New deputy town attorney, farmers market

By ALIANA MEDIRATTA

A new farmer’s market and deputy town attorney are coming to Pound Ridge after the Town Board voted to approve both during an Aug. 18 meeting. Board members also fielded more comments about the town’s recent financial audit. 

Westchester-based lawyer David Chen will be the town’s new part-time deputy attorney. Chen, who works at Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, specializes in federal litigation and appellate work. 

“We’re very excited for his work that he is going to be doing,” Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan said. 

Board member Dan Paschkes noted that earlier in the week Chen attended a Water Control Commission meeting and provided “constructive contributions,” which Paschkes thinks will be beneficial moving forward. 

Board members also approved a special use permit for a farmers market at Hedgerow Flower Farm and Studio, which will debut on Saturday, Sept. 12, and continue running each Saturday until the week before Thanksgiving. 

Hedgerow owner Dana Worlock answered questions about vendors, food safety and permit regulations. She also spoke about her vision to create a community hub that is welcoming, affordable and provides fresh options for customers. 

“It’s going to be a place where you can go and get really beautiful things,” she said. “We’re really trying to bring affordable, good food. There’s a dearth of really good produce in this area.”

During public comment, the topic of town audits and financial transparency was once again brought to center stage. In last week’s meeting, John McCown voiced frustrations that the board had not yet published the full financial documents. He returned Tuesday, after the documents had been posted on the town’s website, but not placed on the board’s agenda for any discussion.

“The opinion letter signed by the auditors was dated July 22,” McCown said. “That date is typically when the financial statements are completed so it’s surprising that it took 23 days to be put on the website.”

McCown also noted specific questions that arose from the document, including concerns about climbing audit fees and higher bond rates compared to neighboring towns such as Bedford. 

Resident Michael Hammer responded during public comment to note that comparing Pound Ridge to Bedford is unfair.

“It’s not ‘this one is better,’ they’re a bigger town, they’re wealthier,” he said. “I’m not trying to give you a hard time. I’m just asking, let’s stop splitting hairs. This board is doing a good job. The financials are in way better shape than three or four years ago.”  

Hansan said specific questions about the audited financials can be sent via email and will be addressed directly. 

Still not released to the public is the auditor’s “management letter,” which typically details areas that need to be addressed. McCown has made freedom of information requests for it. 

The Conservation and Sustainability Committee, according to Hansan, has been working on a recycling questionnaire that will hopefully be distributed in late August in order to get feedback before budget season to evaluate possible changes. Hansan said the financial accounts for the water district are also being prepared ahead of budget season. Two cemetery plots, Nos. 8 and 10A, were also approved for sale. 

Upcoming local events include the Pound Ridge Artisan & Vintage Market, which will be open to the public with free admission on Monday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Scotts Corners. The event will feature live music, food trucks, and over 70 vendors. 

Additionally, Pound Ridge will be commemorating the lives lost on Sept. 11, through a memorial service held on the day at noon in Sachs Park.