Drive & Bryant Avenue)
With the new entrance to the German School and newly implemented 25mph zone at Masur, the Commission will discuss speed limit fluctuations from 25mph to 40mph from Masur to Bryant and its proximity to two major school campuses.
GET OUT & WALK! Take a stroll along Gedney Esplanade to see the daffodils in full bloom!
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Link to full email: Gedney Association Newsletter Spring 2020.