Letters to the Editor May 30, 2025

‘Bedford Hills is on a roll’

To the Editor:

As a longtime resident of Bedford Hills and someone who is deeply committed to our community’s cultural and economic vitality, I wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the co-hosts of the recent Next Stop: Bedford Hills event — the town of Bedford and the Bedford Hills Business Association. 

It was a truly remarkable evening celebrating five legacy businesses and supported by more than 35 generous sponsors. The event’s energy was amplified by the fantastic food, deliciously donated by our hamlet’s restaurants, and the lively mix of attendees from all corners of our community. The evening was a true reflection of the spirit and vibrancy that define Bedford Hills. 

Beyond honoring long-standing businesses, the event showcased the strong momentum that is building within our community — thanks to existing and new businesses, not-for-profit partners such as the Bedford Hills Free Library, and town support. The evening underscored the importance of focused economic development and the powerful role collaboration plays in creating a thriving Bedford Hills. There is more work ahead, but it is good to see the ball rolling.

Kudos to the steering committee for their tireless work, to the town of Bedford for their vital support and partnership, and to the Bedford Hills Business Association for driving this effort forward with ideas, energy and commitment. The success of this event underscores the growing impact of the Business Association and we are all excited for the future ahead. 

Congratulations again to the honorees … Aldo Sammarco/Aldo’s Barbershop; Diane Tomlinson/ Bedford Stone & Masonry; John Beach/JC Electric; Gale Harrison/The Paint Box; and Bob Spano/ Robert M. Spano Heating & Plumbing … you and your businesses have contributed so much to the fabric of our community over so many years and we are all deeply grateful!

Terrie Paladino  Bedford Hills

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Writer: Prohibit signs on Pound Ridge ‘town triangle’

To the Editor:

I would like to propose the town of Pound Ridge pass a resolution that would not permit the placement of signs on the “town triangle” at the intersection of Pound Ridge Road and Westchester Avenue. 

Over the years, more and more signs are placed there and often are left far beyond their intended date, especially during election season. Besides creating an eyesore of clutter, they can often block visibility down the roads and be a danger for drivers. This triangle is in the middle of a designated historic district (the hamlet) and should be free of advertising and campaigning. 

The town of Bedford enacted such a restriction to their triangle years ago, so it’s certainly something that can and should be done here.

Jody Sullivan Pound Ridge

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Pound Ridge Party obtains signatures for fall election

To the Editor:

To be able to run for office when not representing an established political party, a new independent party in Pound Ridge is required by law to seek and receive at least 134 signatures from registered Pound Ridge voters by May 27. These signatures are not in support of the party or candidate. They are in support of a democratic process to offer voters more choices in the local November election.

My gratitude to the wonderful people of Pound Ridge who participated in democracy at work and signed the petition for the Pound Ridge Party that I circulated in the second half of May. Thanks to you all, Pound Ridge voters will have options on the ballot this fall.      

Jock McCown Pound Ridge

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Hoping The Recorder expands coverage to North Castle, Armonk

To the Editor:

I want to begin by saying how much I admire the work your team is doing. Your thoughtful, community-focused journalism is exactly what we need more of in today’s world. I appreciate your recent expansion to include Mount Kisco — what a fantastic addition!

I’m writing to express my hope that you might consider extending your coverage to include the North Castle and Armonk area as well. As a resident, I know how much our community would benefit from the kind of smart, engaged local reporting you provide. Your stories do more than inform — they connect us. They help us better understand our neighbors, celebrate local voices, and stay aware of the decisions and events that impact our daily lives far more directly than national headlines.

In a time when trusted local news is harder to come by, your nonprofit model is not only inspiring — it’s essential. I would be thrilled to help spread the word and support your work in any way I can.

Thank you for all you do to keep our communities informed and engaged. I hope to see North Castle and Armonk in your pages soon.

Carolyn Pravda Bedford/North Castle/Byram Hills school district 

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In Pound Ridge, common ground on troubled waters

To the Editor.

Mr. Fernqvist raised several good points in his letter of May 23 (“Property owner says his good news on PFAS became twisted.” I would like to briefly respond. When contamination is discovered and people are exposed to the contamination, you would generally want to remove the exposure to the contamination while the investigation continues. That is exactly what happened here. When PFAS contamination was discovered in drinking water, the town found a way to remove the exposure to the PFAS in drinking water in Scotts Corners and protect its residents by providing public water. 

I completely agree with Mr. Fernqvist that we want to find the root cause of the contamination. However, the town does not conduct the investigation of potential PFAS sources. It is my understanding NYSDEC has begun an investigation and DOH continues to monitor the situation. Investigations take time, sometimes a frustratingly long time, which is another reason you do not want to wait until everything is completely delineated before you provide a clean drinking water solution.  

Finally, being better educated about PFAS sources in everyday life makes sense. Let us work on that together. 

Ellen Ivens Pound Ridge Water and Wastewater Task Force