FASNY: What’s the Difference Between a PARK and a CONSERVANCY Mr. Roach???

October 2, 2017

Dear Mayor Roach:

I write – again – regarding the pending – still – application by FASNY for a special permit to build a school on the former Ridgeway Golf Course. I understand that you recently made comments in support of the project. I ask you to reconsider.

As far as I can tell, the City’s last official business regarding FASNY occurred in April when you chaired a public hearing on FASNY’s proposal. At that hearing, you heard, on the one hand, from residents who implored you to protect their neighborhood from this proposed development. And, on the other hand, you heard canned talking points repeated enough times that eventually I could recite them from my seat. For my part, I asked you and your colleagues to act as our neighbors, rather than FASNY’s vassals.

The resolution of FASNY’s application has, apparently, been set aside until after the coming election. It pains me to contemplate that an issue that stands to affect so many so drastically might now be the subject of a sub rosa referendum via what is, historically (and I mean no offense here), a low-turnout election. In college, I helped run a successful campaign for student body president that garnered more votes than you and Councilwoman Lecuona did in the primary, combined. That is no way for a serious public servant, which I know you to be, to make policy.

That is why I am so troubled by your comments at the recent debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. All of the supposed benefits to White Plains residents from this project are illusory, or are issues that the City should be addressing regardless of what does or does not get built on the property.

You suggested that White Plains High School students would be provided with a safer walk to and from school. Those students should not have to risk their safety each day in the first place; nor should they have to rely on the grace of a private developer to provide a solution. You’ve identified a problem: Bryant Avenue presents dangers to our public school children. Fix that.

You also suggested that the grounds would function as an ersatz city park. However, FASNY’s plan provides for a “conservancy” – which is most certainly not “just like a city park.” That is because FASNY would control the terms of our engagement with their grounds. In other words, FASNY would decide the “who,” the “when,” and the “how” the public is allowed access to the site.

I struggle to understand why my sometimes-ability to maybe-use a short path and empty fields is worth the negative impact to my neighborhood in terms of traffic, safety, and significant environmental risk. An actual city park with well-kept ballfields, adequate parking, and the necessary facilities, however, would meaningfully improve the quality of life in this City. I respectfully suggest that the Council give consideration to that possibility, rather than relying on the purported goodwill of an organization that has made plain its disregard for its potential neighbors time and time again.

Good luck in the coming election. I hope that I can go to my polling place and make a choice for mayor, rather than for the health and safety of my children and neighbors.

Sincerely,
Zachary W. Mazin

White Plains