Prettified Businesses, Rec Programs: Harrison Mayor's Column

From Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont:

I am happy to report that we are seeing signs of the much anticipated, new Wegmans grocery store located on Westchester Avenue. Construction has been underway and I look forward to watching this exciting new development take shape. This world class company will provide the greater Harrison community with wonderful customer service and an array of fine food products.

There are many small businesses in Harrison and business owners are doing their part to enhance economic vitality by improving aesthetics. The Shell Station in Silver Lake and the Harrison Flower Mart in Downtown Harrison have added flowers and plantings to their buildings’ exteriors. The goal is to maintain a thriving commercial district by having people shop locally. I commend these merchants and appreciate the investment they’ve made.

Congratulations are in order for the Harrison Recreation Swim Team. The team recently competed in the Westchester County Swim Conference Championship Meet and came in 19 th place, beating out some very impressive teams in the Conference. Last year, the team moved up to Division 3 and this year, for the first time, Harrison had divers compete in a dual meet. Three competitors dove in the 10 and Under Division, two winning first place and 1 winning second place. Congrats to all the swimmers and divers and to Coach Dottie Klein for a great season.

The Harrison Recreation Day Camp finished this year’s summer session with a wonderful production of favorite songs and clever dance numbers. The camp meets for six weeks, during the summer months, and offers daily field trips, swimming, sports, musical enrichment and arts and crafts. The stage production is held at the end of the season and is always entertaining. I really enjoyed seeing the talented performers. Congratulations to the campers, counselors and mentors for providing the audience with a truly fantastic show.

In the past, my office has been contacted by the Westchester County Health Department to inform us that August is the month in which there is an increase in the number of Westchester residents reporting that bats have infiltrated their homes. Several years ago, a few Westchester residents were given a routine, preventative rabies treatment because they did not keep the bat for testing purposes, after being exposed. According to the Health Commissioner, the bats that are tested are usually not rabid therefore the treatment protocol is avoided.

Rabies is often fatal so, if the bat is unavailable for testing, the rabies shots will, in all likelihood, be administered to those who have been exposed. It’s critical to understand the importance of bat containment and treatment. If there’s a chance that a person or pet in your home has been in contact with a bat, contain the bat and call the County Health Department at 914-813-5000 to arrange for the bat to be tested for rabies.

The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, August 16th and I will be at Pierro’s Restaurant located at 123 Halstead Avenue. On Friday, August 30th I will be at Gus’s Restaurant located at 126 Halstead Ave. I will be at these locations from 12:30 to 1:30 and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.