LEWISBORO Monday, May 25 9:20 a.m. — A black-and-white collie-type dog was reported running loose in a park/playground area in South Salem. A tag on its collar indicated it was trained for medical service. The owner was located at the park entrance looking for the dog. They said they used to live in the area but moved to New York City and said this was the first time the dog had run away. 4:00 p.m. — While patrolling South Salem, an officer was approached by a woman who said she found a golden retriever. Police saw a wet dog wearing a collar but no ID. The dog was brought to the South Salem Animal Hospital to check for a chip. Its owner was located and came to the hospital to collect their dog, but by then the hospital was closed and they were told to come back the next day. The owner was interviewed by the dog control officer as to how the dog got loose. They said the dog escaped while work was being done at the home. 5:20 p.m. — A sick fox was reported in a yard in South Salem. Police observed it on a cement slab by the garage, not moving. The reporting party said it appeared to have just had a convulsion. Police advised it could be rabid and to let nature take its course. The reporting party said she would deal with it after it was deceased. 6:45 p.m. — A husband and wife domestic dispute occurred in Goldens Bridge. The suspect was given a courtesy ride to the train station. The victim said she was going to family court in the morning. A New York state domestic incident report was completed. The victim contacted police the following afternoon to say he returned at 11 p.m. to sleep and was gone before she awakened. Police told her to contact them if there were further incidents. Tuesday, May 26 8:30 a.m. — Police went to Four Winds Hospital after staff reported a hospital employee was physically assaulted by her spouse who followed her onto hospital grounds to strike her and possibly choke her. Multiple employees were witnesses. The victim, who left the scene in her vehicle and was followed by her husband in his own vehicle, later told police the couple are experiencing marital difficulties but this was the first time he’d been physical. She was advised to call 911 if further incidents occurred. A New York state domestic incident report was completed. 5:00 p.m. — A Waccabuc resident who fell down the stairs in front of her home, hitting her head and injuring her hip, was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital by the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Wednesday, May 27 10:15 a.m. — Police went to Hillside Avenue in Goldens Bridge after a woman reported coming home to find a minivan with Connecticut plates stuck on a hillside. The operator said he was making a food delivery when he reversed and went off the paved driveway. A tow was requested. 5:00 p.m. — While patrolling Interstate 684 near Exit 6, police observed a road rage incident in progress at the light on routes 35 and 22 where one car raced alongside the other and the vehicles rubbed each other. The officer activated their lights and a traffic stop was initiated. Bedford Police arrived as it was now in their jurisdiction. Thursday, May 28 7:01 a.m. — A caller in South Salem reported a handbag containing a checkbook, a date book, medical records, a glasses case and other miscellaneous items tossed into the caller’s driveway, possibly from a car. Police attempted to contact the individual whose name was on the checks at an address on Stone Meadow Road without success. Police said they would try again later. 9:10 a.m. — Police went to Soundview Loop, South Salem, for a possible attempted larceny. The woman showed video from her Ring camera of a masked man dressed in black attempting to open her locked car door. Other residents queried said they didn’t think any larceny attempts were made on their property. Later that day another resident contacted police to say a possible attempt was made at their residence. Police are investigating. Friday, May 29 1:05 p.m. — A car stopped in traffic in Cross River was rear-ended by another car. Both drivers declined medical attention. One passenger, who was pregnant, was transported to Danbury Hospital in Connecticut by ambulance for evaluation. One car was towed, the other was driven away from the scene. 5:00 p.m. — A Katonah caller reported a bird flew into her woodstove through the flue. It was gone before the police got there. Saturday, May 30 10:30 a.m. — A large tree was reported blocking the roadway on Route 123. Police looked for it without result. It was observed later in the evening by an officer; the tree having fallen on wires strewn across the roadway. The utility was contacted and the tree removed. Sunday, May 31 11:40 a.m. — Police met with a grandmother at Four Winds Hospital who was hoping to get her very agitated granddaughter admitted. She said she tried working with the girl’s school and had taken her to the ER without result and brought her to Four Winds in desperation. Hospital staff explained the girl would have to be medically cleared first and she was transported by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital for evaluation. 6:30 p.m. — A loose pony was reported on Cross River Road. A police officer guided it back to its own driveway leading to a barn on Honey Hollow Road where a woman bridled it and got it back inside the barn. MOUNT KISCO Monday, May 25 12:50 p.m. — An officer on patrol in the 600 block of East Main Street observed a man known to him to have an outstanding arrest warrant. The man, 46, was taken into custody on the warrant, which charged him with second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors, and disorderly conduct, a violation. The man was booked at the Green Street precinct and held for arraignment. He was released on his own recognizance. 3:45 p.m. — An officer responded to Glassbury Court to assist a man who had slid out of his wheelchair. The man was helped back into the chair by the officer and members of the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The man was not injured and declined any additional medical attention. 3:53 p.m. — An officer conducting an inspection of the Early Settlement Trail arrested one man and issued two summonses to another. The officer recognized one of the men as someone who had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by Mount Kisco Justice Court. The other man was observed throwing a can of Sprite into a wooded area and was also found in possession of an open can of beer. A 50-year-old man was taken into custody on the bench warrant charging him with trespass, a violation. He was arraigned in village court and released on his own recognizance. The other man was issued summonses for public consumption of an alcoholic beverage and littering, both violations. They are returnable to village court on June 25. 4:36 p.m. — An officer on patrol in Kirby Plaza observed a man known to him to have multiple open warrants and took him into custody. The man, 55, was found to have seven active warrants charging him with trespass, a violation. He was booked and held for arraignment. He was later released on his own recognizance. Tuesday, May 26 12:49 p.m. — An officer responded to North Bedford Road to assist a woman who was having an allergic reaction after eating shrimp. The Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded to take over care and transported her to the hospital. Wednesday, May 27 12:59 a.m. — Officers responded to an apartment on Main Street on a report of a man in emotional crisis. EMS was requested when the man told an officer he wanted to harm himself. Westchester EMS responded and took the man to Northern Westchester Hospital for evaluation. 10:43 a.m. — A complaint was received of a traffic condition on Main Street at Croton Avenue due to work being done by Con Edison. A patrol sergeant responded and spoke with the Con Ed crew to facilitate a better flow of traffic past the work area. Thursday, May 28 2:12 a.m. — An officer responded to a Spring Street residence to assist a man who was having trouble breathing. Westchester EMS also responded to take over care and transported the man to the hospital. 10:18 a.m. — An officer responded to Carlton Drive to meet with a resident who was the victim of a telephone fraud scam. A report was prepared. The matter was turned over to detectives for continued investigation. 11:21 a.m. — A woman called police to report that her laundry had been stolen from a laundromat on Lexington Avenue. Upon arrival, an officer learned the woman had located her laundry and did not need police assistance. 1:15 p.m. — Officers responded to a domestic dispute on Diplomat Drive. The dispute was verbal in nature only. A New York state domestic incident report was filed. 4:19 p.m. — A woman arrived at the Green Street precinct to report that she was concerned that her brother was tricked into co-signing for a mortgage for another person, which is now affecting his credit. The officer was able to speak with the brother who said he knowingly co-signed for a friend because he wanted to help her out. The initial complainant was advised that there was no criminal behavior involved and the issue was not a police matter. 4:35 p.m. — A woman came to the Green Street precinct to submit bank statements associated with an ongoing fraud investigation. The detective investigating the fraud wasn’t available so an officer accepted the documents and prepared a report to document that they had been submitted as requested. 11:28 p.m. — A noise complaint was received from Foxwood Circle. A resident told an officer that her upstairs neighbor has been dropping heavy objects on the floor to annoy her. The upstairs resident denied doing so and said his neighbor may have heard his dog jumping off the bed. POUND RIDGE Wednesday, May 27 7:59 a.m. — One commercial vehicle driver traveling on Westchester Avenue was issued three summons: two for no DOT numbers displayed on the carrier’s door; and one for inadequate rear lights. 10:38 a.m. — A man was transported from his residence on Autumn Ridge Road to Northern Westchester Hospital by the Pound Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Corps. No further information was provided. 2:00 p.m. — A letter was left for an Eastwoods Road resident regarding a complaint made from an unidentified party regarding the use of gas-powered leaf blowers their landscapers was alleged to have been using while working on their property. No landscapers or equipment were observed in use on police arrival. 2:30 p.m. — A complaint was made regarding landscapers using gas-powered equipment at a residence on Trinity Pass Road. Police saw battery powered equipment in use. 4:32 p.m. — A Patterson Road woman was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital. No further information was provided. 7:00 p.m. — Complaints were made about a Pheasant Road resident’s use of landscaping equipment in violation of local ordinance. Police went to the location but saw no violations. 9:00 p.m. — A driver on Westchester Avenue was picked up on radar going 53 mph in a 30-mph zone. They were ticketed. 10:25 p.m. — The utility company was notified of wires down on Stone Hill Road. The road was closed until repairs could be made. Thursday, May 28 7:15 a.m. — A driver doing 55 mph in a 30-mph zone was ticketed on Westchester Avenue. 9:00 a.m. — A complaint about landscapers was made on Gorge Lane. Police say the landscapers had left prior to their arrival. 9:45 a.m. — A woman was transported from her home on Hoyt Road to Stamford Hospital in Connecticut by ambulance. No further information was provided. 12:00 p.m. — A tree fell down striking eight vehicles on Westchester Avenue. No injuries were reported. The highway department was notified to remove the tree. Police reported significant damage to multiple vehicles. 12:45 p.m. — A letter was left for an Eastwoods Road resident after someone reported their landscapers were using gas blowers in violation of local ordinance. 1:00 p.m. — A suspicious incident reported on Westchester Avenue is under investigation. No further information was provided. 5:19 p.m. — A Hoyt Road man requested a lift assist. 6:15 p.m. — A driver traveling 55 mph in a 30-mph zone was ticketed. Friday, May 29 1:15 p.m. — Drivers on Westchester Avenue reported parking in handicapped spots were asked to move their vehicles. Saturday, May 30 9:30 a.m. — A caller on Honey Hollow Road reported a car was blocking their driveway. Police couldn’t locate the offending car. 9:30 a.m. — A driver reported driving erratically on Hack Green Road in a black pickup was unable to be located by police. 1:00 p.m. — A Westchester Avenue man was transported to Stamford Hospital via Pound Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Corps. No further information was provided. 8:00 p.m. — The utility was notified about low hanging wires on Long Ridge Road. Sunday, May 31 4:30 a.m. — A Salem Road woman was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital. No further information was provided. 11:45 a.m. —Debris reported obstructing the roadway on Stone Hill Road was gone prior to police arrival. 6:38 p.m. — Three summonses were issued to a driver on Westchester Avenue for failure to obey a traffic device, no inspection sticker and broken glass. BEDFORD Elderly man cited for harassment, physical contact A North Salem man, 77, was given a ticket to appear in court June 10 after his alleged part in an altercation about 1:01 p.m. on Adams Street, Bedford Hills. He was charged with harassment and physical contact after causing a traffic condition by double parking. An employee of a business went outside and told him to move his car when he began yelling, police said. The employee filmed him doing this and then walked back inside. The man followed and the employee continued filming at which time the man smacked the phone out of the employee’s hand; the phone was not damaged. The complainant said he wished to pursue charges. Human making animal noises On Sunday, May 31, at 10:52 p.m., an Anderson Road caller told police that a teenage male was on her property making animal noises. Police looked for the man without result. Monday, May 25 3:50 a.m. — Police responded to a domestic call at an apartment on Rome Avenue, Bedford Hills, after the caller said her girlfriend was having a mental health crisis after they argued about a jealousy issue and the girlfriend left. She didn’t go far and police located her and medics arrived. She was evaluated but did not appear to be in any crisis. She said she was going someplace else for the rest of the night. A New York state domestic incident report was completed. 3:28 p.m. — A child who climbed 30 feet on top of a jungle gym at the Rippowam School was assisted by police and Bedford firefighters safely to the ground; EMS were on scene as a precaution. The child was reunited with its father and no further action was needed. 10:33 p.m. — A Katonah man, 38, was administered oxygen by a police officer who responded to his home after he was reported as being very short of breath. After he was evaluated by medics arriving on scene he declined further attention. Tuesday, May 26 6:47 p.m. — Tree workers cleaning up after work on Meeting House Road were reported using a chainsaw and a woodchipper in violation of the town ordinance of when they needed to stop working. After a short conversation with the police they agreed to quit what they were doing and return in the morning. Wednesday, May 27 9:20 a.m. — An employee and owner of a dog grooming shop in Katonah reported an incident the day before involving a patron. This customer insisted the employee called him a racial slur and asked for her name so he could “tell everyone” what he thought she said. She denied the allegation and refused to groom his dog which made him madder and he left the shop. The shop owner has video of the exchange and said no slurs were made. They requested the customer be trespassed but police were unable to locate or contact him with the information given. They were told to call the police should he return. 10:01 a.m. — Police located a Katonah man, 38, walking on Cherry Street near Route 35; his ex-wife contacted them requesting a welfare check. She told police he sent her an email indicating he might self-harm. An ambulance was requested and he was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital for evaluation. Thursday. May 28 5:02 a.m. — An injured bobcat reported on Broad Brook Road could not be found. 10:41 p.m. — Police spoke to a woman on Greenville Road, Katonah, who said teen boys covered her car in diapers. At the location, police saw diapers strewn on the driveway and on the caller’s vehicle. The caller has a teenage son herself and suspected this was the work of other teens. Friday, May 29 5:44 p.m. — A Bedford Hills man came to headquarters to report he lost his driver’s license. He said the last time he had it was while riding his motorcycle on Interstate 684. He was given paperwork to provide to the DMV. Saturday, May 30 4:49 p.m. — Police spoke to a manager at the Bedford Post Inn regarding reports by two patrons of fraudulent charges. A patron who dined at the restaurant said fraudulent charges had been made to his credit card. The next day, the front desk received a call from a person impersonating that patron asking for details about the card. Another actual patron made a similar complaint of fraudulent charges made to their card. The manager was advised to check the card reader for skimming devices. A report was made for documentation. 9:58 p.m. — A loud teen party was reported on Davids Hill Road, Bedford Hills. Police spoke to a hired security guard about the complaint; they said they would relay the information to the homeowner. The host’s mom called the police shortly after to say she was aware of the complaint and would turn down the music. 11:42 p.m. — Officers went to a home after a wife requested assistance getting her intoxicated husband back inside the house. She said he was trying to get a taxi to take him to a bar. Police located outside; he said he was just walking around and would go inside. No further assistance was requested. Sunday, May 31 12:36 p.m. — A Manhattan woman, 32, was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital after she was thrown from a horse who spooked and bucked her off at the John Jay Homestead. The aided party was awake but confused when police and medical personnel arrived. Her riding partner was with her. She said she hit her head. This report was made from official records provided by the Pound Ridge, Bedford, Lewisboro and county (Mount Kisco) police departments. Mount Kisco is compiled by Martin Wilbur, all others by Eve Marx.

Leonard Park Tea House MOUNT KISCO PARKS & RECREATION PHOTO By MARTIN WILBUR Mount Kisco continues to negotiate with the contractor who won the bid to rehabilitate the Tea House at Leonard Park but has caught officials’ and residents’ ire for tardiness and subpar work. During an update provided to the Village Board this week by Village Attorney Jonathan Nelson, there is still no clear timetable when a resolution to the dispute may be reached or when the project could be completed. The discord between the village and ELQ Industries Inc., came to a head in the winter when officials were dissatisfied with the length of time the project was taking and the quality of the work, prompting the village to call on the performance bond. A contractor must post a bond for most public works projects to protect the municipality and to ensure completion of the job in case of problems such as substandard work or if the project is abandoned. Nelson said earlier this week that there was no substantive progress to report regarding the negotiations, although talks have been ongoing. The goal is to have the work completed as swiftly as possible but without a long legal fight. “The last thing the village wants to do is go into protracted litigation because then the project will just drag on,” Nelson said. “So, we’re trying to do it in an efficient manner.” ELQ Industries was awarded the bid for the work in May 2025 for about $282,000. A $100,000 state grant secured by Assemblymember Chris Burdick and about $32,000 in insurance money from the fire was to be applied to the project’s cost. While renovations had already been planned for the Tea House, a fire in April 2025 that was determined by authorities to be arson, damaged the facility’s outside deck, thereby increasing the scope of work. Since work started last year, the project has been plagued by troubles including wrong materials being ordered, the firing of the original project manager and harsh winter weather. Most of the project had been completed by December, but stalled since then. At that time, Village Manager Ed Brancati said the contractor had not been paid. Nelson said the calling of the bond by the village seemed to have caught the contractor’s attention and forced them to work with officials toward a solution. “That did two things. The first is, obviously, it called on the performance bond and got the bond company involved, but the second, which is, I think, more important, it got the contractor back to the table to facilitate the most important aspect of this, which is completion of the project,” Nelson said. “We’re in that process right now currently, and we’ve been so for the past couple of weeks, which is trying to negotiate a resolution.” Among the issues that negotiations are centering on is a timeline for completion, assurances that the work will be done competently and for the village to have a say in the choice of subcontractors, he said. One of the issues was poor work by one of the subcontractors. The Tea House, also known as the pagoda, located inside the Route 172 entrance to Leonard Park, has been used by residents, organizations and the village for various events. It opened in the mid-1960s and has been looked upon as a unique feature for the park.

JEFF MORRIS PHOTO The one-month project to replace a culvert under Route 22 in Bedford will likely take at least twice that. When the state DOT announced it would close the road on April 13 for the “emergency replacement of a culvert” it was estimated the work would take a month. But then crews ran into unexpected rock. The Bedford Police Department this week shared an update from the state, saying the new culvert is in place and that backfilling and paving needed were next. “This could all still take three to four weeks for the road is fully reopened,” the announcement said.

By JEFF MORRIS On May 29 — two months late — the state’s new $269 billion budget finally passed. The Recorder asked the area’s three state lawmakers to tell us what they liked, and didn’t like, in the enormously complicated budget package. Sen. Pete Harckham’s 40th Senate District includes Bedford, Lewisboro and Mount Kisco, while Sen. Shelley Mayer’s 37th Senate District includes Pound Ridge. And Assemblymember Chris Burdick’s 93rd District includes all of those municipalities. All are Democrats. Educational funding All three cited increased educational funding as aspects of the budget they most liked. “I am proud that this budget includes increased funding for schools across the district, bringing the total increase to more than $275 million since I was elected in 2019,” said Harckham. “I have fought for years to fully fund pre-K outside of New York City, and I’m grateful that this investment was included in the budget. It will help support the growth and development of our youngest learners while making it easier for parents to return to the workforce.” Burdick said, “I am pleased with the funds that Sen. Mayer and I took the lead in securing for the SUNY system: $200 million for SUNY maintenance capital, $100 million for SUNY research facilities, and $100 million for SUNY to self-finance projects.” He explained that the impetus for the maintenance funding “was a text I received on a single-degree winter day from SUNY Purchase President Michael Steiper, informing me that a boiler had failed, forcing the cancellation of classes. Soon thereafter, I learned that there is a $10 billion backlog in deferred maintenance for the SUNY system.” But Burdick also expressed disappointment with more not being done for education. “While the legislature pressed for increases in state aid for our public schools and was successful to some extent, I would have liked to see a greater investment,” he said. Mayer’s appraisal of education funding was more positive. “As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am committed to ensuring that all our public schools receive the necessary funding to serve their students and school communities,” she said. She was pleased that several measures in the budget affirm that commitment, “ensuring every child receives a quality education, regardless of their ZIP code.” Specifically, said Mayer, “This budget delivers a substantial increase in state support for schools, including at least a 2% increase in Foundation Aid over last year, including Bedford Central School District, which received this 2% increase.” She said she was proud to lead the fight for a higher minimum increase “to better reflect the needs of our schools,” and that this funding is a “$285 million increase over what the governor had proposed earlier this year.” Burdens on schools But, she added, “For many districts, this is still not enough to avoid a substantial tax increase, and I’m very aware of that.” And she said, “We’ve also taken other steps to try to alleviate fiscal burdens on schools while we meet the needs of students by pushing back the electric school bus mandate by five years.” Environmental issues also figured prominently in the legislators’ assessments. “The budget also delivers a major victory for clean water infrastructure, increasing funding to a record $750 million, which will protect public health and help communities address critical water quality needs,” Harckham said. “We were also able to restore the highly successful NY-Sun Program with $200 million in funding and enact key components of my Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act. These measures will expand access to rooftop and community solar projects that will create jobs while saving ratepayers an estimated $1 billion annually.” Climate rollbacks He noted that he was disappointed by the rollback of certain provisions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. That also was also a big disappointment to Burdick. The CLCPA was signed into law in 2019. At the time of its passage, it was landmark legislation designed to combat climate change. In October 2025, the State Supreme Court found that Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration had failed to meet key deadlines under the CLCPA and ordered the Department of Environmental Conservation to issue enforceable regulations to comply with the law’s emissions targets. The state appealed that decision. Hochul’s administration cited affordability concerns and obstacles presented by the federal government relating to offshore wind. In March, Hochul said that rather than rolling back the law’s core commitments, she was presenting adjustments to the implementation timeline and compliance framework in response to rising utility costs, unforeseeable inflation and interest rate levels, which she said presented constraints in building out clean energy infrastructure. The final 2026 budget includes several changes to the CLCPA that will impact the implementation of the state’s climate change programs going forward, including addition of an interim 2040 goal said to give the state breathing room to meet its targets. The deadline for issuance of regulations was moved to 2028, rendering the court case obsolete. Going too far Mayer agreed with both Burdick and Harckham about the changes to CLCPA, saying, “While much less than originally proposed, I felt these went too far.” She noted the portion of her district along the Sound Shore “sees the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand,” with severe storms and flooding becoming more frequent and destructive. “We must remain committed to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting our environment for future generations,” she said. Mayer said that as a result of compromise, there are “several areas where I am disappointed that stronger action was not included in the final adopted budget.” Health care losses One, she said, is that the budget does not adequately address the impact of federal actions “that will result in the loss of health insurance coverage for nearly 450,000 New Yorkers currently enrolled in the Essential Plan beginning July 1, nor does it sufficiently prepare for the implementation of new Medicaid work requirements scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.” Mayer said these changes threaten access to critical health care services “for some of our most vulnerable residents, and I believe New York must do more to protect them.” Harckham said he was pleased to see an additional $50 million invested in the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program, but he would have liked to see greater capital funding directed to DOT Region 8. “Since taking office, more than $300 million has been appropriated for state roads in the 40th District,” he said. “However, additional investment is needed to help local communities bring all our roads into a state of good repair.” “On balance,” said Mayer, “this budget makes important and necessary steps to make New York more affordable for the hard-working families that live here. We address utility costs, protect our immigrant neighbors, invest in roads and bridges, and so much more.”

By THANE GRAUEL The New York State Comptroller’s Office has approved the formation of the Scotts Corners Water District, though a pending lawsuit appeal has yet to be resolved. The Pound Ridge Town Board on Tuesday acknowledged the state’s action, which came with conditions, in a brief discussion. The document from the state Department of Audit and Control stated it found “that the public interest will be served by the establishment of Scotts Corners Water District in the Town of Pound Ridge in accordance with such applications” and “that the cost of the proposed Scotts Corners Water District will not be an undue burden upon the property therein in accordance with such application.” The almost $11 million project to pipe clean water into the business district from the Aquarion system’s water tank at the Pound Ridge Golf Club along the Connecticut border is intended to fix decades-old problems with groundwater contamination. Various chemicals, ranging from an old gas station tank leak to more recently targeted PFAS “forever chemicals,” have been detected. In October 2024, property owners in the district approved the water district’s formation, as did later Town Board votes. But a challenge was filed by a property owner in the state Supreme Court. The case, Donna P. Simons versus the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and others, alleged that the town made misrepresentations in its state application. The suit failed, but an appeal is pending. How that will play out has yet to be seen, so the state’s action could be viewed with something of an asterisk. Westchester Avenue in Scotts Corners. IRINA S.B. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Contingent approval The state’s recent approval also specified it was for the dollar costs stated by the town, and was based on the information it was provided. “However, my approval pursuant to this statute is based on the information reported in the application and should be in no way construed as a determination as to the factual accuracy of information in the application,” Deputy Comptroller Robin L. Lois wrote on behalf of State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “That judgement rests with the appropriate Town of Pound Ridge, New York officials. My approval herein only reflects that the public interest, and the estimated costs set forth in the application would not constitute an undue burden upon the property owners within the District.” John McCown, a former candidate for town supervisor who has expressed doubts about the true costs of the water project and what taxpayers might actually foot the bill, had questions Tuesday for Town Board members. “What does it change and what does it not change? For instance, will the board now be moving ahead and spending resources on engineering and other items, even with the litigation now in the courts?” he asked. “What actions, if any, does the town have to take to form the district? Or has that happened automatically with the comptroller’s office approval?” Who will govern? Among additional questions, McCown asked what form the district will take as a governing body and who will be on it. If the project did not move forward, McCown asked who would foot the bill for costs already incurred, such as the $960,000 engineering design. If it were the taxpayers at large, not just those in the district, that would violate promises that were made at the onset, McCown said. John Nathan, a local lawyer, also asked that officials provide an explanation of what the approval does and doesn’t mean. “I would say that the approval says what the approval says,” said Jill Faber of Barnegat Road. “It’s plain, it’s a legal document … it speaks for itself.” Nathan spoke again, noting the comptroller’s “however” clause and that the facts in the application the town filed with the state are questioned by the pending appeal. Courts will have a say “When you look at this piece of paper, it does some things, and it also doesn’t do some things,” Nathan said. “What it doesn’t do is approve anything that’s in the application, and that is a matter that’s up to the courts.” That led to a back-and-forth between Nathan and Faber. Town Board member Dan Paschkes broke in and said the litigation wouldn’t be settled that night, and pointed to the comptroller’s statement saying judgement of the accuracy of the facts in the application rested with town officials. “That’s us,” Paschkes said. Supervisor Kevin Hansan was not at the meeting. “This is just to let the public know that this was received,” Town Attorney William Harrington said. “That’s it. The language that was cited, standard language. ”

Don Scott Ellen Calves By JEFF MORRIS For the second year in a row, Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves is running for reelection. But this time, she has an opponent — and a familiar one at that. On June 1, Calves announced she will seek reelection on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines. Meanwhile, Don Scott responded to a question from The Recorder by confirming that he is also running for supervisor, on the Republican line, though without any announcement. Calves ran unopposed for a third term as supervisor in November. The reason that Calves has to run again so soon is a change in state election law, which moved elections for a number of local offices outside of New York City to even-numbered years. The legislation was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December 2023, and went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. That meant that the two-year term to which Calves normally would have been elected in 2025 will instead expire at the end of this year. The electoral calendar change was initiated by Democrats in Albany, but was actually opposed by most local area officials, who lobbied unsuccessfully against it. History of ballot appearances Calves and Scott are no strangers to the Bedford ballot. Scott had been the Republican and Conservative candidate for supervisor in 2013, and lost to Chris Burdick, running on the Democratic, Working Families and Independence lines. Burdick is now a member of the State Assembly. Ironically, Scott was initially elected to the Town Board in 2014 to fill the final year of Burdick’s term after Burdick became supervisor. He served as a Town Board member from 2015 through 2019, after being reelected to a full four-year term in 2015. Scott was then defeated when Democrats swept the board elections in November 2019. First winning a board seat in that election was none other than Calves. In November 2021, Calves, the supervisor candidate on the Democratic line, defeated Scott, who was running for supervisor on the Bedford United and Republican lines. In 2023, Calves ran unopposed for another term as supervisor and was reelected. Scott also ran again, but for a Town Board position rather than for supervisor, and only on the Republican line. His bid was not successful. Why are they running? “There is still important work ahead, and I remain committed to thoughtful, transparent leadership that reflects the values and priorities of our residents,” Calves said. She said priorities for another term would include upgrading the Katonah playground and implementing a long-term parks and pools capital plan, advancing redevelopment planning for the Route 117 commercial corridor, expanding walk and bike paths between hamlets, improving efficiency and customer service in town permitting and review processes, enhancing youth engagement through the THRIVE prevention program, expanding open space preservation, supporting public art initiatives, improving clean water infrastructure, and pursuing acquisition and redevelopment of the Bedford Hills train station to support restaurant use. Her campaign website is www.friends-of-ellen-calves.com. Scott called his campaign “intentionally unconventional.” “Bedford deserves a choice,” Scott said. “I am running for town supervisor because uncontested elections are not healthy for any community. This campaign will not look like a normal campaign. Instead of spending money on consultants, mailers, and political theater, we’ve spent our time building civic tools, answering questions, and creating new ways for residents to engage with local government. You do not have to vote for me to believe Bedford should have a contested election.” Scott’s campaign appears to be relying heavily on AI tools to provide information and answer questions. His website, www.donforbedford.com acknowledges that with the statement, “We’re not hiding it. AI helped build this site and refine the approach. We think being open about that is more useful than pretending it didn’t happen.” Stuck in committee It should be noted that there is a bill, introduced in the State Assembly in 2021 and 2023 and reintroduced in 2025 and 2026, that would impose a term limit of four years on town supervisors. Co-sponsored by Republicans David McDonough and Joe DeStefano and Democrat MaryJane Shimsky, the bill has been in the Assembly Local Governments Committee for two years.

The DeCicco Family Markets store in Katonah may be changing hands, according to the owner. STAFF PHOTO By JEFF MORRIS Katonah’s only supermarket is apparently being sold. Word of the change in ownership of DeCicco Family Markets on Bedford Road has been swirling in the community and online. Christina DeCicco, who heads up DeCicco Family Markets, confirmed what was in the works. “Our chain was NOT sold,” she said of rumors the sale involved more than just the Katonah location. “We are continuing to operate as an independent business. One location will transition to a different operator; that will be in the town of Katonah.” The Recorder was unable to confirm the deal Thursday. DeCicco Family Markets was down to three stores: Katonah, Jefferson Valley and New City. A fourth location had been in Scarsdale, but it was closed. That store was taken over by DeCicco & Sons, a separate entity run by another branch of the DeCicco family, though they said they will operate it under the name Piccolino’s, because it is much smaller than their other locations, which include Bedford Village, Somers, Armonk and Brewster. There was a fifth DeCicco Family Markets in Cross River, but it closed shortly after the Katonah outlet opened in the hamlet’s former A&P. The DeCicco Family Markets website on Thursday listed just the New City and Jefferson Valley locations. A store manager on Thursday said Katonah had been sold to a Texas businessman who is moving to the area to be closer to his wife’s family. He said the businessman sold his new business interests in Texas and was looking to invest locally as part of his relocation. The manager declined to disclose details on the future plans for the store, including its name, but said he was hopeful the new owner would retain the market’s current employees. The new owner is said to be Will Arif. Workers said he has visited the store and is, by all accounts, a nice guy. Additional reporting by Recorder staff.

The Hiram Halle Award, established in 2016, honors a Pound Ridge high school student who demonstrates an exceptional passion for history. Each year, students are invited to create an original project exploring a meaningful aspect of Pound Ridge’s past. The Pound Ridge Historical Society presents a $2,000 award to the student whose work is thoughtful, well-crafted, and brings an important chapter of the town’s story to life. This year’s Halle Award was presented to Eleni Moon, a high school junior, at the historical society’s meeting May 13. She submitted a creative and imaginative project titled “Pound Ridge, The Story: A Play in One Act.” It portrays a day in the life of residents gathering at the General Store in Scotts Corners, long considered the heart of the community. The Pound Ridge Historical Society congratulated Moon for her “outstanding research and skillful synthesis of key elements of Pound Ridge history.”

Gretchen and Peter Menzies were undaunted by the prospect of renovating the historic Hiram Halle Gun House. GARY CORRIGAN PHOTO By JOYCE CORRIGAN You know you’ve arrived when your name becomes a verb. Louis Pasteur gave us “pasteurize” of course, while the cluster of 18th and 19th century Pound Ridge properties imaginatively renovated in the ‘30s by industrialist Hiram Halle were said to be “Halle-cized.” OK, maybe only local history nerds know that, but Halle’s imprint on the hamlet has been immeasurable. Not only did he have a flair for early American architectural restoration, as the longtime president of Universal Oil Products (which became Honeywell) Halle’s superpower was infrastructure: supporting Pound Ridge’s fire department, school system, and what is now Hiram Halle Memorial Library. Today, 13 of the hamlet’s Hiram Halle homes are on the National Register of Historic Places. Two years ago, the Gun House, a distinctive Halle on Salem Road, was purchased by Peter and Gretchen Menzies, owners of Katonah’s well-loved independent bookstore and café, The Reading Room. Originally a Civil War artillery storage facility, the Gun House was a blacksmith’s shop by the time Halle acquired and transformed it. He would have certainly “thumbs-upped” the Menzies’ own whimsical yet respectful reimagining of the place. The Menzies painted with striking colors and wallpapered with timeless prints. GRETCHEN MENZIES PHOTO For a staunch preservationist, Halle was no purist. His signature antiquarian approach blended colonial restoration with imaginative stylistic additions that rendered the properties less historic relics and more lively and livable modern residences. “We had actually stopped looking at houses when Salem Road came up for sale,” recalled Gretchen. “Peter was away, so I went alone and was immediately drawn in by the perfect size and bones and the impressive floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.” (Well, this seems like fate, thought the bookseller.) “I just had to convince Peter another “project” was a good idea,” she added, “and leave him to make it happen.” The Hiram Halle wasn’t the Menzies’ first renovation rodeo. In recent years together they’ve embarked on a sensitive cosmetic remodeling of a 1921 apartment at Pomander Walk in Manhattan and have devoted many hours revamping the 1850s Reading Room, housed, prophetically enough, in Katonah’s first library. Peter also oversaw the overhaul of the Westchester Land Trust headquarters at the historic Sugar Hill Farm on Harris Road in Bedford Hills. Peter Menzies contemplates the kitchen reno; The couple recycled the previous owner’s cabinets. GRETCHEN MENZIES PHOTO Once their two boys graduated college, the Menzies were looking to downsize from the six-bedroom 1930s classical colonial in Bedford they’d lived in for 25 years. The three-bedroom Gun House was the first one that sparked a vision for their next intimately scaled chapter. “I needed less of everything,” recalled Peter, who confesses he was smitten at first sight. “I couldn’t resist the Gun House once I saw the light pouring into the living room from the big bay window salvaged from an old English storefront,” adding, “I love quirky. The house isn’t period-correct, but it’s charming.” Additional Halle touches include an original ship’s mast doubling as the front hall’s staircase and a set of antique funeral doors that create a striking entrance, their generous proportions (originally accommodating caskets) and hand-crafted detailing recalling a time when life’s most important ceremonies would happen at home. The Menzies livened it up with a colonial blue lacquer paint. “I grew up in an 1850s Victorian and Gretchen grew up in a 1793 Colonial,” Peter said. “Loving old things made the renovating process easy.” The process lasted an impressively brief six months. “I was very hands-on,” he said. “I remember my family home as a construction zone as my parents rebuilt it with us living in it. My father would pay my sisters and me to help with demolition, spackling, sanding and painting. Bringing in outsiders wasn’t considered.” Peter did hire a contractor for the Gun House, but, he clarified, “I was on-site every day scraping and painting and installing hardware and fixtures.” And much to everyone’s surprise — even his — making new curtains. “It was my first effort,” he laughed. “I was blown away by the cost of installing window treatments. Amazing what you can figure out with the help of a YouTube video.” Ahoy! Halle whimsically reclaimed an old ship’s mast as the front stairwell. GRETCHEN MENZIES PHOTO The Menzies considered every surface of the house, painting or wallpapering everything and installing new shutters. “We recycled whenever we could — we reused the kitchen cabinet from the previous owner and kept the built-ins. The only major change we made was installing a new, larger primary bathroom with radiant heat.” “Thematically, we took Halle’s curated approach,” Peter said.” The wallpaper and paint certainly do not correlate to any particular time period other than now; the overall feeling is that of an old house, with a ton of stories and history. “For wallpapers and fabrics there’s nothing like House of Hackney” he offered.” You also can’t beat Farrow & Ball for paint colors.” As often happens, those who’ve upped and flown the family coop, still have a say in it. “The kids were bummed at first that we were leaving Bedford — they loved our old house,” Peter Menzies recalled. “But giving them choices in decorating their new rooms eased the pain. Working our art and antiques in everywhere made it feel like home. And Tucker got his favorite painting for his bedroom.” The biggest challenge of the renovation was the “not very sexy work, tearing out all the old radiators and installing a new HVAC system,” he said. “Innovative Air out of Yonkers employs the Unico System, a cooling and heating system that’s discreetly retrofitted into vintage homes without destroying walls or shoehorning in intrusive ductwork that would have destroyed the character of the house,” Peter said. Peter Menzies worked closely with contractors and completed the renovation in six months. GRETCHEN MENZIES PHOTO Outside, the Menzies set about rebuilding stone walls, planting elegant trees and aerating and reintroducing frogs and fish into the pond. “We think of ourselves as stewards of this property,” Peter said. “Our job is to protect its heritage, as it will eventually pass to someone else who loves its character and has the passion and patience to deal with its quirks.” On the subject of adaptive reuse, for Gretchen’s birthday, Peter commissioned a birdfeeder that’s an exact replica of the Katonah Reading Room. Its proud Victorian structure in miniature sits high on a post alongside the front driveway. You can picture Halle commending the Menzies on their imaginative repurposing of the original local structure while, secretly, kicking himself for not developing a sideline of replica Hiram Halle birdfeeders when he had the chance.

Curtis McConnell volleys at the net in a doubles match. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS By Jim MacLean This was new territory for the Fox Lane boys varsity tennis team as the Foxes won their league title and earned the chance to compete in the Section 1 Division 1 team tournament where the No. 8 seed Foxes would host number-nine seed Clarkstown South. Fox Lane won the league title with victories over Yorktown and White Plains to advance to the team tournament, but on a wet rainy day, the Foxes would move indoors to host the Vikings at the Saw Mill Genesis Club on Saturday, May 23, and with a depleted lineup they were no match for Clarkstown South, suffering a 6-1 defeat to finish the season at 8-6 overall. “We won the league title for the first time in a long time, and that got us into the team tournament,” Fox Lane coach Scott Shannon said. “That was a very good team with very strong singles players. I’m not sure how we got seeded above them, and we were missing three seniors. The shot of the match I had some junior varsity players out there, one of them was an eighth grader and he had the shot of the match for us. They were shell-shocked by the level of play by some of the better teams, but we’ll learn from it.” Clarkstown South featured a veteran lineup, especially at the top three singles positions, to pull away for the victory. For Fox Lane, senior Ryan Barone took the court at No. 1 singles, followed by freshman Michael Balkovski at second singles and senior Jacob Lerner at third singles, but the Vikings won all three matches in two sets. In doubles, Mark Chen and Curtis McConnell teamed up at first doubles for Fox Lane and battled before falling by the score of 6-4, 6-3. Freshman Alex Lau and eighth-grader Mitchell Arkin teamed up at second doubles and pushed the Vikings hard before falling by a score of 6-4, 6-4. The highlight for Fox Lane came at third doubles as Anthony D’Alisa and Gene Grogan teamed up for the win by a score of 7-5, 6-2. Jacob Lerner returns a serve in singles match for Fox Lane. A season to build on Despite the final score of the match, Shannon admits it was a strong season for the Foxes overall and he has a lot of young players returning with a year of varsity experience under their belts for next season. “Definitely, we have a young team, we lose a couple of seniors, but we have a lot of young talented players returning,” admitted Shannon. “Michael (Balkovski) is only a freshman and he is going to be very good. Our third singles player, freshman Will Assad was injured and had to pull out of the sectional tournament. Our eighth-grader, M.J. Arkin plays year round and he’s going to be some player, so we’re excited and looking forward to next year.” Prior to the team tournament, a number of Fox Lane players competed in the Section 1 individual championships on the courts at Harrison on Saturday, May 18. In the singles tournament, Barone battled with two tight sets before falling by a score of 6-3, 7-5 to Divij Dogra of Edgemont. Assad was in the singles draw for the tournament but had to withdraw from an injury. In doubles, Mark Chen and Jacob Betensky competed for the Foxes and suffered a 6-3, 6-2 setback in the first round to Horace Greeley.

Boys manhandle Clarkstown South in first round, 17-7 Will Broghammer and the seniors secured a playoff win in their last home game at Fox Lane. JIM MACLEAN PHOTO By JIM MACLEAN One last chance to play on the home turf at Fox Lane, and the seniors on the boys varsity lacrosse team made the most of the opportunity, leading the Foxes to a convincing 17-7 victory over Clarkstown South in the first round of the Section 1 Class A lacrosse tournament. Fox Lane was the No. 8-seed hosting the No. 9-seed Vikings on May 22, and the Foxes dominated with seven different goal scorers and a complete team effort to advance to the quarterfinals. “It was a big team win and we were able to get contributions on the field from every guy on our roster,” said Fox Lane coach Charlie Rice. “The opportunity to host a playoff game is something that no one on this team has ever had before. It was a great feeling to earn a win at home in the seniors final game at Fox Lane, but I think the way it was done with so many different goal scorers and contributors made it a little more special.” The Foxes jumped all over the Vikings with a balanced attack across the field. Drew Nathan had another dominant game, leading the way for the Foxes with seven goals and an assist. Ryan Hardie's big game Senior Ryan Hardie had a big game scoring four goals. Senior Tyler Davidson scored a pair of goals and added an assist. Justin Cohen scored two goals and dominated on face offs. Leo Crisostomo scored a goal and had an assist. Colin Isabella and Sean Fabry each scored a goal. Sam Randol had three assists, while Chase Stonecipher and Will Broghammer each had one assist. Luke Valenti had another big game in goal for the Foxes, recording 13 assists to earn the victory between the pipes. While everyone contributed, it was the efforts of the seniors in their final home game that coach Rice highlighted that made it a special day for the program. “Will Broghammer is such a dynamic player and does so much for us, being a three-sport athlete, I’m sure the game felt different for him to get to leave Fox Lane soil in the win column,” added Rice. “Senior defenseman Eddie Lopez also played great, and Leo Crisostomo as a short stick defensive midfielder really goes unnoticed, which is a testament to how effective he is. It was great to see him get something to show for it with his goal. Offensively, Ryan Hardie and Tyler Davidson are some of our primary initiators and both played massive roles in our 17-goal effort. Colin Isabella also came into his own as a solid crease guy.” With the victory, Fox Lane advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were scheduled to face top-seeded Yorktown on the road May 27. The winner advanced to the semifinals Saturday, May 30. Girls best Carmel in quarterfinal matchup, 16-5 Fox Lane girls dominate in first round to advance to semifinals: The Fox Lane girls also enjoyed a home victory to start the playoffs as the No. 2-seed Foxes hosted No. 7-seed Carmel in the quarterfinals of the Section 1 Class A playoffs. The Foxes improved to 16-1 overall on the season as they mastered Carmel with a 16-5 victory to advance to the semifinals. Moore scores four goals Cora Moore led the way as she dominated on the draws and scored four goals and assisted on two others. Michaela Kaltsas also scored four goals and added an assist. The Webb sisters did their part as Taylor Webb finished with three goals and three assists, while Hadley scored two goals and added an assist. Dylan New scored a pair of goals, and Julia Sirchia also scored a goal for the Foxes. Rodriguez shines in goal Molly Rodriguez was credited with five saves in goal to record the victory. With the win, Fox Lane moves on to the semifinals, where the No. 2-seed Foxes will host No. 3-seed Yorktown on May 29. The winner advances to the championship game Tuesday, June 2, at Nyack High School.

James Strauss tees off during the final round of the Section 1 golf championships. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS By JIM MACLEAN It would take a big rally on the back nine holes, and John Jay junior James Strauss delivered, shooting an even par to finish with a score of 158 over the two-day Section 1 Golf Championship Tournament. That score would be good enough to earn him All-Section honors, finishing just one stroke off a tie at 157 to compete for the final ninth spot on the Section 1 team competing at the New York State Championships next week. The day did not start well for Strauss as the top 30 golfers that made the cut for the second day of the tournament teed off at Centennial golf course in Carmel on May 26. Strauss shot a 43 on the front nine, but he turned it around with a strong finish, shooting an even-par 36 on the back nine. “Front nine, I started off well, but then I got kind of streaky, I thought I was completely out of it, but then I ended up with a solid nine holes on the back to get back into it and unfortunately missed the cut by one,” Strauss said of his day-two performance. “My goal at the beginning of the season was to make sectionals, even when I got here my expectations were low since this is my first time at sectionals, so I’m happy with how I played. I broke 80 both rounds.” Just making the tournament is a big accomplishment with the top 60 golfers from all of Section 1 earning a chance to compete in the first round last week at Tamarack Country Club on May 18. Then the top 30 advanced to the final round on Tuesday at Centennial, with Strauss and John Jay teammate Wally Ryder making the cut to advance. Only the top nine would earn a chance to go on to the state championships, and Strauss rallied to put himself in position to make the Section 1 state team, but fell one stroke short with three players tied at 157. That final score on the back nine is a testament to how far he has come this season, according to John Jay coach Art Blank. “James had a great two days in the tournament, shot 79 both rounds, and I’m very proud of what he accomplished,” Blank said of Strauss. “He’s a really good golfer, very dedicated to it and he really works at it, I’m not surprised he made All-Section. He’s had a great season and I’m excited to see what he can do next year, he’ll be the leader of our team next year.” Wally Ryder advanced to the second day of the tournament, but ultimately a couple of holes at Centennial proved to be his nemesis. Ryder also advanced for the second day of the tournament after shooting an 81 the first day at Tamarack, but the senior struggled with a couple of holes at Centennial and finished with an 88 for a combined score of 169 in his final round of golf for the John Jay team. “Wally had a great season, he didn’t have the day he wanted today, but he had an outstanding season playing number one for us most of the time,” Blank said of Ryder. “He accomplished so much, and he’s going to play in college next year at Endicott and I’m sure he’ll do great there.” Blank was excited by what Strauss and Ryder did all season long to help the Wolves turn in a great season as they both qualified for the sectional tournament along with sophomore Asher Barnett. Strauss and Barnett will lead a talented group coming back next year for the Wolves. “First time playing at sectionals, the first tee shot I was really nervous and it took me a long time to warm up, then I kind of got into the flow,” admitted Strauss. “Asher and I are really excited about coming back next year.”