Dear Neighbors,
I am pleased to report that our recent Annual Meeting at Westchester Hills Golf Club was a great success with a record turnout of over 100 residents. The focus of the evening’s program was a presentation by City government officials which generated significant interest.
Retiring Common Council members Milagros Lecuona and Dennis Krolian attended and were given a rousing round of applause for their positive efforts for our neighborhood and the entire City over their terms of service.
The Commissioner of Planning, Christopher Gomez, presented a slide show highlighting recent development activity and discussed various planning issues confronting the City. Thomas Soyk, Deputy Commissioner of Parking and Traffic, spoke about traffic concerns downtown as well as in our neighborhood. Stefania Mignone, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, discussed City services and recent improvements in Gedney Farms including our greenways and reconstruction projects on Oxford and Richbell roads. Lastly, Police Chief Joseph Castelli spoke about safety issues.
The City officials all commented on the large neighborhood attendance. Various residents expressed concerns about the density of development in the downtown area and whether the City’s infrastructure, including roads, schools, and sewers, could accommodate the addition of approximately 5,000 new residents.
Later in the Meeting the current status of FASNY was discussed. The litigation before the Appellate Court is continuing and we are unaware of any potential sale other than that FASNY is entertaining offers for parts or all of the former Ridgeway Country Club property. A number of residents asked why the City has not taken a serious look at acquiring the property since it is one of largest remaining open spaces remaining in the City.
Lastly, a moment of silence was observed for Elsie Lahrmann, our long-term Board member, who died this year.
We are in the early stages of planning Association activities for 2020. Should you have any suggestions please send us an e-mail at info@gedneyfarms.net. On behalf of the Board we wish you an enjoyable Holiday season and a wonderful New Year.
John E. Sheehan,
President
SPECIAL HISTORICAL VISIT TO GEDNEY FARMS
The Gedney Association was recently contacted by the great granddaughter of Mr. Howard Willets, the second owner of the prestigious Gedney Farm and the original developer of Gedney Farms as a residential neighborhood. Now residing in Cork, Ireland, Ms. Melanie Willets Campbell made a trip to visit her daughter, Nicola, in Connecticut and scheduled a day to visit Gedney Farms. Melanie brought with her a treasure trove of photographs and articles covering the period from when Mr. Willets owned this tract of land.
Joining us for the visit was Frank Amodio who currently owns and resides in the second home of Mr. Willets on Hathaway Road (the first grand mansion burned down) where he subsequently passed away. Mr. Amodio was very gracious to provide a tour of the home to Melanie, Nicola and our small group. He has embraced the historical significance of the home and had significant memorabilia to share with us.
The visit was very special for our neighborhood and for those who appreciate the rich history of Gedney Farms. Please visit the history section of our newly designed website for more information, www.gedneyfarms.net