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Gedney Farms Newsletter
SUMMER 2020
Gedney Association
President’s Letter
Dear Neighbors,
As Summer begins the neighborhood has been quiet but active. The epidemic continues to keep many of us at home but physically on the move. I can’t remember a time where our streets have been as busy with walkers, joggers and bicyclists enjoying the beauty of Gedney Farms!
The Board continues to meet monthly, albeit by Zoom. A few of us recently had a “zoom” with the Mayor, his Chief of Staff and various Commissioners. It was a good discussion regarding a number of issues concerning our neighborhood and the City.
On the former country club property we inquired as to whether the Mayor had met with any prospective buyers or whether the City was considering acquisition of all or part of the property. The Mayor responded negative to both questions. We underscored the importance of keeping the current zoning in place and the absolute necessity that any new development be compatible with the existing density and character of Gedney Farms as the former golf course threads through the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, our litigation regarding the FASNY project continues before the Appellate Court. It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the 10^th anniversary of the school’s purchase of the property.
Please click here (https://westfaironline.com/124771/hampshire-developers-threaten-to-sue-mamaroneck/) to read a recent article regarding another golf course property in Mamaroneck that was sold at roughly the same time as Ridgeway Country Club. The Village government recently turned down the developer’s proposed residential project. The Village residents are fortunate to have a government that has consistently defended the neighborhood’s zoning and environmental concerns.
On a sad note I wish to note the passing of long-time Gedney Farms resident and member of the Association, Peter Honig. He was a very generous contributor to the Association’s efforts and participated in many of our activities. Donations in his memory should be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5014.
On behalf of the Board I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable Summer!
Very truly yours,
John E. Sheehan
President
Our Mail Carrier of Over 25 Years: JOHN CONSILVIO
Many of us in Gedney Farms were blessed to have the friendliest of mail carriers in John Consilvio. We were so distraught to hear of his untimely passing in early April. If you were lucky enough to have had John as your mail carrier, you knew he was a cut above the rest. Not only was he great at his job but he always met you with his great smile and a jolly greeting!
Neighbors on his route are creating a small memorial in the neighborhood, organized by our board member Zack Salino. If you would like to be kept informed,
please email him at zsalino@gedneyfarms.net (mailto:zsalino@gedneyfarms.net?subject=John%20Consilvio) . (mailto:zsalino@gedneyfarms.net?subject=John%20Consilvio)
Did You Know… that the City completed the extension of the Greenway Walking Trail? The new portion of the trail extends from Bolton Avenue to the Gedney Way entrance. The path is now 1.5 miles long and is located on the site of the former New York, Westchester and Boston Railroad. Click here to learn more about the history of the path and for information regarding access points. (https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1122)
Why I LOVE Living in Gedney Farms
We are so fortunate to live in a beautiful community so close to NYC. My wife (with her parents and brother) moved from Manhattan to Gedney Farms at the age of 5 in 1955. When her parents passed in 1988, we kept the house, did some renovations and built an inground pool. We continued to live in Manhattan but came to Gedney Farms every weekend and holiday with our daughters. Gedney Farms is close to everything (schools, public transit, numerous highways, great shopping and dining, and a vibrant downtown) but far from noise and the feel of a city. We are only 45 minutes from our Manhattan apartment but in Gedney Farms we feel as if we “live in the country”. So many beautiful trees and gardens, well kept homes, open spaces, great neighbors and wonderful feelings of peace and calm – all without a three hour drive to get here.
Bill from Sherman Avenue
21 Heatherbloom Rd
Dr. & Diana Cho
2 Gedney Park Dr
Steven Haber & Melina Chopp
15 Gedney Park Dr
Jennifer & Kristine Conley
Message from Department of Public Safety
June 30, 2020
There have been recent incidents of thefts from cars, and one stolen car that was recovered. Several residents made reports from areas off of Old Mamaroneck Rd, Prospect Park, and Hillair Circle. As always the White Plains Police Department is doing its best to identify the perpetrators of the thefts, and to deter future crimes.
We remind all residents not to keep valuables in your cars and to lock your cars even in your driveways. Also, residents are encouraged to share video with the police from their home security. For more information on safety tips, and how to contact and share information with the Police Department, you may go to:
wppublicsafety.com.
Also, as we go into phase III of the opening in Westchester County, remember that gatherings are limited to 25 people and social distancing and masks are still recommended and mandatory in some cases. Although individually, one may not be worried about their health, it is important to keep in mind the concerns and health of neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers.
Lastly, it is certainly understood that the relationship between police and the community is a hot topic of debate. The White Plains Police Department continues to strive to be the most professional, ethical, empathetic organization geared toward community service.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Public Safety.
Chief Joseph P Castelli
White Plains Police Department
(914) 422 – 6210
jcastelli@whiteplainsny.gov (mailto:jcastelli@whiteplainsny.gov)
Traffic Commission Meeting Update
Several traffic issues in Gedney Farms were discussed at the Transportation Commission meeting on April 15th. Below is the status of each issue:
1. Hotel Drive, Macy Avenue & Gedney Esplanade Intersection: Visibility and 4-way stop sign was held for further study.
2. Richbell Road: The issue of traffic calming measures to reduce cut-through traffic, volume and speeding was held for further study.
3. North Street & Ridgeway: “No Turn on Red” (for vehicles making a right turn off North Street onto Ridgeway was not approved.
4. North Street (bet. Masur Drive & Bryant Avenue): Not approved; the Commission voted to leave the speed zone regulations as is.
THE FREE LITTLE LIBRARY
Looking for a summer project to do with your children or grandchildren? Former White Plains Councilwoman, Milagros Lecuona, has initiated a fun community project in White Plains called FREE LITTLE LIBRARY. Click here to learn the story behind the project and how you can build your own little library to share free books within the community. (https://lecuonadesign.com/free-little-library.html)
BECOME A MEMBER
Join our Neighborhood Association! When you join, you become part of the historic Gedney Farms community. Membership gives you information on neighborhood programs including beautification, quality of life, transportation and public safety, and historic preservation. Click here to join today! (http://gedneyfarms.net/membership/)
CONTACT THE GEDNEY ASSOCIATION
If you would like to write an upcoming
Why I Love Living in Gedney Farms article please email us at info@gedneyfarms.com!
.
Link to full email: Gedney Association Newsletter Summer 2020.