Ding-dong  A Parkview Road resident reported Friday, May 24, at 7:40 p.m., two young boys rang their doorbell but left before they could respond. They thought they saw the kids running towards a neighbor’s property. Police arrived and spoke with the caller’s neighbor who said his young son and his friend were starting their own lawn care business and thought the neighbor might be a potential client. Monday, May 20  5:40 p.m. — A caller on Trinity Pass Road reported a loose dog. Police searched for it with negative results.  6:36 p.m. — A Barnegat Road resident reported their neighbor’s landscaper was using gas leaf blowers on their property, a violation of local ordinance. A note was left for the resident but no summons.  Wednesday, May 22 6:55 a.m. — Hazardous material was reported spilled or leaked on High Ridge Road; an odor of gas was also reported. Police and firefighters responded and the home was checked. It was determined there was no danger.  9:20 a.m. — A dog was reportedly struck by a car traveling on Salem Road. A caller reported two dogs were loose after running through an electric fence. No further information was provided.  Thursday, May 23 7:00 p.m. — A large group of bicyclists were reported blocking the roadway on Stone Hill Road. Police patrolled the area looking for them but they had ridden off.   Friday, May 24  5:35 p.m. — A tree was reported down and blocking the roadway on Old Mill River Road. Police responding said the tree was not down, but a neighbor was doing some tree trimming. It was noted the road was clear and there was no problem.    6:35 p.m. — A one-car collision on Westchester Avenue resulted in property damage to the vehicle. No one was injured and the car wasn’t towed.   Saturday, May 25  5:30 p.m. — A Cross Pond Road resident reported seeing an unknown individual on her dock. They said they would be contacting someone at the Kitchawan Lake committee to see if they knew the person. Meanwhile, they only wanted the suspicious incident documented.  Monday, May 27  10:30 a.m. — A snapping turtle reported in the roadway on Pound Ridge Road brought police to the rescue. The road was shut down until the turtle was escorted to a safe location.    3:30 p.m. — A caller on Westchester Avenue reported a tree blocking the roadway. Police and firefighters responded and the tree was removed.  3:20 p.m. — An officer patrolling High Ridge Road came across a car apparently struck by a fallen tree. No one was in the car, no one was injured and the car did not require tow.  Tuesday, May 28 12:46 a.m. — A Pound Ridge resident, male, 54, was arrested and issued summonses for driving without a license or insurance after police were dispatched to the scene of a collision on Stone Hill Road; police said the driver struck a wall. The man was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court June 24.   7:58 a.m. — The foreman of a roofing business was advised how to avoid receiving a summons for violating local ordinance after a caller on  Westchester Avenue reported unknown parties using gas-powered leaf blowers.   Wednesday, May 29  9:15 a.m. — Police went to a location on Old Logging Road after receiving a parking complaint about multiple parties parking on grass and blocking emergency access. They had a conversation with a homeowner who said they would tell their contractors to move their vehicles.  6:40 p.m. — Possible fraud was reported by a Kitchawan Road resident who reported receiving letters from a credit company that he continued to mark for return as undeliverable. The complaining party said he had already made a complaint to the Pound Ridge Post Office. Police advised they will stay in touch with the local postmaster.  Thursday, May 30  9:45 a.m. — A Salem Road resident came to headquarters to report a resident from a nearby group home repeatedly trespassed on his property. A police officer had a conversation with the manager of the group home to discuss the wandering resident’s safety. No further action was taken. Sunday, June 2  5:05 p.m. — A Cross Pond Road resident complained about noise due either to construction or landscaping in violation of local ordinance. Police patrolled the area with negative results.

By Herb Foster // Thursday, Nov. 19, 1874, was an important date in the history of northern Westchester. On that day, a serious fire started in a hotel basement in Old Katonah. As devastating as that blaze became, it provided the spark that eventually led to the creation of the Katonah Fire Department, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout this year. That fire quickly spread, and eight neighboring buildings were burned. The local paper at the time — by the way, aptly named The Recorder — called the blaze “a sudden and terrible disaster,” and then went on to say, “the result might have been less disastrous had the village processed sufficient means of protecting against fire.” While a heroic effort by citizens saved the rest of the village, it was clear something had to be done. Two days later, a meeting was held, which led to the formation of two committees. One was tasked with collecting assessments to purchase ladders and buckets; the other was asked to study the cost of fire engines, extinguishers and equipment. The KFD owes its formation to those initial steps taken 150 years ago. This 150th celebration, visible during the department’s annual June 5 parade and at the three-day carnival that followed, will continue throughout the year. Special booklets capturing the 150-year history have been published, along with shirts marking the occasion. The commemorative booklets were sold at the parade and are available from the fire department. The importance of this anniversary is captured by Matthew Whalen, chief of department and a Bedford police detective, who says in the booklet, “The Katonah Fire Department has stood the test of time, day after day, year after year, decade after decade. We have remained a pillar in this community to this day.” The first piece of equipment the department purchased — an 1874 pumper, called “The Pride of Katonah” — rode on a trailer in the parade, accompanied by members in recreated uniforms from the 1800s. Normally, the pumper is proudly on display in front of the fire department’s main entrance. Another historic piece of equipment — the 1928 American LaFrance Engine, called “MaryAnn” — also traveled in the parade, utilizing its own power, with the department’s commissioners riding as passengers. In addition, residents along the parade route were able to contribute to obtain special commemorative sponsor placards, which they placed along the parade route. There have been a series of earlier anniversary events. On April 14, members and their families gathered at the Katonah Presbyterian Church for a 150th memorial service,  recognizing volunteers who had served. A special winter anniversary party was held in February. The commemorations will continue in October at the Katonah Fire Department’s annual Blaze, a neighborhood event, complete with live music, games and activities, plus a bonfire! The final event in the yearlong commemoration will take place at the department’s annual inspection dinner in November. This dinner is normally held earlier in the fall, but was moved to be closer to the date in 1874 when the department officially got started. Ex-chief Dean Pappas commented on the celebration events, saying, “We hope these activities will emphasize to the community that our service is so vital. Volunteering is essential for a community like Katonah. Nothing says community like a strong volunteer spirit.”When asked about achievements over the years, Whalen pointed out that the department has kept up with the modern technology and equipment, and has worked hard to improve member training. He also noted that the KFD leadership is getting younger, pointing to Lt. Ryan Hayes, who, at age 24, is responsible for organizing all the 150th anniversary activities. Department members march in the June 5 parade in Katonah; Jim MacLean photo. One of the volunteer firefighters, Gabe Palacio, has recorded a video series, “Stories of 150 years of the Katonah Fire Department.” These feature interviews with longtime members reflecting on their years with the department including advancements and interesting calls. They are available on the KFD website, katonahfd.org . A powerful blend of unity and strong bonds make the KFD seem more like a large family than a loose group of volunteers who fight fires. Indeed, family heritage can be seen throughout the department. Whalen, who joined when he was 16, has numerous relatives involved, including his brother, uncle, cousin and his father, an ex-chief who was a member during the 100th anniversary celebration. More than half of current KFD members is estimated to be following in their relatives’ footsteps. Jeff Kellogg, well known locally for his association with his family’s hardware store in Katonah, joined the department before this 18th birthday, continuing a family legacy. In the video stories, he says, “I had many relatives that were in the department at that time, and it just seemed like a natural fit. My dad was chief of the department in the early ‘50s. Both my grandfathers were members and my great-grandfather was in the department. My wife, Nina, both of her grandfathers were also in the department, and she has a great-grandfather who was a member as well.”Given their families’ deep connections to the KFD, Jeff and Nina Kellogg have yet another personal tie to the department: they met for the first time at the annual Katonah Fire Department Carnival. Whalen summarizes the members’ tight bonds and shared service mission well in his opening letter to KFD in the 150th booklet: “KFD is more than just a group of people that get together to do vital and heroic work, KFD is a family, a collection of people who would give anything to help each other.” The Katonah Fire Department is actively seeking volunteers. For more information, visit katonahfd.org .

Three members of the Pound Ridge Swim & Dive Team broke long-standing team records at the June 27 meet against Willowbrook Swim Club. Sophia Coppola, Patrick McGovern and Maddie Nurenberg together set new records in four events. Each team record had been on the books for at least 15 years. Willowbrook edged out Pound Ridge by a final score of 282-270. The following records were set at the meet: Sophia Coppola, 18-and-under women’s diving, 140.10. Patrick McGovern, 14-and-under men’s 50 butterfly, 29.04, and 14-and-under men’s 100 freestyle, 58.99. Maddie Nurenberg, 18-and-under women’s 100 freestyle, 1:02.03. Single winners included Evan Shreve, 13-and-under boys diving; Sophia Coppola, 18-and-under girls diving; Alana Sterling, 6-and-under girls 25 freestyle; Logan Zizic, 8-and-under boys 25 backstroke; Clara Blackburn, 8-and-under girls 25 backstroke; Eva Orscher, 14-and-under girls 50 breaststroke; Carmen Blanco, 18-and- under girls 100 breaststroke; and Lillian Siders, 8-and-under girls 25 freestyle.  Double winners were Sophia Nurenberg, 12-and-under girls 50 backstroke and 50 butterfly, and Daniel McGovern, 12-and-under boys 50 breaststroke and 50 freestyle. Triple winners were Maddie Nurenberg, 18-and-under girls 100 backstroke, 50 fly and 100 freestyle. Patrick McGovern, 14-and-under boys 50 breaststroke, 50 fly and 100 freestyle. Relay winners were 10-and-under girls 200 freestyle relay — Keira Burnham, Zoe Niguidula, Samantha Forester, Clara Blackburn; 10-and-under boys 200 freestyle relay — Luke Gorman, Wyatt Fay, Sebastian Mineo, Logan Zizic; 14-and-under girls 200 freestyle relay — Leah McNamara, Sophia Nurenberg, Chloe Lovig, Eva Orscher; 14-and- under boys 200 freestyle relay — Ethan Sorial, Finn Egan, Daniel McGovern, Patrick McGovern; and 18-and-under coed 200 freestyle relay — Emily Pastushan, Jack Cunningham, Andrew Cosetti and Maddie Nurenberg. Photo credits: Pound Ridge Rec Department

By Abby Luby // Town board members voted to approve the formation of the Scotts Corners Water District on June 11. The vote was 4-1, with town board member Dan Paschkes voting against the resolution. The town has strongly endorsed the creation of the water district, a status required to receive a state Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant whose application deadline was June 14. If the grant is awarded it will help pay around 70% of the proposed project to install a drinking water distribution system. The urgency to create the district is not only the timely application for the state grant but to mitigate drinking water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, and other substances such as tetrachloroethylene and methyl tert-butyl ether that has been found in private wells of the commercial and residential units. The project would involve purchasing treated drinking water from the Aquarion Water Company and would cost an estimated $10.8 million. If awarded, the state grant would be for $7.5 million. The water would be piped to the 39 businesses and residential units in the downtown business area. The town board vote was taken after the required public hearing where a packed room of Pound Ridge residents and Scotts Corners business owners aired their views for over two hours. Those favoring the resolution stressed the importance of ridding contaminated water from Scotts Corners business and residential private wells. Recent tests of those wells showed contaminants including two PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid that were above the state regulated acceptable level of 10 ppt. The current federal maximum contaminant limit for PFOA and PFOS set by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency is 4 ppt.     Joe DiPietro, owner of Chubby’s Hardware store spoke in favor of creating the water district. “We’ve been here for 40 years and my well has been contaminated from the Shell spill. My septic dates back to the 1940s. This town has never looked better and the business district is vital. The water district project will keep it that way.” Also supporting the water district was Barnwell Center owner, Mark Gjelaj, who has owned the downtown center since 2006. Gjelaj told of how his well backed up in 2021 and the PFAS reading was above the acceptable level of 10 ppt. “Many landowners are supporting this to move forward and to quickly get this problem solved,” Gjelaj said. Fred Albano, the owner of Albano Appliance, said when his father ran the business, water quality was also an issue and he supported forming the water district. “We’ve come this far. This could be a missed opportunity if we don’t aggressively pursue this. I own a business downtown and I am fully invested in the community. If the water issue causes us to shut down we lose our business, we lose everything.” Those pushing back on the project cited possible tax hikes on residents living outside the water district and voiced fears that private home wells could become contaminated with PFAS. John McCown referenced a report on costs and disputed estimated costs to operate the new drinking water system for downtown property owners. “I’ve compared the annual user fees of $247,000 to what the first year costs will actually be,” McCown told the board. “My conclusion is they will be at least twice as much as the report shows. That is the result even if the project comes in at $10.8 million with 70% paid by a grant. The $247,000 lowballs the real costs. That is not fair to the business district folks. They need a realistic estimate of the full cost, as the user fees cover less than half.” Twenty-four-year Pound Ridge resident, Cheryl Schacht, noted that many were concerned with how to deal with their own wells, some of which are already contaminated with PFAS. Referring to the number of downtown parcels that would benefit from the proposed treatment project, she asked “Have my needs and the needs of the residents been taken into account? Can’t we do more studies? Are we taking a bad situation from one part of the town and changing it to put it into another part of the town? I don’t want to lose my house, my health and safety.” Norman Bernstein also questioned if the water treatment system for the downtown would impact neighbors. He advocated for waiting for more data to come in and for new technology to be developed. “A sensible course is to simply do nothing now and allow time to get additional data on how serious the problem really is. Then, where needed, compel independent property owners to install filters on incoming water from the wells on their property if there is a health issue.” Throughout the meeting many town residents brought up concerns about aging septic systems that could be contaminating their wells. When asked about the town’s wastewater treatment plan they were told the plan had to be postponed in lieu of creating the Scotts Corners Water District. Others spoke of local realtors asking about possible contamination in wells of properties and how that would impact future property sales and marketability. Board member Paschkes asked the board not to vote on the resolution but rather hold a permissive referendum where business owners could vote, thereby having their voices heard. “There’s a right way to do this and a wrong way,” Paschkes said. “I understand the importance of the funding but for it to pass by a referendum is the proper way. I personally made promises to people assuring them the resolution wouldn’t be imposed by town board fiat. It’s a bait and switch and it’s not right.” According to town attorney, William Harrington, a permissive referendum for those in the proposed Scotts Corners water district would require two petition signatures, or 5% of eligible voters in the district to hold a vote. Don Rhodes of the Laberge Group, the town’s engineering firm planning the Scotts Corners water district, said putting the issue up for a permissive referendum vote would mean taking additional time to schedule an election and would be costly to the town. “We don’t like to do projects that are not supported but we believe the path the town is on is a good one and it is a good process,” Rhodes said. Board member Alison Boak, who is also the chairwoman of the Pound Ridge Water and  Wastewater Task Force, countered Paschkes’ comments by saying he was misinformed and his statements were inaccurate. “How the district is formed has been on the website for more than a year and our task force has had numerous meetings with the business owners you are hearing today. The way we are going about this is the more collaborative way with the business district as a partner.” One business owner at Scotts Corners who wasn’t in favor of forming the water district was Donna Simons, owner of Pound Ridge Organics. “I’m in favor of having my own personal filtration system,” she said. “I’m a very tiny landowner and business. Am I required to tap in? No one has ever approached me about this issue.” Homeowners were concerned with the proposed bond needed to pay for the project, fearing residents outside the water district would be charged. Harrington explained that if one of the 39 parcels do not pay the water district tax a lien would be enforced on their property and, if there is a default the town would bring legal action. “There is a well-established mechanism in place,” Harrington said. “The property owner would have to pay in full the interest and penalties or lose the property, which would be sold at auction. We do that now for homeowners that fall behind.” Pound Ridge Supervisor Kevin Hansan noted that the formation of the water district paved the way to apply for state funds for the project. He also said other grant opportunities were being looked into. “This is a unique opportunity to go out and have a valid chance of getting funds. If we wait another year, we fall behind more municipalities looking for funds to help deal with their own PFAS issues.” Hansan acknowledged that all public water systems have some level of PFAS. “They are all being forced to mitigate that but when it’s a centralized source it’s easier to treat.”

Just looking for the restroom A suspicious person was reported Tuesday, June 11, at 4:02 p.m., in the basement of a business on Westchester Avenue. Police located the individual and asked them for identification. They did so and explained they had entered the building to find a restroom. The person left the area soon after. Tuesday, June 11 4:30 p.m. — A complainant on Beech Hill Lane reported a landscaper operating a gas-powered leaf blower in violation of town ordinance. On arrival, an officer spoke with the landscaper who was not using a leaf blower but a speed spreader and a hedge trimmer and was not in violation. 4:45 p.m. — A caller notified police to complain Scofield Road was blocked to traffic. Police responding saw paving work was being done on the road surface and said the road wasn’t blocked and there were no hazards. Wednesday, June 12 11:30 a.m. — A caller on Gorge Lane complained someone was using a gas-powered leaf blower in the neighborhood in violation of town ordinance. On arrival, an officer observed a landscaper operating a commercial lawn mower, not a leaf blower. Thursday, June 13 1:57 a.m. — A resident who fell down in his home and was unable to get up and back into bed was assisted by Pound Ridge ambulance medics and a police officer. The man said he wasn’t injured and wished for no further assistance. 3:00 p.m. — A caller on Peters Lane reported a suspicious man knocking on doors and then abruptly leaving. Police caught up with the man who showed identification and said he was selling replacement windows. He was advised of various ordinances prohibiting him from going door-to-door hawking wares and soon left the area. Friday, June 14 12:45 p.m. — A caller on Westchester Avenue told police about a suspicious phone call they received. Police thought it was likely a scam and told them not to respond and to block the caller if necessary. Saturday, June 15 2:00 a.m. — A caller on Salem Road reported a suspicious car they said was heading towards Stamford, Conn. Police looked for the car with negative results. 2:00 p.m. — A caller on Joshua Hobby Lane also reported a suspicious car; police looked for the described vehicle with negative results. Monday, June 17 7:00 a.m. — A caller on Eastwoods Roads complained a neighbor’s contractor was starting work earlier than the legal start time allowed under town ordinance. Police arrived and spoke with the homeowner who said they would advise their contractor about the restriction. — Eve Marx, The Recorder staff writer This report was made from official reports provided by the Pound Ridge Police Department.

Sunday morning driver charged with DWI  On Sunday, June 16, at 9:35 a.m., a male, 57, from Stamford, Conn., was arrested on Deer Park Road, Katonah, charged with DWI.  An officer on patrol observed the man traveling at a slow rate of speed and followed him from the Route117 Bypass to the Saw Mill  River Parkway and then onto Cross River Road; the driver was observed losing control and nearly striking the center median. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was observed to have glassy eyes and slurred speech, and there was an exceptionally strong odor of alcohol on his breath, according to police. He told the officer he had consumed two beers. Numerous empty beer cans were observed inside the car.  The man was placed under arrest and brought to headquarters for processing. Due to a language barrier, a Spanish speaking officer was summoned from Westchester County Police.  Seven summonses were issued. The driver was scheduled to appear in court June 25. His car was towed by Pratow Towing and he left the police station in a cab.  Tuesday, June 11 12:49 p.m. — A recreational vehicle was reported as disabled and blocking traffic on Pinesbridge Road, Mount Kisco. Bedford Police arrived on scene and met with the operator who said they had stepped out of the vehicle to get directions and realized their keys were locked inside. A tow was requested to provide lockout service; the driver was assisted and was able to drive the vehicle away. 3:06 p.m. — Police met with a staff member at the Harvey School in Katonah, who reported another staff member said in a recent conversation that “the world would be a better place without them.” Police spoke to the person in question. She said there was a misunderstanding and she did not pose a threat to herself. She agreed to speak with a mobile crisis team. 6:28 p.m. — A caller on Christopher Road, Bedford, reported there were peacocks on their steps. An officer arrived and shooed them off the premises.   Wednesday, June 12 1:26 p.m. — A female came into police headquarters to report an argument with her husband; the couple are separated but live in the same home. She said he drove off with a car she owns which he has been driving. She wanted him to remove the plates but he refused. She told police their disagreement was verbal only, and a New York state domestic incident report was completed for documentation.    2:23 p.m. — A male, 62, from Bedford Hills, was transported from his home by Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps to Northern Westchester Hospital. Police said he was unconscious but breathing on their arrival.    Thursday, June 13 2:01 a.m. — A male reported vomiting behind an auto repair business on Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, told police he was fine. He identified himself as a 63-year-old from Wingdale and said he didn’t want any assistance.  Friday, June 14 10:45 a.m. — A dog was reported loose in the Katonah Shopping Center on Katonah Avenue. The dog initially evaded capture by the dog control officer. The officer was able to coax the dog out from under bushes where it was hiding, but before the officer could nab it, the dog took off. Police said the dog could not be located.   Saturday, June 15  10:31 a.m. — Two husky-type dogs were reported roaming unleashed on Beechwood Road, Bedford Hills. Police spoke with a neighbor who said he thought one of the dogs returned home and that the owner was looking for the second one. That dog was located by the owner with the help of police on Church Street. 2:52 p.m. — Police went to the Verizon Wireless store on Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, after a manager reported a female was in the store and refused to leave. The manager told police she argued with employees and had been asked to leave several times. She told police she was unhappy and wanted to speak with the manager. Police asked her to leave the store and she did as requested.  3:07 p.m. — A resident of Millbrook Road, Bedford, reported there was a bear on their property and that it went into the garage. The bear left the area prior to police arrival, and police were unable to locate it. 7:48 p.m. — A pair of peacocks were reported loose on South Bedford Road, Bedford Hills. Police were unable to locate them. 11:39 p.m. — Officers went to a residence on Harris Road, Bedford Hills, after a couple argued about walking their dog. The woman said the couple had been arguing about money and other domestic issues. They told police they would remain in separate rooms for the balance of the night. Sunday, June 16 11:35 a.m. — A male was reported entering an unoccupied home on Lakeside Drive, Katonah. Police spoke with the homeowner, who said he used a ladder to climb in a second-story window after accidentally locking himself out of the house which is under construction.   10:59 p.m. — A caller on Post Road, Bedford, reported an animal stuck under his car. He told police he had been driving on Interstate 684 and thought he hit an object that damaged the undercarriage. By the time police arrived he said he changed his mind and didn’t want them looking under his car and the man left the area. — Eve Marx, The Recorder staff writer This report was made from official reports provided by the Bedford Police Department.

By Abby Luby // The possibility of establishing the Scotts Corners Water District was discussed in detail at the May 21 Pound Ridge Town Board meeting where several people, including many from the business district, voiced their support for the idea. A full house at the meeting had many contributing to a two hour discussion including Scotts Corners business owners who spoke of the dire situation created by inadequate water/wastewater solutions that has plagued their stores and restaurants for decades. A sense of urgency to form the district was due in part to the town’s application for a state Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant whose deadline is June 14. The town reviewed all 13 pages of the grant application at the very beginning of the meeting. A public hearing on forming the Scotts Corners Water District was held at the Town House on June 11. Although water and wastewater issues have plagued the Scotts Corners Business District for decades, the problems are now compounded with new state and federal regulations lowering acceptable levels of dangerous polyfluoroalkyl substances that contaminate drinking water. PFAS contaminated water wells are linked with a myriad of illnesses and diseases. A report last month by the Laberge Group, the town’s engineering firm, planning what will be the Scotts Corners Water District, cited water samples that showed two PFAS chemicals,  perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid, were above the state regulated limit. The contamination was detected at two different properties, leading to violation notices from the Westchester County Department of Health. Groundwater contamination has long been a problem for Scotts Corners from previous chemical and petroleum spills whose byproducts were found in the drinking water. Experiencing the frustration of installing a county approved water filtration system was DiNardo’s restaurant owner, Mary Jane Salvi, who was at the May town board meeting. “We’ve been working relentlessly with the engineers at the Westchester County Department of Health and getting nowhere. – DiNardo’s restaurant owner, Mary Jane Salvi “I have been dealing with this issue for a very long time,” Salvi said. “We’ve been working relentlessly with the engineers at the Westchester County Department of Health and getting nowhere. My engineer has been working nonstop with them. He submits a plan and then they ask for revisions. This morning I was in court with the DOH for another revised plan. I’m due back in court in July.” Salvi said the financial burden of testing and producing engineering plans has been extraordinary, costing her business about $40,000. “This system will probably cost us over $150,000. Not including engineering, installing, excavation and revised plans. We’re a small business. We’ve been in the community for 50 years and this has taken a toll on us. And if this doesn’t get approved and if we don’t move forward I don’t know if DiNardo’s will be here. And it’s a shame. Do you want to see an empty space there?” Town board members were seen shaking their heads and saying “no” to Salvi’s last question. Owner of the Barnwell Center, Mark Gjelaj, echoed similar grievances. “We’ve been going through the same thing for over two and a half years,” he said. “Month after month engineering and testing costs have quadrupled. My expenses on water maintenance in my center for the past three years went from $20,000 to $60,000 a year which included maintenance and engineering costs and dealing with the health department. And we haven’t even gotten to the final plan yet which will probably cost over $100,000.” Gjelaj said that the health department’s requirements are becoming more strict for installing water filtration systems. “It’s just a matter of time before the DOH will require every establishment in the business district to test their water and once you test, you’re in for a long, multi-year process and a very expensive one.” Laberge Group has recommended that once the Scotts Corners Water District is established that a connection be made to the Aquarion Water Company and its existing treated water storage tank at the Pound Ridge Golf Club located on High Ridge Road. The proposed water district has approximately 39 service connections, servicing approximately 114 people. Some voiced their objection to forming a new water district and thought the town was being too hasty for what will be a very expensive project that might not be needed. “We are rushing headlong into a $50 million commitment,” said Pound Ridge resident Steve Kushner, “Is it because we are rushing to make a deadline for a grant that will be available next year?” Also at the meeting John McCown  voiced his concerns with the financial aspect of the project impacting the businesses at Scotts Corners. “We need to go in with our eyes open relating to the cost of the project. The cost will be paid by the business district and they deserve to know what the numbers are. It is incumbent upon the business district because they are the ones who need to know what it is and they need to know what their risk is.” Town board member  Alison Boak, who is also the chair of the Pound Ridge Water and Wastewater Task Force, warned of delaying the project as more information and studies have linked PFAS to a myriad of negative health impacts. “This is something you don’t want to wait around on because these chemicals [PFAS] are going to be found everywhere,” Boak said. “Right now, there’s federal funding coming through the state that’s available. Every community will need to fix this problem. Are we going to wait until they run out of money or are we going to take some initiative here and get our application in and get some money?”