October 2008

Welcome to the PEPA Perspective Online, the web edition of our newsletter for friends of the Purchase Environmental Protective Association. Here are a few news bulletins we thought you'd like to know about.

CATV (Cable Access TV) Committee

PEPA believes public access programming is vital in providing the community with a voice and access to pertinent local information and services. We are were therefore pleased to hear that the Town is nearing completion of successful negotiations with Verizon/FIOS and Cablevision that will increase the cable operators support for local programming. This support includes upgrading the equipment in the Harrison Town Courtroom that will result in better quality transmission of Town Meetings.

New broadcasting equipment has also been purchased and the Town is encouraging its use by residents. Cablevision personnel will be conducting training sessions at the Purdy Avenue CATV station where participants will receive knowledge and tools for producing video presentations in the studio as well as instruction for taking take the equipment "on the road." Training sessions will be scheduled at the group's convenience. Community groups who wish to register for free training should contact Barbara B. Reames, EA to Supervisor/Mayor Walsh at 914-670-3009.

Downtown Revitalization Task Force

In September the Mayor Walsh's Downtown Revitalization Task Force office announced the Town and the MTA were close to finalizing a term sheet upon which the completed transaction can proceed. After the agreement is finalized a meeting will be convened with town representatives so that "input can be part of the decision making process for Downtown revitalization."

Running through History

Community members joined Manhattanville alumni, and students for "Running through History," the Second Annual Manhattanville College-PEPA 5K at Manhattanville College on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Michael Seminara, Manhattanville Community Relations Director lead the 5K run, while Anne Gold, Aide to the President for Community Relations and Executive Director for PEPA (Purchase Environmental Protective Association) conducted the guided walking tour of historic Reid Castle and the Ophir Estate grounds.

About Ophir Farm Trail

Manhattanville and Purchase Environmental Protective Association (PEPA) are currently working together to preserve Ophir Farm Estate's historic structures and cultural landscape. They have published a book on the topic and have designed a self guided Historical Walking Trail on the remaining land and its many historical sites that include a separate tour for the nationally recognized Reid Castle designed by McKim, Mead & White. The self guided walking tour tour is free and open seven days a week to the public during normal operating hours. . For more information call Anne Gold, PEPA Executive Director 914-323-5360.

Meeting Announcement

Please note there is a Town of Harrison Planning Board on October 28th, 2008 at 7:30 PM Municipal Building, 1 Heinemann Place, Harrison NY.

There are many important, controversial applications and public hearings that will be heard including:

FALCON GROUP, LLC SUBDIVISION – Sherman Avenue, Block 691, Lot 5 – DEIS – Public Hearing.

Please click here for background information.

A group Harrison Mamaroneck River Committee

HRMC formed to oppose the Falcon Group proposal to build multiple homes on steep slopes in the Sherman Avenue vicinity has a growing email list. To join the listserv and receive announcements email harrisonandpurchasenews@gmail.com.

PARK LANE PHASE XB WETLANDS PERMIT & STEEP SLOPES – Forest Lake Drive, Block 1005, Lots 9-16 and Block 1001, Lot 19 – Wetland Permit Review, Steep Slopes Review, SEQR Review, Public Hearing. Please click here for a neighbor's view on this issue.

FRENCH SUBDIVISION – Sunnyridge Road, Block 444, Lot 5 (6 Lot SD) – Preliminary Subdivision Plat Review, SEQR Review, Public Hearing

To view a complete Agenda for the upcoming Planning Board Meeting visit the Town's website.

To ask questions, make comments or to find up to date information on issues in this newsletter and more please visit the new PEPA website and Discussion- Message Board.

Comments, suggestions and feedback are welcome. Please send an email to Anne Gold at info@pepany.com or call the PEPA office at 914-323-5360.